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November 11, 2021 by Tanya 7 Comments

Vinegar BBQ Sauce (North Carolina Style)

Vinegar BBQ sauce on a spoon.

This is the most delicious condiment when it comes to pulled pork! Easy to make, this vinegar BBQ sauce is tangy and sweet. Originating in North Carolina, vinegar-based bbq sauce is a delicious addition to any bbq table.

Vinegar BBQ sauce on a spoon.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

If you love pulled pork, then this North Carolina-style BBQ sauce is a must-have! Sweet and tangy, it's a delicious way to add flavor to every bite and it's so crazy easy to make it from scratch.

In North Carolina, BBQ is a big deal and you'll find many different flavor profiles along the state. Vinegar-based BBQ sauce originated in Eastern North Carolina. Traditional vinegar-based BBQ sauce is mainly made with vinegar and spices like cayenne pepper, but no tomato-based products or sugar like other BBQs.

Western BBQ sauce is known to have ketchup and brown sugar added to the vinegar base. I happen to love the complex flavor ketchup and brown sugar give this sauce. I may also be biased as I've lived in western, NC for over a decade. However, you can't go wrong with either type of sauce.

Be sure to try my Jerk BBQ Sauce and Homemade BBQ Sauce too!

How to make vinegar BBQ sauce

  • Gather your ingredients.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Add ingredients in a medium-sized pot and place over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and allow to simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
The ingredients for the BBQ sauce in a pot.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  • Serve and enjoy.
Vinegar BBQ sauce in a glass jar.

Can you make it ahead of time?

This vinegar BBQ sauce is actually best made at least a day ahead of time, and if you can, 3 to 4 days ahead of time. It can be used right away, but allowing it to sit will let the flavors develop further.

How do you store it?

Once made, let your sauce cool before transferring it to a sealable bottle or jar. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. It's best not to freeze and defrost it. The sauce can be used straight out of the fridge, or you can reheat it gently on the stovetop if you prefer.

Is it spicy?

This North Carolina-style BBQ sauce does have a bit of a kick to it thanks to the red pepper flakes, but it's not an overwhelming level of spice. If you prefer it spicier, you can add in a pinch of cayenne or add in some hot sauce. If you don't like spice, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or don't use it.

Serving Suggestions

This is delicious when poured onto cooked pulled pork and then served in a bun. You could also pour it over some grilled chicken pieces. Serve it alongside your favorite sides like:

  • Vinegar Coleslaw
  • Air Fryer Fried Pickles
  • Easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
  • Southern Potato Salad
BBQ sauce in a glass jar.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Simmer the sauce, but don't boil it.
  • If making ahead of time, let the sauce cool completely before storing.
  • The spices will settle to the bottom as it sits. You should shake it up every time you use it.

More Sauce Recipes

  • Homemade Horseradish Sauce
  • Chimichurri Sauce
  • Cocktail Sauce
  • Homemade Remoulade Sauce
  • Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
Vinegar BBQ sauce on a spoon.
Print Recipe
4.86 from 7 votes

Vinegar BBQ Sauce (North Carolina Style)

This is the most delicious condiment when it comes to pulled pork! Easy to make, this vinegar BBQ sauce is tangy and sweet, and the only way you'll eat your pulled pork when in North Carolina.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Keyword: BBQ sauce with vinegar, North Carolina BBQ sauce, tangy homemade bbq sauce
Servings: 3 cups
Calories: 157kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ cup water
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Add ingredients in a medium-sized pot and place over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and allow to simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Simmer the sauce, but don't boil it.
  • If making ahead of time, let the sauce cool completely before storing.
  • The spices will settle to the bottom as it sits. You should shake it up every time you use it.

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1588mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 1000IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg

November 8, 2021 by Tanya 7 Comments

Southern Style Macaroni Salad Recipe

A spoon in a bowl of creamy macaroni salad.

This crowd-pleasing Southern-style macaroni salad recipe is a true family favorite! Macaroni pasta is tossed in a creamy mayonnaise sauce with crunchy veggies, crispy bacon, and boiled eggs for one delicious side dish.

A spoon in a bowl of creamy macaroni salad.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

When it comes to side dishes, you can't go wrong with a macaroni salad, and this Southern-style recipe is one of my all-time favorites!

