Our 15 Best Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving dinner doesn't need to be hard.

Air Fryer Garlic and Parsley Baby Potatoes
Photo:

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

The air fryer is your secret weapon for cooking Thanksgiving dishes on the quick. It's true, you can make loads of Thanksgiving dishes fast and easy right in the air fryer. We've created a complete Thanksgiving menu of dishes you can cook in an air fryer, featuring the works—turkey, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, green beans, and even apple pies. You'll find a new holiday favorite in this collection of air fryer Thanksgiving recipes.

01 of 15

Olive-Brined Air Fryer Turkey Breast

sliced turkey breast on cutting board
Buckwheat Queen

You'll marinate boneless, skinless turkey breast in buttermilk and olive brine before taking it to the air fryer. "Using an olive brine gives the breast flavor and also keeps it tender," says Allrecipes Allstar Buckwheat Queen. "I use spicy Tabasco Olive brine for extra kick. Serve with cranberry sauce."

02 of 15

Hasselback Air Fryer Potatoes

Hasselback Air Fryer Potatoes

"Air-fried hasselback potatoes are so easy yet they make such a pretty presentation," says recipe submitter Bren. "I serve these with a simple garlic aioli, but feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or topping of your choice."

03 of 15

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts with bacon in a turquoise dish
fabeverday

On to the sides! Brussels sprouts are a great choice for the air fryer because the outer leaves get wonderfully crisp and crunchy. Bren says, "Sweet and tart balsamic vinegar pairs well with the bitterness of Brussels sprouts; the bacon adds a smokey flavor. After 10 minutes, there's still some bite to the sprouts; add a few more minutes for a softer texture, if desired."

04 of 15

Spicy Air Fryer Green Beans

looking at a plate full of browned spicy green beans from the air fryer
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving dinner without green beans. Soup Loving Nicole says, "These spicy green beans are made simple in the air fryer." If you're oven is full, take advantage of this easy recipe.

05 of 15

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

sliced air fryer turkey breast on cutting board
Bibi

A great choice for smaller gatherings. "If you have a taste for turkey, but don't want the time or the hassle of a full bird, try a split turkey breast, prepared in the air fryer," says bibi. "This recipe gives the flavor of an oven-roasted turkey, but in much less time, and with much less fuss! Use any combination of fresh herbs that you and your family will enjoy!"

06 of 15

Air Fryer Stuffing Balls

stuffing balls in a blue dish
Bren

"These little gems have all the flavors of traditional stuffing but are made in the air fryer," says Bren. "Slightly crunchy on the outside with a soft interior. They can be made well in advance or frozen for future use. Feel free to customize these with your favorite seasonings."

07 of 15

Air Fryer Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Mustard Mayo

Brussels sprouts

Here's another take on air-fried Brussels, featuring a light touch of maple syrup, mayo, and mustard, which really complement the crispy Brussels sprouts.

08 of 15

Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potatoes

If you need an easy way to enjoy sweet potatoes this Thanksgiving, here's an easy recipe. "These sweet potatoes are easily adapted to any style of seasoning you like—plain and simple, or sweet and spicy," says recipe creator Bibi. "Add as much or as little of the suggested seasonings, or try out your own seasoning combo!"

09 of 15

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

an overhead shot of air fryer mac n cheese balls on a wire rack

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

If mac and cheese is one of your Thanksgiving mainstays, these air-fried balls would be a fun alternative to the side. Or, serve them as an appetizer to keep guests more than content.

10 of 15

Air Fryer Bacon-Chorizo Tater Tot Dressing

Air Fryer Bacon-Chorizo Tater Tot® Dressing

"This is a decidedly non-traditional way of making dressing, but packs a lot of flavor with few ingredients!" says thedailygourmet. "The best part, the portion size is perfect for couples, or the solo diner. You will need a 7-inch springform pan or other air fryer-safe container."

11 of 15

Air Fryer Orange-Cranberry Butternut Squash with Ginger

Air Fryer Orange-Cranberry Butternut Squash with Ginger

"This colorful side dish uses orange juice, cranberries, and grated fresh ginger to add some extra zing to butternut squash," says recipe creator bibi. "The air fryer makes preparing dinner convenient, because it leaves your oven available for other duties. Goat cheese crumbles would be a delicious optional topping for this dish."

12 of 15

Air Fryer Garlic and Parsley Baby Potatoes

Air Fryer Garlic and Parsley Baby Potatoes

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

These crispy potatoes are terrific finished with a drizzle of turkey gravy. "They are very similar to roasted potatoes, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside," says Bren.

13 of 15

Air Fryer Turkey Legs

2 browned turkey legs on air fryer basket

"This recipe is perfect if you're cooking Thanksgiving for just two people and you don't want to spend the time cooking a whole bird and dealing with all of the leftovers," says Allrecipes Allstar Soup Loving Nicole. "The skin gets crispy like it has been deep-fried while the meat stays juicy and tender."

14 of 15

Easy Air Fryer Apple Pies

Easy Air Fryer Apple Pies
lutzflcat

And we saved room for dessert, of course! These single serving apple pies are adorable. Recipe creator lutzflcat says, "So very simple, easy, and quick to make."

15 of 15

Air Fryer Brown Sugar and Pecan Roasted Apples

bowl of air fryer pecans and apples
Christian Hernandez

And here's another dessert that takes advantage of seasonal flavors. When cooked in the air fryer, apple slices turn soft while pecans turn toasty. Serve it over ice cream!

More Inspiration

a high angle view looking into a green casserole dish of green bean casserole with a scoop taken out.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Try one of Our Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes. Plus, explore our entire collection of Thanksgiving Recipes.

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