Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, grateful hearts, and of course, delicious food. While traditional Thanksgiving dishes often require hours of preparation and cooking time, the air fryer offers a convenient and efficient alternative. With its ability to cook food quickly and evenly while using minimal oil, the air fryer has become a staple appliance in many kitchens. In this article, we’ll explore 27 mouthwatering air fryer Thanksgiving recipes that will delight your taste buds and simplify your holiday cooking experience.
The Thanksgiving feast is a cherished tradition for many families, but it can also be a stressful time for those tasked with preparing the meal. From turkey and stuffing to sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie, there’s no shortage of dishes to cook. Fortunately, the air fryer can help streamline the cooking process and produce delicious results with less effort.
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while locking in moisture. This cooking method not only reduces the need for oil but also cuts down on cooking time, making it perfect for busy holiday kitchens. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a cozy meal for two, these air fryer Thanksgiving recipes are sure to impress.
Top 27 Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes
1. Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Ingredients:
- Turkey breast
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Instructions:
- Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Place the turkey breast in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
2. Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Ingredients:
- Brussels sprouts
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Instructions:
- Trim the Brussels sprouts and halve them.
- Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
3. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
- Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Cinnamon
- Marshmallows
- Instructions:
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
- Toss them with melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the sweet potatoes to the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, until tender.
- Top with marshmallows and return to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
4. Air Fryer Stuffing Balls
- Ingredients:
- Stuffing mix
- Chicken broth
- Eggs
- Parsley
- Instructions:
- Prepare the stuffing mix according to the package instructions.
- Roll the stuffing into balls.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the stuffing balls in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Air Fryer Cranberry Sauce
- Ingredients:
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange juice
- Sugar
- Instructions:
- Combine the cranberries, orange juice, and sugar in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Transfer the cranberry sauce to an air fryer-safe dish.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, until bubbly and slightly caramelized.
6. Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Green Beans
- Ingredients:
- Green beans
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese
- Instructions:
- Trim the ends of the green beans.
- Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the green beans in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
7. Air Fryer Mashed Potato Balls
- Ingredients:
- Mashed potatoes
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon
- Chives
- Instructions:
- Mix together mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and chopped chives.
- Roll the mixture into balls.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the mashed potato balls in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Honey Glazed Air Fryer Carrots
- Ingredients:
- Carrots
- Honey
- Butter
- Thyme
- Instructions:
- Peel and slice the carrots.
- Toss them in honey, melted butter, and fresh thyme.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
9. Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins
- Ingredients:
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk
- Eggs
- Butter
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, beaten eggs, and melted butter.
- Pour the batter into greased muffin tins.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the muffin tins in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Bites
- Ingredients:
- Pie crust
- Pumpkin puree
- Brown sugar
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Instructions:
- Roll out the pie crust and cut it into circles.
- Press the pie crust circles into a mini muffin tin.
- Fill each crust with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the muffin tin in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the filling is set.
- Serve with whipped cream.
11. Air Fryer Herb-Roasted Potatoes
- Ingredients:
- Baby potatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Instructions:
- Halve the baby potatoes.
- Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
12. Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
- Ingredients:
- Butternut squash
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Cinnamon
- Instructions:
- Peel and slice the butternut squash into fries.
- Toss them in olive oil, paprika, cumin, and cinnamon.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the butternut squash fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and tender.
13. Air Fryer Apple Crisp
- Ingredients:
- Apples
- Brown sugar
- Flour
- Rolled oats
- Cinnamon
- Butter
- Instructions:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples.
- Toss them in brown sugar and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, rolled oats, and melted butter.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the apple mixture to an air fryer-safe dish.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
14. Air Fryer Garlic Herb Turkey Meatballs
- Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Bread crumbs
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Parmesan cheese
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the turkey meatballs in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.
15. Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
- Ingredients:
- Broccoli florets
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Instructions:
- Steam the broccoli florets until tender.
- In a bowl, mix together cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Stir in the steamed broccoli.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the broccoli mixture to an air fryer-safe dish.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
16. Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
- Ingredients:
- Crescent roll dough
- Brie cheese
- Cranberry sauce
- Instructions:
- Roll out the crescent roll dough and cut it into squares.
- Place a small piece of Brie cheese and a dollop of cranberry sauce on each square.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cranberry Brie bites in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and melted.
17. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
- Ingredients:
- Asparagus
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese
- Instructions:
- Trim the ends of the asparagus.
- Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender and crispy.
18. Air Fryer Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs
- Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Bread crumbs
- Egg
- Cranberry sauce
- Soy sauce
- Garlic powder
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, beaten egg, cranberry sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the turkey meatballs in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, until cooked through.
- Serve with extra cranberry sauce for dipping.
19. Air Fryer Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Ingredients:
- Carrots
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Cinnamon
- Instructions:
- Peel and slice the carrots.
- Toss them in melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until caramelized and tender.
20. Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts
- Ingredients:
- Biscuit dough
- Pumpkin puree
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Powdered sugar
- Instructions:
- Flatten the biscuit dough and cut out donut shapes.
- In a bowl, mix together pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.
- Dip each donut in the pumpkin mixture, coating both sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the donuts in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
21. Air Fryer Maple Glazed Acorn Squash
- Ingredients:
- Acorn squash
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Cinnamon
- Instructions:
- Cut the acorn squash into wedges and remove the seeds.
- Toss them in maple syrup, melted butter, and cinnamon.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the acorn squash wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until caramelized and tender.
22. Air Fryer Apple Stuffed Pork Chops
- Ingredients:
- Pork chops
- Apples
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Instructions:
- Cut a slit in each pork chop to create a pocket.
- Fill the pocket with sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the stuffed pork chops in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the pork is cooked through and the apples are tender.
23. Air Fryer Garlic Herb Mushrooms
- Ingredients:
- Mushrooms
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Instructions:
- Clean and quarter the mushrooms.
- Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
24. Air Fryer Herb-Roasted Cornish Hens
- Ingredients:
- Cornish hens
- Olive oil
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Garlic
- Instructions:
- Rub the Cornish hens with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the Cornish hens in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 30-35 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
25. Air Fryer Pecan Pie Bars
- Ingredients:
- Pie crust
- Pecans
- Brown sugar
- Corn syrup
- Eggs
- Instructions:
- Roll out the pie crust and press it into the bottom of an air fryer-safe dish.
- In a bowl, mix together chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, and beaten eggs.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the pie crust.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, until set.
- Allow to cool before slicing into bars.
26. Air Fryer Rosemary Garlic Lamb Chops
- Ingredients:
- Lamb chops
- Olive oil
- Rosemary
- Garlic
- Instructions:
- Rub the lamb chops with olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time according to desired doneness.
27. Air Fryer Apple Cider Donut Holes
- Ingredients:
- Biscuit dough
- Apple cider
- Cinnamon
- Sugar
- Instructions:
- Flatten the biscuit dough and cut out small circles.
- In a bowl, mix together apple cider, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Dip each dough circle in the apple cider mixture, coating it thoroughly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the donut holes in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm.
This Thanksgiving, let the air fryer take center stage in your kitchen and simplify your holiday meal preparation. With these 27 delicious air fryer Thanksgiving recipes, you can create a feast that’s both impressive and effortless. From juicy turkey breast and crispy Brussels sprouts to decadent pumpkin pie bites and apple cider donut holes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Say goodbye to hours spent slaving over a hot stove and hello to more time spent with loved ones around the table. Happy Thanksgiving!
Top 10 Global Flavors
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious meals that evoke feelings of warmth and gratitude. As the holiday approaches, many home cooks are on the lookout for innovative recipes that will impress their guests without causing undue stress in the kitchen. Enter the air fryer – a versatile kitchen appliance that has taken the culinary world by storm with its ability to cook crispy, flavorful dishes with minimal oil.
One of the great things about cooking with an air fryer is its versatility. You can easily adapt traditional Thanksgiving dishes to incorporate flavors from around the world, adding a unique twist to your holiday feast. Here are 10 global flavors to inspire your air fryer Thanksgiving menu:
1. Moroccan Spiced Turkey Breast
Give your Thanksgiving turkey a North African twist with a flavorful blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Marinate the turkey breast overnight for maximum flavor, then air fry until golden brown and juicy. Serve with couscous and roasted vegetables for a complete Moroccan-inspired feast.
2. Korean BBQ Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts get a delicious makeover with a sticky, sweet, and savory Korean BBQ sauce. Toss the sprouts in the sauce, then air fry until caramelized and crispy. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Indian-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries
Swap out traditional mashed sweet potatoes for crispy air-fried sweet potato fries seasoned with aromatic Indian spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Serve with a tangy mango chutney dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer or side dish.
4. Thai Red Curry Pumpkin Soup
Warm up your Thanksgiving guests with a comforting bowl of Thai red curry pumpkin soup. Roast pumpkin cubes in the air fryer until tender, then blend with coconut milk, red curry paste, and aromatic herbs and spices. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of coconut cream for a vibrant and flavorful starter.
5. Italian-Style Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with Italian-style stuffed mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Air fry until golden and crispy for a crowd-pleasing starter that’s bursting with flavor.
6. Mexican Street Corn Salad
Put a twist on classic corn on the cob with a Mexican street corn salad featuring charred corn kernels tossed in a creamy lime and chili-spiked dressing. Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro for a refreshing and zesty side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
7. Greek-Inspired Stuffed Peppers
Transform ordinary bell peppers into a Mediterranean masterpiece with Greek-inspired stuffed peppers filled with a mixture of seasoned ground lamb or beef, rice, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Air fry until the peppers are tender and the filling is piping hot for a hearty and satisfying main course.
