Clare said that your air fryer may be handy this Christmas (Image: Miriam Smith)
With Christmas literally right around the corner, festive meal prep is on the minds of many.
Now if you’re after a stress-free holiday feast, air fryer expert and author Clare Andrews shared her top tips using the common kitchen gadget.
She suggests the air fryer is the secret weapon to “simplify festive cooking” and “minimise stress” on the big day.
Clare said: “Cooking for lots of family and friends can be a stressful time in the kitchen, but using the air fryer can be a game changer. It will save you time and energy while you cook all your favourite festive dishes.”
For those perfect roast potatoes that everyone craves, soft and fluffy inside with a crispy exterior, Clare advises the air fryer is your best friend.
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“We love them soft and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Using the air fryer does just that; it is quicker than the conventional oven and uses less oil, too, making it healthier,” she admitted.
She continued: “My top tip for air frying roast potatoes is to shake the basket every few minutes while cooking and give them a spray of oil halfway through cooking. Don’t be afraid to open the drawer; unlike a conventional oven, the air fryer gets back up to temperature really fast.”
And let’s not forget the Brussels sprouts, an essential component of any dinner, which Clare confirms can also be perfectly cooked in the air fryer.
The expert has revolutionised the traditional Christmas dinner with her innovative air fryer techniques. She explained: “Of course, the traditional way to cook them is boiling them whole in a pan, but this can take a long time and can often lead to mushy sprouts if they are left too long on the hob.
“My top tip is to slice your sprouts in half, spray them with a little olive oil, season them with salt and pepper and air fry them for around ten minutes, depending on the size of your sprouts.”
She added that giving them a shake halfway through cooking ensures an even cook and suggested adding bacon lardons to make them extra special.
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For the turkey, Clare advises opting for a crown, saying: “I stuff it with clementines, garlic, rosemary and shallots then cook it breast side down for 20-30 minutes depending on the size of your turkey crown.”
She continued: “Then turn your turkey crown over and cook it breast side up for the same time again. This will give you beautifully golden, crispy skin. I always recommend using a meat thermometer to make sure it is cooked throughout.”
She also mentioned air fryers are perfect for other festive favourites like pigs in blankets, sage and onion stuffing balls, cauliflower cheese, and honey roasted parsnips, and recommended using racks to maximise the air fryer’s capacity during the busy holiday season.
Clare Andrews, author of ‘The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: One Basket Meals’, said: “The air fryer is not just there for cooking chips and chicken nuggets or for reheating leftover takeaway pizza. It really can be invaluable in preparing your festive feast. If planned correctly, you could even cook your entire Christmas dinner in an air fryer if you have a larger capacity model. But even if you prefer to cook your turkey in a conventional oven, the air fryer can really be your friend on Christmas day by cooking your canapes, starters or sides one in double quick time.”
Her new book ‘The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: One Basket Meals’ is available now from