The holiday season is creeping in, and with it comes the familiar, wonderful chaos of planning a festive feast. I remember my first few years hosting Thanksgiving—the oven was a battlefield, with timers going off, dishes jockeying for precious rack space, and me running around like a headless turkey. Then, the air fryer entered my life, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. If you’re looking for incredible Holiday Recipes In Air Fryer that will save you time, stress, and oven space, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s ditch the kitchen frenzy and make this holiday the most delicious and relaxed one yet.
Why Your Air Fryer is a Holiday Season MVP
Before we dive into the delicious details, let’s talk about why this countertop wonder is your secret weapon for holiday cooking. It’s not just for reheating frozen fries; it’s a powerhouse that can handle everything from crispy appetizers to succulent mains.
- It Frees Up The Oven: This is the big one. Your main oven can be dedicated to the star of the show—the giant turkey or ham—while your air fryer handles the side dishes and starters. No more logistical nightmares.
- Speed and Efficiency: Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens thanks to their compact size and rapid air circulation technology. Those Brussels sprouts that take 40 minutes in the oven? They’re done in 15-20 minutes in the air fryer.
- Unbeatable Crispiness: The magic of an air fryer is its ability to produce an incredibly crispy, golden-brown exterior on food without deep frying. Your roasted potatoes and appetizers will have a crunch that you just can’t get from a crowded oven.
- Healthier Cooking: You can achieve that delightful “fried” texture with a fraction of the oil, making your holiday indulgences a little less guilty. A light spritz of olive oil is often all you need.
Mouthwatering Holiday Appetizers in the Air Fryer
Let’s get the party started. Appetizers should be quick, easy to eat, and delicious. The air fryer excels at this, turning out perfectly cooked bites in minutes.
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
This is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, elegant, and dangerously addictive. The air fryer makes the bacon perfectly crispy while the asparagus becomes tender-crisp. Just wrap a few asparagus spears with a slice of bacon, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is as crispy as you like. No toothpicks needed!
Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
Talk about festive! These little bites are the essence of the holidays. Get some puff pastry, cut it into small squares, and press them into a mini muffin tin (if you have an accessory that fits). Place a small cube of brie and a dollop of cranberry sauce in each. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes until the pastry is golden and the brie is gloriously melty.
Stunning Main Courses (Yes, in an Air Fryer!)
While you probably can’t fit a 20-pound turkey in your air fryer, it’s absolutely perfect for smaller main courses or for cooking parts of a larger bird to perfection. This is ideal for smaller gatherings or if you just want some extra, perfectly cooked meat.
How to Cook a Juicy Turkey Breast
A bone-in turkey breast (around 4-6 lbs) fits perfectly in most larger air fryer baskets. My first time trying this, I was shocked at how moist the meat was and how incredibly crispy the skin turned out.
- Pat the skin dry: This is crucial for getting that crispy skin. Use paper towels.
- Season generously: Rub it all over with a mix of softened butter, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
- Cook it: Place the turkey breast skin-side down in the preheated air fryer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
- Flip and finish: Flip the breast over so it’s skin-side up. Continue cooking for another 25-40 minutes, depending on size. The best way to know it’s done is to use a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Let it rest: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This is non-negotiable for a juicy result!
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Our Picks for the Best Air Fryer in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chefman TurboFry Touch Dual Air Fryer, Maximize The Healthiest Meals With Double Basket Capacity, One-Touch Digital Controls And Shake Reminder For The Perfect Crispy And Low-Calorie Finish |
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| 2 | Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Digital Timer, Touchscreen, and 12 Presets - Family Size Countertop Convection Oven, Dishwasher-Safe Parts |
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| 3 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141 |
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| 4 | CHEFMAN 6 Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven with Easy View Windows, Sync Finish, Hi-Fry, Auto Shutoff, 2 Independent 3Qt Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Frying Baskets, Digital Double Air Fryer - Black |
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| 5 | Chefman Air Fryer TurboFry 7-Qt, 6-in-1 High-Powered 450°F Cooking for Crispier Results, Compact Space-Saving Design, Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Reheat, Dehydrate, Defrost, Fast & Even Cooking – Black |
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| 6 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4 QT Capacity | 4-in1 Roast, Crisp, Roast, Reheats, & Dehydrates | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Includes 20 Easy & Healthy Recipes | Compact | Grey | AF101 |
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| 7 | Ninja | Indoor Grill and Air Fryer| Foodi Smart XL | 6-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate & Crisp |Smart Thermometer & Splatter Shield | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Black/Silver | FG551 |
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| 8 | bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature, 6 Preset Cooking Options, 60 Min Auto Shutoff w Audible Tone, 3.3lb Capacity, Oatmilk |
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| 9 | Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer, XL 8-Qt Family Size, One-Touch Digital Control Presets, French Fries, Chicken, Meat, Fish, Nonstick Dishwasher-Safe Parts, Automatic Shutoff, Stainless Steel |
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| 10 | CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder – Black |
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Unforgettable Holiday Recipes in Air Fryer: The Side Dishes
This is where your air fryer truly becomes the star of the kitchen. While the main dish is roasting away in the oven, you can be churning out spectacular sides.
