Easy Air Fryer Christmas Dinner

‘Tis the season for joy, laughter, and of course, delicious food.’

If you’re looking to add a modern twist to your Christmas feast, consider using your air fryer.

Quick and easy Christmas recipes that will save you time without compromising on flavour.

In this article, I’ll explore a variety of mouthwatering Christmas recipes.

Select one or two items from each category, and your Christmas menu is complete.

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Air Fryer Christmas Appetisers

Kick off your Christmas feast by serving up some delightful appetisers.

Salmon Bites or Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach and Feta are sure to be a winner.

Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Zesty Herb Aioli

These Air-Fried Salmon Bites are a perfect combination of crispy exteriors and tender, tasty interiors.

The Zesty Herb Aioli adds a lovely kick, making this appetiser a standout dish for your Christmas appetiser.

Ingredients

Serves 4

For the Salmon Bites

• 300g fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

For the Zesty Herb Aioli

• 150g mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How To Cook Air Fryer Salmon Bites

For the Salmon Bites:

Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces. Try to cut them as evenly as possible.

Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

Add the bite-sized salmon cubes to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated.

Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 20 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 180 C / 360 F for 5 minutes.

Place the marinated salmon cubes in the basket in a single layer to allow the air to circulate them.

Air fry the salmon bites for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 63C / 145F.

While the salmon is cooking, prepare the Zesty Herb Aioli.

For the Zesty Herb Aioli

Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped chives, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well.

Season the aioli with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Once the salmon bites are done, remove them from the basket and let them cool slightly.

Arrange the Salmon Bites on a serving platter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.

Serve the Air-Fried Salmon Bites with the Zesty Herb Aioli on the side for dipping.

Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach and Feta

These Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach and Feta are a delicious vegetarian appetiser.

The air fryer guarantees a crispy outer layer while keeping the juicy flavours inside.

Ingredients

Serves 4

For the Stuffed Mushrooms

• 12 large button mushrooms, stems removed and set aside
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 150g fresh spinach, chopped
• 100g feta cheese, crumbled
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

For the Herb Crumb Topping

• 50g breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

How To Air Fry Stuffed Mushrooms

For the Stuffed Mushrooms

Preheat the air fryer to 180 C / 360 F for 5 minutes.

In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened.

Add chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.

In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach mixture with crumbled feta.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Stuff each mushroom cap fully with the spinach and feta mixture.

Place the stuffed mushrooms in the basket in a single layer.

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.

For the Herb Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, chopped thyme, chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Sprinkle the herb crumb mixture over the stuffed mushrooms during the last 3 minutes of air frying, allowing it to crisp up.

Once the mushrooms are cooked and the topping is golden, remove them from the air fryer.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Air Fryer Christmas Dinner Recipes

For the main event, turn to your air fryer for dishes that will leave everyone at the table wanting more.

Turkey Weight And Air Fryer Suitability

Choosing the right turkey size for your air fryer is crucial for the best cooking result.

Below is a general guideline for turkey sizes for the Ninja Dual AF400UK.

Bear in mind that weights up to 2.5 kg – 4.5 kg (5.5 lbs – 10 lbs) will fit most air fryers but always measure your basket first!

PLEASE READ: Always refer to the specific product manual or guidelines provided by your air fryer manufacturer for accurate information on the maximum size of food items that can be accommodated. Additionally, consider the shape and dimensions of the turkey when determining its fit in the basket.

Remember that these are general recommendations, and individual models may have slight variations in capacity.

When in doubt, it’s best to measure the dimensions of your cooking basket and compare them to the size of the turkey you plan to cook.

Air Fryer Turkey with Cranberry Orange Glaze (Ninja Dual AF400UK)

This succulent Christmas turkey, paired with the Cranberry Orange Glaze, is sure to be the star on your Christmas table.

Don’t forget to adjust cooking times based on your turkey’s size.

Ingredients

For The Turkey

• 4 kg whole turkey
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For The Cranberry Orange Glaze

• 200g cranberry sauce
• Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For The Garnish

• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Fresh cranberries

How To Cook A Turkey In The Ninja Dual Air Fryer

Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 30 minutes before air frying.

Preheat your air fryer to 180 C / 360 F for 5 minutes.

Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried sage, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create the herb rub.

Rub the herb mixture evenly over the entire surface of the turkey, ensuring it’s well-seasoned inside and out.

Place the seasoned turkey in the basket, adjusting the size to fit comfortably.

Air fry the turkey at 180C / 360F for approximately 25 minutes per kg.

Check the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 74C / 165F by placing a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the bird (between the breast and the thigh).

While the turkey is cooking, prepare the Cranberry Orange Glaze.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, orange zest, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.

Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.

Once the turkey is almost done, brush a generous layer of the Cranberry-Orange Glaze over the surface.

Continue air frying for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the glaze to create a glossy, finish.

Carefully remove the turkey from the basket and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and scattered cranberries for a visually stunning presentation.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato and Chickpea Cakes

These Sweet Potato and Chickpea Cakes are a tasty and nutritious addition to your festive menu.

Prepare in advance and refrigerate to save time on the big day.

Reheat them in the air fryer just before serving (190C / 380F for a few minutes).

Ingredients

This recipe makes approximately 12 to 15 sweet potato and chickpea cakes, depending on the size of the cakes you form.

Adjust the size based on your preference, keeping in mind that smaller cakes may require less cooking time.