Perfectly creamy, it's full of texture thanks to chopped veggies and bacon and will sit well next to all of your favorite main dishes. Even better, it's so quick and easy to make, it definitely doesn't require you to spend hours in the kitchen.

For Southern macaroni salad, you need a creamy delicious mayo-based sauced. You'll also usually find hard-boiled eggs in this kind of salad, similar to this Southern potato salad, but you can omit the eggs if you want to. I added bacon for a salty flavor and a diced sweet apple to balance the dish. Apples in the macaroni salad? Trust me, it's a wonderful addition.

This is a great recipe if you are hosting, and it's a great dish to take along to a potluck or picnic.

Be sure to try my Hawaiian Macaroni Salad and Air Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls too!

Close up of the macaroni salad.

How to make Southern style macaroni salad

  • Prepare elbow macaroni as indicated on the box, drain, and set aside to cool.
  • In a large bowl, add mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and dill relish. Stir until fully combined.
Stirring the salad dressing together in a bowl.
  • Add onion, red bell pepper, celery, cheddar cheese, apple, bacon, elbow macaroni, and egg (if using) to the large bowl. Stir until fully combined and all the macaroni noodles are coated with the mayonnaise dressing.
  • Salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy.
Southern macaroni pasta salad served in a white bowl.

How long does it keep?

This is a great make-ahead dish, once you have tossed everything together in the dressing, cover it and place it in the fridge. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days. Because it contains mayo, it shouldn't be kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Can you make it healthier?

To reduce fat and calories, you can use low-fat mayonnaise, though I much prefer the taste and texture of regular for this recipe. I am a fan of Duke's mayo but use whatever mayo you like.

Can you use other types of pasta?

Elbow macaroni is perfect for this dish, but other shorter pasta can be used in a pinch. Penne, bow tie, or fusilli all make great substitutions or use your favorite GF pasta for a gluten-free recipe. Just make sure you stick with 8 oz pf pasta. Too much pasta will make your dish dry.

What do you serve it with?

This Southern-style macaroni salad is great to serve alongside, meat, seafood, and chicken dishes. Try it with:

  • Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
  • Air Fryer Steak
  • Garlic Parmesan Spatchcock Chicken
  • Air Fryer Salmon Patties
Overhead shot of Southern style macaroni salad in a white bowl with a spoon.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Cook the pasta al dente. If you overcook it, it can become too soft and mushy.
  • Let the pasta cool before tossing it in the dressing. If the mayonnaise is added to hot pasta it can separate.
  • If you are on a hurry, you can run the cooked pasta under a cold tap to cool it quickly.
  • Store covered in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

More Salad Recipes

  • Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
  • Southern Potato Salad Recipe
  • Quinoa Avocado Salad
  • Watergate Salad Recipe
  • Fresh Corn Salad Recipe
A spoon in a bowl of creamy macaroni salad.
Print Recipe
4.72 from 7 votes

Southern Style Macaroni Salad Recipe

This crowd pleasing Southern style macaroni recipe is a true family favorite! Macaroni pasta is tossed in a creamy mayonnaise sauce with crunchy veggies, crispy bacon and boiled eggs for one delicious side dish.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: creamy macaroni salad, macaroni pasta salad, macaroni salad with bacon
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 439kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
  • 1 cup of mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon of honey
  • 2 Tablespoons dill relish
  • ¾ cup of chopped sweet onion
  • ½ cup of chopped red bell pepper
  • ⅓ cup of chopped celery
  • ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup of diced green golden delicious apple
  • 6 strips of bacon cooked and chopped
  • 2 hard boiled eggs chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare elbow macaroni as indicated on the box, drain, and set aside to cool.
  • In a large bowl, add mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and dill relish. Stir until fully combined.
  • Add onion, red bell pepper, celery, cheddar cheese, apple, bacon, elbow macaroni, and egg (if using) to the large bowl. Stir until fully combined and all the macaroni noodles are coated with the mayonnaise dressing.
  • Salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Cook the pasta al dente. If you overcook it, it can become too soft and mushy.
  • Let the pasta cool before tossing it in the dressing. If the mayonnaise is added to hot pasta it can separate.
  • If you are on a hurry, you can run the cooked pasta under a cold tap to cool it quickly.
  • Store covered in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 439kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 440mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 484IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg

November 8, 2021 by Tanya 4 Comments

Brunswick Stew

Two bowls of Brunswick stew.

