Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in a splendid feast, and what better way to prepare your side dishes than in an air fryer? This versatile kitchen appliance not only speeds up cooking but also results in wonderfully crispy textures without the excess oil. Here are fifteen delightful Thanksgiving side dishes you can make in your air fryer.
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Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts - Tossed in olive oil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan, these sprouts come out perfectly caramelised and deliciously nutty.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes Balls - Leftover mashed potatoes transformed into golden, crispy bites with a hint of garlic — an irresistible treat.
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Sweet Potato Fries - Sweet potatoes cut into thin strips, lightly seasoned, and air fried to achieve that perfect crunch.
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Stuffing Bites - Your traditional stuffing reimagined into bite-sized nuggets, crisped to perfection for easy serving.
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Crispy Green Beans - Dipped in a light batter and air fried, these green beans are a healthier alternative to deep-fried options.
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Roasted Carrots with Honey Glaze - Sweet, tender carrots with a touch of honey and thyme, air fried until caramelised and fragrant.
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Air-Fried Corn on the Cob - Simply seasoned and cooked to a golden finish, this is a fun and tasty addition to your table.
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Cheesy Potato Skins - Crispy potato skins filled with melted cheese and topped with chives — a crowd-pleaser for sure!
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Air-Fried Cranberry Sauce Stuffed Peppers - Mini peppers filled with a tangy cranberry sauce mix, air fried for a unique twist.
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Savory Pumpkin Waffles - Fluffy waffles infused with pumpkin spice make for a delightful side with a hint of sweetness.
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Herbed Quinoa Cakes - Packed with fresh herbs and spices, these crispy quinoa cakes are a nutritious alternative to heavier options.
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Beetroot Chips - Thinly sliced beetroot, lightly seasoned and air fried to perfection; a vibrant and healthy snack.
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Mini Cauliflower Gratin - Tender cauliflower florets covered in a creamy cheese sauce, air fried until bubbly and golden.
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Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Lemon - Quickly air fried for a bit of crisp, this garlicky kale is both nutritious and flavourful.
- Apple Crisp - Elevate your dessert game with a warm apple crisp topped with a crunchy oat topping, all made effortlessly in the air fryer.
With these delectable side dishes, your Thanksgiving meal is sure to impress. The air fryer not only streamlines the cooking process but adds a delightful touch to each recipe, making your holiday celebration all the more enjoyable.
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14 Delicious Air Fryer Mushroom Recipes to Savour
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can transform a meal with their umami-rich flavour and meaty texture, making them the perfect candidate for air frying. Here are 14 delightful recipes to make the most of your air fryer and enjoy mushrooms in a whole new way.
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Garlic Butter Mushrooms: Toss your mushrooms in a rich garlic butter sauce, sprinkle with herbs, and air fry for a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with steak.
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Stuffed Portobello Caps: Fill large portobello mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, spinach, and parmesan. Air fry until golden and bubbly for a satisfying appetiser.
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Mushroom Risotto Balls: Leftover risotto? Roll it into balls, coat with breadcrumbs, and air fry until crispy for a tasty snack or party nibble.
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Teriyaki Glazed Mushrooms: Marinate button mushrooms in teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savoury treat that's perfect served over rice or as a side.
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Spicy Chipotle Mushrooms: Toss mushrooms in chipotle seasonings for a kick of heat. These are fantastic in tacos or as a spicy side dish.
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Mediterranean Mushroom Skewers: Skewer mushrooms with cherry tomatoes and peppers, drizzle with olive oil, and air fry for a vibrant, flavourful dish.
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Mushroom Frittata Bites: Whisk eggs with diced mushrooms, cheese, and herbs, pour into silicone moulds, and air fry for mini frittatas that are perfect for brunch.
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Crispy Fried Mushrooms: Coat button mushrooms in seasoned flour and breadcrumbs before air frying to achieve that classic fried texture without the excess oil.
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Mushroom and Cheese Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with sautéed mushrooms and cheese, air fry until crispy for a quick and easy meal or snack.
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Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms: Toss mushrooms in balsamic vinegar and honey, then air fry for a sweet and tangy treat that’s great as a side or salad topping.
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Herbed Mushroom Quinoa Salad: Air fry mushrooms until tender, then toss them with quinoa, fresh herbs, and a lemon dressing for a nourishing salad.
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Mushroom Pizza Bites: Top mushroom caps with marinara sauce and mozzarella, air fry until bubbly for quick and delicious pizza bites.
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Coconut Curry Mushrooms: Coat mushrooms in a creamy coconut curry sauce and air fry for a fragrant dish that pairs well with rice.
- Mushroom Stroganoff Casserole: Combine air-fried mushrooms with pasta and a creamy sauce, then pop it in the air fryer to meld the flavours together beautifully.
These air fryer mushroom recipes elevate simple ingredients into sensational dishes, offering a healthier method of cooking while retaining all the wonderful flavours and textures mushrooms have to offer. Enjoy experimenting with these delightful variations!
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Crispy air fryer sweet potato fries are a delightful treat that marry health and flavour beautifully. To achieve that perfect crunch, the key ingredient is cornstarch. Begin by peeling and slicing your sweet potatoes into evenly sized strips, ensuring they cook uniformly. Toss these strips in a light coating of cornstarch, which helps absorb any moisture and creates that coveted crispiness when cooked.
Preheat your air fryer and add the sweet potato strips in a single layer, allowing ample space for air circulation. Drizzle with a dash of olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and perhaps a sprinkle of paprika for a bit of extra zing. Cook until golden, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they crisp up nicely on all sides. The result is a batch of sweet potato fries that are not only irresistibly crispy but also bursting with natural sweetness, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a sensational snack on their own. Enjoy them with your favourite dipping sauce for an extra treat!
