15 Air Fryer Holiday Recipes That Are Too Good Not To Try

If you don’t already have an air fryer, make sure somebody gifts you one this holiday season. It’s a necessary addition to your kitchen, and will save you so much time and energy while cooking up a storm. And if you already have one lying around, it’s time to start rounding up some air fryer holiday recipes to make for your next get-together—whether it be an intimate gathering or a huge family reunion. The good news? The options for entrees, sides, snacks and desserts (!) made in the air-fryer are endless, and each one is tastier than the next.

Here’s the thing about air fryer recipes: The food gets super crispy (like you’ve deep-fried it) but the machine uses hot air instead of hot oil. Not only does this make all your favorite fried recipes healthier, but it also requires less clean-up than deep frying. And frankly, who wants to deal with kitchen clean-up when there are guests on their way over for a holiday bash? Not me.

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Courtesy of COSORI.

Buy: COSORI Air Fryer $107.98

If you don’t already have an air fryer, but also don’t want to wait for someone to gift you one, just go ahead and treat yourself! Air fryers are available in plenty of different sizes, so no matter how big (or small) your kitchen is, you can find the right one for you. There are mini air fryers (which will fit about two servings at a time), and then there are quart-sized air fryers—like the best-selling COSORI air fryer—that can fit enough for the whole family. Choose what works best with your lifestyle, then get cooking!

Once you’ve got your air-fryer all set up and ready to go, you’ll be amazed at all the holiday recipes you can make in it. To help get you started, you’ll find plenty of delicious options below. So whether you’re hosting a few people or a few dozen, these easy, tasty air-fryer recipes are bound to be a hit.

 

1. Easy Air-Fryer Roasted Potatoes

Courtesy of Wanderlust & Wellness.

These air fryer roasted potatoes are a comfort food classic you can whip up in the air fryer. Simple? Maybe, but they’re definitely delicious.

 

2. Air Fryer Cauliflower

Courtesy of The Chutney Life.

This air fryer cauliflower isn’t as simple as you might think. It features curry powder tandoori masala to give it an Indian-inspired flavor—and is sure to be a hit with your guests.

 

3. Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes

Courtesy of Upstate Ramblings.

As a side or an appetizer, these twice-baked potatoes aim to please. Topped with all the goodies like bacon, chives and cheese, what’s not to love?

 

4. Air Fryer Crispy Spiced Chickpeas

Courtesy of Courtesy of Hello Frozen Banana.

These crispy spiced chickpeas can be roasted in the oven or the air fryer, so take your pick. Either way, you’ll end up with the perfect party snack.

5. Air Fryer Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

Courtesy of Stay Snatched.

There’s no holiday spread that wouldn’t benefit from crispy, cheesy garlic bread. Just make sure you have some candy canes lying around in case folks over-indulge.

 

6. Air Fryer Mushroom And Steak Bites

Courtesy of Wanderlust & Wellness.

Don’t tell me I’m the only one salivated over this photo of air-fried mushroom and steak bites. They’re perfect for a holiday dinner party or to pass around as little apps.

 

7. Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Courtesy of The Skinny Fork.

Is this air fryer blooming onion the perfect holiday appetizer? All signs point to yes. Plus, since it’s not deep-fried, you can eat as much of it as you want. (At least that’s what I’m telling myself.)

 

8. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Courtesy of Whole Kitchen Sink.

I know chicken tenders are a kid food, but they’re also a great holiday appetizer (for kids and adult kids). You can make them seem fancier with an array of dipping sauces, too.

 

9. Air Fryer “Baked” Garlic-Parsley Potatoes

Courtesy of Courtney’s Sweets.

If you’re doing a pot roast this year, you’ll need some crispy-skinned baked potatoes to go along with it. You may not think it now, but garlic and parsley are a winning combination.

 

10. Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Courtesy of Easy Peazy Meals.

Whether it’s an impromptu Thanksgiving meal or December get-together, this crispy turkey breast is perfect for an intimate holiday dinner.

 

11. Air Fryer Apple Pie

Courtesy of It’s All About the Yummy.

Apple pie in the air fryer? LOL, yep. Every meal needs dessert, and you really can’t go wrong with a classic apple pie. Just don’t forget the ice cream!

 

12. Air Fryer Glazed Ham

Courtesy of Stay Snatched.

There are a bajillion ways to cook glazed ham, but the air-fryer will yield results that are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside. Plus, there’s no denying it’s a holiday staple!

 

13. Air Fryer Simple Green Beans

Courtesy of Vegetarian Mama.

Forget green bean casserole. These simple, tasty green beans deserve a spot on your holiday spread. They’re so good, you’ll probably be tempted to cook them long after the holidays are over, too.

 

14. Air Fryer Pot Roast

Courtesy of Bitz n Giggles.

No interest in actually roasting your pot roast? No problem, the air-fryer knows how to do it. You’ll end up with a main course that tastes like you spent hours cooking it in the oven.

 

15. Air Fryer Spiced Butternut Squash

Courtesy of Two Sleevers.

The only problem with this spiced butternut squash is that it’s tough to tell whether it’s for dinner or dessert. Regardless, it’s one holiday treat that will have folks coming back for seconds (and thirds).

A version of this article was originally published on December 9, 2019.