Healthy Cooking With Gigi

09/05/2026

GIGI'S GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT AIR FRYER

If you’ve been thinking about buying an air fryer, you may have discovered there are a lot of choices! Different sizes, baskets, doors, cooking functions—you can quickly go from “I think I want an air fryer” to “Good gracious, which one do I buy?”

Don’t worry. Choosing an air fryer doesn’t have to be complicated. Here in Gigi’s kitchen, I’m all about keeping things healthy, simple, and practical, so let’s look at what really matters.

Think about how much food you normally cook. If you’re cooking for one or two people, you probably don’t need the largest air fryer on the shelf. If you’re feeding a family, entertaining grandchildren, or like having leftovers for another meal, that extra cooking space can certainly come in handy. You want enough room for your food to cook without crowding the basket.

Choose the style that fits the way you cook. Traditional basket-style air fryers are wonderful for everyday cooking and are usually simple to operate. Dual-basket models allow you to cook two foods at once—very handy when your chicken needs one temperature and your vegetables need another. Oven-style air fryers offer more room and often include functions for baking, roasting, broiling, and toasting.

Don’t pay for bells and whistles you’ll never use. I love a useful kitchen gadget as much as anyone, but more buttons don't necessarily mean better cooking! Look for controls that are easy to understand, adjustable time and temperature settings, and features you'll genuinely use.

Make cleanup easy on yourself. This is a big one in Gigi’s kitchen! If something takes longer to clean than it does to cook the food, I’m probably not going to reach for it very often. Look for removable baskets and trays that are easy to wash. Dishwasher-safe parts are an added bonus.

Measure before you buy. Some of these air fryers are bigger than they look in the pictures! Measure the counter or storage space where you plan to keep yours, and remember that the appliance will need adequate ventilation when you're using it.

And here's my biggest piece of advice: buy for the way YOU cook.

You don't need the newest, biggest, or most expensive air fryer. You need one that fits your household, your kitchen, your budget, and the foods you enjoy preparing.

An air fryer can be a wonderful little helper for putting healthier homemade meals on the table without spending all day in the kitchen. And around here, anything that helps us make good food a little simpler gets Gigi’s approval!

I find the Instapot brand Air Fryer is well worth spending a few extra bucks! It is a solid name brand in small kitchen appliances and delivers "perfect" food every time. It is an all-in-one that allows you to air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, or reheat with one simple appliance! And, clean up is a breeze!

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Healthy. Simple. Fresh. Made With Love. ❤️

Leftovers don’t stand a chance. This 4-quart air fryer brings the crunch back with EvenCrisp and 95% less oil.

09/05/2026

HOT HONEY CHICKEN TENDERS

(Entree / keto)

INGREDIENTS:

CHICKEN TENDERS

1 c. crushed pork
1/2 c. almond flour
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1 large egg
1 Tbsp. water
1-1/2 lb. chicken tenders

HOT HONEY SAUCE

1/4 c. allulose honey (or natural honey, if preferred)
2 Tbsp. butter
1 to 2 Tbsp. hot sauce (to taste)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat air fryer to 400° F.

2. Mix together pork rinds, almond flour, and spices in a bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water.

4. Dredge each chicken tender in the egg mixture. Shake off the excess and dip tenders in the dry mixture, coating completely. Place tenders on a surface lined with wax paper.

5. When ready to cook, arrange tenders in the air fryer, making sure to include a little space between them. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

6. Cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side. Remove from air fryer and allow the tenders to cool.

7. While chicken tenders are cooking, combine the honey, butter, and hot sauce in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat about one minute, stirring frequently.

8. Drizzle sauce over chicken tenders and serve.

OPTIONAL OVEN METHOD:

1. Heat oven to 425° F.

2. Prep chicken tenders as instruction above and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them.

3. Bake 10 minutes on each side.

4. Remove and allow chicken to cool; drizzle with hot honey sause and serve.

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT. Rate it from to to five hearts. I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

06/23/2026

SAVORY COTTAGE CHEESE CHEDDAR WAFFLE
(Breakfast)

I prefer a high protein breakfast to start my day. I am not one who enjoys carbs or sweets early in the morning -- they drag me down. With that said, I do not always want the traditional breakfast and egg platter every day. I find ways to mix it up, and this recipe gives me my protein in the form of eggs, cottage cheese, and other cheeses. For an extra pop of protein, I add bacon to the batter. A couple of these help to boost my get up and go on lazy mornings. And don't worry -- you will never know the cottage cheese is in there!

