19 Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes for an Easier Holiday

Thanksgiving is all about gathering around a delicious meal, but preparing that meal can quickly become overwhelming. Between the turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, appetizers, rolls, and desserts, your oven can feel like the busiest appliance in the kitchen.

That’s where the air fryer comes in.

An air fryer can handle everything from crispy vegetables and potatoes to turkey breast, stuffing, biscuits, appetizers, and even desserts. It can be especially helpful when you need to free up oven space for larger dishes.

These 19 Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes for an Easier Holiday are designed to make your holiday menu simpler while still delivering the golden, crispy textures everyone loves. You’ll find a mix of main dishes, classic sides, appetizers, and desserts, so you can build a Thanksgiving menu around your air fryer.

Important: Air-fryer temperatures and cooking times can vary between models. For meat and poultry, always verify doneness with a food thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time. For example, a tested Food Network turkey-breast recipe cooks until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).

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1. Air Fryer Thanksgiving Turkey Breast

A small turkey breast is one of the best Thanksgiving dishes to make in an air fryer. It develops beautifully browned skin while keeping the inside juicy.

What You’ll Need

• 1 bone-in turkey breast, about 2–3 pounds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon sage
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step

1. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
2. Mix the herbs, spices, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Brush the turkey lightly with olive oil.
4. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey.
5. Place it skin-side down in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook at about 360°F for roughly 20 minutes.
7. Carefully flip the turkey so the skin faces upward.
8. Continue cooking until the thickest part reaches 165°F.
9. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

A tested Food Network version uses a 3.5-quart air fryer and reaches 165°F before resting and slicing.

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2. Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Crispy Brussels sprouts make an easy Thanksgiving side, and the air fryer is excellent for creating browned, crunchy outer leaves while keeping the centers tender.

What You’ll Need

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Optional: Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step

1. Trim the Brussels sprouts and cut larger ones in half.
2. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Arrange them in a single layer.
4. Air fry at about 375°F until browned and tender.
5. Shake the basket halfway through.
6. Drizzle with maple syrup.
7. Add Parmesan before serving if desired.

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3. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Golden potatoes with garlic and Parmesan are an easy addition to almost any Thanksgiving table.

What You’ll Need

• 1½ pounds baby potatoes
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley

Step-by-Step

1. Wash and halve the potatoes.
2. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat the air fryer if your model recommends it.
4. Place potatoes cut-side down in the basket.
5. Air fry at 380°F until golden and tender.
6. Shake the basket halfway through.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan over the hot potatoes.
8. Garnish with parsley.

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4. Air Fryer Stuffing

Air fryer stuffing gives you a crisp top while keeping the center soft and savory. Air fryer stuffing is also among the Thanksgiving applications highlighted by Food Network and other holiday recipe collections.

What You’ll Need

• 4 cups cubed day-old bread
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sage
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Sauté onion and celery until softened.
3. Combine the bread, vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Add broth gradually until the bread is moist but not soggy.
5. Transfer to an air-fryer-safe baking dish.
6. Air fry at 350°F until heated through and golden on top.
7. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving.

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5. Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Whole sweet potatoes become tender and creamy inside while their skins develop a delicious roasted texture.

What You’ll Need

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt
• Butter
• Chives or parsley
• Optional maple syrup

Step-by-Step

1. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes.
2. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
3. Rub lightly with oil.
4. Place them in the air fryer.
5. Cook at around 380–400°F until fork-tender.
6. Split them open.
7. Add butter and your favorite toppings.

Air-fried sweet potatoes are popular for Thanksgiving because circulating hot air can produce a crisp exterior and soft interior without conventional oven preheating.

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6. Air Fryer Green Beans

Fresh green beans become lightly crisp and flavorful with very little preparation.

What You’ll Need

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon zest
• Sliced almonds

Step-by-Step

1. Trim the green beans.
2. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place them in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook at 375°F until tender-crisp.
5. Shake halfway through.
6. Finish with lemon zest.
7. Sprinkle toasted almonds on top.

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7. Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a great appetizer when you want something savory without occupying the main oven.

What You’ll Need

• 12 large mushrooms
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step

1. Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, cream cheese, garlic, and parsley.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Fill each mushroom cap.
5. Place them carefully in the air fryer.
6. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden.
7. Cool for a few minutes before serving.

Food Network includes stuffed mushrooms among its Thanksgiving air-fryer options.

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8. Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Roasted butternut squash is naturally sweet and develops delicious caramelized edges in the air fryer.

