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Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and most importantly, food. But who says you can’t make your feast healthier and quicker with an air fryer? Whether you’re cooking a whole turkey in a Ninja Foodi air fryer or whipping up some quick appetizers, these air fryer recipes for Thanksgiving will make your holiday cooking a breeze.
1. Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 1 boneless turkey breast (about 4-5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
About the Recipe
This boneless turkey roast air fryer recipe is perfect for a smaller gathering. It’s quicker than cooking a whole turkey but still offers that traditional Thanksgiving flavor. The olive oil and spices create a delicious crust that locks in the moisture.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Rub the turkey breast with olive oil and the spice mixture.
- Place the turkey breast in the air fryer and cook for about 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
About the Recipe
Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries and they pair wonderfully with turkey. This recipe is simple, quick, and can be made in any air fryer, including the Gourmia Air Fryer.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Toss the sweet potato fries in olive oil and spices.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
About the Recipe
Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, but when cooked correctly, they can be a delicious and nutritious side dish. The air fryer gives them a crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. Air Fryer Cornbread
Ingredients
- 1 box cornbread mix
- Ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, milk, and oil)
About the Recipe
Cornbread is a Thanksgiving staple, and making it in the air fryer frees up your oven for other dishes. This recipe uses a boxed mix for convenience, but you can also use your favorite homemade recipe.
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the cornbread mix according to the box instructions.
- Pour into an air fryer-safe pan that fits in your air fryer.
- Cook at 320°F for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Air Fryer Apple Fritters
Ingredients
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
About the Recipe
Apple fritters are a delicious dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. This air fryer version is less greasy than traditional fritters but just as tasty.
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the diced apples.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
6. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
About the Recipe
Asparagus is a nutritious and tasty side dish that pairs well with turkey. The garlic and Parmesan add a burst of flavor.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Toss the asparagus in olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan.
- Cook in the air fryer for 7-9 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 can of biscuit dough
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp pumpkin spice
About the Recipe
These pumpkin spice donuts are a quick and easy dessert that captures the essence of fall. They’re perfect for a Thanksgiving treat and can be made in any air fryer, including the PowerXL Air Fryer.
Cooking Instructions
- Cut holes in the center of each biscuit to form donuts.
- Dip each donut in melted butter, then coat with the sugar and pumpkin spice mixture.
- Cook in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.
8. Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 12 large mushrooms, stems removed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
About the Recipe
Stuffed mushrooms are a delicious appetizer that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The air fryer gives them a crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley.
- Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture.
- Cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 7-9 minutes.
9. Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients
- 1 tube crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
About the Recipe
These cranberry Brie bites are a delicious and festive appetizer. The tartness of the cranberry sauce complements the creamy Brie, making it a hit at any Thanksgiving gathering.
Cooking Instructions
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut it into squares.
- Place a piece of Brie and a dollop of cranberry sauce on each square.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
- Cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 6-8 minutes.
10. Air Fryer Pecan Pie Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust, homemade or store-bought
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
About the Recipe
Pecan pie is a Thanksgiving classic, but these air fryer pecan pie bites take it to a new level. They’re bite-sized, making them perfect for a dessert spread. Plus, they’re quick to make in an air fryer like the Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer.
Cooking Instructions
- Roll out the pie crust and cut into small circles that fit into a mini muffin tin.
- In a bowl, mix together the pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Place a pie crust circle in each muffin tin slot and fill with the pecan mixture.
- Cook in the air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Summary Table
| Recipe | Main Ingredients | Air Fryer Time | Air Fryer Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey Breast | Boneless turkey breast, olive oil, spices | 60 mins | 350°F |
| Sweet Potato Fries | Sweet potatoes, olive oil, spices | 10-12 mins | 400°F |
| Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts, olive oil | 10-12 mins | 375°F |
| Cornbread | Cornbread mix, eggs, milk | 12-15 mins | 320°F |
| Apple Fritters | Apples, flour, sugar, milk | 8-10 mins | 350°F |
| Garlic Parmesan Asparagus | Asparagus, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan | 7-9 mins | 375°F |
| Pumpkin Spice Donuts | Biscuit dough, butter, sugar, pumpkin spice | 5-6 mins | 350°F |
| Stuffed Mushrooms | Mushrooms, cream cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs | 7-9 mins | 375°F |
| Cranberry Brie Bites | Crescent roll dough, cranberry sauce, Brie | 6-8 mins | 375°F |
| Pecan Pie Bites | Pie crust, pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar | 8-10 mins | 350°F |
FAQs
Q1: Can I cook a whole turkey in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook a whole turkey in certain large-capacity air fryers like the Ninja Foodi. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey.
Q2: Can I use any air fryer for these recipes?
Most of these recipes can be made in any standard air fryer. However, for larger items like a whole turkey, you’ll need a larger capacity air fryer.
Q3: How do I adjust cooking times for different air fryer models?
Cooking times can vary between air fryer models. It’s best to start with the lower end of the recommended cooking time and check for doneness.
Q4: Can I make these recipes in advance?
Yes, many of these recipes can be made in advance and reheated in the air fryer before serving.
Q5: Are these recipes healthier than traditional Thanksgiving recipes?
Air frying generally uses less oil than traditional frying methods, making these recipes a healthier alternative.
Q6: Can I use the air fryer for desserts?
Absolutely, recipes like the Air Fryer Apple Fritters and Pecan Pie Bites are perfect examples of desserts you can make in an air fryer.
Q7: What’s the benefit of using an air fryer for Thanksgiving?
