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    Home » Trending

    31 air fryer recipes that save your oven for the holidays

    Published: Dec 21, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    No need to turn on the oven when the air fryer can do it all. Quick, crispy and easy, every bite brings the holiday cheer without the heat. With 31 tasty ideas, mealtime stays simple and cleanup stays light. Let the air fryer take over and keep that oven free for the big stuff!

    Air Fryer Halloumi

    Air Fryer Halloumi. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Cheese doesn’t need a pan or broiler to get golden and crisp. With Air Fryer Halloumi, you’ve got a quick win that fits between holiday mains and snacks. Everyone grabs a piece like it’s tradition.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Halloumi

    Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

    Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.
    Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Frozen doesn’t mean boring when you’ve got this backup plan ready. Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon pulls everything together fast while the oven handles the rest. It’s reliable when timing gets tight.
    Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

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    Easy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos

    Easy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    When extra guests show up, these help fill plates without slowing anything down. Easy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos are easy to batch and great for quick bites between meals. No need to fuss with trays or burners.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Beef Taquitos

    Air Fryer Whole Chicken

    Low angle shot of an air fried whole chicken.
    Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    This frees up the oven without sacrificing the main dish. Air Fryer Whole Chicken delivers crisp skin and juicy meat with room to spare in the kitchen. Makes hosting a little less stressful.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken

    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    No foil, no roasting, no waiting around. Air Fryer Baked Potatoes make it easy to get a side going while you focus on everything else. They’re a helpful backup when oven space runs short.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

    Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate.
    Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Get the ribs going while the main dishes take up the oven. Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs turn out tender and packed with flavor in way less time than you'd think. No slow roasting required to keep everyone happy.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

    Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings (Easy & Crispy!)

    Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings (Easy & Crispy!). Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

    Wings like these give you crunch without tying up trays or timers. Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings deliver big flavor in small batches. These go fast, so you may want to double up.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings (Easy & Crispy!)

    Air Fryer Ribeye

    Air fryer ribeye on a plate with potatoes and butter.
    Air Fryer Ribeye. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Steak night fits easily into holiday cooking when you skip the stovetop. Air Fryer Ribeye comes out just right and clears up space for sides and sauces. It works when you’re short on burners and time.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ribeye

    Air Fryer Tofu

    Air Fryer Tofu. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    There’s always room for a protein that doesn’t fight for oven space. With Air Fryer Tofu, you get something crisp and quick that pairs well with nearly anything on the table. A smart choice when juggling mains, sides, and guests.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu

    Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak (Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak)

    Perfectly air-fried ahi tuna steaks with greens and lemon slices on a plate.
    Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak (Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

    You don’t need a pan or grill to get something bold on the plate. Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak takes the pressure off when you want something fast but still fresh. This one keeps things simple when the rest of the kitchen is full.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Tuna Steak (Fresh Ahi Tuna Steak)

    Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

    Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

    When the air fryer’s on your side, you don’t need oil or oven space to bring crunch. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp show up crisp, golden, and ready for dipping. They’re usually the first tray to clear.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

    Air Fryer Filet Mignon

    Air fryer filet mignon with sliced potatoes.
    Air Fryer Filet Mignon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Steak night doesn’t have to compete with everything else in the oven. Air Fryer Filet Mignon handles itself without a pan in sight. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Filet Mignon

    Easy Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings

    Easy Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Skip the skillet and let your air fryer handle the crunch. Easy Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings deliver quick flavor without clogging up the kitchen. These come together fast and disappear even faster.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings

    Crispy Air-Fried Shredded Pork

    Crispy Air-Fried Shredded Pork. Photo credit: Hungry for Thai.

