Tips For Cooking In Hot Arizona Summers

There’s nothing worse than heating up your kitchen on a hot summer day. The air conditioning is already working overtime, but even the thought of raising the temperature is more than I can handle on some days.

Here are some of my favorite ways to keep cool while cooking in our balmy Arizona summers.

a person grilling hamburgers and hamburger patties on a grill — Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

Dreaming of Cooking Outside

When Arizona summer hits you full blast, turning on the oven feels like the worst decision ever. I’ve been dreaming about an outdoor kitchen. I don’t need anything fancy, just something simple but functional. I’d love a grill, maybe a griddle, and enough space to plug in an air fryer. If I’m gonna fantasize, I’m also adding a ton of overhead shade and misters to keep everything cool.

man grilling outdoor — Photo by Vincent Keiman on Unsplash

Even without a full setup, just cooking outside can make a huge difference in keeping the house cool. That’s why when it gets hot, keeping cool could be as easy as firing up the grill.

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Fire Up the Grill

One of the easiest ways to beat the heat is to cook outdoors whenever you can.

I know a lot of purists who prefer a hand-built wood fire or even charcoal, but I’m busy and not too fussy about firing up the outdoor heat. A propane-fired grill is great, thank you very much, and I use my grill more than I cook indoors, even in the winter.

fire in a fire pit — Photo by Amin Hasani on Unsplash

Whether you prefer a full-size barbecue or a small hibachi, outdoor grilling keeps that extra heat outside where it belongs. A little prep goes a long way. Don’t just slap things on the grill; plan ahead and marinate your proteins so you can cook quickly and enjoy the evening. For the best results, be sure to follow all USDA guidelines for food safety.

Skip the Stove Altogether

Gimme food, hold the cooking. On the hottest days, the best cooking tip might be not cooking at all.

vegetable salad on clear glass bowl — Photo by Christine Isakzhanova on Unsplash

Plan some cold meals like salads, ceviche, and sandwiches, which are refreshing and easy. If you have kids (or just want to have some fun), set up a build-your-own salad or sandwich bar with pre-chopped toppings. It’s always a big hit in our house, and clean up is a breeze.

Cook Smart, Not Hot

If you do need to use the stove, timing is everything.

Cook in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are lower. Prepare ingredients ahead of time, especially things like pasta for a cold salad, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to eat.

burger with lettuce and tomato on brown wooden chopping board — Photo by The Matter of Food on Unsplash

And never forget, the crockpot is your friend. You can create delicious, satisfying meals, but the heat they produce is minimal at best.

Use Heat-Friendly Appliances

Speaking of crockpots, you don’t have to stop there. Appliances like Instant Pots, slow cookers, and air fryers are lifesavers in the summer and produce little ambient heat. Everything still turns out delicious, plus they’re convenient, making them perfect for busy days when you don’t want to hover over a hot stove.