Air fryers have become a staple in modern kitchens, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. If you're looking to create a quick and delicious side dish, frozen sweet potato cubes are a fantastic option. Simply preheat your air fryer to around 200 degrees Celsius, then toss the frozen cubes in a light drizzle of olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and perhaps a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added flavour.
Cook them for approximately 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. The result? Nutty, golden-brown bites that are tender on the inside and satisfyingly crisp on the outside. Serve them warm as an accompaniment to your favourite protein or enjoy them as a healthy snack on their own. With minimal effort and no need for excess oil, air fryer frozen sweet potato cubes are a delightful treat that combines convenience with taste.
If you're looking to elevate your vegetable side dishes, the air fryer is your new best friend. Here are 14 must-try vegetable accompaniments that not only enhance flavours but also add a delightful crunch to your meals.
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Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Halved and tossed in olive oil with a sprinkle of sea salt, these sprouts turn out beautifully caramelised with a satisfying crunch.
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Spicy Roasted Cauliflower: Coated in a blend of spices, this cauliflower florets dish offers a smoky, spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with any main course.
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Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Simply seasoned with garlic and parmesan, these spears retain their vibrancy while gaining a deliciously cheesy layer.
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Herbed Sweet Potato Wedges: Cut into wedges and seasoned with a mix of herbs, these sweet potatoes are a healthy yet indulgent side.
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Air-Fried Ratatouille: This classic French dish can be reimagined in an air fryer, where the vegetables become tender and full of flavour.
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Zucchini Fries: Breaded and air-fried, these zucchini sticks are a lighter twist on traditional fries, perfect for dipping in your favourite sauces.
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Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: Filled with a mixture of grains and herbs, these peppers are roasted until tender and bursting with flavours.
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Crispy Green Beans: Coated in a light batter and air-fried, these green beans make for a crunchy, moreish addition to any meal.
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Balsamic Roasted Carrots: Glazed with balsamic vinegar and a hint of honey, these carrots develop a lovely shine and a sweet tang.
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Air-Fried Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with an herby cream cheese mixture, these mushrooms become golden and decadent in the air fryer.
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Curried Chickpeas: While not technically a vegetable, pairing chickpeas with your greens adds plant-based protein and a punch of flavour.
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Spiced Butternut Squash: Diced and tossed with spices, this squash is roasted to perfection, making it a vibrant side dish.
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Air-Fried Broccoli Florets: A simple toss with oil and seasoning transforms broccoli into a crispy delight, perfect alongside any main.
- Greek-Style Roasted Tomatoes: Drizzled with olive oil and oregano, these tomatoes become sweet and tender, ideal for complementing grilled dishes.
With the air fryer, preparing these vegetable side dishes becomes a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time in the kitchen. These recipes highlight the versatility of vegetables, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will be tempted to indulge!
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Easy Parsnip Fries: Air Fryer or Oven
Parsnip fries are a delightful and nutritious alternative to traditional potato chips, offering a subtly sweet flavour and a satisfying crunch. Preparing them is a breeze, whether you opt for the air fryer or the oven.
To begin, peel the parsnips and cut them into even-sized sticks to ensure they cook uniformly. Toss the parsnip sticks in a light coating of olive oil, seasoning them with salt, cracked black pepper, and perhaps a sprinkle of paprika for a bit of warmth. If you’re using an air fryer, cook them at 200°C for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to achieve an even crisp. For the oven, spread them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and roast at 220°C for 25-30 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown.
Serve these crispy delights with your favourite dipping sauce or enjoy them plain for a deliciously healthy snack. With their easy preparation and versatile cooking methods, parsnip fries are a fantastic way to elevate your snacking game.
For a simple yet delicious side dish, air fryer baked potatoes are a brilliant choice. Begin by selecting a few medium-sized potatoes, preferably Maris Piper or King Edward for their fluffy interiors. Give them a good wash to remove any dirt, then prick the skins several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Coat the potatoes lightly in olive oil and season with a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance their flavour. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C, then place the potatoes in the basket, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking. Cook for approximately 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through to achieve an evenly crisp skin.
Once done, the potatoes should have a beautifully golden exterior and a soft, yielding centre. Slice them open and add your favourite toppings—whether it's a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chives, or a generous helping of cheese, these air fryer baked potatoes are sure to impress at any meal. Enjoy them as a hearty accompaniment to your roast or simply as a satisfying snack any time of day!
Air fryer crispy onions are a delightful addition to many dishes, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried onions without sacrificing flavour or crunch. With their golden-brown hue and savoury taste, these low-fat fried onions can elevate everything from casseroles to salads and burgers.
The secret to achieving that perfect crisp lies in the air fryer's ability to circulate hot air evenly, resulting in onions that are beautifully crispy on the outside while retaining a tender interior. Simply slice the onions thinly, toss them in a light dusting of flour and your favourite seasonings, and let the air fryer work its magic. In just a matter of minutes, you'll have a batch of delectable crispy onions ready to sprinkle on top of your favourite dishes, adding both texture and a burst of flavour. Not only are these air-fried delights a guilt-free option, but they're also incredibly versatile, making them a must-have in any kitchen.
To create delicious sweet potato fries in an air fryer, start by selecting firm, fresh sweet potatoes. Begin by washing and peeling the potatoes, then slice them into thin, even strips to ensure uniform cooking. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato strips with a drizzle of olive oil, ensuring they are coated well. You can also add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and your preferred spices, such as paprika or garlic powder, for extra flavour.
Preheat your air fryer to around 200 degrees Celsius. Place the seasoned sweet potato fries in the fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it; this allows for proper air circulation and crisping. Cook the fries for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the fries and the model of your air fryer.
Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the basket and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade sweet potato fries as a delightful snack or side dish, perfect alongside a dip of your choice!