A Healthier, Happier Christmas with Your Instant Pot & Air Fryer
When December rolls around, many of us brace for the inevitable kitchen marathon that is “the Christmas dinner”. You’ve got the oven going, then pan-after-pan of vegetables and in amongst all of this you’re meant to be enjoying yourself.
Yet, what if you could keep the festive cheer without compromising on the flavour and pizzazz of your festive meal. This is where your Instant Pot and your air-fryer can work together. They’re an ideal combination for creating a Christmas dinner that’s easier to manage, kinder to your body and, best of all, leaves you feeling satisfied rather than over-stuffed.
Here are my top nutritionist tips for using your Instant Pot and air fryer this Christmas:
Main:
Use your Instant Pot to cook a leaner protein. For example, choose a turkey crown, some chicken breasts or even a lean gammon joint. Pressure-cooking means succulent meat without needing excess fat. Turkey Crown Roulade is one such option. The recipe is included in Instant Pot UK’s Christmas e-Book Volume 1 – Instant-Christmas-Recipe-eBook-volume-1.pdf . Or if you prefer a sticky, spiced gammon then try this recipe – Sticky Orange, Ginger & Spice Gammon
Sides:
Roast potatoes crisp up beautifully in the air fryer after being par boiled first. You can use a light coating of oil or even spray the oil onto the potatoes before air frying.
Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots can also be par boiled then crisped up in the air fryer. Simply toss with a little olive oil, herbs, seasoning and finish in the air-fryer for crisp edges.
Dessert:
You don’t have to skip dessert. Using your Instant Pot, you could steam a lighter pudding or fruit-based dish. There’s a delicious Christmas Pudding recipe in the Instant Pot UK Christmas e-Book Volume 1 – Instant-Christmas-Recipe-eBook-volume-1.pdf
If you’re using the air-fryer, you bake leftover fruit or make mini fruit crumbles with oats rather than heavy pastry.
Leftovers:
Post-Christmas, use your Instant Pot to transform leftovers into soups, stews, pies. Some ideas include Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar and Honey or use leftover cooked turkey (rather than the stated chicken) and a vegetable broth to make this filling soup – Chicken Soup Recipe For Pressure Cooker – Instant Brands
This Christmas, let your kitchen gadgets be your allies. With the Instant Pot and air-fryer working together, you can serve a delicious meal that balances indulgence and wellbeing. You’ll likely find you’re less fatigued after the meal, you might even enjoy a gentle walk or game afterwards rather than retreating to the sofa. Also remember that one feel-good holiday meal doesn’t need to undo your healthy habits. Choose your treats consciously, enjoy your food, and give your body the good stuff too.
