Cook an entire Christmas dinner in the air-fryer with no need for the oven

If you fancy using your beloved air fryer to whip up your Christmas dinner this year - then look no further because here is the complete guide on how to manage it

Those who use air fryers regularly absolutely swear by them, and it turns out you can even use the countertop appliance to make your entire Christmas dinner - if you're brave enough to try. If you are planning on cooking a festive feast for a large group of relatives and friends, be warned, you might want to swerve this ambitious goal because there isn't likely to be enough room in your air fryer to cater for big groups all at once.

However, if you're only cooking for yourself or a couple of people then this one is for you. Generally, air fryers are cheaper to run than conventional ovens, in part because you are heating up a smaller space so less energy is required, equally, this will see your Christmas dinner on your plate within an hour and a half - 15 minutes of which will be a bit of prep time, 30 for soaking, and 45 for the food to cook. This is significantly less than a full-size dinner may take you to cook following the traditional method, so if efficiency is the name of your game, you've got to try out the air fryer approach, from BBC Good Food. The below recipe will serve two people, and can also be used for a classic Sunday roast, not just Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

• 3 tsp vegetable oil
• 1-2 chicken breasts (skin on)
• 2-3 medium potatoes (peel and chop into quarters)
• 3 carrots (peeled and chopped into batons)
• 100g frozen peas
• Bisto gravy to serve (you will need to heat this on the hob or in the microwave, whatever is best for you)

Method:

First things first, you need to soak your peeled and chopped potatoes - you will have to do this for 30 mins. Once the soaking time is up, drain them and give them a good rinse, whilst heating your air fryer for two minutes. Make sure you dry the potatoes completely and then pop them in a bowl and toss them in 1 tsp oil, and add some salt and pepper. Once they are completely coated in the oil put them in your air fryer basket - in a single layer - and cook them for ten minutes at 190 degrees Celsius.

Whilst they are cooking, take your chicken breasts and repeat the process of coating them in 1 tsp oil, salt, and pepper. After the potatoes 10 minutes are over, move these to the side and put the breasts in their place, in the middle of the basket. Let this cook for 10 minutes and toss the carrots in the last spoon of oil. At the end of the 10 minutes, take the chicken out of the air fryer, and pop your carrots in, mix them up with the potatoes, and then push them to the sides of the basket again, and replace the chicken back into the middle.

Let all of these cook for 10-15 minutes, and your chicken should be ready - make sure this is the case by "inserting a knife into the thickest part and checking the juices run clear. Alternatively, a meat thermometer should read 70C. If it's not quite done, cook for a further 5 mins." Once it is definitely cooked through, take the chicken from the air fryer and "rest it under a piece of tented foil."

Finally, grab a mug or small ovenproof dish and put two tablespoons of water in it, along with the frozen peas. Cover tightly with foil and pop it where your chicken was previously, let all the veggies cook for another ten minutes and all that is left to do is make your gravy - follow the packet instructions and then serve up your delicious roast dinner.

Do you have a story to tell? Email: emma.mackenzie@reachplc.com