Syrup, honey, or other toppings are optional. I pair it with fruit -- whatever I have on hand.

INGREDIENTS:

1 c. cottage cheese
2 eggs
¾ c. shredded cheddar
¼ c. grated Parmesan
½ t. garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste.
Optional: bacon bits or 1 slice of cooked bacon (broken into bits)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Blend cottage cheese and eggs until smooth.
2. Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and bacon until combined.
3. Spoon into a hot waffle maker and cook until deeply golden, crisp around the edges, and soft through the center.
4. Let it rest for 1 minute before lifting so the golden grid stays crisp.
5. Drizzle with honey or your favorite syrup. If you prefer toppings, add your favorite fruit or other topping. Or, eat them hot off the griddle with nothing on top.

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT. Rate it from one to five hearts! I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

06/02/2026

STRAWBERRY PUDDING
(Dessert)

Introducing My Mom’s Strawberry Twist on a Classic Favorite! 🍓

This is one of those special desserts that brings back sweet childhood memories. Growing up, my mom would often make this delicious alternative to traditional banana pudding, simply swapping the bananas for fresh strawberries. It quickly became a family favorite and a dessert I always looked forward to seeing on the table.

Light, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, it's the perfect dessert for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, potlucks, or even an intimate family dinner.

Some recipes become traditions, and this is definitely one of ours. I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine has over the years! ❤️

INGREDIENTS:

1 qt. strawberries, capped, washed, and sliced lengthwise (reserve three or four uncapped whole strawberries for garnish)
1 box vanilla wafers
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1/3 c. corn starch
3/4 c. + 1 Tbsp. sugar or Truvia sweetener
1/2 tsp. salt
2-1/3 c. milk
2 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (8 oz.) container of whipped topping

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the sliced strawberries in a medium mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. sugar or Truvia. Toss the strawberries and let them sit until ready to assemble dish.
2. In a large sauce pan on the stove, melt butter over high heat; blend in corn starch, 3/4 c. sugar or Truvia, and salt.
3. Gradually add milk until the mixture begins to bowl.
4. Remove from and stir in slightly beaten egg yolks; and return pot to heat and cook for two minutes, constantly stirring mixture until it is the consistency of pudding.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Set pot aside and allow it to cool.

ASSEMBLY:

1. Spoon a layer of pudding into the bottom of a trifle bowl or clear round casserole dish.
2. Create a layer of vanilla wafers, placing them flat on top of pudding.
3. Add a layer of sliced strawberries all the way around the rim of dish.
4. Pour the remaining strawberries on top of the layer of vanilla wafers.
5. Spoon the remaining pudding on top of the mixture, being careful not to disturb the sliced strawberries placed around the dish.
6. Spread whipped topping over the entire mixture.
7. Make a layer of vanilla wafers around circumference of bowl.
8. Garnish center of dessert with a few whole strawberries.
9. Let it cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
10. Serve it in your favorite dessert cups.

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT! Rate it from one to five hearts! I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

Love grilled food but hate standing outside in the heat or cold?

This indoor grill has turned out to be one of my most favorite small appliances in my kitchen! It lets you enjoy juicy burgers, steaks, chicken, fish, and grilled veggies all year long—right from your kitchen!

✅ Less smoke than traditional indoor grills
✅ Large cooking surface for complete meals
✅ Adjustable temperature from warm to sear
✅ Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup
✅ Cool-touch handles and auto shut-off for added safety

If you're looking for a simple way to enjoy that fresh-off-the-grill flavor without firing up the outdoor grill, this is worth a look!

ON SALE NOW for $34.96 l WAS $48.96
(SAVE $14.00 when you buy now!)

Who would you cook for first? Tell me below! 👇

Buy Chefman 6 Serving Electric Indoor Grill, w/ Temperature Control, Smokeless, Stainless Steel at Walmart.com

05/27/2026

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ROLLS
(Breakfast)

These low-carb strawberry cream cheese rolls are the perfect treat for a slow, relaxing Saturday morning. Made with freeze-dried strawberry powder and crushed freeze-dried strawberries (both available at Walmart), the filling stays rich and flavorful without making the rolls soggy. Every bite is packed with sweet strawberry flavor and creamy goodness while still keeping things light and low carb.