Warm your body and soul with this hearty and comforting Brunswick stew recipe. This tomato based Southern stew is wonderfully flavorful, made with lots of fresh veggies, smoked meat and a tangy BBQ sauce.

Two bowls of Brunswick stew.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Now that the weather is getting colder as we head into winter, I'm all about the comfort foods, and for me, that means soups, stews and chili.

This Brunswick stew recipe has been a family favorite for many years. Packed full of veggies and made with smoked pulled pork or chicken, this stew is not shy in the flavor department. Made with a tangy BBQ sauce, this is the perfect way to warm up after a long day.

Made in one pot on the stovetop, this is an effortless to make meal that everyone will love, and it's a great way to utilize leftovers!

Be sure to try my Instant Pot Chili and Hearty Vegetable Soup for more winter warmers!

A spoon stirring the Brunswick stew in a pot.

How to make Brunswick stew

  • Gather your ingredients.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Softening the onion and garlic.
  • Add remaining ingredients to the pot and stir. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
Rest of the stew ingredients added to the pot.
  • Reduce Heat and Simmer on medium-low for 30-40 minutes.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
Clos e up of the stew in a pot.

Where does Brunswick stew come from?

This is a traditional Southern stew that makes the most of what you have in your pantry. Traditionally made with small game like squirrel or rabbit, it's tomato based and made with beans and veggies. I love it with leftover pulled pork and chicken works great too. You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit what you have to hand. BBQ sauce makes this stew stand out from the crowd.

Can you make it ahead of time?

This is a great make ahead stew and is freezer friendly too. Once made, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for 4 days and in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw frozen stew in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat on the stovetop on a medium heat, stirring til heated through.

What do you serve it with?

A big bowl of this Brunswick stew is so hearty and filling, but it's great served alongside other Southern favorites like:

  • Cornbread Muffins
  • Air Fryer Fried Pickles
  • Homemade Air Fryer Biscuits
  • Classic Cornbread
Brunswick stew on a ladle above the pot it was cooked in.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Your stew will taste similar to the bbq sauce you choose to use. I like to use a homemade vinegar based bbq sauce but your favorite store brand will work too.
  • You can easily add in different vegetables and beans to suit your tastes and to save you a shopping trip!
  • Stir the stew occasionally as it simmers so that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.

More Stews and Chilis

  • Jamaican Stew Peas
  • Brown Stew Chicken
  • Hot Dog Chili
  • Pressure Cooker Turkey Chili
Two bowls of Brunswick stew.
Print Recipe
4.86 from 7 votes

Brunswick Stew

Warm your body and soul with this hearty and comforting Brunswick stew recipe. This tomato based Southern stew is wonderfully flavorful, made with lots of fresh veggies, smoked meat and a tangy BBQ sauce.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time45 minutes mins
Total Time55 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy Brunswick stew recipe, how to make Brunswick stew, southern Brunswick stew
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 681kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic chopped
  • 14.5 oz can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables
  • 1 cup frozen lima beans
  • 2 cups of chicken stock
  • 2 cups of smoked pulled pork or chicken
  • 1 ½ cups vinegar bbq sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until translucent, about 3-5 minutes
  • Add remaining ingredients to the pot and stir. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
  • Reduce Heat and Simmer on medium-low for 30-40 minutes.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Your stew will taste similar to the bbq sauce you choose to use. I like to use a homemade vinegar based bbq sauce but your favorite store brand will work too.
  • You can easily add in different vegetables and beans to suit your tastes and to save you a shopping trip!
  • Stir the stew occasionally as it simmers so that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 681kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 2190mg | Potassium: 712mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 61g | Vitamin A: 3571IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 4mg

November 4, 2021 by Tanya 6 Comments

Blackeye Peas Recipe (Vegan)

Blackeye peas served in a bowl next to a side dish of rice.

