Air Fryer Hacks: H-E-B Meal Simple

H-E-B Meal Simple is a range of gourmet-quality, restaurant-style food that can be cooked at home. The Spinach, Feta & Olive-Stuffed Beef Flank Steak Pinwheels, for example, can be cooked in the oven or air fryer. The H-E-B website also advertises air fryers as a versatile kitchen tool that can cook a variety of foods, including chicken wings, veggie chips, and eggs. Some people have expressed interest in putting other H-E-B Meal Simples in the air fryer, such as the pizza bake, and have received responses confirming that it can be done.

HEB Meal Simple in an air fryer: Yes or No?

HEB Meal Simple is a program offered by HEB Grocery that provides customers with ready-to-eat meals that are made fresh daily. The meals are designed to be easy to heat and eat, making them a convenient option for those who want a tasty meal without any cooking hassle.

Yes, you can use an air fryer to heat up HEB Meal Simple dishes. While the packaging does not currently provide instructions for using an air fryer, HEB has posted a video demonstrating how to heat up one of their meals using an air fryer. The video suggests using the same temperature as the oven method but reducing the cooking time. For example, for their steak, asparagus, and potatoes Meal Simple, the normal cooking instructions are 425 degrees for 16-18 minutes, and the air fryer method is the same temperature of 425 degrees but for only 12 minutes.

Tips for Using an Air Fryer

When using an air fryer, it is important to remember that it functions similarly to a mini countertop convection oven. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Do not overcrowd the fry basket. Give your food enough space to allow for even crisping.
• Ditch the batter. There is no need to batter or coat your food; simply toss it lightly in oil.
• Treat it like a mini oven. You can use your air fryer for roasting and baking, not just frying.

What to Consider Before Using an Air Fryer for HEB Meal Simple

While you can use an air fryer for HEB Meal Simple, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check the size of your meal container. Some HEB Meal Simple portions may be too big for a regular-sized air fryer. Additionally, some meals may come in plastic containers that are not oven-safe and therefore not suitable for an air fryer. Always check the materials and size before placing them in the air fryer.

Heating instructions for HEB meals in an air fryer

HEB Meal Simple is a program offered by HEB Grocery that provides customers with ready-to-eat meals that are made fresh daily. The meals are designed to be easy to heat and eat, making them a convenient option for those who want a tasty meal without any cooking hassle.

Air Fryer Heating Instructions

While HEB Meal Simple packages include heating instructions for the oven, there are currently no instructions on the package for heating meals in an air fryer. However, HEB has posted a video demonstrating how to heat up one of their meals in an air fryer, suggesting the same temperature as the oven but for less time. For example, the steak, asparagus, and potatoes meal is cooked at 425 degrees for 12 minutes in the air fryer, compared to 16-18 minutes in the oven.

Air Fryer Tips

• Don't overcrowd the fry basket. More space allows everything to crisp evenly.
• There's no need to batter or coat the food. Simply toss it lightly in oil.
• Anything that is oven-safe can be cooked in an air fryer.

Customer Reviews

According to customer reviews, HEB Meal Simple meals can be placed in an air fryer, provided they fit. Some customers have reused the metal trays in their air fryers, while others have transferred a portion to a separate oven-safe dish. It is recommended to check the cooking instructions under the tray for the suggested temperature and time, adjusting the time as needed.

Air fryer cooking times and temperatures

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen tool that can cook a variety of foods, from chicken wings to eggs. They work by circulating hot air around food placed in an air fryer-style basket, resulting in crispy food similar to deep-fried dishes.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

Cooking times and temperatures in an air fryer can vary depending on several factors:

• The air fryer wattage affects cooking times, with higher wattages cooking faster than lower wattages. Air fryers range from 800 to 1800 watts.
• Toaster-style air fryers cook slower than basket-style air fryers due to their bigger size and difference in hot air circulation.
• Preheating an air fryer is optional but can result in faster cooking times, similar to a preheated convection oven.
• When converting an oven-cooked recipe to an air fryer, reduce the temperature by 25°F and the cook time by about 20-25%.
• For best results, flip foods halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispness.
• Avoid overcrowding the fry basket to allow for even crisping.
• Use a thin layer of aluminum foil or baking paper for easy cleanup.
• Lightly toss food in oil before placing it in the air fryer for extra crispness.
• Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for specific cooking times and temperatures.

