New Thanksgiving Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Want to Make Every Year

Ready to make your Thanksgiving easier, crispier, and way more fun? The air fryer is your holiday MVP. It crisps without the fuss, makes sides in minutes, and frees up your oven for the big bird. These 20 creative, flavor-packed air fryer recipes will surprise your guests and save your sanity. From starters to sides to sneaky desserts, we’re covering the whole feast. Let’s get that basket sizzling.

1. Crispy Sage-Butter Smashed Potatoes That Steal the Spotlight

These smashed potatoes are crunchy on the outside and creamy inside, with a buttery sage finish that screams fall. They’re an easy, make-ahead-friendly side that’s secretly the first thing to disappear.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb baby Yukon gold potatoes
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 10 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Flaky salt, for finishing
• Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, 12–15 minutes. Drain and let steam-dry 5 minutes.
2. Combine butter, olive oil, sage, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Gently smash each potato with the bottom of a glass to about 1/2-inch thick.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Brush potatoes generously with the sage-butter mix.
5. Air fry in a single layer 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until deep golden and crisp.
6. Finish with flaky salt and a whisper of lemon zest.

Serve with sour cream or a quick lemon-garlic yogurt. For a cheesy twist, grate Parmesan over the potatoes in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Want heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter.

2. Maple-Chile Brussels Sprouts With Pecan Crunch

These sprouts are sweet, spicy, and dangerously snackable. The air fryer gives the edges that charred perfection while the maple and pecans bring holiday warmth.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toss sprouts with olive oil, maple, Dijon, red pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Air fry 10 minutes, shake, then add pecans.
3. Cook 3–5 more minutes until crisp and lightly charred.
4. Toss with apple cider vinegar and orange zest.

Serve hot with a drizzle of extra maple. Swap pecans for walnuts or add bacon crumbles for extra smoky vibes.

3. Brown Butter Herbed Stuffing Bites With Cranberry Dip

Stuffing bites are the party-friendly version of your favorite side. Brown butter adds nutty depth, and the cranberry dip seals the deal.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed day-old bread (sourdough or country loaf)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, browned
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray
• 1/2 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce + 1 tsp Dijon + 1 tsp orange juice (for dip)

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and celery in 1 tbsp oil 5–7 minutes; add garlic, sage, and thyme for 1 minute.
2. Toss bread with brown butter, sautéed veg, salt, and pepper. Stir in broth gradually and fold in egg.
3. Form compact golf-ball-sized bites; chill 20 minutes to set.
4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray basket; air fry bites 8–10 minutes, turning once, until crisp.
5. Mix cranberry sauce with Dijon and orange juice for dipping.

Great as an appetizer or side. Add cooked sausage for a meatier version, or a handful of chopped dried apricots for a sweet twist.

4. Garlic-Parmesan Green Bean “Fries” With Lemon Pepper Dust

Green beans, but make them fries. They’re crunchy, garlicky, and perfect for snacking between turkey checks.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed and patted dry
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp lemon pepper
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Olive oil spray
• Lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions:

1. Mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and salt.
2. Dip beans in egg, then coat in the crumb mix. Press to adhere.
3. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Spray basket and beans lightly.
4. Air fry 8–10 minutes, shaking once, until crisp and golden.

Serve with lemon aioli or ranch. Add crushed red pepper for spice, or swap panko for gluten-free crumbs.

5. Honey-Bourbon Sweet Potato Wedges With Toasted Sesame

Sweet, smoky, lightly boozy (cooks off!) wedges that are crispy outside and tender inside. Amazing alongside turkey or as pre-dinner nibbles.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into thick wedges
• 1.5 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp bourbon
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped chives, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss wedges with cornstarch to lightly coat.
2. Whisk olive oil, honey, bourbon, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss with wedges.
3. Air fry at 390°F (199°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway, until crisp edges form.
4. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chives before serving.

For extra crispness, soak wedges in cold water for 20 minutes first, then pat dry. Swap bourbon for apple cider if preferred.

6. Buttermilk-Herb Turkey Tenderloins That Actually Stay Juicy

Don’t want to roast a whole bird? These tenderloins are marinated in tangy buttermilk and herbs, then air fried to perfection. Ideal for smaller gatherings or bonus protein.

Ingredients:

• 1.5–2 lb turkey tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Marinate tenderloins in buttermilk, oil, Dijon, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and paprika for 2–8 hours.
2. Preheat air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Shake off excess marinade.
3. Air fry 18–22 minutes, flipping once, until internal temp hits 160°F; rest 5–10 minutes (carryover to 165°F).

Slice and serve with gravy. Add a honey-mustard glaze in the last 3 minutes for shine. Leftovers make elite sandwiches.