Made from scratch and perfectly seasoned, this easy blackeye peas recipe is a healthy and meat-free option that the whole family will love. Get stovetop directions as well as quicker Instant Pot directions too.

Blackeye peas served in a bowl next to a side dish of rice.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Blackeye peas are a traditional Southern soul food that is typically enjoyed on New Year's Day to bring prosperity for the year. But honestly, I eat them all year round because they are so good!

This version of blackeye peas is made with dried beans and cooked in the water the dried beans have soaked in. You could also use broth instead if that's your thing, but properly cooking and seasoning the water the beans have soaked in provides an equally delicious dish.

I opted to make this dish meatless and I'm so glad I did, it's equally delicious without it. This vegan recipe is easy to make and the cooking time is totally hands-off. Seasoned with herbs and made with fresh veggies, this healthy dish is too good not to make!

Be sure to try my Homemade Baked Beans and Jamaican Instant Pot Rice and Beans too!

Cooked blackeye peas and vegetables in a Dutch oven.

How to make this blackeye peas recipe

  • Gather your ingredients. You can soak your beans overnight or quick soak the beans for them to cook a bit faster. I prefer to quick soak the beans.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • To quick soak: Rinse and sort through blackeye peas. Cover black eyed peas with water in a large pot. Bring to rapid boil over high heat and boil for about 2 minutes. Turn off heat and remove the pot from the heat. Cover and let sit for 1 hour.
Blackeye peas soaking in a pot.
  • When ready to cook, add chopped red bell pepper, thyme, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, celery salt, chopped garlic cloves, and chopped green onions to the peas and the soaking lid and stir to combine. Place the bay leaves on top and place the pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and then cover the pot. Cook covered for 20-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. Remove from heat, remove the bay leaves and thyme stems. Serve enjoy.
  • Diced vegetables on a chopping board.
  • Vegetables and seasonings added to the pot of blackeye peas.
  • The blackeye peas in a pot after cooking ready to serve.

Can you make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Soaking and cooking dried beans from scratch does require a bit of time, though that time is totally hands-off. If time isn't on your side, you can quickly cook this recipe in a pressure cooker like an Instant Pot and they are ready to serve in a fraction of the time.

Add all ingredients to the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 17 minutes. Once pressure cooking time is up, allow the pressure cooker to naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems before serving.

  • blackeye peas in pressure cooker before cooking
  • blackeye peas on spoon over pressure cooker

Can you use canned blackeye peas?

For the best flavors and textures, I highly recommend using dried peas for the best results. For ease and convenience, you can use canned beans. Add them with the liquid in the can to a pot, along with the rest of the ingredients, plus a cup or two of water. Simmer for 20 minutes.

What do you serve them with?

I love to serve these vegan blackeye peas with a side of white rice for a hearty, filling, and delicious meal, and they'd be great served with my kale rice. They are great to serve up with collard greens or other veggie side dishes.

Blackeye peas served on a plate with rice.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • I cook my blackeye peas in the soaking liquid. You can discard the soaking liquid and cook in fresh water or broth instead.
  • You could also soak your beans overnight. Soaking is not required but it will allow your beans to cook faster.
  • Blackeye peas that have been soaked can cook in as little as 20 minutes. Cook them until they are tender. Overcooking them will make them mushy.
  • This blackeye peas recipe will keep well, covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can be reheated on the stovetop.
Close up of the cooked beans in a white bowl.

More Southern Recipes

  • Southern Pinto Bean Pie
  • Southern Style Shrimp and Grits
  • Easy Southern Pickled Shrimp
  • Southern Potato Salad
  • Blackeye Peas Salad
Blackeye peas served in a bowl next to a side dish of rice.
Print Recipe
4.67 from 3 votes

Blackeye Peas Recipe (Vegan)

Made from scratch and perfectly seasoned, this easy blackeye peas recipe is a healthy and meat-free option that the whole family will love. Get stovetop directions as well as quicker Instant Pot ones too.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: black eye peas from scratch, how to cook dried black eye peas, seasoned black eye peas
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 213kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • ½ lb dried blackeye peas about 1 ¼ cup
  • 4 cups water*
  • 1 medium red bell pepper chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • 1 Tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon celery salt
  • 3 garlic cloves chopped
  • 3 Green onions chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Stove top Instructions

