Air Fryer Holiday Recipes: 19 Treats and Sides That Free Up Your Oven on Thanksgiving and Christmas

Air fryer holiday recipes are the secret weapon for anyone who has ever stood in the kitchen on Thanksgiving with a turkey in the oven and five more dishes waiting for a turn. The little machine on the counter heats up in minutes, cooks fast and keeps things crisp. Home cooks have noticed: air fryer s’mores, candied almonds and mini apple pie bites pull hundreds of thousands of likes every holiday season. So we gathered the sides, snacks and sweets that really shine in an air fryer, each with a simple recipe you can make in a standard basket. Think of it as your second oven, and see which one you want to try first..

Holiday Pigs in Blankets in the Air Fryer

When the turkey takes over the oven, the air fryer quietly saves the day, and pigs in blankets are proof. Little sausages wrapped in crescent dough puff up golden in about 8 minutes, and they disappear even faster. A quick cranberry dip with a touch of mustard makes them taste like the holidays. Make two batches, because the first one never makes it to the table. Every one of these air fryer holiday recipes works the same way: fast, crisp and out of the way of the big oven..

You will need: 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough, 24 cocktail sausages, 1 egg (beaten), 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, sesame seeds or flaky salt (optional).

How to make it: 1. Unroll the dough and cut each triangle into 3 thin strips. 2. Wrap a strip around each sausage. 3. Brush with egg and sprinkle with seeds or salt. 4. Air fry in one layer at 350 F for 8 to 10 minutes until golden. 5. Stir the cranberry sauce, mustard and honey together. 6. Serve warm with the dip.

Air Fryer Holiday S’mores in 4 Minutes

One air fryer s’mores reel passed 1 million likes on Instagram, and it is easy to see why. You get that toasty, gooey campfire treat at the kitchen counter, with no campfire and no sticks. Cut the marshmallows in half and press the sticky side down so they stay put while the fan blows. Kids love making these on Christmas Eve. It is the fastest of all these air fryer holiday recipes. Are you team golden brown or team totally toasted?

You will need: 8 graham cracker squares, 1 bar (4.4 oz) milk chocolate broken into squares, 4 large marshmallows (cut in half), parchment paper.

How to make it: 1. Line the basket with a small piece of parchment. 2. Lay 4 graham squares in the basket. 3. Press a marshmallow half, cut side down, onto each one. 4. Air fry at 375 F for 3 to 4 minutes until golden. 5. Add a chocolate square and a second marshmallow if you like. 6. Top with the other graham squares and press gently.

Candied Christmas Market Almonds

If you have ever walked through a Christmas market, you know the smell of warm cinnamon almonds. A homemade caramelized almond video pulled 132,000 likes this October. The air fryer makes a big batch in about 15 minutes with a light egg white coating instead of a pot of hot sugar. Pack them into jars with a ribbon and you have a gift for teachers, neighbors and the mail carrier. Of all the air fryer holiday recipes here, this is the best gift. Who is getting a jar from you this year?

You will need: 2 cups raw almonds, 1 egg white, 1 tbsp water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the egg white and water until foamy. 2. Stir in the almonds until coated. 3. Mix the sugar, cinnamon and salt and toss with the almonds and vanilla. 4. Spread in a lined basket. 5. Air fry at 300 F for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes. 6. Spread on parchment to cool and crisp up.

Apple Pie Cheesecake Bombs

These little bites took off on Instagram, where one post has more than 109,000 likes and 650 comments. Each one is a pillow of crescent dough filled with sweet cream cheese and chopped apple pie filling, then rolled in cinnamon sugar while warm. They taste like apple pie and cheesecake had a baby. Serve them at a holiday brunch or as a quick dessert when the pie is not ready yet. Kids rank this one first among our air fryer holiday recipes. Caramel drizzle: yes or no?

You will need: 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough, 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 tbsp sugar, 1 cup apple pie filling (chopped), 2 tbsp melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon, caramel sauce.

How to make it: 1. Beat the cream cheese with 2 tbsp sugar. 2. Separate the dough into 8 triangles. 3. Add a spoon of cream cheese and a spoon of apples to each. 4. Pinch the dough closed into balls. 5. Air fry at 330 F for 8 to 10 minutes. 6. Brush with butter, roll in cinnamon sugar and drizzle with caramel.

Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie in a 6 Inch Pan

A brown butter sweet potato pie video from a popular air fryer creator has more than 101,000 likes and over 1,600 comments. The trick is a small 6 inch pie pan that fits in most baskets. Browning the butter first gives the filling a nutty, toffee flavor that makes people ask for the recipe. It is the perfect size for a small Thanksgiving or a second pie when the oven is full. Pies are some of the most saved air fryer holiday recipes. Sweet potato pie or pumpkin pie?

You will need: 1 refrigerated pie crust, 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato, 3 tbsp butter (browned and cooled), 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg, 1/2 tsp vanilla, whipped cream.

How to make it: 1. Press the crust into a 6 inch pie pan and trim. 2. Whisk the sweet potato, browned butter, sugar, egg, milk, spices and vanilla until smooth. 3. Pour into the crust. 4. Air fry at 320 F for 25 to 30 minutes until the center is just set. 5. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too fast. 6. Cool 2 hours and top with whipped cream.

Crispy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes for Holiday Dinner

Hasselback potatoes look fancy, but they are just small potatoes sliced thin like an accordion. In the air fryer the edges turn crisp like chips while the inside stays soft and buttery. They make any holiday plate look special, and they only need about 30 minutes. Place each potato between two chopsticks while you slice so you never cut all the way through. It is the side that steals the show in these air fryer holiday recipes. Do you love the crispy edges or the soft middle?

You will need: 6 small Yukon gold potatoes, 3 tbsp melted butter, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, fresh rosemary or chives.

How to make it: 1. Slice each potato thinly, stopping about 1/4 inch from the bottom. 2. Mix the butter and garlic. 3. Brush the potatoes, getting butter between the slices, and season. 4. Air fry at 375 F for 15 minutes. 5. Brush again and cook 12 to 15 minutes more. 6. Add Parmesan for the last 3 minutes and top with herbs.

Air Fryer Holiday Turkey Breast for a Small Crowd

Not everyone needs a 20 pound bird. If you are hosting four to six people, a boneless turkey breast in the air fryer is juicy inside with golden, crispy skin, and it frees the oven for everything else. Air fryer turkey crown posts get thousands of likes every November for exactly this reason. Always check with a thermometer: it is done at 165 F in the thickest part. Yes, the main dish fits into air fryer holiday recipes too. How many people are you feeding this year?

You will need: 1 boneless turkey breast roast (about 3 lb, fits a 5.8 quart basket or larger), 2 tbsp softened butter, 1 tsp each dried sage, thyme and rosemary, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, gravy to serve.

How to make it: 1. Pat the turkey dry. 2. Mix the butter, herbs, garlic, salt and pepper and rub all over. 3. Place skin side down in the basket. 4. Air fry at 350 F for 25 minutes, then flip. 5. Cook 20 to 30 minutes more until it reads 165 F. 6. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Air Fryer Maple Glazed Carrots for the Holiday Table

This side takes about 15 minutes and looks like it came from a restaurant. Carrots roast until they are sweet and caramelized at the edges, then get a quick toss in maple syrup and butter at the end. Adding the glaze last keeps the sugar from burning. Use slender carrots whole, or cut thick ones in half lengthwise so they cook evenly. Easy sides like this are what air fryer holiday recipes do best. Would your family eat more veggies if they tasted like this?

You will need: 1 lb slender carrots (peeled), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, 1 tbsp melted butter, pinch of cinnamon, fresh thyme.

How to make it: 1. Toss the carrots with oil and salt. 2. Air fry at 380 F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway. 3. Mix the maple syrup, butter and cinnamon. 4. Pour over the carrots in the basket and toss. 5. Cook 2 more minutes. 6. Top with thyme and serve.

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic

If you think you do not like Brussels sprouts, this is the version that changes minds. The air fryer turns the outer leaves dark and crunchy, almost like chips, while the centers stay tender. A drizzle of balsamic glaze, a handful of dried cranberries and some shaved Parmesan make them taste festive. Cut them the same size so they cook evenly. Be honest: were you a Brussels sprouts hater as a kid?

You will need: 1 lb Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved), 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 2 tbsp balsamic glaze, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan.

