The holidays bring the best reasons to bake, and these Christmas-inspired air fryer and Instant Pot desserts make it easier than ever to whip up festive treats. From nostalgic cookies and cupcakes to seasonal flavors like gingerbread, peppermint, and eggnog, this list is filled with warm, sweet favorites. Whether you love classic combos like chocolate and peanut butter or crave something fruity and bright, there’s something here to suit every craving. Skip the oven this year and try one of these crowd-pleasing desserts that keep the spirit of the season in every bite.
Air Fryer Christmas Brownie Mix Cookies
These cookies start with a simple brownie mix but bake into chewy, rich treats right in the air fryer. Their fudgy centers and crisp edges make them a great quick option. You can decorate them with holiday sprinkles for a festive finish. They’re fast, fun, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Christmas Brownie Mix Cookies
Air Fryer Christmas Cupcakes
These cupcakes come out soft and fluffy with just a few minutes in the air fryer. Decorate them with red and green frosting for a festive look. They’re a great base for adding sprinkles or small candies. No one will guess how fast they came together.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Christmas Cupcakes
Air Fryer Christmas Light Brownies
These brownies get topped with colorful candies to mimic glowing Christmas lights. They bake quickly but hold all the richness of a traditional brownie. The bright design makes them extra fun for kids. They’re an easy win for a party tray.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Christmas Light Brownies
Air Fryer Christmas M&M Cookies
These cookies mix crispy edges with soft centers and are dotted with red and green M&Ms. They’re quick to prep and bake beautifully in the air fryer. You can even make a double batch for freezing. Great for cookie exchanges or late-night snacks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Christmas M&M Cookies
Air Fryer Christmas Red Velvet Snow Globe Cupcakes
These red velvet cupcakes have a snowy white top and a creative snow globe design. The contrast of red cake and white frosting brings holiday vibes to the table. The air fryer keeps them tender and moist. They’re eye-catching and festive.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Christmas Red Velvet Snow Globe Cupcakes
Air Fryer Andes Mint Cupcakes
Mint and chocolate are a classic combo, and these cupcakes highlight both. Each bite gives you cool mint and rich chocolate flavors. The air fryer makes them light and fluffy without drying out. Top with a mini Andes mint for extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Andes Mint Cupcakes
Air Fryer Cranberry Crumble Bars
Sweet and tart cranberry filling is layered between a buttery crust and crumbly topping. These bars are packed with flavor and texture. The air fryer crisps the top beautifully without burning the bottom. They slice neatly for serving at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cranberry Crumble Bars
Air Fryer Apple Cranberry Bread
This quick bread brings together warm spices, tart cranberries, and sweet apples. The air fryer creates a crisp crust with a soft center. It’s a cozy option for breakfast or dessert. Serve with a drizzle of glaze or dusting of powdered sugar.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Cranberry Bread
Cheesecake Factory Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe
This creamy cheesecake features a layer of tangy cranberry on top of a buttery crust. It mimics the richness of the restaurant version. The tart berries balance the sweet cream cheese base. It’s a show-stopping dessert for any winter celebration.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Factory Cranberry Cheesecake Recipe
Copycat Crumbl Cranberry White Chip Cookie Recipe
These oversized cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with tart cranberries and creamy white chips. They bring the bakery-style cookie home. You can make them thick and gooey or crisp the edges more. They’re rich, sweet, and slightly tart.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cranberry White Chip Cookie Recipe
Air Fryer Funfetti Cookies
These cookies are soft and full of colorful sprinkles, making them festive and fun. The air fryer ensures even baking without spreading too much. They’re quick to make and always bring smiles. Great for birthdays or casual celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Funfetti Cookies
Air Fryer Funfetti Cheesecake
This cheesecake has a sweet vanilla base dotted with rainbow sprinkles. It’s creamy with a crunchy graham crust that bakes well in the air fryer. The funfetti twist adds a playful look. It’s cheerful enough for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Funfetti Cheesecake
Air Fryer Funfetti Cake
A classic party cake, this version uses the air fryer for quick results. The colorful sprinkles bake right into the batter. It’s moist and light with just enough sweetness. Frost it or serve plain for a simple treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Funfetti Cake
Air Fryer M&M Mug Cake
This single-serving dessert comes together in minutes. It’s soft, gooey, and full of chocolate flavor. The M&Ms add crunch and color. Ideal when you’re craving something quick and warm.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer M&M Mug Cake
Air Fryer BEST M&M Cookies
These cookies stay soft in the center with a bit of crispness on the outside. Each bite is full of melty chocolate and crunchy M&Ms. The air fryer speeds things up without sacrificing texture. They’re a go-to for cookie lovers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BEST M&M Cookies
Publix Sugar Cookies Recipe
These copycat sugar cookies bring soft texture and sweet icing just like the store bakery. They’re easy to shape and bake. You can decorate them with holiday colors or keep them simple. Great for kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Publix Sugar Cookies Recipe
Air Fryer Snowflake Sugar Cookies
Delicate in shape but bold in flavor, these cookies bake crisp edges and soft middles. Use snowflake cutters and white icing for winter flair. The air fryer keeps the shapes intact while cooking evenly. A fun choice for decorating parties.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Snowflake Sugar Cookies