• 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 120g breadcrumbs
• 30g fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• zest of 1 orange
• juice of half an orange
• 75g feta cheese, crumbled
• 75g dried cranberries
• 75g chopped pecans
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• cooking spray

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 120g Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• salt and pepper to taste

How To Cook Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cakes

Preheat your air fryer to 190C / 380F for 5 minutes.

Grate the sweet potatoes and drain the can of chickpeas. Dice the red onion.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated sweet potatoes, chickpeas, red onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Mash the chickpeas slightly to help bind the mixture.

Stir in the olive oil, orange zest, orange juice, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.

Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Add the beaten eggs to the mixture and mix until everything is evenly coated.

Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into small patties.

Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray.

Arrange the sweet potato and chickpea cakes in a single layer in the basket.

Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cakes are golden brown and crispy.

While the cakes are cooking, mix the Greek yoghurt, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Once the cakes are done, serve them warm with the dipping sauce on the side.

Christmas Side Dishes In The Air Fryer

No Christmas feast is complete without a selection of delectable side dishes.

Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Seeds

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 50g pomegranate seeds
• salt and black pepper to taste

How To Air Fry Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Wash the sprouts and peel off any decayed leaves.

Trim the bottom of the sprouts and make a cross at the bottom of the stalk.

Preheat the air fryer to 200C / 400F for 5 minutes.

In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts in the olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper.

Air fry at 190C / 380F for 12-15 minutes until crispy.

Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the sprouts before serving.

Air Fryer Honey Glazed Carrots

Adding honey to carrots gives them a fabulous glossy glaze.

Wash and prepare the carrots.

Mix with a tablespoon of honey.

Line the basket with foil or use a suitable container. The honey will drip to the bottom of the basket and be difficult to clean.

Air fry at 190 C / 380 F for 15-20 mins.

Remember to turn the carrots and spoon over the melted honey halfway through the cooking time.

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Air Fryer Herb Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1 kg baby potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Air Fryer Herb Roast Potatoes

Wash the potatoes and dry them well. Any moisture will hinder the crisping process.

In a bowl add the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Preheat the air fryer to 200C / 400F for 5 minutes.

Toss the potatoes in the mixture ensuring they are fully coated.

Air fry at 200C / 400F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.

Shake the basket often for even browning.

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Traditional Christmas Air Fryer Roast Potatoes

Do You Need To Parboil Air Fryer Roast Potatoes?

The answer is yes! With small potatoes, there is no need to parboil but larger potatoes will need a parboil of 8-10 minutes to get perfect results.

Drain the potatoes and let them cool and dry off for a few minutes.

Once the potatoes are cool and dry, place a lid on the saucepan and shake the potatoes vigorously to “rough them up”.

This will help make the potatoes crispy.

How To Cook Roast Potatoes In The Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C / 400°F for a few minutes.

Once preheated, transfer the potatoes to the basket, making sure they are spread out in a single layer. Spray with oil.

Air fry the potatoes for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway and spraying again with oil.

Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning.

Air Fryer Christmas Desserts

Round off your air-fried Christmas feast on a sweet note with these tempting desserts.

Air Fryer Mince Pie Empanadas

Quick and easy to make. Prepared and cooked in 20 minutes.

Why not cook them the day before and reheat them in the air fryer on the day? ( 190C / 380F for a few minutes)

Ingredients

• 1 pack of ready-made shortcrust pastry
• 200g mincemeat
• 1 egg, beaten
• Icing sugar for dusting

How To Make Air Fryer Empanadas

If the shortcrust pastry is not pre-rolled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3mm.

Use a round cutter (approximately 10cm in diameter) to cut out circles from the pastry. Re-roll the scraps to make additional circles.

Spoon a small amount of mincemeat (about 1-2 teaspoons) onto each pastry circle.

Fold the pastry over the mincemeat to create a half-moon shape.

Press the edges firmly to seal the empanadas. You can use the prongs of a fork to create a decorative edge.

Brush the empanadas with beaten egg. This gives them a lovely golden finish when air-fried.

Preheat your air fryer to 190C / 380F for 5 minutes.

Once preheated, air fry for 10-12 minutes or until the empanadas are golden and crisp.

Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Serve with custard, brandy butter or cream. Yum!

Air Fryer Rum and Raisin Bread Pudding UK

This Rum and Raisin Bread Pudding is a delicious festive treat, combining the warmth of rum and the sweetness of raisins.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of white bread, crusts removed and cut into triangles
• 100ml whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 50g brown sugar
• 50g raisins
• 2 tablespoons dark rum
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• cooking spray

How To Cook Air Fryer Bread Pudding

Remove the crusts and cut the bread into triangles.

In a small bowl, mix the raisins and dark rum. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes, or until the raisins are plump and infused with the rum.

Whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a separate bowl until well combined.

Warm the milk in a saucepan or microwave until it is just slightly warm, then gradually whisk it into the egg mixture.

Coat a suitably sized dish with cooking spray

Add the bread triangles to the dish.

Evenly distribute the soaked raisins on the bread and any remaining rum in the bowl.

Gently pour the egg mixture over the bread.

Allow the bread mixture to soak for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the bread to absorb the liquid.

Preheat the air fryer to 180C / 360F for 5 minutes.

Place the dish in the basket.

Air fry for 12-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.

Allow the Rum and Raisin Bread Pudding to cool slightly before serving.

Optional Rum Glaze

For an extra touch, whisk together a simple rum glaze using icing sugar and a small amount of rum. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread pudding before serving.