I grew up in a small apartment in Echo Park, the kind where you could smell three different dinners cooking just walking down the hallway. My mom taught me the basics: how to eyeball spices, taste as you go, and always, always clean as you cook. We didn’t have a lot, but we had flavor—and a lot of laughter. I spent weekends helping her turn whatever we had in the fridge into something special. That scrappy, creative spirit never left me.

The air fryer came into my life during a busy patch when I barely had time to sit down, let alone cook a full meal. But I missed that connection, that little spark of joy I got from turning raw ingredients into something comforting. The air fryer was a game changer. It gave me speed, convenience, and surprisingly gourmet results with minimal cleanup. Suddenly, I was making crispy cauliflower tacos, flaky salmon, and even desserts like gooey chocolate chip cookies—all in a little countertop marvel.

Now, I find so much joy in helping other home cooks unlock the same magic. Whether you’re juggling kids, working long hours, or just trying to eat a bit healthier without sacrificing crunch and comfort, I’ve been there. I share real, repeat-worthy recipes that don’t require culinary school or a fancy pantry. Think: five ingredients, twenty minutes, zero stress. And if I burn a batch of fries now and then, well, that’s part of the fun. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore.

My cooking style is easy-going and flavor-first. I love playing with spice blends, recreating global street food at home, and finding clever air fryer hacks (ever tried air-fried French toast sticks? Life-changing!). Some days I lean into bold, spicy Korean wings, and other days it’s all about delicate lemon-herb zucchini chips. It all depends on the mood—and what’s in the fridge.

What I’ve learned over the years is that home cooking isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about creating a little magic in the everyday, even if that means dinner is a perfectly crisp air-fried grilled cheese and tomato soup on the side. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, then you’re in the right place.

So, welcome to my little corner of the kitchen at Air Fryer Joy. Pull up a stool, grab your favorite seasoning blend, and let’s make something delicious together. I promise to keep it simple, keep it tasty, and most of all—keep it joyful.

Lilia karin
Founder & Baker at Air Fryer Joy