I don’t know about you, but when December rolls around, I’m all about festive flavors and easy cooking. That’s why this Christmas Air Fryer Harvest Casserole is my go-to for holiday gatherings! Picture this: sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts caramelized to perfection, with bursts of tart cranberries—all ready in under 30 minutes. No oven hogging, no last-minute stress. Just dump, season, and let the air fryer work its magic.
I’ve been making this for years after a desperate Christmas Eve when my oven decided to quit. The air fryer saved the day, and now it’s a tradition. The colors? Straight-up holiday cheer on a plate. The smell? Rosemary and thyme will have everyone sneaking bites before dinner. And trust me, even the veggie skeptics at your table will come back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Air Fryer Harvest Casserole
This isn’t just another side dish—it’s a holiday game-changer. Here’s why:
- Faster than traditional roasting: Done in 15 minutes flat while your oven’s busy with other dishes
- Festive colors that wow: Ruby cranberries, golden squash, and caramelized sprouts look gorgeous on any Christmas table
- Healthy but indulgent: All those roasted veggies get perfectly crispy without drowning in butter
- One-bowl easy: Toss everything together—no fancy techniques needed
- Makes your house smell amazing: That rosemary-thyme aroma? Instant holiday mood
I love how the air fryer gives those edges that perfect crisp while keeping the centers tender. It’s my secret weapon for stress-free entertaining!
Ingredients for Christmas Air Fryer Harvest Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this holiday magic happen – and trust me, every ingredient plays a starring role:
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (about 1 medium potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes – bigger pieces won’t cook evenly)
- 1 cup diced butternut squash (same ½-inch cubes as the potatoes – I like to buy pre-cubed squash to save time during the holiday rush)
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved (look for firm, bright green ones – trim the stems and remove any loose outer leaves)
- ½ cup fresh cranberries (frozen work too – no need to thaw, just toss them in!)
- ¼ cup good olive oil (this coats everything for that perfect crisp – don’t skimp!)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried – but fresh makes all the difference)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (again, dried works in a pinch at ½ tsp)
- ½ tsp kosher salt (I prefer this over table salt – it sticks to the veggies better)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (freshly cracked gives the best flavor)
Pro tip: Measure your herbs after chopping – those little leaves can be deceiving! And don’t worry about being too precise – this recipe is wonderfully forgiving.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s all you’ll need to pull this together in a flash:
- Air fryer (any size works—just don’t overcrowd the basket!)
- Mixing bowl (big enough for tossing everything)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp knife & cutting board (for prepping those gorgeous veggies)
That’s it—no fancy gadgets required! Just grab these basics and let’s get cooking.
How to Make Christmas Air Fryer Harvest Casserole
This couldn’t be simpler – even when you’re juggling three other holiday dishes! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a showstopping side ready before the eggnog gets warm.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First, fire up that air fryer to 375°F (190°C) – this gives it time to get nice and hot while you prep. Now grab those beautiful veggies: cube your sweet potatoes and squash (keep ’em about ½-inch for even cooking), halve the Brussels sprouts through the stem to keep them from falling apart, and give the cranberries a quick rinse. Don’t stress about perfection – rustic is part of the charm!
Step 2: Season and Toss
Dump everything into a big bowl – I mean everything! Drizzle that olive oil over top, then sprinkle on your rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Now get your hands in there (or use tongs if you’re fancy) and toss until every little veggie is glistening. The oil should coat everything evenly – this is what gives you those delicious crispy edges!
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Spread the mixture in your air fryer basket – don’t pile it too deep or you’ll steam instead of roast. Set the timer for 15 minutes, but here’s the magic trick: at the 8-minute mark, pull that basket out and give it a good shake! You’ll see the edges starting to caramelize already. When time’s up, check that the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the Brussels sprouts have those perfect browned bits. That’s your cue to serve!
Tips for the Best Christmas Air Fryer Harvest Casserole
After making this dozens of times (and learning from my mistakes!), here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket! Cook in batches if needed – you want that hot air circulating around every veggie piece
- Taste your seasoning mix before tossing – I sometimes add an extra pinch of salt or a drizzle of maple syrup if my sweet potatoes aren’t super sweet
- Toast some pecans or walnuts separately and sprinkle on top for crunch – just trust me on this one
- Fresh herbs make all the difference – but if you only have dried, rub them between your fingers first to wake up the oils
- Check halfway and rearrange – move the bigger pieces to the edges where it’s hottest
Oh! And always make extra – the leftovers are amazing reheated with a fried egg for breakfast!
Variations for Your Christmas Air Fryer Harvest Casserole
This recipe is like your favorite Christmas sweater—cozy but ready for fun accessories! Here are my go-to twists:
- Root veggie swap: Try parsnips or carrots instead of sweet potatoes—they caramelize beautifully
- Nutty crunch: Toss in pecans or walnuts halfway through cooking (watch they don’t burn!)
- Sweet & spicy: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne with the herbs for warmth
- Cheesy finish: Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese or feta after cooking
The best part? No two batches ever taste exactly the same—just like Christmas memories!
Serving Suggestions
This casserole plays well with all your holiday favorites! I love it alongside juicy roast turkey – the crispy veggies balance the rich meat perfectly. For a festive plate, add homemade cranberry sauce and garlic mashed potatoes. Or keep things light with a pear and arugula salad dressed in balsamic. My secret? Serve it in a pretty holiday bowl right at the center of the table – those colors deserve to shine!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This casserole keeps beautifully for busy holiday weeks! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes – it’ll crisp right up like it’s fresh! No soggy veggies here. For extra crunch, spread the leftovers in a single layer and give the basket a shake halfway through.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (about 1 cup) of this Christmas Air Fryer Harvest Casserole packs:
- 180 calories
- 7g fat (mostly the good kind from olive oil!)
- 28g carbs with 4g fiber
- 2g protein
- Plus a boost of vitamin A and C from all those colorful veggies
*Nutrition can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes – but hey, it’s veggies, so load up that plate!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this Christmas Air Fryer Harvest Casserole:
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen sweet potatoes and butternut squash work great – no need to thaw, just toss them in frozen. The Brussels sprouts might get a bit softer, but they’ll still taste delicious. You may need to add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I double this recipe for a crowd?
Easy peasy! Just double all the ingredients, but cook in batches – overcrowding the air fryer basket leads to steaming instead of crisping. I usually do two full batches back-to-back. The first batch can stay warm in a 200°F oven while the second one cooks.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You bet! Prep all the veggies the day before and store them tossed with oil and herbs in the fridge. When you’re ready, just dump them in the air fryer – might need an extra minute or two since they’re cold.
What if my air fryer doesn’t have a shake reminder?
No worries! I set a separate timer on my phone for the halfway point. The shaking is crucial for even cooking, so don’t skip it – even if you have to pause your Christmas movie marathon!
Can I add meat to make it a main dish?
Oh yes! Diced pancetta or chopped bacon tossed in with the veggies adds amazing flavor. For vegetarian protein, chickpeas work wonderfully – just add them halfway through cooking so they don’t dry out.
Share Your Christmas Air Fryer Harvest Casserole
I’d love to see your holiday creations! Snap a pic of your casserole and tag me – did you add any fun twists? Leave a comment below with your favorite variation or any questions. Happy air frying!
Print
Christmas Air Fryer Harvest Casserole in 15 Minutes Flat
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive casserole made in the air fryer, perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 1 cup diced butternut squash
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss sweet potatoes, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and cranberries with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place mixture in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add nuts for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American