Air Fryer Thanksgiving Tips

Thanksgiving Air Fryer Tips from Cosori

Written by: Cosori Culinary Team

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Time to read 3 min

It’s the best time of the year and one of the busiest times in the kitchen.


Thanksgiving is a season where food and celebration go hand in hand, and every appliance in your kitchen will be used to the max. When you’re juggling a kitchen filled with multiple dishes, every appliance running, and timers going off left and right, it can feel overwhelming.


An air fryer can help lighten the load, making it easier to prep and perfect your holiday favorites. From freeing up oven space to speeding up cooking times, an air fryer is a versatile tool that can simplify your Thanksgiving meal. Here’s how to get the most out of your air fryer this holiday, with tips on timing, organization, and streamlining prep to make your Thanksgiving as stress-free (and delicious) as possible.

Why use an air fryer for Thanksgiving?

Think of an air fryer as your sous chef in the kitchen—quietly humming and taking up minimal space. It can do it all, from crisping up sides to baking desserts. On top of that, it makes cleanup easy. 


Air fryers come packed with multifunctional capabilities that make them ideal for Thanksgiving meal prep. These appliances use rapid air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly, producing crispy, golden brown results without needing excess oil. 

  • Multifunctional: If you think air frying is all an air fryer can do, you’re living in the past. Some models have the capabilities to Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Reheat, and more.


  • Frees Up Oven Space: An air fryer gives you the freedom to prepare dishes simultaneously, letting you cook your turkey in the oven while the air fryer handles sides and snacks.


  • Faster Cooking Times: Air fryers preheat and cook faster than traditional ovens, allowing you to whip up dishes in less time—perfect for last-minute additions or unexpected guests.


  • Crispy, Golden Results: With rapid air circulation technology, that perfect crispy exterior is achieved without needing lots of oil.


  • Easy Cleanup: Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning up after your Thanksgiving feast a breeze, so you can spend more time with family and less time scrubbing pans. 


Air Fryer Tips for Thanksgiving

  • Tap into Cosori’s Recipe Vault: Cosori’s website features numerous chef-crafted recipes that make holiday prep a breeze. 

  • Modify Oven Cook Times: When using your air fryer for non-air fryer recipes, reduce the cooking time and check your dishes periodically—they cook faster than you’d expect.

  • Minimal Oil, Maximum Flavor: The nonstick baskets mean you don’t need to be heavy-handed with oil. A light drizzle goes a long way, delivering that coveted crispy texture without the extra calories or added grease.

  • Parchment Paper: Making multiple dishes in one go? Line your crisper plate with air fryer parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth transitions between recipes.

  • Keep It Warm Without Drying Out: We all have that one guest who is chronically late (if you don’t, email us, we want to know your secret). Use the Keep Warm function to maintain the perfect temperature without overcooking your food.

  • Flip and Shake for Even Results: Halfway through cooking, give your food a shake or flip to ensure every bite gets that golden, crispy finish.

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: It’s tempting to fill the air fryer to the brim, but giving your food room to breathe leads to better cooking results. Trust us, cooking in batches will be worth it and just as fast.  

Must-Try Thanksgiving Recipes for Your Air Fryer

Air Fryer Citrus & Herb Turkey Breast

If you’re opting for a smaller Thanksgiving centerpiece or want a juicy addition to your turkey spread, this citrus and herb turkey breast is the perfect dish. The combination of orange zest, brown sugar, and herbs infuses the turkey breast with vibrant, aromatic flavors. Cook at 330°F for 40 minutes for a crispy skin and tender meat.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

A crispy, healthier twist on a classic side, these sweet potato fries are a crowd-pleaser. Lightly season with your favorite spices—like smoked paprika or cinnamon—for an added holiday flair. Air fry at 375°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Serve with a dipping sauce or enjoy them as is for a perfectly crunchy side.

Air Fryer Roasted Green Beans

Green beans cooked in the air fryer come out tender with just the right amount of crisp. Toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt before placing them in the air fryer at 380°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. These green beans make an excellent light side that balances the richer dishes on the table.

Air Fryer Pumpkin Bars

Thanksgiving is not complete without a pumpkin dessert. A light and fluffy spiced pumpkin cake topped with a creamy layer of whipped cream cheese frosting creates a delightful balance of flavors. These bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea and will have your guests asking for seconds.


With your air fryer as a holiday sous chef, you can do more with less. Create flavorful, crispy, and satisfying dishes that leave you with extra moments to enjoy the holiday. From tender turkey to perfectly roasted sides, these air fryer recipes help you streamline your prep, free up your oven, and simplify cleanup. From all of us at Cosori, Happy Thanksgiving!