Keep it simple: cook your holiday meal in an air fryer
Were you loaded with leftovers after Thanksgiving? This year, it was a struggle to scale back on the portions.
To keep it simple, experts suggest using an air fryer to cook your holiday meals.
"While you can’t cram a whole bird in the basket, a four or five pound turkey breast, or ham can fit – just make sure it sits below the edge of the basket,” said Perry Santanachote, Consumer Reports’ home editor.
- Put an oiled and seasoned turkey breast in the pre-heated air fryer skin-side down for 25 minutes
- Turn the turkey over to finish and brown.
- Make sure it’s 165 degrees before you dig in.
An air fryer can also help with side dishes. It’ll take about 20 minutes to brown dressing in the drawer.
“Roasted veggies in the air fryer turn out really nicely. To ensure browning, pat them dry, toss with a little olive oil and be sure to shake the basket every ten minutes or so to ensure even cooking,” said Santanachote.
You can even experiment with desserts in the air fryer, like pumpkin pie pudding, or an apple crisp.
And when we get back to large gatherings, keep this in mind when the oven is on overload.
If shopping for an air fryer, don’t just go by price, check that the basket size will accommodate your family.
