Buzz
Introducing The Cheater’s Guide to Thanksgiving. While many tips out there cater to those making everything from scratch or baking from the heart, The Cheater’s Guide is for those who need a helping hand—sometimes from unexpected sources. Some may call it 'cheating' (as if that’s a bad thing), but why not embrace modern gadgets and grocery store shortcuts to prepare a fantastic traditional meal—without all the fuss?
Thanksgiving cooking is all about tradition: beloved recipes prepared in time-honored ways, served on the family tablecloth that's been passed down for generations. But what if you could challenge tradition and upgrade your cooking methods? By using an air fryer, you’ll not only achieve excellent results but also save time and energy, reducing the stress of the holiday. No need to roast everything in the oven—put your trust in the air fryer.
Why the air fryer is a Thanksgiving game-changer
I'm grateful to live in an era when the convection oven has become compact and charming enough for home kitchens. With its quick winds and small size, it's perfect for fast roasting without needing to preheat. Even better, the air fryer can handle a variety of foods, allowing you to reserve your oven for other dishes. While it can't accommodate larger items like a 22-pound turkey or a 13 by 9-inch casserole, it's perfect for preparing smaller dishes, including main courses. Here are some Thanksgiving favorites that work well in the air fryer.
Which air fryer is best suited for your needs?
Any air fryer can cut down cooking time; your only restriction might be its size. For large roasts, you might want to choose a bigger oven like the Cuisinart listed below. If you plan to prepare multiple dishes at once, consider an air fryer with two baskets and separate cooking zones, like the Ninja.
Cuisinart Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Ninja DoubleStack XL Air Fryer
Turkey breast and other roast dishes
While I wouldn't suggest air-frying a whole turkey, you can definitely roast parts of it. Many stores offer turkey breasts individually, and a small one can fit into an air fryer. It's a good idea to measure the inside of your air fryer (keeping at least a two-inch gap from the fan) so you know your space limitations.
The air fryer is also great for roasting other meats like a tender pork tenderloin, broiler chicken, boneless leg of lamb, porchetta, ham roast, or even an impressive beef Wellington. Be sure to brine or marinate your meat the night before. To achieve a more even browning, you might want to flip the roast during the final third of the cooking time.
I recommend having a dependable thermometer on hand to check doneness easily, as cooking times vary depending on the animal and its size. The Thermapen One is my personal favorite for this task, and ThermoWorks often has holiday sales, so it's worth checking their site.
Small casseroles work great in an air fryer if they fit into baking dishes about six to nine inches wide. Of course, it depends on the size of your air fryer, so measuring it ahead of time is a good idea.
Casseroles that fit into six to nine-inch baking dishes are perfect for the air fryer. The size of your air fryer matters, but once again, measuring it will give you a clear idea of what fits.
To cook a casserole in an air fryer, follow the suggested oven instructions but lower the temperature by 25°F. Be sure to check the casserole halfway through the suggested cooking time to see if it needs more time. Toaster-style air fryers are especially convenient for this because their doors open easily for removing dishes, but you can also use a basket-style air fryer. Just be cautious when lowering in casserole dishes and taking them out.
The air fryer excels when it comes to casseroles, especially for getting crispy or melty toppings, or reheating. At our Friendsgiving gathering, my friends often bring small casseroles, and this year I plan to use my air fryer to reheat them. It helps free up my oven and cuts down cooking time significantly.
Roasted vegetables
I believe the best side dishes are made up of flavorful and hearty winter vegetables. Many of my favorites are dense root vegetables, squashes, or sturdy cruciferous vegetables, which can take hours to cook in a traditional oven. The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to preparing these vegetable sides quickly. Since they’re such a priority, I've dedicated a separate post to share my favorites.
Crescent rolls and other tube-style breads
There's hardly a more classic Thanksgiving tradition than popping open a can of instant bread. Pillsbury Crescent Rolls or biscuits are a staple at many holiday tables, but when your oven is already packed with turkey and two large casserole dishes, these delicate breads could easily burn. It's better to make room for them in your mini convection oven, where they can cook perfectly without the risk of scorching.
If you own a toaster-oven-style air fryer, you're in luck because you can simply use the flat baking tray. Most basket-style air fryers include a grate that fits at the bottom, where the rolls can rest. However, this may leave the bottom with a textured finish. While I think the air circulation benefits from this, if you’re bothered by the uneven bottom, you can use air fryer basket liners or cut a piece of parchment paper to fit and create a smooth surface. Place the rolls in the air fryer with an inch of space between each, then air fry at 325°F for five to seven minutes until puffed and golden brown. Be sure to check the bottoms before removing them, as you may need to flip them and cook for a few extra minutes, depending on your air fryer.
Garlic bread
If you’re not fond of tube bread for your holiday spread, why not make garlic bread instead? I love using garlic confit for a milder, smoother garlic spread. You can easily prepare this in advance by making the garlic confit days ahead and storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Take a long loaf of bread, like Italian or a baguette, and cut it in half. Spread a generous layer of salted butter and garlic confit on the cut sides. Place the bread in the air fryer, cut side down, and cook at 325°F for about three minutes. Afterward, flip the bread over, brush with more garlic butter, and cook for another three minutes. Once done, slice the loaf into smaller servings.