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are packed with creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate chips. They bake quickly in the air fryer and stay soft. The flavor combo is timeless and always satisfying. Serve warm for melty chips in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Air Fryer Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Red velvet adds a rich base to these thumbprint-style cookies. A peanut butter cup in the center creates a delicious twist. The colors make them look festive right out of the air fryer. Great for cookie trays or gift boxes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Air Fryer 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Simple and fast, these cookies use only peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. The air fryer gives them crisp edges and chewy centers. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers. You can add chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt if you like.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies
These cookies have a deep peanut butter flavor with a soft, almost fudgy texture. The air fryer helps lock in the moisture. They pair well with milk or coffee. They’re rich, sweet, and ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
These classic cookies get a quick update with the air fryer. A chocolate kiss melts into the center of a warm peanut butter cookie. They’re bite-sized and always popular. You can make several batches with ease.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Air Fryer Gingersnap Cookies
These cookies bake up crisp and full of spice. The air fryer keeps them from burning while giving a nice snap. Roll them in sugar before baking for extra crunch. They’re great for dunking in cider or coffee.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gingersnap Cookies
Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookies
These cookies hold their shape well and taste like molasses and warm spices. You can cut them into any festive shape. The air fryer keeps them soft or crisp, depending on your preference. Decorate with icing for extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookies
Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookie Bars
These cookie bars offer all the flavor of traditional gingerbread with a chewy twist. Baked in the air fryer, they cook fast and evenly. A drizzle of white chocolate or icing adds a sweet finish. Easy to slice and serve.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Air Fryer Gingerbread Muffins
These muffins are spiced and fluffy with hints of molasses. The air fryer bakes them with domed tops and golden edges. Add a bit of glaze or powdered sugar. They’re a cozy way to start a chilly morning.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gingerbread Muffins
Air Fryer Gingerbread Cake
This soft, spiced cake is rich with molasses and cinnamon flavor. The air fryer gives it a lightly crisp top and soft interior. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla sauce. It’s great for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gingerbread Cake
Air Fryer Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Bold dark chocolate pairs with cool peppermint in these holiday treats. The air fryer keeps them soft inside with a slight crisp on the edge. Crushed candy canes on top give a festive crunch. Great for cookie tins or parties.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Instant Pot Banana Pecan Bundt Cake
This cake is moist and sweet with crunchy bits of pecan throughout. The Instant Pot bakes it evenly without drying out. The bundt shape makes it easy to glaze or dust. It’s a cozy finish to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Banana Pecan Bundt Cake
Instant Pot Pecan Cheesecake
Creamy cheesecake and crunchy pecans come together in this rich dessert. The Instant Pot helps avoid cracking and keeps the texture smooth. A bit of caramel or brown sugar on top adds sweetness. It’s indulgent and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pecan Cheesecake
Giant Caramel Pecan Air Fryer Cookie
This oversized cookie is chewy, gooey, and loaded with pecans and caramel. The air fryer cooks it just enough to set the edges while keeping the center soft. Slice it like a pie for sharing. Great for a dramatic dessert.
Get the Recipe: Giant Caramel Pecan Air Fryer Cookie
Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars
These bars are rich with maple flavor and studded with toasted pecans. The air fryer crisps the top layer beautifully. They hold together well and are easy to cut. Great for serving with coffee or as a holiday gift.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars
Air Fryer Shortbread Cookies
These cookies are buttery, crumbly, and lightly sweet. The air fryer bakes them evenly and quickly. You can shape them simply or use cookie stamps. Great with tea or tucked into a cookie box.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shortbread Cookies
Air Fryer Melting Snowman Cookies
Fun to decorate, these cookies feature a “melting” marshmallow snowman on top. The cookie base stays soft while the air fryer sets the toppings. Use icing and candy for the faces. A cute treat for kids to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Melting Snowman Cookies
Air Fryer Linzer Cookies
These sandwich cookies are filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar. The air fryer keeps them tender without drying out. Their cut-out tops add a festive touch. Classic and elegant for any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Linzer Cookies
Air Fryer Strawberry Cake
Light and fruity, this cake comes out moist with a burst of strawberry flavor. The air fryer bakes it quickly without overcooking. You can use fresh or frozen berries. Add a bit of whipped cream or glaze to serve.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Strawberry Cake
Air Fryer Pecan Monkey Bread
Sticky and sweet, this pull-apart bread is full of buttery pecan flavor. The air fryer caramelizes the topping perfectly. Each piece is soft inside and crisp outside. Ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pecan Monkey Bread
Air Fryer Eggnog Cinnamon Monkey Bread
This version of monkey bread features eggnog in the dough and cinnamon sugar throughout. It bakes golden in the air fryer and pulls apart easily. The eggnog adds richness to each bite. A great holiday twist.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggnog Cinnamon Monkey Bread
Instant Pot Eggnog Fudge
This creamy fudge uses eggnog for a seasonal spin on a classic treat. The Instant Pot melts everything smoothly. It sets firm but stays soft enough to bite into. You can add nutmeg or white chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Eggnog Fudge
Air Fryer Chocolate Bark Recipe
This chocolate bark is a quick, versatile treat with endless topping options. The air fryer helps melt and set the chocolate evenly. Use crushed candy canes, nuts, or dried fruit. Break into pieces for snacking or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chocolate Bark Recipe