8. Japanese-Style Kabocha Squash Tempura
Kabocha squash, also known as Japanese pumpkin, is the star of this crispy and addictive tempura recipe. Slice the squash into thin rounds, dip in a light and airy tempura batter, then air fry until golden and crunchy. Serve with a soy dipping sauce for a delightful Japanese-inspired appetizer or side dish.
9. Brazilian Cheese Bread Rolls (Pão De Queijo)
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without bread, and these Brazilian cheese bread rolls are sure to be a hit with your guests. Made with tapioca flour and tangy Parmesan cheese, these gluten-free rolls are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Serve warm from the air fryer for a delicious and addictive addition to your holiday table.
10. Caribbean Jerk Turkey Wings
Transport your taste buds to the islands with Caribbean jerk turkey wings marinated in a spicy and aromatic blend of herbs, spices, and citrus. Air fry until crispy and caramelized for a finger-licking good appetizer or main course that’s bursting with Caribbean flavor.
My Favorite Air Fryer Recipe
While all of the above recipes are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving feast, I have a personal favorite that never fails to impress: air fryer honey garlic glazed carrots. This simple yet flavorful side dish pairs perfectly with roast turkey and all the fixings, and it’s incredibly easy to make.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of baby carrots
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the baby carrots in the air fryer basket, then drizzle the honey garlic glaze over the top, tossing to coat evenly.
- Air fry at 380°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
These honey garlic glazed carrots are sweet, savory, and oh-so-addictive, making them the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Tips And Tricks For Successful Air Fryer Cooking
Cooking with an air fryer can be a game-changer when it comes to preparing Thanksgiving meals, but it does require a bit of finesse to achieve perfect results every time. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master the art of air fryer cooking:
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Preheat your air fryer: Just like with a traditional oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that it reaches the optimal cooking temperature, resulting in crispier, more evenly cooked food.
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Use the right amount of oil: While one of the benefits of air frying is using less oil than traditional frying methods, some recipes still benefit from a light coating of oil to help achieve a crispy exterior. Use a spray bottle to evenly coat your food with oil before air frying.
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Don’t overcrowd the basket: For best results, arrange your food in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures that your food cooks evenly.
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Shake the basket: To promote even cooking and prevent sticking, shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process. This helps to ensure that all sides of the food are exposed to the circulating hot air.
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Adjust cooking times and temperatures: Every air fryer is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect cooking times and temperatures for your favorite recipes. Start with the recommended settings in the recipe, then adjust as needed based on your own air fryer’s performance.
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Use accessories for versatility: Many air fryers come with accessories like racks, skewers, and baking pans that can expand their versatility. Experiment with different accessories to see what works best for your favorite recipes.
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Clean your air fryer regularly: To ensure optimal performance and longevity, be sure to clean your air fryer regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help prevent buildup of grease and food residue that can affect the flavor of your dishes.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to air fryer success this Thanksgiving and beyond.
Time-Saving Strategies For Busy Cooks
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, finding time to prepare a Thanksgiving feast can be challenging, especially for busy cooks with hectic schedules. Fortunately, the air fryer is a great tool for cutting down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor or quality. Here are some time-saving strategies to help you streamline your Thanksgiving meal prep:
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Batch cook: Take advantage of the large capacity of your air fryer by batch cooking multiple dishes at once. For example, you can roast vegetables, cook appetizers, and even reheat leftovers simultaneously, saving you time and energy.
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Prep in advance: Many Thanksgiving dishes can be prepped in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them in the air fryer. Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and assemble casseroles ahead of time to minimize last-minute stress on the big day.
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Use pre-made ingredients: Don’t be afraid to take shortcuts by using pre-made ingredients like store-bought pie crusts, canned pumpkin puree, and pre-cut vegetables. These convenience items can save you valuable time in the kitchen without compromising on flavor.
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Plan your menu wisely: Choose recipes that can be cooked in the air fryer simultaneously or in quick succession to maximize efficiency. For example, while your turkey is resting, you can use the air fryer to roast vegetables, bake rolls, and crisp up appetizers.
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Delegate tasks: Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of family members or guests to assist with meal prep and cooking. Assign specific tasks to each person, whether it’s chopping vegetables, setting the table, or monitoring the air fryer, to lighten the load and make the cooking process more enjoyable for everyone involved.
By incorporating these time-saving strategies into your Thanksgiving meal prep, you’ll be able to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
With the help of an air fryer, preparing a delicious Thanksgiving feast has never been easier or more enjoyable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a few close friends and family members, these air fryer Thanksgiving recipes are sure to impress. From global flavors that add a unique twist to traditional dishes to time-saving strategies that streamline meal prep, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. So preheat your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a Thanksgiving meal that’s truly unforgettable. Cheers to good food, good company, and a holiday season filled with joy and gratitude!