The oven’s not invited this Christmas: these 16 Air Fryer recipes do it all, and no one suspects a thing

Tuesday 2 December 2025 15:30 - Mirella Mendonça
The oven’s not invited this Christmas: these 16 Air Fryer recipes do it all, and no one suspects a thing

If you thought the Air Fryer was just for everyday use, get ready to change your mind: it can also be your great ally at Christmas dinner.

In this article, we've put together 16 creative, practical and delicious recipes that show off the full potential of the Air Fryer and, best of all, don't take up any space in the oven or on the stove. Here you won't find main dishes, but everything that turns a dinner into a real feast: irresistible starters, side dishes that make any protein shine and desserts that surprise even the most traditional eaters.

All with that Christmas touch that combines comfort, affection and practicality. It's the perfect solution for those who want a Christmas with fewer dishes, less stress and a lot more flavor.


Savory (starter, appetizer, side dish)

In the first part of our selection, you'll find savory recipes designed to whet your appetite and accompany the main course with creativity and flavor.

There are ideas ranging from a crunchy appetizer to a light and sophisticated starter, as well as warm and aromatic side dishes, all made quickly and with hardly any mess. With the air fryer, you save time and impress your guests with golden, dry and textured results - perfect for a modern and uncomplicated supper.


Puff pastry rolls in air fryer: quick and easy recipeRecipe Puff pastry rolls in air fryer: quick and easy recipe

Looking for a quick, tasty snack that's super easy to make? Air fryer puff pastry rolls are the perfect answer: ready in minutes, with an irresistibly crisp exterior and a gooey cheese center that wins you over at the first bite. Our version is...


Fish fingers in the air fryer: crispy, light and easy to make!Recipe Fish fingers in the air fryer: crispy, light and easy to make!

If you love fish fingers but want a lighter, crispier version without having to fry them in oil, this recipe is for you. Thanks to the air fryer, you'll get a golden and flavorful result with very little oil, perfect for a healthy and tasty meal....


Breaded caprice des dieux cheese with baby potatoes in the air fryerRecipe Breaded caprice des dieux cheese with baby potatoes in the air fryer

Fancy an ultra-comforting, quick and crispy meal? This combo has it all: Caprice des Dieux cheese that’s soft and melty inside, coated in a golden breading, and baby potatoes roasted in the air fryer and flavored with garlic and rosemary. It’s...


Air fryer confit egg yolks for spreadingRecipe Air fryer confit egg yolks for spreading

If you like gourmet, original spreads, you'll love these egg yolks confit in the air fryer ! They have an ultra-soft texture, a rich flavor and a hint of fleur de sel... perfect on toast or for enhancing your dishes. The secret? Gentle cooking in...


Air fryer potato gratinRecipe Air fryer potato gratin

Looking for a super-easy-to-make side dish that's both delicious and crispy? This potato gratin in the Air Fryer will delight you! With melt-in-the-mouth potatoes on the inside and a golden crust on the outside, this gratin, a cousin of Gratin...


Roasted camembert in the air fryer, nice and gooey!Recipe Roasted camembert in the air fryer, nice and gooey!

Imagine a perfectly roasted, wonderfully gooey Camembert made in an Air Fryer... Served with slices of toasted country bread flavored with olive oil :-) This simple, delicious dish is ideal for fans of gooey cheese. With a touch of honey and a...


Air fryer smashed potatoes, the super crispy side dish!Recipe Air fryer smashed potatoes, the super crispy side dish!

Discover our recipe for Air fryer smashed potatoes , the ultra-crispy side dish! Easy to prepare, these crushed and golden-brown potatoes are perfect for adding a crispy-yet-soft touch to your meals. Thanks to cooking in the air fryer, they contain...


Air-fryer-roasted pepper saladRecipe Air-fryer-roasted pepper salad

Very easy to prepare , quick and inexpensive, this air-fryer-roasted pepper salad is sure to become one of your favorite summer dishes. The great thing about this recipe is that you can serve it in several ways: as a side dish with meat, as a...


