NYT Cooking adds an AI assistant for everyday meal decisions

The NYT Cooking app now includes a built-in AI assistant designed to help with everyday cooking. The article describes a recurring weeknight problem: around 7 p.m., the author stands in front of the refrigerator trying to choose a dinner that will not prompt another complaint about chicken. Meal planning is acknowledged as a possible solution, but it is not part of the routine described.

AI has become the author’s regular kitchen aide. Alongside the NYT Cooking assistant, the setup includes Alexa Plus on an Echo smart display, Samsung Food on a refrigerator, and an AI-powered cooking robot. These tools have been used to suggest ideas, replace ingredients, and help recover from mistakes during cooking.

The results are mixed. The NYT Cooking assistant helped with a weeknight chicken meal, but, according to the headline, it nearly spoiled a cake. The experience illustrates the author’s broader caution: AI can be useful in the kitchen, but its suggestions still require close attention while food is being prepared.