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Hanukkah is a time for celebrating family traditions and embracing the rich culinary heritage that is central to the festival. Whether it’s latkes, sufganiyot, or other fried delights, the significance of oil in Hanukkah dishes is well-known. However, modern culinary technology, such as air fryers, has allowed for a healthier twist on these traditions without losing their essence. Here’s a guide to eight delightful air-fried Hanukkah recipes for the eight festive nights. 

The benefit of using an air fryer 

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple, replacing the traditional deep fryer by offering a healthier way to enjoy fried foods. With different options like air fryer grills and multi-cooker air fryers, there’s a perfect fit for every kitchen. While deep fryers submerge foods into hot oil, air fryers circulate hot air around the food to achieve a similar crispy layer. Let’s explore a few of the benefits offered by this new addition to the modern kitchen.

Benefits of an Air Fryer:

• Healthier Options: Air fryers require significantly less oil than deep fryers, often less than a tablespoon, making the resulting dishes lower in fat and calories without compromising on the crispy texture.
• Safety and Cleanliness: With no bubbling hot oil to potentially spill, air fryers tend to be safer and cleaner to use, minimizing the risk of burns and keeping your kitchen free from oily splatters.
• Versatility: Air fryers are not just limited to frying; they often come with functionalities that allow you to grill, bake, and roast, providing a multifaceted cooking experience with a single appliance.
• Energy Efficiency: Generally, air fryers heat up faster and cook food quicker than deep fryers, saving energy and reducing cooking times, which is particularly beneficial for busy lifestyles.

Understanding Hanukkah’s culinary traditions 

Hanukkah’s connection to oil dates back to the miraculous oil that lasted eight days in the historical event that the holiday commemorates. Traditional Hanukkah dishes emphasize this connection, often being deep-fried. However, using an air fryer can mimic the texture and taste without using excessive oil, and without a lot of the mess. Here are some air fryer version of traditional Hanukkah recipes.

Air Fryer Latkes 

These delicious potato pancakes are a Hanukkah favourite. Using an air fryer makes them crisp and golden without the grease. Look for air fryers on sale to try this new twist on a traditional dish. 
 
Grate 2 potatoes and 1 onion. 

1. Squeeze out excess moisture and mix with 2 beaten eggs, 2 tablespoons flour, salt, and pepper. 
2. Form into patties and place in an air fryer at 375°F. 
3. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 10 minutes or until golden brown. 

Air Fryer Jelly-Filled Doughnuts (Sufganiyot) 

Sweet and satisfying, these air fryer jelly-filled doughnuts are an indulgent treat without the guilt. Basket air fryers are perfect for cooking them evenly. 
 
Prepare store-bought biscuit dough and cut into circles. 

1. Fill with jelly and seal edges. 
2. Place in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until puffed and golden. 
3. Roll in sugar while still warm. 

Air Fryer Cheese-Stuffed Pastries 

For a savoury treat, try these cheesy pastries. Air fryer ovens and toaster ovens ensure a crispy exterior and melty interior. 

1. Prepare store-bought puff pastry or phylo dough following the package directions.
2. Cut puff pastry into squares of an appropriate size. You can use experiment with shapes: triangles are fun to create too.
3. Prepare your favourite cheese filling and place cheese in the centre and fold, sealing edges. A little water can be used when sealing if necessary. 
4. Air fry at 370°F for 8 minutes or until golden brown. 

Air Fryer Falafel for Hanukkah 

Bring a Middle Eastern flair to your Hanukkah table with air fryer falafel. The crispy texture is easy to achieve using an air fryer microwave oven. 
 

1. Combine canned chickpeas, parsley, garlic, cumin, and salt in a food processor. 
2. Form into balls and place in the air fryer. 
3. Cook at 370°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through. 

Other air fryer recipes 

Experiment with apple fritters, sweet potato latkes, brisket bites, and spinach and cheese pinwheels for a diverse Hanukkah menu. 

•  Air Fryer Apple Fritters: Mix apples, cinnamon, sugar, flour, milk, and egg. Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes. 
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Latkes: Grate sweet potatoes, mix with flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes. 
• Air Fryer Brisket Bites: Coat brisket bites in BBQ sauce and honey. Air fry at 400°F for 5-7 minutes. 
• Air Fryer Spinach and Cheese Pinwheels: Spread puff pastry with spinach, feta, and ricotta. Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes. 

Tips for successful air frying during Hanukkah 

Cooking with an air fryer is simple, but there are tips to enhance the experience. Always preheat the air fryer, adjust the cooking time and temperature, and use healthy oils. Share tips and tricks with family members to create a joyful cooking experience this holiday season. 

While embracing modern cooking techniques and tools like air fryers and food processors, it’s essential to approach these Hanukkah recipes with a respect for the cultural and spiritual significance they hold. Hanukkah’s culinary traditions are deeply rooted in Jewish history and beliefs, symbolizing themes of resilience, faith, and community. These recipes aim to honour those values while providing a contemporary and health-conscious approach to preparing and enjoying these timeless dishes. By maintaining the essence of the original recipes and thoughtfully adapting them to modern culinary practices, we can continue to celebrate Hanukkah’s rich heritage in a way that resonates with today’s diverse and interconnected world. 

This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.