Looking to save oven space this Christmas while still delivering a delicious feast to your family? Here’s where the air fryer comes in, your secret weapon for crispy and golden sides cooked to perfection. From crunchy roast potatoes to sweet, caramelized vegetables, this kitchen gadget does it all, faster and with less fuss. The air fryer enhances the texture and flavor of your dishes while simplifying your overall cooking process.
By using your air fryer, you can free up the oven for the main event while keeping your sides piping hot and ready to serve. Let’s dive into the four best air fryer Christmas sides to create an unforgettable holiday dinner and make the most of this versatile tool to delight your guests with every bite.
1. The crispiest air fryer roast potatoes
Here’s how to get golden, crunchy roast potatoes every time:
- Peel and chop the potatoes into large chunks. Place them in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 20 minutes to par-cook.
- Drain and let them steam dry for at least 10 minutes while preheating the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Toss the potatoes with oil or melted butter (30ml per 1kg of potatoes), salt, and optional extras like bay leaves, garlic cloves, or pink peppercorns.
- Place them in the air fryer basket and roast for 30 minutes, shaking halfway through.
2. Sweet and savory carrots and parsnips
Carrots and parsnips roasted in the air fryer are the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Here’s how to nail them:
- Peel and cut into batons. Toss with olive oil or rapeseed oil, a generous sprinkle of salt, and 2-3 teaspoons of honey for caramelization.
- Lay the veggies in a single layer in the air fryer tray and roast at 180°C (356°F) for 18 minutes
- Toss halfway and sprinkle in poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or grated clementine zest. They should be tender and richly golden when done.
3. Perfectly golden pigs-in-blankets
These bite-sized treats are a must-have on any Christmas table. The air fryer ensures they’re evenly cooked and irresistibly crispy:
- Wrap small sausages in thin slices of bacon. Lay them out in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
- Roast at 180°C (356°F) for 18 minutes, turning halfway through. They’ll emerge browned, juicy, and packed with flavor.
4. Zesty Brussels sprouts
Forget soggy sprouts. The air fryer turns these little cabbages into a caramelized delight:
- Trim the ends and remove any outer leaves. If the sprouts are large, halve them. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.
- Air fry at 180°C (356°F) for 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or grated Parmesan for extra indulgence before serving.
This Christmas, let your air fryer take some of the pressure off your holiday cooking. With perfectly cooked sides like crispy roast potatoes, caramelized veggies, and juicy pigs-in-blankets, you’ll impress your guests without breaking a sweat. Not only will your food taste incredible, but you’ll have more time to enjoy the festivities.