20 Best Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes for Making Turkey, Sides, and Dessert
The appliance really can do it all.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
The kitchen can be a hectic place on a food holiday like Thanksgiving. Your oven is likely working overtime and the stovetop is filled with Thanksgiving side dishes. But if you never thought to use your air fryer for the holiday, it’s time to think again. After all, the handy kitchen appliance can be used for all sorts of Thanksgiving recipes, including quick-cooking green beans, baked potatoes, and even the turkey itself! That’s right, cooking turkey breast in the air fryer is quicker and easier than roasting a whole bird. And just think how golden and crispy the skin will get, too!
Of course, there are so many amazing air fryer recipes out there—it can create the crispiest Brussel sprouts and the tastiest sweet potato fries. But did you know it's also a magical appliance for making cornbread and even stuffing recipes? Plus, using your air fryer is a great way incorporate some lightened-up alternatives to your holiday menu, so you know there's bound to be a few healthy Thanksgiving recipes on this list. Before you stress out about the holiday cooking, consider reaching for your air fryer—it's sure to save the day!
Air Fryer Baked Potato
These baked potatoes are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside—just the way they should be! You can keep them simple with a pat of butter or dress them up with your favorite toppings.
Get the Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
It might not be a turkey, but a pork tenderloin is still an impressive main dish. This one has a flavorful rub made with brown sugar, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder, but it still only takes 30 minutes to whip up!
Get the Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin recipe.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Green beans are a Thanksgiving classic so it's a no-brainer to add this quick and easy variation to your holiday menu. They come out tender yet crisp thanks to the air fryer.
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Crispy chicken thighs will steal the show at your holiday table! Serve them up with mashed potatoes and no one will even notice that you decided to skip the turkey this year.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe.
Air Fryer Okra
This classic Southern dish is even crispier when made in an air fryer. You can serve it up as an appetizer, a side dish, or just a holiday snack!
Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Using your air fryer to cook turkey results in extra moist turkey breast with the crispiest skin. It's perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving celebration or even a holiday potluck!
Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
You don't need to deep-fry Brussels sprouts to make everyone love them. Instead, try tossing them in the air fryer for a crispy, flavorful side dish that's sure to be a hit.
Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
This is a quick and easy way to add sweet potatoes to your holiday menu. Plus, your kids will love them, too!
Get the Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
Air Fryer Potatoes
You can't go wrong with potatoes on Thanksgiving. This side dish is super quick (only 25 minutes) and it's delicious alongside your favorite turkey.
Get the Air Fryer Potatoes recipe.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Come fall, this beloved appetizer will make its way onto all your seasonal party menus. It's spicy, crunchy, and perfect for holding you over until the main event.
Get the Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers recipe.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie
This recipe makes two smaller pies so it's perfect for a holiday potluck or sharing with friends. Plus, you can use refrigerated pie crust to make the recipe even easier.
Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
You can't go wrong with pigs in a blanket at any holiday get-together. They'll hold you over until the big feast and they're easy to make thanks to the handy air fryer.
Get the Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket recipe at Julie's Eats and Treats.
Air Fryer Biscuits
These flaky buttermilk biscuits only take 10 minutes to cook! They'll look so irresistible in a bread basket on your holiday table.
Air Fryer Stuffing
This stuffing is loaded with savory sausage, dried herbs, and a touch of cream so it's extra moist on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Air Fryer Turkey Thighs
Seasoned with creole spices and cooked in an air fryer, these turkey thighs are sure to become a new favorite. The best part is that they're ready in just 30 minutes!
Get the Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Thighs recipe at My Forking Life.
Air Fryer Hush Puppies
These cornmeal fritters are already packed with flavor from the green onions, garlic powder, and buttermilk. But if you want to take it one step further, add chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Cake
This recipe starts with boxed cake mix, then doctors it up with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice so it's perfect for Thanksgiving.
Get the Air Fryer Pumpkin Cake recipe at Love Bakes Good Cakes.
Air Fryer Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Each sweet potato is topped with brown sugar, marshmallows, and chopped nuts. So it's like having individual sweet potato casseroles for each guest!
Get the Air Fryer Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe at Like Mother Like Daughter.
Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
The air fryer makes this casserole recipe super easy, but for another holiday time-saving trick, make it 2 to 3 days ahead!
Get the Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole recipe at Air Frying Foodie.
Air Fryer Cranberry Glazed Ham
When the turkey is taking up all the oven space, it can be hard to think about making anything else. Luckily, the air fryer makes it easy to include ham and cranberry sauce on the menu, too.
Get the Air Fryer Cranberry Glazed Ham recipe at The Cookie Rookie.
Try Pumpkin in Savory Recipes This Season
Fall Vegetable Dishes to Celebrate Harvest Season
Fuel Game Day with Chicken Parm Sliders
23 Easy Fall Dinners for Busy Weeknights