  • To quick soak: Rinse and sort through blackeye peas. Cover black eyed peas with water in a large pot. Bring to rapid boil over high heat and boil for about 2 minutes. Turn off heat and remove the pot from the heat. Cover and let sit for 1 hour.
  • When ready to cook, add red bell pepper, thyme, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, celery salt, garlic cloves, and green onions to the peas and the soaking lid and stir to combine. Place the bay leaves on top and place the pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and then cover the pot. Cook covered for 20-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. Remove from heat and remove the bay leaves and thyme stems before serving.

Pressure Cooker Instructions:

  • Add all ingredients to the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 17 minutes. Once pressure cooking time is up, allow the pressure cooker to natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Notes

  • I cook my blackeye peas in the soaking liquid. You can discard the soaking liquid and cook in fresh water or broth instead.
  • You could also soak your beans overnight.
  • This blackeye peas recipe will keep well, covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can be reheated on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 327mg | Potassium: 777mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2025IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 6mg

November 3, 2021 by Tanya Leave a Comment

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

A storage jar holding the Cajun seasoning.

Make up a batch of your own homemade Cajun seasoning to use to flavor all of your faorite meals. Made with a few dried spices and herbs, it takes minutes to make and is an easy way to transform your meal times.

A storage jar holding the Cajun seasoning.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Make your own batch of Cajun seasoning to liven up all of your favorite meals. Simple and quick to make, this homemade spice mix will add a taste of the South to your plate.

Made with eight herbs and spices, it takes minutes to make up the seasoning and it's a great to have on hand in your pantry to grab whenever you want a bit of spice!

Be sure to try my Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta and Instant Pot Cajun Dirty Rice too!

Close up of the homemade seasoning on a spoon.

How to make homemade Cajun seasoning

  • Add the dried herbs and spices to a bowl.
Dried herbs and spices in a white bowl.
  • Mix to combine. Use or store!
Herbs and spices mixed together with a wooden spoon.

What is Cajun seasoning?

This spice mix originates from Louisiana. Everyone has their own favorite combinations, but it generally consists of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper and oregano. You can buy it in stores ready made, but it's so much more flavorful when you make your own. You likely already have these spices in your pantry too.

Is it spicy?

Cajun seasoning is spicy as it contains cayenne, so it does have a kick to it. It's easy to adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes though, if you prefer it milder, you can half the amount of cayenne, and if you have a very low tolerance you can omit it, you'll still be left with a delicious spice blend.

How do you use it?

Use this seasoning as you would any other. Use it as a rub for pork, chicken, seafood, and steak, or stir it into pasta, stews, beans, or even salads for a burst of flavor. It's wonderful when sprinkled over Air Fryer French Fries instead of salt and pepper!

Cajun seasoning in a labelled jar.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe if you like. Change the serving size in this recipe card to modify the ingredients.
  • Store in an airtight container for future uses. Depending on the freshness of your spices and herbs, it will keep well for around 6 months.
  • Make sure your spices aren't stale. Rub a little between your fingers before using, they should release and aroma.

More Seasoning Mixes

  • BBQ Seasoning
  • Homemade Fish Seasoning
  • Chicken Seasoning
  • Homemade Ranch Seasoning
  • Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
Cajun seasoning in a storage jar.
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

Make up a batch of your own homemade Cajun seasoning to use to flavor all of your faorite meals. Made with a few dried spices and herbs, it takes minutes to make and is an easy way to transform your meal times.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Course: Seasoning
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade Cajun seasoning, how to make cajun seasoning mix, what's in Cajun seasoning
Servings: 7 servings (approx 7 tablespoons)
Calories: 13kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon celery salt
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground oregano

Instructions

  • Mix ingredients in a bowl. Enjoy 🙂

Notes

  • Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe if you like. Change the serving size in this recipe card to modify the ingredients.
  • Store in an airtight container for future uses. Depending on the freshness of your spices and herbs, it will keep well for around 6 months.
  • Make sure your spices aren't stale. Rub a little between your fingers before using, they should release and aroma.

