Why Cooking Christmas Dinner in an Air Fryer is a Bad Idea

A common question during the holiday season is whether you can prepare your Christmas dinner using an air fryer. After testing it out, we can confirm that it is indeed possible – but there are some considerations to keep in mind.

Below, we’ll delve into why cooking your Christmas dinner in an air fryer may not be the best choice, and offer alternative ways to make the most of your air fryer this Christmas.

How to cook Christmas dinner in an air fryer

It is entirely feasible to cook a Christmas dinner, or any roast, in an air fryer and achieve excellent results. An air fryer functions as a mini convection oven, circulating hot air around the food to cook it, similar to a fan-assisted oven. The key difference is that the smaller cooking space in an air fryer heats up quickly and produces crispier outcomes.

For example, I prepared a Christmas dinner for two in a dual-drawer air fryer. I roasted a 0.5kg turkey breast joint in one basket (with ample space for more) and cooked a generous amount of potatoes and carrots in the other basket – enough to serve at least three people.

I utilized the 10.4l Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer, a kitchen essential for me and one of the top-rated air fryers we have reviewed.

To compare it with other Ninja models, take a look at our roundup of the best Ninja air fryers and countertop cookers.

If you have never roasted potatoes in an air fryer before, the process is simple. Parboil the potatoes as usual, coat them in oil or use an oil spray bottle, then cook them in the air fryer using the roast setting for approximately 30-40 minutes. For optimal results, give them a shake halfway through cooking.

The turkey breast joint had recommended cooking instructions of 55 minutes at 180°C (or 160°C in a fan-assisted oven). Due to the smaller cooking space in an air fryer, you can adjust the time and temperature accordingly. I cooked it for 45 minutes at 150°C, and it turned out juicy and perfectly done.

Emma Rowley / Foundry

If you require additional assistance with roasting, consider using a meat probe to check the internal temperature of a large joint to ensure it is thoroughly cooked. You can purchase one for as little as £10 on Amazon.

For even better outcomes, opt for a wireless probe like the Meater Plus, which can be left in the meat during cooking. Although more expensive, this option provides superior results as the accompanying app on your phone will notify you when the meat is ready.

Another option is to select an air fryer with a built-in meat probe. The outstanding Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone (AF451) includes a probe – but earlier models of this air fryer may not have this feature, so be sure to choose the right one if that is a feature you desire.

Lee Bell / Foundry

Why you shouldn’t cook your Christmas dinner in an air fryer

If you are celebrating Christmas with just one or two people, a dual-drawer air fryer or an air fryer oven can be an excellent choice. It is a quick and cost-effective method of cooking, with ample space for large portions and leftovers.

For our top recommendations, take a look at the best dual-drawer air fryers and air fryer ovens we have tested.

Cooking for a smaller group ensures you will not overcrowd the air fryer, leading to more even and crispy results as the hot air can reach all the food items effectively.

However, if you have a single-drawer air fryer or a larger group gathering for Christmas, it may be more economical to utilize the full capacity of your oven for cooking. Running the air fryer multiple times can be more costly than using an oven, and the oven typically produces better results as there is no temptation to overcrowd the food into drawers.

Nevertheless, this does not mean your air fryer cannot be useful during the holiday season.

How to use your air fryer over Christmas

If you have a larger gathering or a smaller air fryer, here are some alternative ways to make use of it:

• Use it as a separate cooking zone for vegetables, vegans, or individuals with food allergies
• Cook starters or warm up canapés
• Heat rolls or pastries
• Prepare your Christmas pudding
• Substitute it for a hob. Instead of boiling Christmas vegetable sides like Brussels sprouts or carrots, roast them in the air fryer for a delicious twist.

For more air fryer cooking inspiration, check out our article: Air fryer cooking: five mistakes you’re making.