The holiday season is upon us, and you know what that means – a whole lot of cooking (and eating, let’s be real)! But, let’s get real for a second, who needs the hassle of slaving away in the kitchen all day when you can whip up some amazing Christmas sides dishes in no time? I’m talking crispy, golden, and utterly delicious, all without taking up precious oven space. Enter the air fryer, your new BFF for the holiday season!
I mean, think about it, traditional oven-roasted veggies and sides can take forever, and let’s not forget about the freeing up oven space for the main event – the turkey (or ham, or roast, you get the idea)! With an air fryer, you can cook up a storm while keeping your oven free for the star of the show. So, which Christmas sides dishes will you be making this year?
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This recipe rocks because it’s a total game-changer for all you Brussels sprouts haters out there (yes, I used to be one too!). The air fryer gives them a crispy exterior and a tender interior, and let’s not forget the bacon – because everything is better with bacon, am I right?
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until they’re evenly coated.
3. Add the Brussels sprouts to the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each sprout.
4. Cook the Brussels sprouts for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
5. While the sprouts are cooking, cook the bacon in a pan until crispy.
6. Once the sprouts are done, toss them with the cooked bacon, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a quick holiday side that’s perfect for even the pickiest of eaters. The air fryer gives the Brussels sprouts a whole new level of deliciousness, and the bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the sprouts perfectly.
Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
Who doesn’t love a good roasted potato? This recipe is a staple for any Christmas sides dishes spread, and the air fryer makes it quicker and easier than ever.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until they’re evenly coated.
3. Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each potato.
4. Cook the potatoes for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the potatoes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until melted and golden.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a fast and easy way to make delicious roasted potatoes without taking up oven space. The air fryer gives the potatoes a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, and the cheddar cheese adds an extra burst of flavor.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe is a twist on the classic sweet potato casserole, and it’s perfect for the holiday season. The air fryer makes it oven-free, and the result is a crispy, golden-brown topping and a tender, sweet sweet potato filling.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup marshmallows
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a air fryer-safe dish.
4. Top the sweet potatoes with marshmallows and pecans.
5. Cook the casserole in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes, until the marshmallows are golden brown and the pecans are toasted.
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a unique twist on a classic holiday side dish. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve a crispy, golden-brown topping without having to use the oven, and the result is a delicious, sweet, and satisfying side dish.
In conclusion, these Christmas sides dishes are a total game-changer for the holiday season. They’re quick, easy, and delicious, and they won’t take up precious oven space. Whether you’re making air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer roasted potatoes, or air fryer sweet potato casserole, you can’t go wrong. So, go ahead and give these recipes a try, and happy cooking!
