Don’t get us wrong: We love Thanksgiving . But besides the turkey skin and pie crust , there isn’t much crunch to be found on a traditional menu. (In fact, we’d argue that between the stuffing, cranberry sauce and sweet potato casserole, most of the food is soft or […]
Click here to view original web page at www.purewow.com
Don’t get us wrong: We love Thanksgiving. But besides the turkey skin and pie crust, there isn’t much crunch to be found on a traditional menu. (In fact, we’d argue that between the stuffing, cranberry sauce and sweet potato casserole, most of the food is soft or mushy.) But have no fear: As long as you have an air fryer in your arsenal, that’s an easy fix. Read on for 34 air fryer Thanksgiving recipes, including appetizers, sides, mains and even desserts.
1. Air Fryer Avocado Wedges with Garlic Aioli
Kick the party off with these handhelds that are buttery and creamy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, thanks to panko breadcrumbs.
2. Air Fryer Crispy Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Leave it to sharp red onion and zingy balsamic vinegar to reinvigorate a boring veggie side. Feel free to toss the sprouts with pecans, crumbled goat cheese and crushed red pepper flakes for an even greater breadth of flavor (and texture).
4. Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Decadent cream cheese cuts right through the pepper’s biting heat. Serve them solo with toothpicks so your guests can nosh on them easily, or plate them with warm nacho cheese for dipping.
5. Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix
This sweet-and-salty snack is loaded with cinnamon, butter and pumpkin pie spice. Use store-bought seasoning or make your own (it’s easier than you think, promise).
6. Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Twists
We love you, store-bought pizza dough. Dunk these in ketchup, Dijon mustard, marinara sauce or nothing at all—they’ll be delicious no matter what.
7. Air Fryer Carrots, Five Ways
Take your pick from plain, sweet brown sugar, spicy bacon, Indian-inspired and medley varieties. No matter which route you go, the carrots will pair well with just about anything.
8. Air Fryer Cornbread
Skip the usual canned biscuits in favor of tender, crumbly cornbread. Bonus points for topping your slice with honey, butter and diced chiles.
9. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
When in doubt, chips and dip never fails. Might we suggest pairing these three-ingredient gems with savory bacon guacamole or spicy avocado hummus?
10. Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Muffins
Any appetizer with this much cheese in it is bound to be a hit. Make the mac and cheese ahead so it’s cold and ready to mold on Turkey Day.
11. Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chickpeas
Use them to garnish your famous pumpkin soup, sprinkle them atop an autumn salad or simply plop them in a bowl and let your relatives snack their hearts out.
12. Air Fryer “Roasted” Potatoes
They’re garlicky, cheesy and packed with fresh and dried herbs alike—what’s not to love? The only thing that could make them tastier is a drizzle of warm gravy.
13. Air Fryer Parmesan Shrimp
A satisfying, flavorful appetizer that’s ready to eat in ten minutes? It’s a Thanksgiving miracle. Serve the shrimp with plenty of lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.
14. Air Fryer Mushrooms
It doesn’t take much more than a few pantry staples and 20 minutes of your time to transform these baby bellas into a drool-worthy side.
15. Air Fryer Meatballs
Look no further if you have relatives on keto. The egg is enough to hold the meatballs together, so you can omit the panko breadcrumbs if need be.
16. Shawarma Green Beans
The homemade shawarma spice mix (a blend of dried oregano, cinnamon and other warm seasonings) can be used on basically any protein or veggie that you have on hand.
17. Air Fryer Acorn Squash
The recipe only calls for two basic seasonings, but we’re betting this sweet squash would taste incredible drizzled with anything from maple syrup to chile crisp.
18. Air Fryer Cheese Biscuits
Be sure to save the leftovers for Black Friday brunch (we’re planning to load ours with chorizo, cheddar cheese and a runny egg).
19. Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
At our Thanksgiving table, stuffing is just as important as the bird. Substitute chicken or turkey sausage for Italian pork sausage or spruce it up with dried cranberries.
20. Easy Air Fryer Loaded Sweet Potatoes
You can pile ’em high with butter and honey, but we wouldn’t blame you for sticking to tradition and going the route of mini marshmallows instead.
22. Air Fryer Turkey Breast
If you’re only serving a few people, there’s no need to fuss over a whole bird. The breast alone will provide more than enough meat for you and your guests (plus leftovers to spare).
23. Air Fryer Maple Glazed Salmon
If poultry isn’t your thing, this seasonal seafood recipe may be just the ticket. We’re betting you have every ingredient but the salmon in your kitchen right now.
24. Air Fryer Whole Chicken
If you’re looking for the same impressive look of a whole turkey but want to scale it down, chicken is your next best option. This one is seasoned with nothing but EVOO and dry spices.
25. Air Fryer Pot Roast
If you’re not sold on chicken or turkey, beef is always a crowd-pleaser, especially in the colder months. The chuck roast is marinated in fresh citrus juice, soy sauce and a few pantry staples overnight before it’s cooked.
26. Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Dark meat lovers, rejoice. You’ll be able to dig into the main event in a mere 45 minutes, so have all your sides ready to reheat when you pop the legs in the air fryer.
27. Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Thanksgiving dinner for two has never looked so fancy. Go the extra mile by pairing the lemon butter lobster with an impeccably seared steak for a little surf-and-turf action.
28. Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken
Think thin, tenderized chicken breast stuffed with spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan and jalapeños. The crispy bacon exterior merely gilds the lily.
29. Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin
If your family prefers white meat, this simple recipe with only ten minutes of prep is basically foolproof.
30. Air Fryer Apple Fries with Caramel Dip
This fall treat couldn’t be easier to pull off. The apples are coated in crushed graham crackers for extra crunch.
31. Maple Pecan Bars with Sea Salt
All the flavor and gooey decadence of pecan pie, but way easier to prepare. Be sure to serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (but we’re guessing you knew that already).
32. Air Fryer Baked Pears
It’s time for the pear to stop living in apple’s shadow. Finish them with whipped cream, chopped nuts or halved figs.
33. Air Fryer Churros
’Tis the season for all things cinnamon, and that includes these tiny bites of sugar-coated dough. Pass the chocolate and dulce de leche dipping sauces, please.
34. Air Fryer Apple Pie Chimichangas
If turkey and all the fixings don’t fill you up, these heavenly pockets of caramel-laced bliss are sure to get the job done.
