If oven space is your biggest stress at Christmas, this one's for you. These 5 festive side dishes can all be cooked in the air fryer, leaving plenty of room in the oven for the turkey!
The turkey's in. The trays are stacked. And suddenly there's nowhere to put the parsnips, stuffing, or the pigs in blankets.
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That's where the air fryer comes in!
You can cook pretty much all your festive sides in the air fryer, freeing up the oven for the main event and cutting down on juggling timings.
These are my go-to air fryer Christmas sides that actually work, cook evenly, and still feel properly festive.
If you're looking for a turkey alternative, why not try this Christmas roast chicken or slow-cooked gammon instead?
🤔 Which Air Fryer Do You Use?
This recipe is tested with my Ninja Foodie Dual Zone AF300UK Air Fryer, and the timings and temperatures are tailored for this model. Keep in mind that different air fryer brands may cook differently, so regularly check your food for the best results.
1. Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts (Air Fryer)
If you've got anyone at the table who claims they "don't like sprouts", serve them these!
These are crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and finished with a sticky hot honey glaze that balances sweet and heat perfectly. Cooking sprouts in the air fryer means they actually brown properly instead of going soggy. (They can also be cooked in the oven too)
🎄Why they're great at Christmas:
- ✔️ No boiling, draining, or soggy sprouts
- ✔️ Quick to cook in batches
- ✔️ Easy to keep warm while everything else finishes
2. Air Fryer Stuffing Balls
Stuffing balls are a non-negotiable for me, and the air fryer is honestly the best way to cook them.
They go beautifully golden on the outside while staying soft inside, and you don't need to give up precious oven space. You can prep them earlier in the day and cook them fresh just before serving.
🎄 Why they're great at Christmas:
- Cook evenly without drying out
- Easy to batch cook for a crowd
- No oven tray juggling
3. Air Fryer Roasted Parsnips
Parsnips need high heat to caramelise properly, and the air fryer does this brilliantly.
They come out crisp at the edges with that natural sweetness you want from a Christmas roast. Plus, you don't need to keep opening the oven door to turn them - just give them a shake halfway through.
🎄 Why they're great at Christmas:
- Properly roasted, not steamed
- Faster than the oven
- Easy to season exactly how you like
4. Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets
Is it even Christmas without pigs in blankets?
The air fryer gives you perfectly cooked sausages with crisp bacon, without the grease or uneven cooking you sometimes get in the oven. They're ideal if you're cooking a big batch.
🎄 Why they're great at Christmas:
- Crispy bacon every time
- No turning trays halfway through
- Great for cooking in batches
5. Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
Yes, you can do roast potatoes in the air fryer - and they're genuinely good!
They're crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and much easier to manage when the oven is already full.
🎄 Why they're great at Christmas:
- Saves oven space for the turkey
- Easier to manage timings
- Still properly crispy
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