Air fryers cook food more quickly than traditional ovens and free up oven space for other dishes.
Q8: Can I use aluminum foil in the air fryer?
Yes, but make sure it doesn’t cover the air circulation vents in your air fryer.
Q9: What’s the maximum capacity for air fryers?
This varies by model. Larger models like the Power XL Air Fryer Grill can handle more food.
Q10: How do I clean the air fryer after cooking?
Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe, but you can also clean them with warm soapy water.
These air fryer recipes for Thanksgiving offer a modern twist on traditional favorites. Whether you’re looking to make a full Thanksgiving air fryer feast or just a few sides, these recipes have got you covered. Happy cooking!
Detailed Questions on Air Fryer Recipes for Thanksgiving
1. Can I Cook a Whole Turkey in an Air Fryer?
Yes, cooking a whole turkey in an air fryer is possible, especially if you have a large-capacity air fryer like the Ninja Foodi. The Ninja Foodi is known for its versatility and spacious design, making it suitable for cooking whole turkey in Ninja Foodi air fryer. However, the size of the turkey you can cook will depend on the capacity of your air fryer. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum weight and size.
The cooking time for a whole turkey in an air fryer will vary depending on its size and the specific air fryer model you are using. Generally, it takes about 10 minutes per pound at a cooking temperature of around 350°F. It’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Air frying a whole turkey offers several advantages over traditional oven roasting. It’s generally quicker, and the circulating hot air helps to render the skin crispy while keeping the meat juicy. However, you may miss out on the opportunity to cook stuffing inside the turkey, as it’s not recommended to stuff a turkey when air frying.
- Air Fryer Capacity: Choose a large-capacity air fryer for cooking a whole turkey.
- Cooking Time: About 10 minutes per pound, but always use a meat thermometer.
- Advantages: Quicker cooking time and crispy skin.
2. How Healthy Are These Air Fryer Recipes Compared to Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes?
Air fryer recipes for Thanksgiving are generally considered healthier than their traditionally cooked counterparts. The primary reason is that air frying uses hot air to cook the food, eliminating the need for excessive oil. This results in dishes that are lower in fat and calories but still rich in flavor.
Another health benefit of using an air fryer is that it preserves the nutritional value of vegetables better than boiling or frying. For example, air-fried Brussels sprouts retain more of their nutrients compared to boiling them. This makes sides like air fryer Brussels sprouts not just tasty but also nutritious.
However, it’s essential to note that “healthier” doesn’t necessarily mean “healthy.” While air frying reduces the amount of oil used, the nutritional profile of the dish will also depend on the ingredients used. For instance, air-fried sweet potato fries are healthier than deep-fried ones, but they are still a high-carb dish.
- Less Oil: Air frying uses less oil, making dishes lower in fat and calories.
- Nutrient Retention: Better preservation of nutrients in vegetables.
- Ingredient Choices: The overall healthiness also depends on the ingredients used.
3. How Do Air Fryer Cooking Times Compare to Traditional Oven Times?
Air fryers generally cook food faster than traditional ovens. This is because air fryers use a fan to circulate hot air around the food, allowing it to cook more evenly and quickly. For example, a boneless turkey roast air fryer recipe might take about an hour in an air fryer, whereas it could take up to 1.5 hours in a conventional oven.
However, cooking times can vary between different air fryer models. Some high-end models like the PowerXL Air Fryer come with advanced features that can further reduce cooking time. It’s always a good idea to start with the lower end of the recommended cooking time and check for doneness.
It’s also worth noting that air fryers are more energy-efficient than traditional ovens. They reach the desired temperature more quickly and maintain it with less energy. This not only speeds up the cooking process but also can result in energy savings over time.
- Faster Cooking: Air fryers generally cook food more quickly than traditional ovens.
- Model Variability: Cooking times can vary between different air fryer models.
- Energy Efficiency: Air fryers are generally more energy-efficient.
4. Can I Make These Recipes in Advance and Reheat Them in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely, many air fryer recipes for Thanksgiving can be made in advance and reheated in the air fryer. This is particularly useful for dishes like air fryer cornbread or air fryer apple fritters, which can be cooked ahead of time and then quickly reheated to serve warm.
Reheating in an air fryer is often better than using a microwave because the air fryer can restore the food’s crispy texture. For example, reheating air fryer sweet potato fries in the air fryer will make them crispy again, unlike the microwave, which can make them soggy.
However, it’s essential to be cautious when reheating certain foods, especially meat dishes like turkey. Overcooking can make the meat dry and less flavorful. It’s advisable to reheat at a lower temperature and check frequently to ensure the food doesn’t dry out.
- Make-Ahead: Many recipes can be made in advance.
- Better Reheating: Air fryers restore the food’s crispy texture.
- Caution with Meat: Be careful not to overcook meat when reheating.
5. What Are the Advantages of Using an Air Fryer for Thanksgiving Cooking?
Using an air fryer for Thanksgiving cooking offers several advantages. First, it frees up valuable oven space, allowing you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. This is particularly useful for large gatherings where oven real estate is at a premium.
Second, air fryers are generally easier to clean than traditional ovens. Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe or can be easily washed with warm soapy water. This makes post-Thanksgiving cleanup much more manageable.
Third, air fryers are versatile appliances that can handle a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts. Whether you’re making the big easy air fryer turkey or air fryer pecan pie bites, you can do it all in this one appliance.
- Frees Oven Space: Allows you to cook multiple dishes at once.
- Easy Cleanup: Most air fryer parts are dishwasher safe.
- Versatility: Can handle a wide range of dishes from appetizers to desserts.