The Best Christmas Air Fryer Recipes
Cooking during the Christmas season is a lot of fun, but it can also get hectic. That's where air fryers come in to save the day! These versatile appliances offer a quick and easy cooking method that will help you breeze through your meal plan this crazy time of year. Check out my favorite air fryer Christmas recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends this holiday season!
Appetizers
Looking for quick and tasty appetizers to kick-start your Christmas feast? Trader Joe's Appetizers are my absolute favorite way to put together a meal, fast! Plus, with the help of an air fryer, you can have these delicious appetizers ready on your holiday table in no time at all.
Love the convenience and tastiness of Trader Joe's? Check out my Trader Joe's Cookbook that you can access as a Substack subscriber!
Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests
Price: $3.99 per bag
These tempura vegetables come with a delicious soy dipping sauce, making them the perfect appetizer to your Christmas spread. Simply pop them in the air fryer (or oven) straight from the freezer. In just minutes, you'll have perfectly crispy and flavorful vegetable nests that will leave your guests craving for more.
Pro tip: Sprinkle some sesame seeds and cut green onions on top to elevate the taste and presentation.
Trader Joe’s Fried Olive Bites
Price: $4.49 per bag
For the olive enthusiasts out there, these Fried Olive Bites are a must-try. Made from a mixture of green Castelvetrano olives from Italy and purple Kalamatas from Greece, this easy appetizer is stuffed with cheese, lightly battered, and perfectly crispy when air fried. Indulge your taste buds with the salty goodness, and consider adding toothpicks and fresh parsley for presentation. Want to take it up a notch? Drizzle some balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy twist.
Trader Joe’s Turkey Meatballs
Price: $4.99 per bag
These fully-cooked turkey meatballs are a protein-packed alternative that's perfect for your health-conscious guests. Whether you choose to serve them with a BBQ, buffalo, Greek yogurt, or marinara sauce, these meatballs will be a crowd-pleaser. Effortlessly prepare them in the air fryer or oven, and watch as they turn juicy and flavorful.
Pro tip: Stick toothpicks in each meatball, drizzle the sauce of your choice, and sprinkle with fresh basil for a tempting appetizer with an Italian twist.
Trader Joe’s 5 Cheese Greek Spiral
Price: $4.49 per package
Indulge in this delicious Mediterranean-style appetizer – the 5 Cheese Greek Spiral. Made with a combination of gouda, kasseri, kefalotyri, semi-hard cheese, and blue cheese, this treat wrapped in filo dough is a crispy, cheesy perfection. Prepare it in the air fryer or oven, and serve it cut into pieces like a pizza. Pair it with some cherry tomatoes tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and sprinkle fresh dill or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Trader Joe’s Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Price: $8.99 per package
For an elegant and mouthwatering appetizer, try Trader Joe's Bacon Wrapped Scallops. With the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and salty flavors, these scallops are sure to impress your guests on Christmas Day. Simply bake them in the oven or air fry them for a succulent and protein-rich treat. Serve them on a bed of arugula or microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness. Plus, they are gluten-free, making them a versatile option for various dietary needs.
Proteins
Pomegranate Glazed Salmon With Honey
This Pomegranate Glazed Salmon is a mouthwatering and easy recipe that combines the deliciousness of salmon with the tang of pomegranate molasses. It's a go-to option for home chefs who crave tasty main dishes that require less time in the kitchen! The sweet and slightly spicy glaze, infused with pomegranate molasses, infuses the tender salmon cubes with a perfect burst of flavor. This dish is inspired by the richness of Persian cuisine, where pomegranate molasses is a staple ingredient in many dishes.
Deliciously Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Air Fried Salmon Recipe
This salmon recipe is a fantastic choice for holiday meals, bringing together flavors of lemon, garlic, butter, and a touch of parsley. This easy meal is quick, nutritious, and perfect for festive occasions. With just a few common ingredients, you'll have this salmon dish ready in no time, freeing you up to enjoy the holiday celebrations without being stuck in the kitchen. The rich and savory taste of the dish pairs wonderfully with traditional holiday sides, and its adaptability means it pairs well with a variety of holiday menus!
Side Dishes
Air Fried Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Elevate your Brussel sprouts game with this zesty and irresistible side dish at your Christmas dinner this year! Air frying gives the Brussel sprouts a wonderful crispy texture while retaining their natural flavors. The Brussel sprouts are tossed in avocado oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, coated in parmesan cheese, and then air-fried to crispy perfection with bacon in the air fryer.
Easy Air Fryer Carrots With Honey and Balsamic Glaze
Add a touch of sweetness to your Christmas meal with these Honey Glazed Carrots. Air frying brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, and a drizzle of honey glaze takes them to the next level. The result is a caramelized and tender side dish that perfectly balances out the savory flavors of your main course. The perfect finger food for a pre-dinner snack!