    Pork doesn’t need a slow roast to hit the table right. Crispy Air-Fried Shredded Pork fits perfectly into sliders, bowls, or tacos when you need something quick. You’ll want to keep this one on standby.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Air-Fried Shredded Pork

    Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples

    Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Sweet and warm without using a single rack. Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples are perfect for quick desserts or late-night bites after the guests are gone. This one comes through when you need something low-effort.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples

    Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

    Chicken Caprese with tomato and basil on a blue plate.
    Air Fryer Caprese Chicken. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

    Bold flavor doesn’t always come from the oven. Air Fryer Caprese Chicken mixes comfort and color without adding stress to your prep. It pulls together fast and fits right in next to heavier dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

    Homemade Air Fryer Pizza

    Homemade Air Fryer Pizza. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    When the oven is packed, it helps to have a backup plan for pizza night. Homemade Air Fryer Pizza keeps everyone fed without rearranging the whole menu. Great for kids, leftovers, or quick bites during prep.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Air Fryer Pizza

    Air Fryer Turkey Legs

    Roasted turkey legs on a cutting board with a knife.
    Air Fryer Turkey Legs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    The big bird isn’t your only option this year. Air Fryer Turkey Legs cook faster and make everyone feel like they’ve got the best cut. No one misses carving duty with these around.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Legs

    Air Fryer BBQ Ribs - Best Dry Rib Rub

    Air Fryer BBQ Ribs - Best Dry Rib Rub. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    You can save oven room and still serve something that hits hard. Air Fryer BBQ Ribs get the job done with no fuss and a lot of flavor. They hold their own on any holiday spread.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Ribs - Best Dry Rib Rub

    Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard

    Three glazed chicken wing pieces garnished with parsley are arranged on a white plate. A red and white checkered cloth is visible beside the plate.
    Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Add a little kick to the holiday table without heating the whole kitchen. Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard bring sweet heat and crisp texture with almost no effort. Wings this easy tend to vanish fast.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard

    Air Fryer Zucchini

    Air Fryer Zucchini. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Vegetables get more attention when they show up like this. Air Fryer Zucchini adds a little texture and color without calling for oven space. One batch won’t be enough if you’re feeding a crowd.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini

    Air Fryer Salmon Bites

    A plate with air fryer salmon bites, rice, broccoli and sauce on it.
    Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Keep the oven focused on bigger items and let these take care of themselves. Air Fryer Salmon Bites cook quickly and pair with just about anything else you’re serving. No one’s asking how they came together so fast.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

    Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

    Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    The oven’s already full, but you still need a main that feels like something special. Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets bring bold flavor without extra steps or cleanup. A solid option when you're short on time but still want something memorable.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Pesto Crusted Salmon Fillets

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    You can let the oven handle bigger things while these come together fast. Grilled Shrimp Skewers work well as a starter or quick second protein for seafood fans. They hold up on the table and don’t demand attention.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

    Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Tomatoes like these round out the table with barely any effort. Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes are rich, simple, and great for layering into mains or sides. They bring color without taking up oven space.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

    Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

    Air Fryer Panko Shrimp with cilantro lime dressing and parsley on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

    Skip the deep fry and go straight for crispy. Air Fryer Panko Shrimp bring crunch without extra oil or mess. They make a strong case for starting the party with seafood.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

    BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops

    A bite of bbq pork chop on a fork.
    BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

    Full-flavored mains can still happen while the oven’s booked. BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops come together with speed and still feel like something special. No one asks how they were made—they just clear the plate.
    Get the Recipe: BBQ Air Fryer Pork Chops

    Air Fryer Eggplant

    Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Keep things simple and let the vegetables shine on their own. Air Fryer Eggplant adds depth to your spread without stealing oven time. It always holds up well next to the mains.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

    Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    A chicken drumsticks in a pan.
    Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

    Sticky, crisp, and easy to pull together without the oven. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks keep the table full and the cleanup low. They’re a hit with guests of all ages.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

    Air Fryer Short Ribs

    Air Fryer Short Ribs. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Let the oven focus on the roast while something bold cooks quietly on the side. Air Fryer Short Ribs offer big flavor without crowding your main setup. Guests usually circle back for more before dessert hits the table.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Short Ribs

    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket.
    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Some sides turn into the main event when you least expect it. That’s often the case with Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites, especially once they hit the table warm and crisp. Nothing else competes when this is within reach.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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