Cooking When Chewing Became a Problem

Cooking for Easy Chewing

When chewing tough foods like red meat becomes difficult, it is time to completely rethink how to buy and cook food. Having to remove food from your mouth to break it into smaller pieces is embarrassing, whether at a restaurant or at home with family around the table. It is not hygienic, and it makes eating miserable.

A great first change to make to a grocery list is buying chicken wings. When cooked properly in an air fryer, they turn out very soft. Buying fish like barramundi and salmon is another good option. Fish can be expensive, but it is easy to chew.

How to Cook Chicken Wings and Fish

The air fryer makes these meals work. For chicken wings, place them in a bowl and add just a very little bit of olive oil. Season them with salt, pepper, turmeric, clove powder, and oregano, and mix everything well to combine the ingredients. Then put them in one layer on the plate-sized air fryer tray, close it, and press the automatic button for "Chicken." Many air fryers allow turning a light on inside to see if the meat looks finished or if cooking needs to be extended. Usually, setting it for 20 minutes gives a perfect, soft result.

A similar method works for fish. Season it with salt only, sprinkle it with oil, and add a few drops of lemon juice. Place it on the plate in the air fryer and press the "Fish" button. It finishes in 10 minutes with a perfect result, and it tastes delicious. This method saves oil too, since you only need enough to coat the fish or meat. Another benefit of using the air fryer is not needing to clean the stovetop or the oven. Everything happens right inside the air fryer tray, and it is easy to remove and wash.

Soft Sides and Vegetables

Side dishes can easily be made to go with the main meal, such as great roast potatoes. Start by buying a bag of small, uniform, same-sized young potatoes that come washed. Wash them individually at home, dry them, and cut each potato into two or three slices. Once they are cut, prepare them just like the meat: a little oil, and whatever seasonings are available, usually paprika, pepper, and just enough salt. For extra variety, add fresh basil leaves and smashed garlic cloves. Place everything in one layer on the plate and turn the air fryer on using the potato setting. They come out soft and tasty.

Small peppers, or capsicum, are great to try as well. Broccoli can be more difficult to get soft, but it is worth experimenting with.

Enjoying Meals with Family

Sitting down to dinner with family feels great when eating is comfortable and enjoyable. Families can focus on this accessible way of cooking together and see all the delicious possibilities.