Frozen Garlic Knots
The easiest way to enjoy perfect garlic knots for your holiday table! This method ensures golden-brown garlic knots, crispy on the outside and perfectly moist on the inside, all without the hassle of preheating and minimal cleanup.
Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans
Green beans are a classic dish at any Christmas dinner, and these Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans are no exception! This recipe combines the ease of frozen green beans with the crispiness of the air fryer. It's a perfect side dish for those looking for a way to incorporate more vegetables into their holiday menu.
Rainbow Carrots
Add a burst of color and delightful flavors to your Christmas feast with Air-Fried Rainbow Carrots. This vibrant side dish not only looks stunning but also provides a healthy and delicious addition to your holiday menu. Using an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly cooked, tender carrots with a slight crispiness on the outside.
Air-Fried Cauliflower
This crispy cauliflower dish is ideal for a flavorful appetizer or side option that pairs wonderfully with various dishes at your Christmas dinner. Its quick and easy preparation saves you time in the kitchen, allowing you to focus on enjoying the holiday meal and company. Plus, this flavorful and tender cauliflower is a great way to add more veggies to your festive dinner while staying naturally low-carb and gluten-free.
Pro tip: Don't forget to provide a selection of dipping sauces!
Desserts
Air Fried Apples
Indulge your sweet tooth with a delicious and easy-to-make Air Fried Apples dessert! Ready in just 15 minutes, this simple yet satisfying treat is perfect for the holiday season. With the help of your air fryer, you'll achieve beautifully caramelized apple slices that are tender on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. Serve with your favorite flavor of ice cream for the ultimate Christmas treat!
Fudgy Brownie Cupcakes
These delicious Fudgy Brownie Cupcakes offer the best of both worlds by combining the rich, dense texture of brownies with the individual serving size and convenience of cupcakes. With their intense chocolate flavor and moist, fudgy consistency, these cupcakes are the perfect indulgence for Christmas dessert. Whether enjoyed on their own or with your favorite toppings, fudgy brownie cupcakes are sure to make the chocolate lovers at your table very happy!
FAQ
What are some easy Christmas Air Fryer recipes?
Appetizers are always a hit during Christmas gatherings, and with an air fryer, they become even more convenient. Trader Joe's frozen appetizers are a great option for quick and delicious bites. Simply pop them in the air fryer and let the hot air work its magic. In no time, you'll have crispy and golden brown appetizers ready.
When it comes to proteins, salmon is a delicious air fryer recipe for a festive feast. The air fryer cooks salmon to perfection, leaving it juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. You can season it with herbs and spices of your choice, and in just a few minutes, you'll have a delectable main course that will impress your guests at a dinner or holiday party. My favorite and easy air fryer recipes for salmon are Pomegranate Glazed Salmon With Honey and Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon.
No Christmas holiday is complete without a variety of sides, and the air fryer is here to help. From rainbow carrots to frozen garlic knots, air fryer green beans to Brussels sprouts with bacon, the options are endless. These colorful and flavorful side dishes can be cooked in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods, making them the perfect addition to your holiday spread.
For a festive and easy-to-make dessert, try the Air Fried Apples recipe. In just 15 minutes, you can have beautifully caramelized apple slices that are tender on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. It's an easy way to satisfy your sweet cravings without taking up too much time in the kitchen.
Are there any special tips for making Christmas recipes in an Air Fryer?
Preheat your air fryer: Just like with a regular oven, preheating your Air Fryer helps ensure even cooking and crispy results for your air fryer holiday recipes. Most Air Fryers have a preheat function, so be sure to use it before starting your recipes.
Use the right size air fryer: Make sure the size of your Air Fryer matches the amount of food you're cooking. Overcrowding the Air Fryer basket can result in uneven cooking and less crispy results. If you have a smaller Air Fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
Adjust cooking time and temperature: Air fryers typically cook food faster than traditional ovens, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature for your Christmas recipes. Start by reducing the cooking time by about 20% and keeping an eye on your food to avoid overcooking.
Use a little oil or cooking spray: While air fryers are known for their ability to cook with less oil, adding a small amount of oil or using cooking spray can help achieve a crispy texture. Just be sure to use a high smoke point oil like olive oil or coconut oil.
Don't forget to flip: For even cooking, remember to flip your food halfway through the cooking process. This will help ensure that both sides are evenly browned.
Christmas air fryer recipes are a convenient and delicious way to elevate your holiday cooking this year! Whether it's the quick and tasty appetizers made with Trader Joe's frozen treats, air fryer salmon recipes, side dishes like rainbow carrots and crispy garlic knots, or desserts like my Brownie Cupcakes and Air Fried Apples, there is something for everyone. By using an air fryer, these recipes save time and effort while still delivering delicious flavors. Make your Christmas more enjoyable and convenient this festive season by trying out these delicious air fryer recipes!
