Air Fryer Fried Watermelon Rinds

It’s finally Summer! Nothing says Summer here in the South more than fresh juicy watermelon. OK...Maybe iced tea and cherry pie but we will just leave it at that.

I wasn't always a fan of watermelon until the past few years. I have adapted a love for this red sweet melon that is full of health benefits. You can read a lot of them HERE.

Did you know you can eat the entire parts of a watermelon? You can spit the seeds to see how far they go but that's your own game. You can even eat the watermelon rind.
Hold on...this is real.

I read where it was good deep fried, so I had to give it a try.

Word has it, that you can not make these in an air fryer, but I wanted to try it anyway.
Hey, whata ya know, it worked!
I'm sure the greasy deep fried way taste a lot better, but what I created in my air fryer was delicious all the same.

• After you cut up your watermelon, wash the rinds and cut into fries.
• Roll in flour/cornmeal mixture (equal amounts of each mixed together).
• Salt and pepper and place in air fryer (or recommended deep fryer).
• If using an air fryer, coat each side with cooking spray.
• Cook in air fryer 400 for 25 minutes (or until brown) flipping over every 5 minutes.
• Let cool for few minutes as the inside is extremely hot.
• Enjoy alone or with your favorite Ranch dressing or dip.

Oh boy was it good! Seriously!

What did it taste like?
Honestly, It did not taste like watermelon at all. It tasted like sweet fried squash! It was awesome and makes a delicious healthy side dish or TV snack without any guilt!.

Oh and did you know that watermelon rind is good for your sex life? 

EAT MORE WATERMELON!

Watermelon Margarita

I can feel the heat of Summer finally approaching as the temperatures are reaching the 90's some days here. I am not complaining. I love Summer. I do not mind the heat. I'd rather be hot than cold any day. However, I will slip into the air condition if the heat is too much.

Here in the South, there is nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a glass of sweet ice tea or cold crisp watermelon. It's hard to find a good watermelon at times but I love the little baby seedless watermelons. They are perfect in size for two people.

Speaking of watermelon. I seen a recipe floating around on facebook the other day. It was for a Watermelon Margarita.  Now, I am not much of an alcohol drinker other than an occasional glass of wine, but when I seen this recipe for a watermelon margarita, I just had to try it. There is just something about sweet and salty that tickle my taste buds. Since I just so happen to have all the ingredients on hand, I went for it.

Watermelon Margarita.

2 cups cubed watermelon

1/2 cup cold water

Put in blender until juice forms.

Stain juice through a strainer. Now you have clear liquid.

(If a few slushy chunks get through, its fine).

In a cup or shaker add:

4 oz. Silver Tequila. (this is clear tequila that is light and low calorie too).

4 oz. of the watermelon juice.

1 oz. *watermelon simple syrup (instructions below).

Juice of one lime (approx 2oz)

Ice

Shake and pour into your salt rimmed margarita glass.

Enjoy.

*To make watermelon simple syrup it is two parts watermelon juice, 1 part sugar. 
(I made mine using 1/2 cup of the leftover watermelon juice and 1/4 cup sugar).
remember, you only need 1 oz.

The original recipe for this drink can be found on Southern Living.

Warning: (1)Women should not drink alcohol while pregnant because of the risk of birth defects.(2)Consumption of alcohol impairs your ability to drive.(3)Drinking to much alcohol may impair your thinking and make you stupid.