Salmon in the air fryer: healthy and full of flavorRecipe Salmon in the air fryer: healthy and full of flavor

Looking for a healthy , delicious, and quick way to prepare your salmon ? We have the perfect option for you! Try our air-fried salmon recipe, flavored with a blend of spices and subtle citrus notes from lemon. This dish is just what you need for...


Breaded babybel cheese wheels in the air fryerRecipe Breaded babybel cheese wheels in the air fryer

We all know the famous hot goat cheese to accompany our salad, but have you ever tried breaded Babybel ? With our quick and easy air fryer recipe, you'll get Babybels that are irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with very...


Soft-boiled eggs cooked in the air fryerRecipe Soft-boiled eggs cooked in the air fryer

Who doesn't love enjoying soft-boiled eggs for breakfast? At Ptitchef, we've discovered an incredibly simple way to prepare them to perfection, thanks to our trusty sidekick, the air fryer :-) With this method, there's no more hassle with a pot of...

Sweet (desserts)

And because no dinner is complete without a special treat, we've also put together Christmas dessert recipes that prove that the air fryer can (yes!) shine at the end of the night.

Here are delicacies that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, sweets with fruit, chocolate, spices and that festive touch that warms the heart. These are practical, quick and surprising options that will delight both fans of classic recipes and those who like to try new flavors - all without having to turn on the oven.

Almond pralines in the air fryer! (pralines)Recipe Almond pralines in the air fryer! (pralines)

In the mood for a crunchy, irresistible treat? These caramelized almonds , also known as pralines , are the perfect treat to nibble on with a coffee! With just three ingredients and your Air Fryer, you can make these delicious caramelized almonds...


Air fryer chocolate walnut brownieRecipe Air fryer chocolate walnut brownie

An ultra-fudgy brownie that's easy to prepare and ready in no time is possible thanks to your Air Fryer ! With simple ingredients you're sure to have in your cupboards, all you have to do is follow the steps and let the magic happen. The little...


Chestnuts roasted in an air fryerRecipe Chestnuts roasted in an air fryer

Do you love the taste of roasted chestnuts but are looking for a quick, hassle-free way to prepare them? An air fryer is the perfect solution! Of the different methods for roasting chestnuts, we’ll show you the easiest and fastest. In just 9 minutes,...


Super-easy crème brûlée in the air fryer!Recipe Super-easy crème brûlée in the air fryer!

Who says you can't make crème brûlées without an oven? You absolutely can! Discover our new recipe for air fryer crème brûlées with an air fryer ! This super-easy, delicious recipe is sure to tempt you, and you'll impress your guests with a...


Extra-gooey air fryer chocolate fondants!Recipe Extra-gooey air fryer chocolate fondants!

Dive into a chocolate adventure with our chocolate fondant baked to perfection in the Air Fryer ! Discover the pleasure of enjoying a melt-in-your-mouth dessert, prepared in no time thanks to our trusty Air Fryer. Each bite is an explosion of...

Christmas with Air Fryer: answers to your top questions

What Christmas dishes can you make in an air fryer?

You can air-fry appetizers, sides, and desserts like roasted Brussels sprouts, bacon-wrapped dates, mini ham glazes, stuffed mushrooms, garlic rolls, and even cookies.


Can the air fryer really replace the oven for holiday cooking?

Yes, air fryers deliver crisp, golden results fast. They’re perfect for small-batch cooking and freeing oven space for bigger holiday dishes.


What are the best air fryer recipes for Christmas appetizers?

Crispy shrimp, cheese-stuffed mushrooms, potato bites, and cranberry-brie pastries cook perfectly in minutes.


What Christmas desserts can be made in an air fryer?

You can bake cookies, mini apple pies, cinnamon rolls, hand pies, and even lava cakes with a perfectly tender center.


How do you adapt holiday recipes for the air fryer?

Lower the temperature by 25°F compared to oven baking, reduce cooking time, and avoid overcrowding so everything cooks evenly.

Mirella MendonçaMirella Mendonça
I am the editorial manager at Petitchef (Portugal and Brazil) and a huge enthusiast of travel and world cuisine, always in search of new flavors and experiences. However, as much as I love exploring the delights of different cultures, my mom's cooking will always be my favorite — with that unique flavor that only she can create.

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jan

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