Smaller appliances, like air fryers, can help free up oven space – and save energy – during holiday meal prep.
The holiday season is here, and chances are you're already burning through plenty of energy getting ready. The good news? Your kitchen doesn't have to.
All that holiday cooking and baking can add to your home’s energy use. Running a full-size oven for hours also heats up the kitchen, which can make your air conditioner work harder to keep your home comfortable.
Then there’s the game of oven Tetris. Between casseroles, pies, rolls and side dishes, every inch counts. . No-bake recipes and smaller appliances can use less energy for smaller cooking tasks while freeing up valuable oven space.
From a fluffy no-bake pumpkin dip to air-fryer turkey breast and stuffing bites, these holiday recipes can help make holiday meal prep easier and more efficient.
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice
Need a last-minute dessert or party snack?
This Pumpkin Fluff Dip comes together in minutes and requires zero baking. It's a festive no-bake dessert that's perfect for holiday gatherings and helps free up valuable oven space.
Because there's no oven involved, it's also an easy way to keep your kitchen cooler and leave more space available for the main meal.
Gobble it Up Air-Fryer Turkey Breast
Love turkey but don't need an entire bird?
An air-fryer turkey breast delivers all the traditional holiday flavor in a smaller, more manageable package. It's a great option for smaller gatherings, additional guests or anyone looking to free up oven space on a busy cooking day.
Using an air fryer can also make room for casseroles, pies and side dishes competing for an oven spot on the holiday cooking schedule.
Stuff yourself with Stuffing Bites
Balls of stuffing? Yes, please!
These crispy air-fried stuffing bites turn a holiday favorite into a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer that's easy to serve and even easier to eat.
These tasty bites are a great example of how smaller appliances can help carry some of the holiday cooking load while keeping your oven available for larger dishes.
Let smaller appliances help
Air fryers, microwaves, toaster ovens and slow cookers can be helpful during the holidays, especially when you're preparing multiple dishes at once. They can help reduce kitchen congestion, shorten cooking times and keep your oven available for the dishes that need it most.
A few simple ways to cook efficiently
Once the holiday meal is underway, a few small habits can make cooking more efficient.
- Match cookware to the size of the burner.
- Keep lids on pots and pans when possible.
- Bake multiple dishes at the same temperature.
- Avoid opening the oven door more often than necessary.
- Use your microwave for reheating and smaller cooking tasks.
- Don't overlook your oven's lower drawer. Some models include a warming drawer that can keep side dishes warm and ready to serve. Check your owner's manual to see if your range has this feature.
Small changes may not seem like much, but they can add up over the course of an entire season of holiday cooking and baking.
How cold can you go?
Holiday entertaining often means extra ingredients, leftovers and make-ahead dishes competing for refrigerator space.
For best efficiency, keep your refrigerator between 34°F and 37°F and your freezer between 0°F and 5°F. When storing leftovers, allow hot foods to cool before placing them in the refrigerator so your appliance doesn't have to work harder to maintain its temperature.
Save energy during cleanup
The meal may be over, but there are still opportunities to save.
Run your dishwasher only when it's full to maximize efficiency. While you're cleaning up, check for dripping faucets as well. Even a small hot-water leak can waste water and energy over time.
More time enjoying, less time juggling
The holidays aren't about perfectly timed oven schedules. They're about sharing recipes, swapping stories and spending time with the people gathered around your table.
Whether you're serving air-fryer stuffing bites, whipping up a no-bake dessert or finding creative ways to free up oven space, small changes can help make holiday cooking easier and more energy efficient.
By giving your oven a break when you can, making the most of smaller appliances and following a few simple efficiency tips, you can save more energy and spend more time enjoying the holiday season.
That's something to be thankful for.