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While the turkey is the undisputed star of the show every Thanksgiving, we could probably all agree that its trusty support team of side dishes are the true MVPs.
From marshmallow-topped candied yams to green bean casseroles and fluffy mounds of buttery mashed potatoes in between, the mouth-watering side dish is often the one on the table alluringly calling out to you to go for that second (and maybe third) plate.
With air fryers becoming must-have kitchen items in recent years, bringing all of these dishes from a pile of raw ingredients to a piping hot bowl of delicious decadence has been made that much easier, as the turkey dominates in the oven.
The countertop convection ovens have been praised for delivering crisp and tasty dishes at top speed and with minimal oil use. As their popularity continues to increase, we're now learning that almost everything we like can be cooked in one.
Boston-based seventh-grade teachers Kara Shilalie and Regina Chaperon will likely have countless people using their recipes over the holiday, thanks to the easy-to-follow instructions shared on their popular Instagram account, AirFryerAddicts.
The account, which was launched in 2018 in response to their co-workers requesting recipes, currently boasts an army of 275,000 followers and features instructions on how to cook everything from pork chops to cinnamon rolls.
Chaperon told Newsweek that they started to hone their recipe expertise after she and Shilalie purchased their respective air fryers at around the same time back in 2017.
"For us, it was just a matter of convenience, and we were looking for fast ways to get dinner on the table for our families," she explained. "Neither of us knew how much we would love cooking daily with our air fryers."
A major advantage to using the air fryer is the time that it saves over a conventional oven, Chaperone said, adding that "you don't have to preheat the air fryer. Plus, in our opinion, food just seems more crisp and fresh. It's a game changer when reheating leftovers, too."
"The air fryer is such an easy appliance with little mess," Shilalie told Newsweek. "We try to post quick and simple recipes with ingredients that are readily available, or already in your kitchen. We post our recipes directly in our Instagram posts/reels and they're super easy to follow."
Shilalie and Chaperon have shared with Newsweek a selection of some of their favorite holiday appetizers and sides that can be prepared in an air fryer.
Baked Brie
Ingredients:
Brie
1/2 TBSP Minced garlic
1 TBSP Olive oil
Craisins (chopped)
Rosemary (also chopped)
Directions:
Begin by scoring the top of the brie.
In a bowl, mix the garlic, olive oil, and rosemary.
Pour mixture over the brie and get into the crevices.
Top with the chopped craisins.
Air fry at 325°F for 11 to 12 minutes or until cheese has melted.
We also air-fried ciabatta for dipping—3 mins on 400°F.
We placed this on parchment paper, which worked well. Of course, check your user manual to make sure the parchment paper works with your air fryer.
We even reheated this in the air fryer the next day for about three minutes.
Green Beans With Pancetta
Ingredients:
1 bag of green beans
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Pancetta and cranberries to taste
Avocado or olive oil spray
Parmesan cheese sprinkle (optional)
Directions:
Lightly spray green beans in avocado or olive oil spray and season with some salt and garlic powder.
Toss in chopped pancetta and mix together.
Air fry for 7-8 minutes at 400°F or until you've reached your desired crispness.
Sprinkle some fresh Parmesan cheese and toss.
Spinach Artichoke Dip Bites
Ingredients:
2 cans of crescent dough sheets
12 oz. spinach dip
Directions:
Roll out first sheet of dough and spread the dip evenly.
Top with the second sheet and press down gently.
Cut into small bite-size pieces. We used a pizza cutter.
Gently seal the sides as best you can and place in the air fryer.
Air fry for 5-6 minutes at 385°F.
Glazed Carrots
Ingredients:
Carrots
For the glaze:
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon dark corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
Directions:
Air fry carrots for 10 minutes at 375°F. While the carrots are cooking, mix the glaze ingredients on low, and then pour over the carrots when they are done!
Sprinkle with rosemary.
Update 11/23/22, 2:20 p.m. ET: This article was updated to add additional information to a recipe.
About the writer
Ryan Smith is a Newsweek Senior Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on ... Read more