INGREDIENTS:

Rolls:

1-1/2 c. shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
3/4 c. cream cheese
1-1/2 c. blanched almond flour
2 Tbsp. coconut flour
2-1/2 tsp. baking powder
2/3 tsp. xanthan gum
1/4 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 Tbsp. butter, softened
4 Tbsp. Stevia with allulose sweetener
4 Tbsp. freeze-dried strawberry powder (Walmart)

Glaze:

4 Tbsp. crushed freeze-dried strawberries (Walmart)
1/4 c. cream cheese
1-1/2 Tbsp. butter, softened
2-1/2 Tbsp. powdered Stevia
1 Tbsp. heavy cream
3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1-1/2 tsp. freeze-dried strawberry powder

INSTRUCTIONS:

Rolls:

1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Line baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Place shredded mozzarella cheese and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl; heat in microwave in 30-second intervals until soft; stir until smooth.
3. Put blanched almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt in a separate mixing bowl and whisk.
4. Add the dry mixture to the melted cheese and add eggs and vanilla extract; knead dough until it is uniform.
5. Place dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it into an 8" x 12" rectangle.
6. Next, combine softened butter, stevia with allulose, freeze-dried strawberry powder, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries in a small bowl.
7. Spread the mixture evenly over the dough rectangle.
8. Tightly roll up dough, starting with long side; cut into 6 to 8 pieces.
9. Place rolls in prepared baking dish and bake for 18 to 22 minutes (until golden brown).
10. To make the glaze (see glaze ingredients), place cream cheese, softened butter, powdered stevia, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and freeze-dried strawberry powder in a small bowl and beat until smooth.
11. Spread glaze over warm rolls and let sit for a few minutes.

Serving is 1 roll: 317 calories l 8 grams carbs l 12 grams protein

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT! Rate it from one to five hearts! I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

05/24/2026

CHICKEN CUCUMBER ROLL
(Entree)

Looking for a light lunch or dinner idea that is fresh, simple, and full of flavor? These Chicken Cucumber Rolls are packed with tender chicken, crisp cucumbers, and fresh greens wrapped in a low-carb, soft tortilla for the perfect quick meal. Pair them with fresh veggies and your favorite ranch dip for an easy lunch that feels both satisfying and refreshing!

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 low-carb tortilla wraps
- 1 baked or roasted chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced thin
- lettuce (to your desired amount)
- 1 Tbsp. Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp. dill, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Low-fat Ranch dressing (optional for dipping)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. After cooking the chicken using your favorite method, add it to a bowl and season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Lay out two tortilla wraps and lightly spread yogurt on one side of each; sprinkle dill over yogurt.
3. Place desired amount of leafy lettuce, cucumber slices, and chicken on each wrap.
4. Roll each wrap tightly; slice in half so that you have 4 rounds.
5. Pour Ranch dressing in a small bowl for dipping (optional).

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT! Rate it from one to five hearts! I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

05/23/2026

Patriotic Strawberry Shortcake
(Dessert)

If you are looking for the perfect dessert for your Memorial Day celebration, be sure to check out this simple, easy strawberry shortcake recipe. It showcases the spirit of the holiday as we remember those who gave ALL fighting for our country's freedom!

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 angel food cake, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 container of strawberries (size depends on number of people you are planning for)
- 1 container of whipped topping
- 1 jar of red, white, and blue confetti stars

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Set out clear glass or plastic cups, one for each person you plan to feed. Fill bottom of cups with pieces of angel food cake.
2. Slice strawberries and put them on top of the cake in each cup. (If you want the strawberries to be sweet, sprinkle about 1/2 tsp. sugar or sweeter over top of strawberry layer in the cup.) Set aside.
3. When you are ready to serve, top each cup with whipped topping.
4. Lastly, sprinkle edible red, white, and blue confetti over top of whipped cream and serve.

Note: If you already have, or can find, a patriotic tray, arrange the glass dishes on it to make it more festive.

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT! Rate it from one to five hearts! I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️