15 Handy Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes

Save on oven space this holiday with these easy recipes to cook up all your classic Thanksgiving favorites!

October 26, 2022

By: Rachel Trujillo

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Photo By: Matt Armendariz

Photo By: KATE MATHIS

Photo By: Matt Armendariz

Photo By: KATE MATHIS

Photo By: Teri Lyn Fisher

Photo By: Matt Armendariz

Photo By: Renee Comet

Photo By: Matt Armendariz

Photo By: Teri Lyn Fisher

Photo By: Renee Comet

Photo By: Matt Armendariz

Photo By: Renee Comet

How To Cook Thanksgiving Dinner in an Air Fryer

Thanksgiving can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time making the meal for your family. That’s why, we think it’s important to remember you have cooking options other than your trusty stovetop and oven. Air fryer were all the rage this year, and you can make everything from appetizers and side dishes to the main course in these countertop appliances. We’ve rounded up our top air fryer recipes that we think should be incorporated into your turkey-day menu (even if you don’t like turkey!). And, if you don't have an air fryer yet — don't worry! We tested a bunch to help you decide which is right for you. You won’t have to worry about a tedious oven schedule again.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Thanksgiving Turkey

Air Fryer Sausage Stuffing

Even though you’re making in it a modern air fryer, this stuffing will taste just like the classic you grew up on. The sliced bread gets toasted in the air fryer, and the flavors of the sausage, thyme, sage and garlic come together in the air fryer in less than an hour. It’s the perfect option for a low-key Thanksgiving dinner.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sausage Stuffing

Air Fryer Green Beans with Gremolata and Toasted Almonds

Your green beans will get a blast of flavor from this simple gremolata topping, which is made from lemon zest, chopped parsley and garlic. The toasted almonds give the dish a great crunch, and the whole thing comes together in under a half-hour. It sounds like the recipe for a perfect side dish to us.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Beans with Gremolata and Toasted Almonds

Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms

If you’re looking for an appetizer that requires minimal prep and active cook time, these air-fryer stuffed mushrooms are perfect. They only take 25 minutes of work and an additional 20 minutes of cook time. They’re filled with Pecorino-Romano, mozzarella, parsley, mint and breadcrumbs and will be a delicious pre-dinner bite the whole family will love.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms

Air Fryer Thanksgiving Turkey

If you’re planning on a smaller Thanksgiving dinner this year, it might not be a bad idea to skip the big, time-consuming turkey and opt for a smaller turkey breast that can be easily prepared in the air fryer in less than an hour. These turkey breasts get a crisp crust and are loaded with flavor.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Thanksgiving Turkey

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Anything that makes preparing Thanksgiving dinner a little easier is a win in our book — and that especially goes for cooking side dishes. This Brussels sprouts recipe is an air fryer and will be the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving table.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup

The high heat of an air fryer quickly caramelizes vegetables, giving this creamy soup deep flavor. The addition of a few dried spices adds warmth and seasoning. Drizzle the finished soup with creme fraiche or plain yogurt and sprinkle with pepitas and chopped chives for a delicious vegetarian meal that’s particularly weeknight-friendly.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup

Air Fryer Brown Sugar Ham

The brown sugar glaze--made savory-sweet with apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard and allspice-- takes just a few minutes to mix up. And cooking a spiral cut ham in an air fryer produces a delectable, caramelized exterior. Some would say that the leftovers are the best part!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brown Sugar Ham

Air Fryer Roast Chicken

If your family doesn’t love turkey, try roasting a whole chicken this year. It will still give your Thanksgiving table a complete look while being far less stressful, especially when made in the air fryer. This recipe takes a record five active minutes, and you’ll have your main course cooked and ready in just over an hour.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roast Chicken

Air Fryer Biscuits

Want homemade biscuits, but it’s too hot for baking or you don’t have room in the oven for one more thing? These simple, classic ones cook to flaky perfection in your air fryer--no oven (or pan) needed. Try them with the easy honey butter for a perfect pairing.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Biscuits

Air Fryer Acorn Squash with Brown Butter

The secret to getting crispy, caramelized acorn squash with very little added oil? Your trusty air fryer! We topped the whole dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of brown butter, for a comforting and easy fall side dish.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Acorn Squash with Brown Butter

Air Fryer Cornbread with Honey Butter

Making cornbread in an air fryer not only frees up precious oven space during the holidays, it cooks faster than in an oven and creates an evenly golden brown crust on top. This recipe yields a fluffy texture with the ideal balance of salty and sweet. Cut the cornbread into wedges and serve with a good smear of homemade honey butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if you like.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread with Honey Butter

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

There are many advantages to baking sweet potatoes in an air fryer: It’s quicker than an oven (no preheating!) and the circulating hot air yields a perfectly crisp exterior and silky, creamy interior. We topped each potato simply with a pat of butter and some chopped fresh chives, but you can add any of your favorite toppings (mini marshmallows included).

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Rich, creamy, cheesy and perfectly savory, these scalloped sweet potatoes are sure to be a crowd favorite at your Thanksgiving spread. And since they're made in an air fryer, precious oven space is freed up for other holiday dishes. The trick to making them perfectly tender is using a mandoline or vegetable slicer—this ensures the potatoes are thin and cook evenly.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Carrots

Cooked carrots are given a major upgrade with this quick air fryer recipe. Cayenne pepper, black pepper and chili powder give these carrots a little heat, while brown sugar and butter mix to create a sweet caramel flavor. In 10 minutes, you’ll have an impressive side that would have taken 45 minutes in the oven!

Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Carrots

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Not a big turkey fan? We’ve got another main course option for you that might feel a little more special than chicken. These pork chops are encrusted in a cornflake breading and only take 10 active minutes of cooking time, which sounds like a great alternative to a time-consuming turkey to us! Plus, since your oven won’t be occupied with the main course, you can experiment with some new dishes this year.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Chops