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 irresistible crispness on the outside and a stringy cheese heart that wins you over at the first bite. Our...


Fish fingers in airfryer: crispy, light and easy to prepare!Recipe Fish fingers in airfryer: crispy, light and easy to prepare!

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 airfryer, 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 potatoes, the viral recipe cooked with airfryerRecipe Breaded caprice des dieux cheese with potatoes, the viral recipe cooked with airfryer

Fancy an ultra-comforting, quick and crispy meal? This combo has it all: heart-melting Caprice des dieux cheese , coated in a golden breading, and airfryer-roasted baby potatoes , flavored with garlic and rosemary. It's simple, effective and...


Candied egg yolks with airfryer to spread on a toast!Recipe Candied egg yolks with airfryer to spread on a toast!

If you like gourmet, original spreads, you'll love these egg yolks confit with Air Fryer ! An ultra-melting texture, a rich taste and a hint of fleur de sel... perfect to enjoy on toast or to enhance your dishes. The secret? Gentle cooking in...


Potato gratin with airfryerRecipe Potato gratin with airfryer

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


Air fryer-roasted camembert with a nice runny texture!Recipe Air fryer-roasted camembert with a nice runny texture!

Imagine a runny Camembert , roasted to perfection in an Air Fryer... Accompanied by slices of toasted country bread flavored with olive oil :-) This simple, delicious dish is ideal for fans of melting cheese. With a touch of honey and a sprinkling...


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 browned potatoes are perfect for adding a crunchy-soft touch to your meals. Thanks to Air Fryer cooking, they are less fatty but just...


Air fryer-roasted peppers, perfect for summer!Recipe Air fryer-roasted peppers, perfect for summer!

Very easy to prepare, quick and economical, this recipe for air-fried roasted peppers is sure to become a summertime staple :-) The advantage of this recipe is that it can be used in a variety of ways: as a topping for bruschetta , to spice up a...


Salmon fillet in the air fryer: healthy, tasty cooking!Recipe Salmon fillet in the air fryer: healthy, tasty cooking!

Looking for a healthy , delicious and quick way to prepare your salmon ? We've got the perfect option for you! Try our recipe for salmon, cooked in an Air Fryer and flavored with a blend of spices and sweet lemony notes. This dish is just what...


Breaded babybel cheese wheels in airfryerRecipe Breaded babybel cheese wheels in airfryer

We all know the famous goat cheese to accompany our salad, but have you already tried the 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 airfryerRecipe Soft-boiled eggs cooked in airfryer

We have discovered an incredibly simple way to prepare soft-boiled eggs to perfection, thanks to our faithful sidekick Air Fryer :-) With this method, no more hassle of the boiling pot of water and the overcooked eggs ... In just a few minutes, you...

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 with airfryer!Recipe Almond pralines with airfryer!

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


Air fryer chocolate walnut brownieRecipe Air fryer chocolate walnut brownie

An ultra-melt-in-your-mouth brownie that's easy to prepare and baked 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....


Chestnuts roasted in an airfryerRecipe Chestnuts roasted in an airfryer

Do you love the taste of roasted chestnuts but are looking for a quick and uncomplicated way to prepare them? The air fryer is the perfect solution! Among the different methods for roasting chestnuts , we show you the easiest and fastest of...


Super-easy creme brulee with the airfryer!Recipe Super-easy creme brulee with the airfryer!

Who says you can't make crèmes brûlées without an oven? You can totally do without! Discover our new recipe for crèmes brûlées with Air fryer ! Super easy and delicious, let yourself be tempted by this super easy recipe , and impress your...


Extra runny airfryer chocolate fondants!Recipe Extra runny airfryer chocolate fondants!

Dive into a chocolate adventure with our chocolate fondant baked to perfection using 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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