Nutrition

Calories: 13kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 999mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 749IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

November 2, 2021 by Tanya Leave a Comment

Air Fryer French Toast

Maple syrup being poured over slices of air fried French toast.

Perfect for a quick breakfast or a lazy Sunday brunch, classic French toast is so easy to make in your air fryer. Perfectly sweet, this family-friendly recipe is best served with lashings of maple syrup!

Maple syrup being poured from a white jug over air fryer French toast.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

I have always had a soft spot for French toast, and I'm now addicted to this air fryer recipe! I know, I know...french toast is easy enough in a skillet. But hey, sometimes the skillet just isn't available or the results aren't consistent. Whatever the need, french toast in the air fryer is mighty easy to make.

This recipe makes enough for 2 servings, about a slice and a half each serving. The french toast is perfectly crisp on the outside thanks to the high-powered heat of the air fryer.

Made with brioche bread and seasoned with vanilla and cinnamon, this delicious recipe is ready to serve in less than 15 minutes. Perfect for a family weekend breakfast or brunch, French toast has never been easier to make!

Be sure to try my Air Fryer Granola and these other Delicious Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes!

Slices of air fryer French toast on a white plate next to a bowl of fresh berries.

How to make air fryer French toast

  • Gather your ingredients.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Combine eggs, heavy cream, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon and salt in a large shallow bowl. Set aside.
  • Lay bread slices in egg mixture and allow mixture to soak for 10 seconds on each side.
Brioche bread slices cut in half.
The French toast batter in a large dish.
Slices of bread soaking in the egg mix.
  • Spray air fryer basket with oil and lay air fryer slices in basket. Close and cook on 380F for 4 minutes, then open and carefully flip bread slices and cook for an additional 3.
  • Remove, serve and enjoy.
Slices of egg coated bread in the air fryer.
Cooked pieces of French toast in the air fryer basket.
Air fryer french toast ready to serve.

What's the best bread to use for French toast?

I love to make French toast with sliced brioche bread. It's slightly sweet and it really soaks up the egg mixture for that delicious custardy taste and texture. Most thickly sliced bread will work great, if you use a denser bread like sourdough, you will need to soak it for a little longer in the egg mixture. It's best to use bread that is a day or two old rather than fresh as it will be drier and will soak up more of the custard.

Why cook French toast in an air fryer?

I do find that cooking French toast in a skillet on the stovetop can be a bit hit and miss. The skillet may not be quite hot enough, or too hot, which can lead to uncooked middles and burnt outsides. This method takes all of the guesswork out and results in the most perfect French toast to serve and enjoy.

Can you make it ahead of time?

I can't resist eating my French toast as soon as I've made it, but if you are planning to serve this as a quick breakfast later in the week, or a serving to a crowd, then freezing is a great option. Make the French toast in the air fryer and let it cool completely. Freeze in an airtight container with parchment separating the layers and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Cook it right from frozen in the air fryer at 400F for 3 minutes on one side and 2 minutes on the other for a super quick breakfast option.

French toast, fresh berries and a jug of syrup on a white plate.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • The bottom of your french toast may have grooves in the bottom from being placed in the air fryer. This is only cosmetic and does not affect the taste or how the top of the french toast appears.
  • Brioche bread is generally thicker-sliced and sweeter than normal bread. You can use other thick sliced bread if you prefer.
  • I do not recommend making this recipe in air fryers with the silver metal grates. Wet batters tend to stick to those grates, no matter how much you grease them.

More Breakfast Recipes

  • Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
  • Breakfast Air Fried Potatoes
  • Sheet Pan Pancakes
  • Cheesy Corned Beef Hash Breakfast Casserole

Watch this video tutorial and see how I make this french toast from start to finish.

Maple syrup being poured from a white jug over air fryer French toast.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer French Toast

Perfect for a quick breakfast or a lazy Sunday brunch, classic French toast is so easy to make in your air fryer. Perfectly sweet, this family friendly recipe is best served with lashings of maple syrup!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time7 minutes mins
Total Time12 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried french toast, easy air fryer french toast recipe, how to cook french toast in the air fryer
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 472kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 Tablespoon light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 3 slices of thick sliced brioche bread sliced in half
  • Oil for spraying

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Combine eggs, heavy cream, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon and salt in a large shallow bowl. Set aside.
  • Lay bread slices in egg mixture and allow mixture to soak for 10 seconds on each side.
  • Spray air fryer basket with oil and lay air fryer slices in basket. Close and cook on 380F for 4 minutes, then open and carefully flip bread slices and cook for an additional 3.
  • Remove, serve and enjoy.

