Looking for a delicious and easy way to cook your Thanksgiving feast? Look no further! Air frying is a game-changer when it comes to cooking a variety of dishes without sacrificing flavor or texture. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering air fryer recipes that are perfect for the holidays.
From classic turkey breast with herb butter to sweet potato casserole bites and even pumpkin pie egg rolls, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and make your Thanksgiving dinner stress-free. And the best part? Most of these dishes can be prepared in under 30 minutes, leaving you more time to focus on what really matters – spending time with loved ones.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of 20 crispy air fryer Thanksgiving recipes that are deliciously easy…
Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Herb Butter
Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Herb Butter: A Deliciously Moist and Flavorful Twist on Traditional Roasted Turkey
Get ready to elevate your turkey game with this simple yet impressive Air Fryer recipe! By cooking the turkey breast in an air fryer, you’ll achieve a crispy exterior and a juicy interior without heating up your oven.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6-8 oz) boneless, skinless turkey breast
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, chopped parsley, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket. Spread the herb butter evenly over the top of the turkey.
4. Cook the turkey for 12-15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Elevate your side dish game with this easy and delicious recipe that combines the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts with the smoky richness of bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Load the air fryer basket with the Brussels sprouts in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook the bacon pieces in the air fryer basket at 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes or until crispy.
5. After the Brussels sprouts have cooked for 5 minutes, add the cooked bacon to the basket and stir to combine.
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized.
7. Remove from air fryer and sprinkle with lemon juice (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Balls
These bite-sized mashed potato balls are a game-changer for snack time or as a side dish. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, savory garlic, and crunchy parmesan cheese is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large baking potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix in parmesan cheese and shape into small balls.
4. Brush tops with vegetable oil.
5. Cook the potato balls in batches for 5-7 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Dip
Elevate your holiday gathering with these crispy Air Fryer Stuffing Bites, served alongside a tangy and sweet Cranberry Dip. Perfect for snacking or as an appetizer, this recipe combines the best of both worlds in a single bite.
Ingredients:
For the Stuffing Bites:
– 1 loaf of stale bread, cubed
– 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
– 1/4 cup of chopped celery
– 1/4 cup of chopped onion
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cranberry Dip:
– 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1/2 teaspoon of orange zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat Air Fryer to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix bread, melted butter, celery, onion, and parsley until well combined.
3. Divide mixture into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
4. Place stuffing bites in the Air Fryer basket in batches, if necessary.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Meanwhile, combine cream cheese, cranberry sauce, honey, and orange zest in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
7. Serve stuffing bites with Cranberry Dip.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Bites
These bite-sized sweet potato casserole treats are perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer. By using the air fryer, you’ll get crispy, caramelized sweet potatoes with minimal mess and effort.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 cup marshmallows (mini or regular)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Air fryer cooking spray
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until smooth.
3. Add marshmallows and melted butter; stir until combined.
4. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and add spoonfuls of the sweet potato mixture, leaving about 1 inch between each bite.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until caramelized and crispy, shaking halfway through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
This Air Fryer version of the classic Green Bean Casserole is an easy and healthier alternative to the traditional oven-baked recipe. With minimal prep time and no need for a casserole dish, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup French-fried onions
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine green beans, onion, and garlic.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and salt. Pour over the green bean mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Load the mixture into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Sprinkle French-fried onions on top and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 14-18 minutes
Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
Elevate your snack game with these easy-to-make Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites. A perfect combination of creamy brie, sweet cranberries, and crispy pastry.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) wheel of brie cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened brie cheese and cranberries.
3. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
4. Spoon the brie-cranberry mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with salt.
7. Cook in the Air Fryer for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Egg Rolls
Get ready for a fall twist on traditional egg rolls with these sweet and savory Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Egg Rolls. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these bite-sized treats combine the warmth of pumpkin pie spice with the crunch of crispy egg roll wrappers.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of egg roll wrappers
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin mixture in the center of the wrapper.
4. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a tight cylinder.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Cook the egg rolls in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes total
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries Recipe
Transform butternut squash into crispy, flavorful fries with this simple Air Fryer recipe. Perfect as a healthy snack or side dish, these sweet and savory treats are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized butternut squash
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and spiralize the butternut squash into thin strips.
3. Place the squash fries in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and any desired seasonings evenly over the squash fries.
