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20 Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes You Need This Year

As you start to plan your Thanksgiving dinner, there are so many ways to utilize your air fryer as best as possible during this busy time. Here are 20 awesome Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes that your family will enjoy!

I have a Ninja Foodi and that comes with an Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) function and an Air Fryer function. I use the Air Fryer at least 5 times a week — sometimes twice a day! We use it for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. We make amazing food so quickly and without much hassle. From sweets to full entrees, the option are endless!

Thanksgiving is such a great time to make old favorites but also try something new! There are so many fun things you can make for breakfast, like these awesome Apple Fritters, or even this Air Fryer Salsa for an easy appetizer.

I have included some of my favorite recipes from all over the web to help you plan a great dinner! If you are like me where all 4 stovetops are usually occupied on Thanksgiving, and air fryer dish (or two) is a great option!

Elevate Your Thanksgiving Feast with an Air Fryer: The Ultimate Cooking Hack for a Stress-Free Holiday

Ah, Thanksgiving—the holiday that brings loved ones together but also sends many of us into a kitchen frenzy. The logistics alone can be daunting: the turkey takes hours, the stove is crowded with side dishes, and don’t even get me started on the oven real estate needed for pies and rolls. Enter the air fryer, a game-changing appliance that promises to make your Thanksgiving cooking not just easier but also healthier and incredibly tasty.

Free Up Oven Space

One of the most significant benefits of using an air fryer during the holiday season is that it helps free up precious oven space. Whether it’s roasting sweet potatoes, crisping up Brussels sprouts, or even cooking smaller turkey portions, your air fryer can handle it. This allows your oven to focus on the larger, more time-consuming dishes like that big bird or a sumptuous casserole.

Speed Up Cooking Time

Speed is another reason why the air fryer is becoming a Thanksgiving staple. It cooks food by circulating hot air, which not only speeds up the process but also gives you that desired crispy texture without using much oil. Imagine serving perfectly crispy and golden-brown potato wedges in under 20 minutes—that’s the power of the air fryer.

Unlock Healthier Options

We all love the indulgent nature of Thanksgiving dishes, but they often come at the cost of extra calories. With an air fryer, you can achieve similar textures and flavors without the need for excessive oil. Think crispy “fried” green beans or even light-as-air puff pastry rolls with a fraction of the grease.

Enhance Side Dishes and Appetizers

The air fryer isn’t just a tool for the main components of your meal. It’s fantastic for side dishes and appetizers, too. Imagine air-fried zucchini chips, stuffed jalapeños, or even buffalo cauliflower bites. These quick and easy options are sure to be crowd-pleasers and leave guests eagerly anticipating the main course.

Experiment with Desserts

Yes, you read that right—the air fryer can even be used for desserts. Ever thought of quick apple fritters or churro bites? How about air-fried hand pies filled with your favorite fruit filling? Not only do these desserts come together quickly, but they also serve as fun, individual portions that everyone can enjoy.

Easy Cleanup

Thanksgiving meals are often synonymous with an overflowing sink and a dishwasher working overtime. The air fryer, with its non-stick, easy-to-clean components, offers a respite from the chaos of post-holiday cleaning. It not only makes the cooking process more manageable but also simplifies your after-dinner routine.

Tips for Air Fryer Success

  • Preheat: Just like your regular oven, preheating the air fryer is crucial for even cooking.
  • Single Layer: To ensure crispiness, arrange food in a single layer with enough space for air to circulate freely.
  • Shake and Rotate: For uniform cooking, make sure to shake the basket or rotate the food halfway through the cooking time.

Tackling Traditional Favorites in an Untraditional Way

The air fryer offers a contemporary twist to many Thanksgiving classics. From crunchy sweet potato fries as a modern alternative to sweet potato casserole, to air-fried apple chips that can serve as a light dessert or even a fun salad topper, the possibilities are limitless.

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, celebration, and of course, incredible food. And while traditions are essential, adding a dash of modern convenience doesn’t hurt. Incorporating an air fryer into your Thanksgiving cooking routine could not only save you time and stress but also add a touch of culinary flair that leaves your guests impressed and your kitchen less chaotic. So this holiday season, let the air fryer take some of the load off your shoulders, freeing you up to enjoy what matters most—time spent with loved ones.

20 Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes You Need This Year

Here is how you can put your air fryer to use with these awesome air fryer thanksgiving recipes!

If you loved these Air Fryer Recipes be sure to check out  The Best Air Fryer Recipes For The Whole Family!