Valued at $5.6 billion, the air fryer industry is booming, with no sign of slowing down. The energy-efficient, healthier alternative to traditional frying has proven to be as versatile as it is popular. With Christmas fast approaching, air fryers are a handy tool to help us conquer holiday menu preparations. In the spirit of the season, here are a few festive air fryer recipes to get started.

1. Crispy Turkey Bites

Fragrant thyme and garlic meets tender turkey for an easy appetizer fit for any holiday gathering,

Ingredients

  • 1 pound turkey breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or garlic powder)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, mix turkey chunks, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dip each turkey piece in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
  4. Place the coated turkey pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  5. Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.

2. Mini Honey-Glazed Ham Skewers

These sweet and savory honey-glazed ham skewers are a handheld twist on a Christmas classic.

Ingredients

  1. 2.5 pound cooked ham, cut into 2-inch cubes
  2. 1/2 cup honey
  3. 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  4. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  5. 1.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  6. 16 pre-soaked mini bamboo skewers

Instructions

  1. Soak skewers in water for at least 30 minutes
  2. Prepare glaze. In a bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and ground cinnamon.
  3. Thread 3-4 chunks of ham cubes onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each for even cooking.
  4. Generously brush with the honey glaze.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Put skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.

3. Garlic Mashed Potato Balls

Indulge in these creamy, crispy, flavorful garlic mashed potato balls this holiday season. Equally delicious as a side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes, chilled
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions

  1. Make mashed potatoes using a recipe of choice. Cool and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  2. In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
  3. Shape the mixture into balls. Use an ice cream scoop for consistent size.
  4. Dip each ball into the beaten eggs and then roll in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
  5. Place the coated potato balls in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  6. Cook for 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.

4. Apple Cheddar Stuffing Fritters

Stuffing, cheddar cheese, and apples come together to create a hearty holiday snack. Great for using up leftover stuffing.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups prepared stuffing
  • 1 apple, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine stuffing, chopped apple, shredded cheddar cheese, and beaten egg.
  2. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter and shape into 1-inch thick patties.
  3. Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  4. Cook for 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.

5. Pumpkin Pie Wontons

Sweet and crispy, this unique take on a holiday favorite is sure to delight dessert lovers.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 package of Wonton wrappers
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
  2. Spoon a small dollop of the mixture onto each wonton wrapper.
  3. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, then fold one corner to the other to form a triangle. Press to seal.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Place the filled wontons in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  6. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the wontons are golden and crispy.
  7. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

6. Cranberry Orange Churros

These churros are infused with festive fruit flavors. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and guaranteed to fill the house with their irresistible aroma.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Zest or one orange
  • ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • Cinnamon sugar for coating (½ cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon)

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar; Bring to a boil.
  2. Add flour and reduce heat to medium-low. Using a rubber spatula, stir continuously until a smooth ball forms.
  3. Transfer to a mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
  4. Add egg and vanilla, and combine with an electric mixer until smooth.
  5. Fold in orange zest and cranberries.
  6. Transfer the dough to a piping bag with a star piping tip.
  7. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
  8. Pipe the dough into 6-inch long pieces in the air fryer basket.
  9. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the churros are golden.
  10. Roll the warm churros in cinnamon sugar.

Season’s greetings, happy air frying!