5. Load the Air Fryer basket with the squash fries in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Check on the squash fries after 10 minutes. If they’re not crispy enough, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until desired crispiness is reached.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins
A twist on classic cornbread, these air fryer muffins are moist and flavorful with a crispy exterior. Perfect for a quick snack or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– Honey or maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, buttermilk, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
4. Pour batter into lined or greased air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Muffins are done when golden brown and crispy on top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tips:
Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, if desired. For an extra crunchy top, broil the muffins for an additional 1-2 minutes after cooking.
Air Fryer Honey Glazed Carrots
Transform regular carrots into a sweet and savory treat with this easy Air Fryer recipe. Perfect as a side dish or snack, these honey glazed carrots are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the carrot slices to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the glaze.
4. Load the glazed carrots into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Check for doneness by inserting a fork; carrots should be tender but still crisp.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Apple Pie Dumplings
Air Fryer Apple Pie Dumplings: A Twist on a Classic Treat
These bite-sized treats combine the warmth of apple pie with the convenience of air-fried dumplings. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, they’re sure to please both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 cup peeled and diced apples
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing wonton wrappers)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of the wrapper.
4. Brush the edges of the wrapper with beaten egg. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point.
5. Cook dumplings in batches, if necessary, for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 minutes per batch
Air Fryer Pecan Pie Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these unique cookies that combine the richness of pecan pie with the convenience of air frying. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 egg
– Air fryer spray
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Stir in baking powder, salt, and chopped pecans.
4. Beat in the egg until well combined.
5. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined air fryer basket.
6. Spray with air fryer spray and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
Roast acorn squash to perfection with this simple recipe that combines the natural sweetness of the squash with the richness of maple syrup. This air fryer method yields a tender and caramelized result with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized acorn squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Optional: brown sugar, cinnamon, or nutmeg for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and any desired additional spices.
4. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the squash halves.
5. Place the squash in the air fryer basket, cut side up.
6. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the squash is tender and caramelized.
7. Flip the squash over and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Air Fryer Herb-Roasted Turkey Legs
Elevate your turkey game with this simple and delicious recipe that yields tender and flavorful legs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these air-fried turkey legs are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 turkey legs (about 1-1.5 lbs each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the turkey legs under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the turkey legs.
5. Place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each leg.
6. Cook for 20-22 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes!
Ingredients:
– 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough (12-14 count)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil spray, for the Air Fryer
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Open the biscuit dough and separate the donut holes.
3. In a bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Dip each donut hole into the milk, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
5. Place the coated donut holes in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your Air Fryer.
6. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through. Donuts are done when golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Air Fryer Sausage and Sage Stuffing
Air Fryer Sausage and Sage Stuffing Recipe
Elevate your holiday meals with this unique and flavorful stuffing recipe that combines the savory taste of sausage with the earthy sweetness of sage, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the sausage in a pan over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, bread cubes, melted butter, chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Load the stuffing mixture into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Cauliflower
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of cauliflower with the pungency of roasted garlic, all achieved in a fraction of the time it takes to roast them in the oven. The result is a flavorful and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Add minced garlic and toss again to combine.
4. Load the cauliflower mixture into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle on top and cook for an additional minute.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Seeds: A Delicious Fall Treat
Get ready to snack on a sweet and spicy treat that’s perfect for the fall season! These air-fried pumpkin seeds are infused with warm spices and crispy texture, making them a great addition to any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together pumpkin seeds, olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Load the seed mixture into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
5. Remove from the air fryer when crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your crunchy and flavorful Air Fryer Spiced Pumpkin Seeds!
Air Fryer Leftover Thanksgiving Egg Rolls
This recipe takes leftover Thanksgiving turkey and transforms it into crispy egg rolls that are perfect for a second helping. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can turn last night’s dinner into a delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup leftover cooked turkey
– 1/2 cup finely chopped veggies (carrots, celery, green onions)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 eggs
– 1 package of egg roll wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together turkey, chopped veggies, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
3. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing towards you.
4. Place about 1/4 cup of the turkey mixture onto the center of the wrapper.
5. Brush edges of the wrapper with beaten eggs.
6. Roll up the wrapper tightly and press edges to seal.
7. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
8. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your Thanksgiving game with these 20 deliciously easy air fryer recipes! From savory dishes like Air Fryer Turkey Breast with Herb Butter and Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, to sweet treats like Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Egg Rolls and Pecan Pie Cookies, there’s something for everyone. These bite-sized recipes are perfect for a stress-free holiday meal. Try Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Balls, Air Fryer Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Dip, or Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole for a taste of tradition with a modern twist.
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