H-E-B Meal Simple in an Air Fryer

Now, regarding H-E-B Meal Simple, some people have reported successfully cooking them in an air fryer. However, it is important to note that not all Meal Simple packages are created equal, and some may have plastic containers that are not suitable for an air fryer.

Those with metal trays that fit in the air fryer can be used, and it is generally recommended to follow the cooking instructions on the package, which should include suggested temperatures and times for air frying.

Some users have reported good results by placing the desired portion in an oven-safe container, setting the air fryer temperature to 335°F and cooking for about 7 minutes. As always, be sure to refer to the specific cooking instructions on the package and use your best judgment to ensure safe and proper cooking.

Air fryer cooking tips

H-E-B Meal Simple meals can be heated in an air fryer. While there are no instructions on the package for doing so, H-E-B has posted a video showing how to heat up one of their meals, suggesting the same temperature as the oven instructions but for less time. For example, for the steak, asparagus, and potatoes Meal Simple, the normal cooking instructions are 425 degrees for 16-18 minutes, and they suggest 425 degrees for 12 minutes via air fryer.

• Air fryers are versatile kitchen tools that can be used to cook a variety of foods, such as chicken wings, veggie chips, and eggs. They can also be used to reheat pizza, fries, chicken nuggets, and frozen appetizers.
• When using an air fryer, it is important to not overcrowd the fry basket. This allows for even crisping.
• There is no need to batter or coat food when using an air fryer. Simply toss the food in a light coat of oil before placing it in the basket.
• Air fryers can be used for meal prep, such as roasting vegetables, cooking fish, and making crispy corn on the cob.
• Air fryers are great for cooking frozen foods, such as frozen veggies, as well as for reheating leftovers.
• It is important to note that certain foods do not cook well in an air fryer, such as leafy vegetables and anything that is breaded or battered.

Other foods that can be cooked in an air fryer

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen tool that can cook a wide variety of foods. Here are some ideas for other foods that can be cooked in an air fryer:

Breakfast

• Hard-boiled eggs
• Crispy bacon
• French toast
• Cinnamon rolls
• Oatmeal cookies
• Avocado fries
• Breakfast bites
• Egg cups

Appetizers and Snacks

• Chicken wings
• Mozzarella sticks
• Jalapeño poppers
• Onion rings
• Chicken tenders
• Tater tots
• Blooming onion
• Mini calzones
• Tortilla chips
• Potato chips
• Sweet potato chips
• Buffalo cauliflower
• Stuffing hushpuppies
• Egg rolls
• Zucchini fries
• Pumpkin seeds
• Chickpeas

Side Dishes

• Roasted potatoes
• Broccoli
• Corn on the cob
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Cauliflower
• Sweet potato
• French fries
• Brussels sprouts
• Butternut squash
• Asparagus
• Potato wedges
• Sweet potato fries
• Zucchini chips
• Mushrooms
• Beets
• Eggplant fries
• Latkes

Main Dishes

• Fried chicken
• Chicken Parmesan
• Steak
• Chicken breast
• Pork chops
• Tilapia
• Hamburgers
• Miso-ginger salmon
• Taquitos
• Chicken drumsticks
• Tofu nuggets
• Grilled cheese
• Pork tenderloin
• Cornish hen
• Fish and chips
• Spaghetti squash parm
• Herbed turkey breast
• Meatballs
• Chicken sandwiches
• Greek chicken and potatoes
• Fried shrimp
• Pizza
• Nashville hot chicken
• Coconut shrimp
• Fish tacos
• Chickpea fritters

Desserts

• Chocolate chip cookies
• Donuts
• Honey toast
• Churro bites
• Apple cider donuts
• Fried Oreos
• Apple chips
• Beignets

As you can see, there are endless possibilities for what you can cook in an air fryer. So, feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and recipes!

Frequently asked questions