7. Cheddar-Chive Duchess Potatoes (Fancy Without the Fuss)

Classic duchess potatoes, but easier and crisped in the air fryer. They look fancy and taste buttery-cheesy with a hint of chive.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup sharp cheddar, finely grated
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender; drain and mash until smooth. Stir in butter, cream, salt, pepper, cheddar, and chives. Cool 5 minutes, then beat in yolks.
2. Pipe or spoon swirls onto parchment-lined tray; chill 20 minutes to firm.
3. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Spray swirls lightly and air fry 10–12 minutes until golden.

Serve with gravy or sour cream. Add roasted garlic for deeper flavor, or swap cheddar for Gruyère.

8. Cranberry-Orange Glazed Air Fryer Meatballs

Sweet-tangy, sticky meatballs that make the perfect appetizer or main. The cranberry-orange glaze is festive and bright.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup panko
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 small onion, grated
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

1. Mix meats, panko, egg, milk, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and thyme. Form 1.25-inch balls.
2. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking once, until browned and cooked through.
3. Simmer cranberry sauce, OJ, soy, brown sugar, and zest 3–4 minutes. Toss meatballs in glaze.

Garnish with parsley. For spice, add a little chili paste to the glaze. Serve over mashed potatoes or skewered for snacking.

9. Maple-Bacon Wrapped Carrots With Black Pepper

These are salty-sweet and ridiculously good. Bacon crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, and the carrots stay tender with a hint of maple.

Ingredients:

• 10 small carrots, peeled
• 10 thin bacon slices
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Wrap each carrot with a bacon slice; secure with toothpicks. Mix maple, pepper, and paprika; brush over.
2. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 14–18 minutes, turning once, until bacon is crisp and carrots tender.

Finish with a tiny drizzle of maple. Use turkey bacon if you like; reduce time slightly. Great beside roasted turkey or as a fun side on their own.

10. Herb-Butter Parker House Rolls (Air Fryer Shortcut)

Soft, buttery rolls finished in the air fryer so your oven stays free. The tops get lightly crisp while the centers stay pillowy.

Ingredients:

• 12 store-bought frozen roll dough balls (thawed as directed)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp chopped thyme
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of flaky salt

Instructions:

1. Arrange thawed dough in a parchment-lined cake pan that fits your air fryer. Brush with butter-herb mix.
2. Let rise until puffy (per package). Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 12–16 minutes until golden.
3. Brush with remaining butter and sprinkle flaky salt.

Serve warm. Add grated Parmesan to the butter for cheesy tops or a touch of honey for sweetness.

11. Crispy Shallot-Topped Green Bean Casserole Cups

All the cozy casserole vibes, none of the mush. Individual cups make serving easy and the air fryer keeps the topping shatteringly crisp.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb blanched green beans, chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• 3/4 cup half-and-half
• 1/4 cup chicken or veg broth
• 1/2 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup crispy fried shallots or onions
• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms in butter until browned. Sprinkle flour; cook 1 minute. Whisk in half-and-half and broth; simmer to thicken. Stir in soy, salt, pepper.
2. Fold in green beans. Spoon into silicone muffin cups; top with fried shallots.
3. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 8–10 minutes until bubbling and tops crisp.

Garnish with thyme. Add cheddar for a cheesier bake or a splash of sherry for depth.

12. Za’atar-Roasted Delicata Squash Rings With Tahini Drizzle

Earthy, toasty, and naturally sweet, delicata turns into caramelized rings with minimal effort. The tahini drizzle makes them irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 2 delicata squash, seeded and sliced into 1/2-inch rings (skin on)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tbsp za’atar
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Warm water to thin

Instructions:

1. Toss squash with oil, za’atar, salt, and pepper.
2. Air fry at 390°F (199°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once, until caramelized.
3. Whisk tahini, lemon, honey, and water until drizzleable; spoon over squash.

Top with pomegranate arils or toasted pepitas for crunch. Swap za’atar for everything bagel seasoning for a fun twist.

13. Garlic-Herb Butter Corn Ribs (Yes, They Curl!)

Corn “ribs” curl and crisp in the air fryer, then get bathed in garlic-herb butter. They’re playful, messy, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears corn, quartered lengthwise
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Toss corn with oil, salt, paprika, and pepper.
2. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until curled and browned.
3. Mix butter, garlic, and parsley; brush over hot corn. Serve with lime.

Add Parmesan or crumble cotija on top. For heat, sprinkle Tajín or chili powder.

14. Hot Honey Old Bay Shrimp With Lemon-Garlic Butter

Seafood on Thanksgiving? Absolutely. These shrimp are quick, punchy, and a welcome break from heavy sides.

Ingredients:

• 1.25 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp hot honey
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with oil, Old Bay, paprika, pepper, and hot honey.
2. Air fry at 390°F (199°C) for 6–8 minutes, shaking once.
3. Melt butter with garlic and lemon; toss with hot shrimp. Garnish with parsley.

