12 Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Turkey with Your Air Fryer

The holidays have come and gone, and now you’re stuck with a fridge full of turkey leftovers. Don’t let that precious poultry go to waste! Your trusty air fryer can transform those turkey remnants into mouthwatering creations that your family will love.

From crispy turkey tacos to savory pot pies, these leftover turkey air fryer recipes will breathe new life into your holiday bird. With just a few simple ingredients and the press of a button, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful turkey even after the celebrations have ended.

Benefits of Cooking Leftover Turkey in an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer provides many advantages when reheating and repurposing leftover turkey:

• Quick cooking times – Air frying leftovers takes just minutes unlike traditional ovens Get dinner on the table fast with crispy hot turkey in a flash

• Doesn’t dry out the turkey – Air fryers circulate hot air around food, cooking it evenly and keeping moisture locked in. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked turkey.

• Adds crispy texture – The circulating high heat of an air fryer crisps up exterior surfaces. Get that irresistible crunch in each bite.

• Uses less oil – Air frying requires little to no oil compared to deep frying. Your leftovers turn out healthier and less greasy.

• Easy cleanup – With minimal oil and contained cooking, air fryers are a breeze to clean up after cooking.

With all these perks, your air fryer is the perfect appliance for reinventing leftover turkey. Now let’s get to those tasty recipes!

1. Air Fryer Turkey Tacos

These crispy turkey tacos are a crowd-pleasing way to use up leftover turkey. They come together quickly for a fast, fun family dinner.

Ingredients:

• Shredded cooked turkey
• Taco seasoning
• Tortillas
• Toppings: lettuce, cheese, salsa, etc.

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix shredded turkey with taco seasoning.
• Stuff mixture into tortillas.
• Air fry 5-7 minutes at 370°F until tortillas are crispy.
• Top with desired toppings.

2. Air Fryer Turkey Potato Skins

Potato skins get a flavorful turkey twist in this delicious appetizer. Crisp potato halves are loaded with turkey, cheese, and bacon for a mouthwatering game-day snack.

Ingredients:

• Leftover mashed potatoes
• Shredded cooked turkey
• Shredded cheese
• Bacon bits
• Sour cream
• Chives

Instructions:

• Scoop mashed potatoes into potato skin halves.
• Top with turkey, cheese and bacon.
• Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until hot and crispy.
• Finish with sour cream and chives.

3. Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Ground leftover turkey makes deliciously juicy burgers. Air fry them to perfection and stack them high with all the fixings.

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey leftover
• 1 Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Burger buns
• Toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, etc.

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix ground turkey with egg and breadcrumbs. Form into patties.
• Air fry at 370°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Serve on buns with desired toppings.

4. Air Fryer Turkey Fajitas

Sizzling turkey fajitas are an easy and tasty way to repurpose leftovers. Let the air fryer handle the cooking while you enjoy margaritas.

Ingredients:

• Sliced bell peppers and onions
• Leftover sliced turkey
• Fajita seasoning
• Tortillas
• Toppings: cheese, guacamole, salsa, sour cream

Instructions:

• Toss turkey slices, peppers and onions with fajita seasoning.
• Air fry mixture at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until veggies are tender.
• Serve sizzling hot with tortillas and toppings.

5. Air Fryer Turkey Empanadas

These handheld pies are filled with a savory turkey and veggie filling. Air frying yields hot, crispy empanada perfection. Serve them as appetizers or enjoy them for dinner.

Ingredients:

• Shredded cooked turkey
• Sautéed onions and peppers
• Frozen empanada dough rounds

Instructions:

• Mix turkey with sautéed veggies.
• Fill empanada dough rounds with approx 1-2 Tbsp filling each. Pinch edges closed.
• Brush with egg wash. Air fry at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

6. Air Fryer Turkey Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a quick and easy way to use up turkey leftovers. Simply load tortillas with turkey, cheese and veggies, then air fry until perfectly melted and crisped.

Ingredients:

• Tortillas
• Shredded leftover turkey
• Shredded cheese
• Onion, peppers, etc.

Instructions:

• Layer tortilla with turkey, cheese and veggies. Top with second tortilla.
• Spray both sides with oil. Air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes per side until crisp.
• Slice into wedges and serve with salsa.

7. Air Fryer Turkey Pot Pie Bites

These single-serving pot pies are the ultimate comfort food. Flaky pie crusts are filled with creamy turkey gravy, veggies, and turkey. Air frying warms them up perfectly.

Ingredients:

• Frozen mini pie crusts
• Leftover turkey
• Frozen mixed veggies
• Leftover gravy

Instructions:

• Fill mini pie crusts with turkey, veggies and gravy.
• Air fry pot pie bites at 350°F for 15 minutes until crusts are golden brown.

8. Air Fryer Turkey Stir Fry

Transform leftover turkey into a quick and easy Asian-inspired stir fry. Crisp veggies and tender turkey come together in a savory ginger sauce. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• Leftover sliced turkey
• Frozen stir fry veggies
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger
• Rice

Instructions:

• Toss turkey and veggies in soy sauce mixture.
• Air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
• Serve stir fry over cooked rice.

9. Air Fryer Turkey Spring Rolls

Roll up shredded turkey and veggies in crispy wrappers for these fresh spring rolls. The air fryer yields hot, crunchy rolls in minutes. Serve them with peanut or tangy dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

• Leftover shredded turkey
• Shredded carrots, cabbage
• Rice noodles
• Spring roll wrappers
• Dipping sauce

Instructions:

• Fill wrappers with turkey, noodles, carrots and cabbage. Roll up and tuck in sides.
• Spray rolls with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
• Serve warm with dipping sauce.

10. Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Jazz up leftover ground turkey by shaping it into juicy meatballs. Air fry them until perfectly browned. Then simmer in your favorite sauce and enjoy atop zucchini noodles or rice.

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey leftover
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Marinara sauce

Instructions:

• Mix ground turkey with egg, breadcrumbs and garlic powder. Form into balls.
• Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, rotating occasionally.
• Add cooked meatballs to marinara sauce and simmer briefly before serving.

11. Air Fryer Turkey Mushroom Caps

These turkey-stuffed mushroom caps make an easy yet elegant appetizer to serve guests. The air fryer cooks the mushroom cups until tender and crispy around the edges.

Ingredients:

• Large stuffing mushrooms
• Leftover shredded turkey
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan

Instructions:

• Fill mushroom caps with turkey mixture. Top with breadcrumbs and parmesan.
• Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes until mushrooms are tender.

12. Air Fryer Turkey Enchiladas

Bursting with flavor, these cheesy enchiladas are stuffed with spicy turkey filling and smothered in enchilada sauce. The air fryer gives them crispy edges without the mess of frying. Serve