What You’ll Need

• 1 small butternut squash
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Fresh thyme

Step-by-Step

1. Peel and cube the squash.
2. Toss with olive oil and seasonings.
3. Arrange in a single layer.
4. Air fry at about 380°F.
5. Shake the basket during cooking.
6. Continue until tender with browned edges.
7. Finish with fresh thyme.

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9. Air Fryer Dinner Rolls

Warm dinner rolls can be prepared quickly in an air fryer, helping free your oven for larger Thanksgiving dishes.

What You’ll Need

• Refrigerated or prepared dinner rolls
• Melted butter
• Optional garlic powder
• Fresh parsley

Step-by-Step

1. Arrange the rolls in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
2. Brush lightly with melted butter.
3. Air fry at approximately 330–350°F.
4. Cook until puffed and golden.
5. Brush with more butter.
6. Add parsley before serving.

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10. Air Fryer Cornbread

Cornbread is a comforting Thanksgiving side that can be cooked in a small air-fryer-safe pan.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step

1. Mix the dry ingredients.
2. Whisk together egg, milk, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
4. Pour the batter into a greased air-fryer-safe pan.
5. Air fry at about 330°F.
6. Cook until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Rest before slicing.

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11. Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Acorn squash makes a beautiful Thanksgiving side because its natural shape creates an attractive presentation.

What You’ll Need

• 2 acorn squash
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Chopped pecans

Step-by-Step

1. Cut the squash in half.
2. Remove the seeds.
3. Brush the cut side with butter.
4. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Place cut-side up in the air fryer.
6. Cook until tender.
7. Add chopped pecans before serving.

Air-fried acorn squash with brown butter is another Thanksgiving-friendly preparation highlighted by Food Network.

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12. Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

You can create a smaller green bean casserole in an air-fryer-safe baking dish and finish it with crispy onions.

What You’ll Need

• 3 cups cooked green beans
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Black pepper
• 1 cup crispy fried onions

Step-by-Step

1. Mix green beans, soup, milk, garlic powder, and pepper.
2. Transfer to a small air-fryer-safe dish.
3. Cover loosely if needed to prevent excessive browning.
4. Cook until hot and bubbling.
5. Remove the cover.
6. Add crispy onions.
7. Air fry briefly until the topping is golden.

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13. Air Fryer Carrots With Maple Glaze

Sweet maple-glazed carrots add beautiful color to a Thanksgiving spread.

What You’ll Need

• 1 pound carrots
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt
• Fresh thyme

Step-by-Step

1. Peel and cut carrots into similar-sized pieces.
2. Toss with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Place them in the air fryer.
4. Cook at about 380°F until tender.
5. Shake the basket halfway through.
6. Finish with fresh thyme.

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14. Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites

Turn creamy mac and cheese into crispy little Thanksgiving appetizers.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups prepared macaroni and cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup Parmesan
• Black pepper
• Cooking spray

Step-by-Step

1. Chill the prepared macaroni and cheese until firm.
2. Scoop small portions and shape into balls.
3. Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan.
4. Dip each ball into beaten egg.
5. Coat with breadcrumbs.
6. Place in the air fryer.
7. Cook until crisp and golden.
8. Serve warm.

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15. Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites

These sweet-savory bites are perfect for Thanksgiving appetizers.

What You’ll Need

• Puff pastry squares
• Brie cheese
• Cranberry sauce
• Chopped pecans
• Fresh rosemary

Step-by-Step

1. Cut puff pastry into small squares.
2. Place each piece into a small air-fryer-safe mold.
3. Add a small piece of Brie.
4. Spoon cranberry sauce on top.
5. Sprinkle with pecans.
6. Air fry until the pastry is puffed and golden.
7. Garnish with rosemary.

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16. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are an easy way to add crispy sweet potatoes to your Thanksgiving menu. They are also frequently included in air-fryer Thanksgiving recipe collections.

What You’ll Need

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step

1. Peel the sweet potatoes.
2. Cut them into evenly sized fries.
3. Soak briefly in cold water if desired.
4. Dry thoroughly.
5. Toss with oil and seasonings.
6. Arrange in a single layer.
7. Air fry until crisp and golden.
8. Shake several times during cooking.

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17. Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Bites

You can make small pumpkin pie-style treats in the air fryer instead of preparing a full-size pie.

What You’ll Need

• Refrigerated pie crust
• Pumpkin puree
• Brown sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Egg
• Evaporated milk
• Whipped cream

Step-by-Step

1. Cut the pie crust into small circles.
2. Press the circles into small heat-safe molds.
3. Mix pumpkin puree, sugar, spice, egg, and milk.
4. Spoon the filling into the crusts.
5. Air fry carefully until the filling is set.
6. Cool completely.
7. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Air-fryer pumpkin pie is included among Thanksgiving dessert ideas in several air-fryer holiday collections.