Serve with toothpicks or over garlicky mashed potatoes. Swap hot honey for regular if you prefer mild.

15. Cranberry Brie Crescent Bites With Thyme

Two-bite bliss: buttery crescent dough, gooey brie, and tart cranberry. They’re the appetizer you’ll “test” three times.

Ingredients:

• 1 tube refrigerated crescent dough
• 6 oz brie, cut into 16 small cubes
• 1/3 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 egg, beaten (for wash)
• Honey, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut dough into 16 squares. Place brie and 1 tsp cranberry on each; sprinkle thyme.
2. Fold corners to seal; brush with egg wash.
3. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 6–8 minutes until puffed and golden.

Drizzle with honey if you like it sweeter. Add chopped pecans for crunch or a pinch of black pepper for balance.

16. Spiced Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash Boats

Sweet apples meet savory sausage in cozy squash boats with crisped tops. It’s autumn in every bite and surprisingly simple.

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz Italian sausage (mild), casings removed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 Honeycrisp apple, diced
• 1/2 tsp ground sage
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup cooked wild rice or quinoa
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup shredded Gruyère

Instructions:

1. Brush squash with 1 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry cut-side down at 370°F (188°C) for 12–15 minutes until just tender.
2. Sauté sausage until browned; add onion, apple, sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in rice, cranberries, and pecans.
3. Fill squash halves; top with Gruyère. Air fry 5–7 more minutes until cheese melts and edges caramelize.

Swap sausage for mushrooms to keep it vegetarian. A drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end is chef’s kiss.

17. Savory Pumpkin Arancini With Sage Aioli

Creamy pumpkin risotto turned into crispy arancini, air-fried for a lighter bite. Dip in sage aioli and try not to hoard them.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cold leftover pumpkin risotto (or plain risotto mixed with 1/2 cup pumpkin puree)
• 3/4 cup mozzarella, diced
• 1 cup panko
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup flour
• Olive oil spray
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 4–5 sage leaves, finely chopped
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Form chilled risotto into balls, tucking a mozzarella cube inside each.
2. Coat in flour, then egg, then panko mixed with Parmesan.
3. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, spraying lightly, until golden.
4. Mix mayo, garlic, lemon, sage, salt, and pepper for aioli.

Serve hot. Add a pinch of chili flakes to the breadcrumb for heat. Freeze formed arancini for make-ahead magic.

18. Pear, Prosciutto, and Blue Cheese Crostini

Elegant and ridiculously easy. The air fryer toasts the crostini fast, and the salty-sweet combo wins every time.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
• 6 slices prosciutto, torn
• 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 tbsp honey
• Black pepper
• Thyme leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brush bread with oil. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 3–4 minutes until lightly crisp.
2. Top with pear, prosciutto, and blue cheese; air fry 1–2 more minutes to warm.
3. Drizzle honey, crack pepper, garnish with thyme.

Swap blue cheese for goat cheese if needed. Add a smear of fig jam under the pear for extra sweetness.

19. Cinnamon-Sugar Pumpkin Churro Bites With Vanilla Cream

Dessert in the air fryer? Always. These pumpkin-churro bites are tender inside, crunchy outside, and dangerously poppable.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/3 cup cinnamon-sugar for coating
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

1. Mix pumpkin, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, spices, and salt until a soft dough forms.
2. Scoop 1-tbsp balls; air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 7–9 minutes until set and lightly browned.
3. Toss hot bites with melted butter, then cinnamon-sugar.
4. Combine yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla for dipping.

Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a twist. Best served warm; re-crisp for 2 minutes if needed.

20. Mini Apple-Butter Hand Pies With Flaky Sugar Tops

Cozy, handheld pies you can air fry in batches. They’re flaky, glossy, and filled with spiced apple butter that tastes like a hug.

Ingredients:

• 2 refrigerated pie crusts, room temp
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 1 small apple, finely diced
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp coarse sugar

Instructions:

1. Cut crusts into 4–5-inch rounds. Mix apple butter, apple, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Spoon filling onto rounds; fold and crimp edges. Cut a small vent; brush with egg wash and sprinkle sugar.
3. Air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Swap apple butter for cranberry sauce for a tangy spin, or add a caramel drizzle.

Final Tips for Air Fryer Thanksgiving Success

• Don’t crowd the basket. Work in batches for maximum crisp.
• Preheat for best browning, especially with potatoes and proteins.
• Shake or flip halfway to cook evenly.
• Use a light oil spray to help browning on drier foods.
• Keep things warm in a low oven (200°F) between batches.

There you go—20 Thanksgiving air fryer recipes you haven’t tried yet, but absolutely should. Mix and match a few of these and watch your guests hover by the counter “just to taste.” Save your oven for the big jobs and let the air fryer deliver the crispy, caramelized magic. Happy cooking—and happy feasting!