Healthy air fryer recipes for the holidays

Air fryers are having a moment.

And why not? They “fry” foods quickly, giving them a toasty exterior with minimal or no oil. The secret to this method is the fan that circulates hot air at a high speed.¹ It can reduce cooking time by 20%.²

Holiday meal season is when the side dishes shine. While some air fryers have a “bake” setting, it is probably not the place to cook a turkey, ham or roast. But it can be perfect for side dishes.

Read on to discover delicious air fryer recipes for the holidays.

Crispy brussels sprouts

These will become your favorite brussels sprouts in a snap.

Makes 4 servings
Prep: 10 min    Cook: 25 min

Ingredients

• 1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground pepper
• ½ tsp onion powder

Preparation

• Toss brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper and onion powder.
• Arrange in a single layer in air fryer basket.
• Cook at 350°F until sprouts are crisp, 20 to 25 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Nutrition

(serving size: ¼ recipe)

Calories: 80; Total fat: 4 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Sodium: 176mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Total carbs: 11 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 3 g; Protein 4 g; Potassium 445 mg

Air fryer sweet potato fries

Replace your marshmallow-topped casserole with these crispy, caramelized wedges.

Makes 4 servings
Prep: 10 min    Cook: 25 min

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), cut lengthwise into wedges
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Preparation

• Toss sweet potato wedges with oil and spices.
• Spread wedges in a single layer in the fry basket (you may need to do two batches).
• Cook at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until crispy, tossing halfway through.

Nutrition

(serving size: ¼ recipe)

Calories: 165; Total fat: 4 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Sodium: 158mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Total carbs: 32g; Fiber: 5g; Sugars: 1g; Protein 2 g; Potassium 930mg

Spicy green beans

These are a low-carb substitute for green bean casseroles. Can’t break with tradition? These crunchy beans make a great appetizer, snack or side dish.³

Makes 4 servings
Prep: 10 min    Cook: 10 min

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Thai-style chili garlic paste
• 1 Tbsp whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ tsp salt

Preparation

• Place the green beans in a medium bowl and toss with the olive oil, chili garlic paste, panko breadcrumbs and salt.
• Place the green beans in the air fryer basket.
• Set the temperature to 400° F and air fry for 4 minutes. Shake the air fryer basket. Air fry for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.

Nutrition

(serving size:½ cup)

Calories: 60; Total fat: 4 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Sodium: 160 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Total carbs: 7 g; Fiber: 2 g; Sugars: 1 g; Protein 2 g; Potassium 115 mg

Crispy egg cups

For a quick and easy breakfast on a holiday (or the day after), the air fryer crisps these cups up in minutes. Replace the ham with leftover veggies to make it vegetarian. ⁴

Makes 4 servings
Prep: 5 min    Cook: 13 min

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 4 slices whole wheat bread (toasted, crusts removed)
• 1½ Tbsp butter substitute
• 2 oz deli-style ham
• 4 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

• Preheat the air fryer, with the air fryer basket in place, to 375°F.
• Spray 4 (8-ounce) oven-proof custard cups or ramekins with nonstick cooking spray.
• Spread one side of the bread with the butter substitute. Place the bread, spread side down, into a ramekin and press gently to shape the bread into the cup. Repeat three more times.
• Slice the ham into strips about ½ -inch wide. Place the strips in a single layer in the cups.
• Crack one egg into each cup. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Place the filled, uncovered custard cups in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 10–13 minutes or until the eggs are softly set or done as desired.*
• Carefully remove each ramekin from the air fryer basket. Using a hot pad, hold each cup carefully and run a knife around its sides to transfer to a plate.

*Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.

Nutrition

(serving size: 1 egg cup)

Calories: 150; Total fat: 8 g; Saturated fat: 3 g; Sodium: 410 mg; Cholesterol: 195 mg; Total carbs: 6 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sugars: 1 g; Protein 12 g; Potassium: 135 mg

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Published November 13, 2024