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18. Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Warm apple crisp is a wonderful Thanksgiving dessert and works especially well in individual ramekins.

What You’ll Need

• 3 apples
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step

1. Peel and chop the apples.
2. Toss apples with brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Place them into small air-fryer-safe ramekins.
4. Mix oats, flour, butter, and salt until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
6. Air fry until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.
7. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

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19. Air Fryer Brown Sugar Ham

A small ham can be transformed into a glossy, caramelized Thanksgiving centerpiece. Air-fryer holiday recipes commonly use sweet-savory glazes to create a browned exterior.

What You’ll Need

• 2–3 pound precooked ham
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Step-by-Step

1. Pat the ham dry.
2. Mix brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, allspice, and butter.
3. Brush the glaze over the ham.
4. Place the ham in the air fryer basket or an appropriate air-fryer-safe dish.
5. Cook according to the ham’s size and package directions.
6. Brush with additional glaze during cooking.
7. Continue until heated through and caramelized.
8. Rest briefly before slicing.

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Tips for Using an Air Fryer on Thanksgiving

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Air circulation is essential for crisp food. Work in batches when necessary instead of filling the basket too tightly.

Use Small Baking Dishes

For casseroles, stuffing, desserts, and other soft foods, use cookware specifically rated for your air fryer and appropriate for its basket or chamber.

Keep a Food Thermometer Nearby

Cooking time can vary significantly by air fryer model and food size. For poultry, verify that the thickest portion reaches a safe internal temperature before serving. The tested turkey recipe above uses 165°F as the endpoint.

Plan Your Cooking Order

The air fryer can take pressure off the main oven, but it still has limited capacity. Prepare dishes that need similar temperatures together when practical.

Don’t Forget the Resting Time

Turkey and other large proteins benefit from resting before slicing. This also gives you a few extra minutes to finish sides and set the table.

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Conclusion

Thanksgiving cooking doesn’t have to mean filling every inch of your kitchen with cookware. Your air fryer can take care of a surprising number of holiday favorites, from turkey breast and stuffing to Brussels sprouts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, appetizers, rolls, and desserts.

The key is to think of your air fryer as a helpful second cooking station rather than trying to prepare the entire Thanksgiving feast in one batch. Use it for dishes that benefit from crisp edges, caramelization, or quick cooking while your conventional oven handles the larger dishes.

With these 19 Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes, you can create a holiday spread that’s flavorful, festive, and a little easier to manage—leaving more time for family, friends, and enjoying the celebration.

FAQ

1. Can you cook Thanksgiving dinner in an air fryer?

Yes, many Thanksgiving dishes can be prepared in an air fryer, including turkey breast, vegetables, potatoes, stuffing, appetizers, rolls, and desserts. However, basket capacity means it’s generally most practical to use the air fryer alongside your regular oven rather than for an entire large feast.

2. Can I cook turkey in an air fryer?

Yes. Turkey breast is particularly suitable for air frying. Always check the thickest part with a food thermometer and follow a reliable recipe’s safe-temperature guidance.

3. Is air-fried turkey good for Thanksgiving?

Air frying can produce a browned, crispy exterior while keeping the turkey breast moist when cooked properly.

4. What Thanksgiving sides are best in an air fryer?

Brussels sprouts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, butternut squash, acorn squash, carrots, stuffing, and rolls are all useful options.

5. Can I make stuffing in an air fryer?

Yes. Stuffing can be prepared in an air-fryer-safe baking dish, giving it a golden, crispy top while keeping the interior soft.

6. Can I make dessert in an air fryer?

Yes. Small desserts such as apple crisp, pumpkin pie bites, and other individual desserts can work well in an air fryer.

7. Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

It depends on the model and recipe. Some recipes benefit from preheating, while others can start in a cold basket. Follow your air fryer’s instructions and the recipe you’re using.

8. Can I use aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Many air fryers can accommodate foil when used correctly, but it should never block necessary airflow or come into contact with heating elements. Always follow your appliance manufacturer’s instructions.

9. How do I keep Thanksgiving food crispy?

Avoid overcrowding the basket, use a light coating of oil when appropriate, and serve crispy foods soon after cooking.

10. Can I prepare Thanksgiving food ahead of time?

Yes. Many vegetables, stuffing components, desserts, and appetizers can be prepped ahead. On Thanksgiving Day, use the air fryer to crisp or reheat appropriate dishes close to serving time.