Air fryer cooking has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s no wonder why. This innovative kitchen appliance allows you to enjoy the crispy texture of fried foods without the excessive oil and calories. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to explore the benefits of using an air fryer for your holiday dishes.

In this article, we will provide you with a variety of air fryer recipes that are sure to impress your guests on Thanksgiving Day. From a crispy and juicy turkey to a creamy sweet potato casserole, we have you covered. So let’s dive in and discover the wonders of air fryer cooking for Thanksgiving.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers can be a great addition to your Thanksgiving cooking arsenal.
• An air fryer can produce a crispy and juicy turkey with less oil and in less time than traditional methods.
• Sweet potato casserole, Brussels sprouts with bacon, cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes can all be made in an air fryer.
• Cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie can also be made in an air fryer, making it a versatile tool for Thanksgiving cooking.
• Tips and tricks for air fryer cooking on Thanksgiving include preheating the air fryer, using a meat thermometer, and adjusting cooking times and temperatures as needed.

Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Recipe

The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving feast is undoubtedly the turkey. And with an air fryer, you can achieve a perfectly cooked bird with a crispy skin and juicy meat. Here’s how:

Ingredients:
– 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil
– Herbs and spices of your choice (such as rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder)

Preparation:
1. Thaw the turkey completely if frozen, following the instructions on the packaging.
2. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity of the turkey.
3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
4. Season the turkey generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices.
5. Rub olive oil all over the turkey to help crisp up the skin.

Step-by-step instructions for cooking the turkey in an air fryer:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the turkey in the air fryer basket breast-side down.
3. Cook for 30 minutes.
4. Flip the turkey breast-side up using tongs or oven mitts.
5. Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue cooking for about 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Tips for achieving a crispy skin and juicy meat:
– Make sure to pat the turkey dry before seasoning it to ensure a crispy skin.
– Rubbing olive oil all over the turkey will help promote browning and crispiness.
– Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
– Letting the turkey rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bird.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Sweet potato casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. The air fryer will give you a crispy topping while keeping the sweet potato filling creamy and delicious. Here’s how:

Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup mini marshmallows

Preparation:
1. Place the sweet potato cubes in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
2. Microwave on high for about 8-10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Drain any excess liquid from the sweet potatoes.
4. Mash the sweet potatoes with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
5. Add the brown sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix well.
6. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to an air fryer-safe baking dish.
7. Top with mini marshmallows.

Step-by-step instructions for cooking the sweet potato casserole in an air fryer:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the baking dish with the sweet potato casserole in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Tips for achieving a crispy topping and creamy filling:
– Microwaving the sweet potatoes before mashing them will help ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
– Mixing the sweet potato filling well will result in a creamy and smooth texture.
– Adding mini marshmallows to the top of the casserole will create a deliciously crispy and gooey topping.
– Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s cooking to prevent the marshmallows from burning.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe

Brussels sprouts are a nutritious and flavorful vegetable that can be taken to a whole new level when cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer will give them a crispy texture while retaining their natural sweetness. Adding bacon takes this dish to another level of deliciousness. Here’s how:

Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
1. In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
2. Add the crumbled bacon to the bowl and mix well.

Step-by-step instructions for cooking the Brussels sprouts and bacon in an air fryer:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the Brussels sprouts are crispy and golden brown.

Tips for achieving a crispy texture and smoky flavor:
– Make sure to trim the Brussels sprouts and halve them for even cooking.
– Tossing the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper will help them crisp up in the air fryer.
– Adding cooked and crumbled bacon to the Brussels sprouts will infuse them with a smoky flavor.
– Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Air Fryer Cornbread Stuffing Recipe

Cornbread stuffing is a Thanksgiving staple, and cooking it in an air fryer will give it a crispy crust while keeping the interior moist and flavorful. Here’s how:

Ingredients:
– 4 cups cornbread, crumbled
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 2 teaspoons dried sage
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
1. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, diced onion, diced celery, melted butter, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Gradually add the chicken broth to the cornbread mixture, stirring until well combined.

Step-by-step instructions for cooking the cornbread stuffing in an air fryer:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the cornbread stuffing mixture to an air fryer-safe baking dish.
3. Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.

Tips for achieving a crispy crust and moist interior:
– Using crumbled cornbread as the base for the stuffing will give it a deliciously crispy texture.
– Adding diced onion and celery to the stuffing mixture will provide extra flavor and moisture.
– Gradually adding chicken broth to the cornbread mixture will help keep it moist.
– Keep an eye on the stuffing while it’s cooking to prevent it from drying out or burning.

Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that can be easily adapted for air fryer cooking. The air fryer will give you a crispy topping while keeping the green beans tender and flavorful. Here’s how:

Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup French fried onions
– Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
1. In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Drain the green beans and add them to the soup mixture. Stir until well coated.

Step-by-step instructions for cooking the green bean casserole in an air fryer:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the green bean mixture to an air fryer-safe baking dish.
3. Top with French fried onions.

Tips for achieving a crispy topping and tender green beans:
– Blanching the green beans before adding them to the casserole will help them cook evenly and retain their vibrant color.
– Mixing the green beans with the cream of mushroom soup mixture will ensure they are well coated and flavorful.
– Adding French fried onions to the top of the casserole will create a crispy and delicious topping.
– Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s cooking to prevent the onions from burning.

Air Fryer Mashed Potato Recipe

Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, and cooking them in an air fryer will give them a creamy texture with a golden brown crust. Here’s how:

Ingredients:
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup milk
– 4 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
1. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
2. Cook the potatoes until tender, then drain and return them to the pot.
3. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the pot.
4. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.

