And it doesn’t matter how many people you’re catering for or how much you buy, the chances are you will always end up with leftovers.
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As long as it doesn’t go to waste, excess food doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
Here, WellEasy registered dietitian Bari Stricoff shares four simple Christmas leftover dishes that can be made in an air fryer to avoid food waste and keep your family satisfied…
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Individual Turkey Pies (serves two)
If you’re lucky enough to have turkey left over, a pie could be the perfect dish.
Bari says: “How many days can one eat leftover turkey without it feeling overcooked and dry?
“Using your leftover turkey in a pie ensures the turkey stays moist and flavourful.
“Plus, they’re very simple to make.
“Use single serve ramekins or a larger dish, depending on the size of your air fryer.”
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Ingredients
- 200g leftover turkey, shredded or diced,
- Leftover roasted vegetables or 1/2 large carrot, diced & 3 button mushrooms, diced,
- Leftover gravy or 200ml stock of choice & 50ml of creme fraiche,
- ½-1 tbsp corn starch depending on liquid consistency,
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped (if you have it leftover! If not, use dried),
- Salt and pepper to taste,
- Puff pastry, pre-made/pre-rolled,
- 1 egg yolk, whisked.
Method:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover turkey, vegetables, gravy, cornstarch, parsley and salt and pepper.
- Depending on the consistency of your mixture, add more or less liquid or corn starch. We’re looking for a gravy-like consistency.
- Pour the mixtures into individual oven-safe ramekins or a baking dish.
- Cover the top with the push pastry and brush over the egg yolk mixture.
- Place in the air fryer and and cooked for 10-12 minutes at 200C or until the crust is golden brown.
Cranberry glazed carrots and parsnips
If you’re looking for a great side dish using leftover veg, excess cranberry sauce can be a great ingredient to add.
Bari says: “Don’t overlook the leftover cranberry sauce.
“When placed in the air fryer, watch as the sugars from the sauce transform your leftover vegetables.
“This recipe is so good, you’ll want to recreate it year round.”
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Ingredients
- Leftover cranberry sauce,
- Carrots, peeled and sliced into batons,
- Parsnips, peeled and sliced into batons,
- Extra virgin olive oil.
Method:
- In a mixing bowl, toss the carrots, parsnips, cranberry sauce and olive oil.
- Place in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes at 200C.
- Toss halfway to ensure all the vegetables are evenly cooked and glazed.
Christmas Sandwich Toastie
Leftovers can also be used to create the perfect Boxing day sandwich.
Bari says: “There’s nothing quite like a good leftover Christmas sandwich!
“No matter what you have in your fridge, it tastes good between buttery toasted bread.”
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Ingredients
- Leftover turkey,
- Leftover stuffing,
- Leftover cranberry sauce,
- Two slices of hearty sourdough bread,
- Butter.
Method:
- Butter both sides of each slice of bread and assemble your sandwich.
- Ensure your sandwich is held together tightly and place it in the air fryer.
- Place in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 200C until the bread is golden and crisp.
Leftover Veggie Frittata
If you’ve overdone it on the meat, a veggie frittata could be the perfect solution.
Bari says: “Stuck with leftover vegetables from your Christmas dinner?
“Sounds like it’s time to make a delicious frittata for your Boxing day brunch.
“If you have leftover sausages simply add them as well, or follow this recipe for a veggie option.”
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Ingredients
- Leftover roasted vegetables (carrots, parsnips, brussels sprouts, etc.), chopped small,
- 6-8 eggs, depending on the size,
- 100 ml milk (optional),
- Salt and pepper to preference.
Method:
- Combine the eggs, milk and leftover vegetables. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour into your air fryer or non-stick dish (depending on your air fryer configuration).
- Optional: add a sprinkle of cheese on top!
- Cook for 8-10 minutes at 200C.
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