How to make it: 1. Toss the sprouts with oil, salt and pepper. 2. Spread in the basket. 3. Air fry at 375 F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes. 4. Move to a bowl. 5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. 6. Top with cranberries and Parmesan.

Air Fryer Stuffing Balls, a Holiday Party Favorite

Everyone fights over the crispy corner pieces of stuffing, so why not make every bite a corner piece? Rolling stuffing into balls and air frying them gives each one a golden crust. Add some sausage and they turn into a hearty appetizer or a fun Friendsgiving side. They are also a great way to use leftover stuffing the next day. These are the most fun air fryer holiday recipes for leftovers. Gravy for dipping or cranberry sauce?

You will need: 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix, 1 cup hot chicken broth, 1/2 lb breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled), 1 egg (beaten), 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage or parsley, cooking spray, warm gravy.

How to make it: 1. Stir the stuffing mix with the hot broth and let it cool 10 minutes. 2. Mix in the sausage, egg and herbs. 3. Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls. 4. Spray the balls and the basket. 5. Air fry at 375 F for 8 to 10 minutes until golden. 6. Serve with warm gravy.

Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls From Frozen Dough

Warm rolls make a holiday meal feel complete, and frozen dough balls make them easy. Let them rise in a small round pan that fits your basket, air fry them for about 10 minutes, then brush them with garlic butter while they are hot. The tops get golden and soft at the same time. This one is a lifesaver when the oven is packed. Looking for more ideas for the machine on your counter? Try our easy air fryer recipes. How many rolls can you eat in one sitting?

You will need: 12 frozen dinner roll dough balls, 3 tbsp butter (melted), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan, pinch of flaky salt.

How to make it: 1. Place the frozen dough in a greased 7 inch round pan. 2. Cover and let rise 3 to 4 hours until doubled. 3. Air fry at 320 F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden. 4. Mix the butter, garlic and parsley. 5. Brush over the hot rolls. 6. Sprinkle with Parmesan and salt.

Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are the appetizer that empties the plate first at every party. In the air fryer they cook in under 10 minutes and the tops turn golden and bubbly without drying out. Make the filling a day ahead, stuff the caps and keep them in the fridge, then cook them as guests arrive. Use cremini mushrooms for more flavor than white buttons. Party bites are where air fryer holiday recipes really shine. Are mushrooms a yes or a no in your house?

You will need: 16 cremini mushrooms (stems removed and chopped), 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, salt and pepper.

How to make it: 1. Cook the chopped stems with garlic in a little oil for 3 minutes. 2. Mix with the cream cheese, Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper. 3. Fill the caps. 4. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. 5. Air fry at 370 F for 7 to 9 minutes. 6. Serve warm.

Bacon Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese

Sweet, salty, creamy and crispy all in one bite. Bacon wrapped dates are a classic holiday party appetizer, and the air fryer gets the bacon crisp all around without turning your oven into a smoky mess. Stuff them with goat cheese, or use blue cheese or an almond for a twist. Drizzle with a little honey right before serving. It is a favorite of the air fryer holiday recipes for parties. Which would you pick: goat cheese, blue cheese or almond?

You will need: 16 Medjool dates (pitted), 2 oz goat cheese, 8 slices bacon (cut in half), 16 wooden toothpicks, 1 tbsp honey, fresh thyme.

How to make it: 1. Fill each date with a little goat cheese. 2. Wrap with a half slice of bacon. 3. Secure with a toothpick. 4. Air fry at 375 F for 8 to 10 minutes until the bacon is crisp. 5. Let cool 2 minutes. 6. Drizzle with honey and add thyme.

Small Batch Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a must at many Thanksgiving tables, but a full size pie needs a full size oven. A 6 inch pie pan in the air fryer gives you a rich, gooey pecan pie for four to six people. Cook it low and slow so the filling sets before the nuts get too dark. It is also the perfect size for a holiday gift for a neighbor. Small pies like this make air fryer holiday recipes so handy. Do you eat your pecan pie warm or cold?

You will need: 1 refrigerated pie crust, 1/2 cup light corn syrup or maple syrup, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt, 1 cup pecan halves.