Step-by-step instructions for cooking the mashed potatoes in an air fryer:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Transfer the mashed potatoes to an air fryer-safe baking dish.
3. Smooth out the top of the mashed potatoes with a spatula.
4. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Tips for achieving a creamy texture and golden brown crust:
– Boiling the potatoes until they are tender will make them easier to mash.
– Adding milk and butter to the mashed potatoes will make them creamy and flavorful.
– Smooth out the top of the mashed potatoes before cooking to ensure even browning.
– Keep an eye on the mashed potatoes while they’re cooking to prevent them from burning.

Air Fryer Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving essential, and making it in an air fryer will give it a thick and flavorful consistency. Here’s how:

Ingredients:
– 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– Zest of 1 orange

Preparation:
1. In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
4. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step-by-step instructions for cooking the cranberry sauce in an air fryer:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the cranberry sauce to an air fryer-safe baking dish.
3. Smooth out the top of the cranberry sauce with a spatula.
4. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens even more.

Tips for achieving a thick and flavorful sauce:
– Simmering the cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and orange zest will infuse the sauce with a delicious citrus flavor.
– Letting the cranberry sauce cool before transferring it to the air fryer will help it thicken even more.
– Smooth out the top of the cranberry sauce before cooking to ensure even heating.
– Keep an eye on the cranberry sauce while it’s cooking to prevent it from burning.

Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Recipe

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a pumpkin pie, and making it in an air fryer will give you a flaky crust and smooth filling. Here’s how:

Ingredients:
– 1 pre-made pie crust
– 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
– 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Whipped cream for serving

Preparation:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the pre-made pie crust in a pie dish and crimp the edges.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pie crust.

Step-by-step instructions for cooking the pumpkin pie in an air fryer:
1. Place the pie dish with the pumpkin pie in the air fryer basket.
2. Cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
3. Remove from the air fryer and let cool completely before serving.
4. Serve with whipped cream.

Tips for achieving a flaky crust and smooth filling:
– Using a pre-made pie crust will save you time and effort.
– Whisking the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, spices, and salt together will ensure a smooth and flavorful filling.
– Letting the pumpkin pie cool completely before serving will allow it to set properly.
– Serve with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Tips and Tricks for Air Fryer Cooking on Thanksgiving Day

Now that you have an air fryer, you can take advantage of its quick and efficient cooking capabilities on Thanksgiving Day. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most out of your air fryer on this special occasion.

1. Plan your menu: Before the big day, decide which dishes you want to cook in the air fryer. This will help you determine the cooking times and temperatures for each dish.

2. Preheat the air fryer: Just like with a traditional oven, preheating your air fryer is essential for achieving crispy and evenly cooked food. Preheat it for a few minutes before adding your ingredients.

3. Use the right accessories: Invest in accessories like baking pans, racks, and skewers that are specifically designed for air fryers. These will help you cook a variety of dishes and maximize the space in your air fryer.

4. Don’t overcrowd the basket: To ensure proper air circulation and even cooking, avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if necessary, giving each ingredient enough space to crisp up.

5. Adjust cooking times and temperatures: Air fryers tend to cook food faster than traditional ovens, so keep an eye on your dishes and adjust the cooking times and temperatures accordingly. Start with a lower time or temperature setting and increase if needed.

6. Flip or shake halfway through: For even browning, flip or shake your food halfway through the cooking process. This will help ensure that all sides are cooked evenly.

7. Use oil sparingly: One of the benefits of air frying is that it requires less oil than traditional frying methods. Use a light coating of oil or cooking spray to achieve a crispy texture without excessive greasiness.

8. Experiment with seasonings: Air frying can enhance the flavors of your dishes, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices. Try adding herbs, spices, or marinades to elevate the taste of your Thanksgiving dishes.

9. Keep it warm: If you’re cooking multiple dishes in the air fryer, keep the finished ones warm by placing them in a low-temperature oven or covering them with foil while you finish cooking the rest.

10. Clean up promptly: After your Thanksgiving feast, make sure to clean your air fryer promptly. Most air fryer baskets and accessories are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

By following these tips and tricks, you can make your Thanksgiving Day cooking experience with an air fryer a success. Enjoy crispy and delicious dishes without the hassle of traditional frying methods.

Looking for more delicious recipes to make your Thanksgiving easier? Check out this article on Air Fryer Cookie Recipes from Air-Fry.net. With their easy-to-follow instructions and mouthwatering photos, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of perfectly crispy and gooey cookies in no time. Whether you’re a fan of classic chocolate chip or prefer something more unique like snickerdoodles or peanut butter blossoms, this article has got you covered. So grab your air fryer and get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these delectable treats. Click here to read the article and start baking!

FAQs

What is an air fryer?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food, similar to a convection oven. It circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior without the need for oil.

What are the benefits of using an air fryer?

Using an air fryer can be a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as it requires little to no oil. It also cooks food quickly and evenly, and can be used to make a variety of dishes.

What are some air fryer recipes for Thanksgiving?

The article “10 Air Fryer Recipes for an Easier Thanksgiving” provides recipes for dishes such as turkey breast, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and apple crisp.

Can I use an air fryer to cook a whole turkey?

No, an air fryer is not large enough to cook a whole turkey. However, it can be used to cook a turkey breast or other smaller cuts of meat.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Yes, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer before cooking. This helps to ensure that the food cooks evenly and achieves a crispy exterior.

Can I use aluminum foil in my air fryer?

Yes, you can use aluminum foil in your air fryer. However, it is important to make sure that the foil does not block the air flow, as this can affect the cooking process.

How do I clean my air fryer?

Most air fryers have removable parts that can be washed in the sink or dishwasher. The interior of the air fryer can be wiped down with a damp cloth. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.