Coming from someone who now believes in 15-minute meals, air fryers changed my life. These countertop appliances use hot air to cook, delivering crispy, crunchy, and delicious food – without all the oil.
When you’re preparing a variety of meals — as is the case during the holidays — air fryers keep things incredibly easy. Keep scrolling for some delicious Christmas air fryer recipes to try this year — they might even make you treat yourself this holiday season.
What Is An Air-fryer?
As we mentioned, an air fryer is a countertop kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food. The hot air crisps its contents to a delicious golden brown — similar to that of a deep fryer — without having to submerge it in oil. Therefore, air fryers are great for making healthier alternatives to holiday classics.
The Benefits of Air Frying
Why bother air frying your food? Well, as you can imagine, there are plenty of health benefits:
- Minimize fat content
- Increase safety during food preparation
- Reduce acrylamide – which is a compound found in most deep-fried food
- Minimize calorie consumption – which supports weight loss and management
Easy Christmas Recipes to Make in an Air Fryer
Put your air fryer basket to good use this year! These Christmas air fryer recipes are suitable for everyone at your table:
Air Fryer Stuffing
Stuffing is a holiday classic – and for good reason! Packed with carrots, leeks, and celery, this air fryer Christmas recipe offers a fun twist on tradition. And preparing it in the air fryer keeps things incredibly easy.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Walnuts
We love filling candy jars with these festive Air Fryer Cinnamon Walnuts. They taste just like roasted walnuts at the fair, making them an ideal treat to bring to a holiday party. Of course, you could also use them to elevate your own appetizer table.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Every holiday table needs a scrumptious vegetable side dish. And while oven-roasted green beans often take a while, these Air Fryer Green Beans require just 35 minutes of your time.
Air Fryer Sugar Cookies
Did you know that you can make cookies in an air fryer? Because these Air Fryer Sugar Cookies are easy to prepare and loaded with flavor. They combine butter, sugar, and vanilla extract to create the perfect base for holiday cutout cookies. Feel free to add red or green food coloring for a festive touch.
Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a seasonal favorite. And thanks to your air fryer, preparing them has never been easier. These cookies are made with pantry staples and finished in minutes, making them the perfect holiday gift for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.
Air Fryer Christmas Cookies
Whether you’re baking cookies for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or for Santa, these Air Fryer Christmas Cookies are a delicious, festive treat without all the effort. This recipe has four different renditions, so there’s something suitable for every palate.
Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Canapés
Brie and cranberry are a mouthwatering holiday pairing. And these Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Canapés might just be the best way to enjoy them. The cranberry’s tarty sweetness contrasts perfectly with the brie’s creaminess, making every bite irresistible. Personally? We recommend serving this dish alongside a glass — or two — of Prosecco.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
These Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls come together from scratch in just eight minutes, making them the perfect treat for Christmas morning. They’re soft, fluffy, and loaded with cream cheese frosting. And the delicious dough requires just two ingredients – no yeast necessary!
Air Fryer Baked Apples
This festive dessert is one the whole family — or friend group — will love. It comes together incredibly quickly, and you can serve it alongside pancakes, ice cream, or whatever else your heart (or stomach) desires.
Air Fryer Glazed Ham
If ham is your holiday protein of choice, this air fryer Christmas recipe is a great option. All you have to do is brush the ham with a delicious-yet-simple glaze of brown sugar, honey, orange juice, and mustard. Then, air fry until the exterior is crispy.
Air Fryer Baked Brie
Baked brie is always a festive addition to a charcuterie board. And this Air Fryer Baked Brie recipe is one of the easiest ways to prepare it. Simply wrap the cheese in puff pastry and top with fruit preserves and nuts. The final result will be a delicious party appetizer that tastes far fancier than it is.
Air Fryer Creamed Corn Casserole
Creamed corn casserole is a staple on our holiday table. For this air fryer version, simply put all the ingredients into an oven-safe bowl and insert it into the air fryer basket. Just 40 minutes later, you’ll have a delicious vegetable side dish that will complement any entreé.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are fantastically crispy and not at all soggy (which unfortunately isn’t true of many oven-roasted variations). If you prefer sprouts that are crispy on the outside and more tender on the inside, soak them in water for ten minutes before air frying.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
This decadent classic features yams, sugar, cinnamon, pecans, butter, and more. Each time we make this holiday side dish, it’s one of the first things to disappear from the table.
Air Fryer Pecan Pie
This classic dessert is made with fresh pecans, corn syrup, and brown sugar, offering a delicious post-turkey treat. Even though pecan pie is one of the simplest pies to make, popping it in an air fryer makes things even easier.
Air Fryer Rolls
Preparing rolls in the air fryer is significantly faster (and easier) than baking them in a traditional oven. If you’re using a smaller air fryer, note that you’ll likely have to bake them in batches.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
This Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe is loaded with nutrients and plenty of flavor. It’s the ideal complement to roasted meat, festive salads, and whatever else your Christmas table has to offer.
Christmas Air Fryer Recipes
Thanks to these Christmas air fryer recipes, your holiday table can be filled with delicious, nutritious, and incredibly simple dishes. If you’d like more air fryer guides or holiday recipe inspiration, head to the food & nutrition section of our website.