The Crispiest Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Even people who claim to hate Brussels sprouts will devour these. The air fryer leaves them with crispy, almost-burnt outer leaves and a tender inside.
- Trim and halve your Brussels sprouts.
- Toss them with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Once they’re done, drizzle with a good quality balsamic glaze and some crumbled bacon or toasted pecans.
Honey-Glazed Carrots with Thyme
This side dish adds a beautiful pop of color and sweetness to your holiday table. Simply toss peeled and chopped carrots with olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), a few sprigs of fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking occasionally, until they are tender and caramelized at the edges.
According to kitchen appliance specialist Amelia Davies, “The most common mistake people make with air fryer vegetables is overcrowding the basket. For holiday cooking, work in batches if you have to. Giving your food space is the number one rule for achieving that perfect, crispy-roasted texture every time.”
What About Holiday Desserts in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is fantastic for making quick and delicious holiday desserts, especially smaller, portion-controlled treats. It’s perfect for when you just want a little something sweet without committing to baking a whole cake.
Gooey Air Fryer Apple Crumble Minis
These are a dream. Prepare your favorite apple crumble filling and topping. Instead of a large baking dish, divide the mixture into individual ramekins. Place one or two ramekins in the air fryer and cook at 330°F (165°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Holiday Cooking Time & Temp Cheat Sheet
Here’s a handy table to guide you. Remember, cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model and the size of your ingredients, so always keep an eye on your food.
| Food Item | Temperature | Approximate Time | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | 375°F / 190°C | 8-10 mins | Don’t overcrowd; cook in a single layer. |
| Brussels Sprouts | 380°F / 195°C | 15-18 mins | Shake halfway for even crisping. |
| Potatoes (1-inch cubes) | 400°F / 200°C | 20-25 mins | Soak in cold water for 30 mins for extra crisp. |
| Carrots | 400°F / 200°C | 15-20 mins | A little honey or maple syrup helps caramelize. |
| Turkey Breast (bone-in) | 350°F / 175°C | 45-60 mins | Use a meat thermometer for perfect results. |
| Sausage Stuffing Balls | 370°F / 188°C | 12-15 mins | Makes for perfectly crisp exteriors. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about making holiday recipes in air fryer.
1. Can I cook a whole turkey in an air fryer?
For most standard-sized air fryers, a whole turkey won’t fit. You’re much better off cooking a smaller turkey breast, turkey legs, or Cornish hens. This guarantees even cooking and that signature crispy skin.
2. How do I prevent food from drying out in the air fryer?
Using a small amount of fat is key. A light coating of olive oil, butter, or a marinade will help keep food moist. Also, be careful not to overcook it. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend for cooking proteins perfectly.
3. Can I use aluminum foil for my holiday recipes in the air fryer?
Yes, you can, but with caution. Never place foil in the air fryer while it’s preheating, as it can fly up into the heating element. When using it, make sure the food weighs it down and that it doesn’t block airflow at the bottom of the basket. Perforated parchment paper is often a safer and better option. You can find out more in our [complete guide to using foil in an air fryer].
4. How do I cook multiple holiday dishes in one air fryer?
It’s all about planning. Cook dishes that can be served at room temperature, like appetizers, first. Then, cook your sides. Many roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts and carrots, are delicious even if they aren’t piping hot. You can always do a quick 2-3 minute reheat for each dish right before serving.
5. What is the best way to reheat holiday leftovers in the air fryer?
The air fryer is, without a doubt, the king of reheating leftovers. Unlike a microwave that makes things soggy, the air fryer brings back the original texture. Reheat leftover turkey, potatoes, and stuffing at around 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. It will taste almost as good as it did on the first day.
Your Stress-Free Holiday Starts Here
By embracing your air fryer, you’re not just making food; you’re making your holiday celebration simpler, more efficient, and arguably, more delicious. From crispy starters to perfectly cooked sides, this machine is ready to tackle the challenge. So this year, give your oven a break and let your air fryer do some of the heavy lifting. You’ll spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time making memories with your loved ones. Now go ahead, try these holiday recipes in air fryer and get ready for the compliments to roll in! We’d love to hear about your creations.