How to make it: 1. Fit the crust into a 6 inch pie pan. 2. Whisk the syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla and salt. 3. Spread the pecans in the crust and pour the filling over. 4. Air fry at 300 F for 25 to 30 minutes until the center barely jiggles. 5. Cover with foil if it browns too fast. 6. Cool completely before slicing.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips

These are the snack you will keep making all winter. Thin apple slices dusted with cinnamon turn crisp and chewy in the air fryer, with no added sugar needed. They are great for kids, for snack bowls on a holiday buffet and for little gift bags. A mandoline makes even slices so they cook at the same time. The chips crisp up more as they cool, so be patient. These air fryer holiday recipes make easy edible gifts too. Sweet apples or tart apples for chips?

You will need: 2 large apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp sugar (optional), a squeeze of lemon juice.

How to make it: 1. Core the apples and slice them 1/8 inch thick. 2. Toss with lemon juice, cinnamon and sugar. 3. Lay in a single layer in the basket. 4. Air fry at 300 F for 12 to 16 minutes, flipping every 4 minutes. 5. Spread on a rack to cool. 6. Store in an airtight jar.

Baked Apples With Walnuts and Oats

A YouTube video of apples and walnuts going into an air fryer has more than 1.3 million views, and this is the cozy dessert behind it. You can watch the video here. Cored apples get stuffed with walnuts, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon and turn soft and jammy in about 15 minutes. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and it tastes like apple crisp. Ice cream or whipped cream on top?

You will need: 4 apples (cored, bottoms left whole), 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup old fashioned oats, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 tbsp butter (softened), vanilla ice cream.

How to make it: 1. Mix the walnuts, oats, sugar, cinnamon and butter. 2. Pack the filling into the apples. 3. Set the apples in the basket. 4. Air fry at 350 F for 15 to 18 minutes until tender. 5. Rest 5 minutes. 6. Serve with ice cream.

Churro Sticks With Chocolate Dip

Churros at home usually mean a pot of hot oil, but this version uses puff pastry and the air fryer instead. The strips puff up flaky and golden, then get tossed in cinnamon sugar while warm. A two ingredient chocolate dip makes it a party. They are a fun dessert for a holiday movie night or a New Year’s Eve get together. Sweet air fryer holiday recipes like this beat any frying pan. Chocolate dip or caramel dip?

You will need: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed), 2 tbsp melted butter, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/3 cup heavy cream.

How to make it: 1. Cut the pastry into 1/2 inch strips and twist them. 2. Air fry in one layer at 375 F for 8 to 10 minutes. 3. Brush with butter. 4. Toss in the cinnamon sugar. 5. Heat the cream, pour over the chocolate chips and stir smooth. 6. Serve the churros with the dip.

Small Batch Christmas Sugar Cookies

Sometimes you want a few cookies, not six dozen. This small batch dough makes about 10 cut out sugar cookies, and the air fryer bakes them in about 6 minutes on parchment. They are perfect for decorating with kids on a quiet December afternoon. Chill the dough so the shapes hold. Use icing, sprinkles or both. What is your favorite cookie cutter shape: tree, star or gingerbread man?

You will need: 4 tbsp butter (softened), 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 2/3 cup flour, 1/8 tsp baking powder, pinch of salt, powdered sugar icing and sprinkles.

How to make it: 1. Beat the butter and sugar, then add the yolk and vanilla. 2. Mix in the flour, baking powder and salt. 3. Chill 30 minutes, roll 1/4 inch thick and cut shapes. 4. Place on parchment in the basket. 5. Air fry at 320 F for 5 to 7 minutes until the edges are set. 6. Cool and decorate.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls for a Holiday Morning

Christmas morning is busy enough without heating the big oven for breakfast. A can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls bakes in the air fryer in about 10 minutes, soft in the middle and golden on top. Pour a little cream over them before cooking for extra gooey rolls. Bake in two batches so they have room to rise. They are the perfect sweet ending to these air fryer holiday recipes. Which recipe from this list will you make first?

You will need: 1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing, 2 tbsp heavy cream, parchment paper.

How to make it: 1. Line the basket with parchment. 2. Place 4 to 5 rolls in the basket with space between them. 3. Drizzle a little cream over each roll. 4. Air fry at 320 F for 9 to 11 minutes until golden and cooked through. 5. Cool 2 minutes. 6. Spread with icing and repeat with the rest.