Video

Notes

  • The bottom of your french toast may have grooves in the bottom from being placed in the air fryer. This is only cosmetic and does not affect the taste or how the top of the french toast appears.
  • Brioche bread is generally thicker-sliced and sweeter than normal bread. You can use other thick sliced bread if you prefer.
  • I do not recommend making this recipe in air fryers with the silver metal grates. Wet batters tend to stick to those grates, no matter how much you grease them.

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 376mg | Sodium: 494mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1245IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 2mg

October 31, 2021 by Tanya 1 Comment

The Best Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes

collage of recipes made in air fryer for thanksgiving

These air fryer Thanksgiving recipes will make cooking on the big day so easy! Find a wide range of appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts that are simple to cook and are true crowd-pleasers. Take the stress out of the day and serve up some extra tasty food to friends and family.

collage of recipes made in air fryer for thanksgiving

Whether you are planning a large Thanksgiving feast or enjoying a smaller celebration with close family this year, I've got you covered with these hassle-free air fryer Thanksgiving recipes.

No matter the number of people you are catering to, it's always a juggle to cook everything in the oven, and that's where our favorite kitchen appliance comes in! The air fryer helps you to free up your oven for the rest of the meal so that everything is cooked and ready to be served at the same time.

Start the day off with some delicious and easy-to-make appetizers and let your air fryer do all the hard work with your main course. While your roasted turkey is resting, you can quickly cook up a side dish, and don't forget the yummy desserts!

With your air fryer, planning and cooking a Thanksgiving menu has never been easier!

The Best Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes

Air Fryer Thanksgiving Appetizers

Keep hungry mouths happy before the main event with these easy air fryer appetizers.

Air Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

These Air Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls are perfect for any day of the week. Air fry them for a healthier version of your favorite appetizer.

Air Fryer Roasted Shishito Peppers

These air fryer shishito peppers are such a quick and easy appetizer to make, and they are always a crowd pleaser. Just a couple of ingredients and they are ready to serve in 10 minutes.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Fresh or Frozen)

If you’re looking for all the tips and tricks to perfect Air Fryer Chicken Wings, I’ve got you covered. Here’s how to make perfectly crispy chicken wings in your Air Fryer from fresh or frozen, sauced or dry-rubbed.

Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken is covered in a sweet and spicy rub for a quick and easy appetizer. With only 5 ingredients, this recipe is easy, delicious, and a perfect delicious appetizer.

Air Fryer Thanksgiving Entrees

Cooking the perfect roasted turkey or chicken has never been easier! These easy to make mains will be the star of the show!

Roasted Air Fryer Turkey Breast (Bone-In or Boneless)

This Air Fryer Roasted Turkey Breast is juicy and moist and so easy to make. Use bone-in or boneless turkey breast to make this beautiful golden roasted turkey in less than an hour. 

Seasoned Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Whether you serve them as part of your Thanksgiving dinner, or as part of a weeknight main meal, these seasoned turkey wings are effortless to make in the air fryer. Ready to enjoy in thirty minutes using just a few basic ingredients.

Air Fryer Roasted Turkey Legs

These Air Fryer Turkey Legs are roasted in the Air Fryer and are nice and crisp on the outside while perfectly juicy on the inside. Take a trip to your favorite fair with this easy recipe. 

Thanksgiving Chicken

If turkey isn’t your thing, you have to try this whole roasted chicken this Thanksgiving. Simple and easy to prep, it’s perfectly seasoned, juicy and flavorful. Oven roast or air fry for a show stopping centerpiece during the holidays.

Air Fryer Thanksgiving Sides

Don't let your side dishes be an afterthought with these delicious air fryer recipes!

Soft Air Fryer Dinner Rolls

You'll impress everyone with these soft and fluffy homemade rolls made right in the air fryer. This small batch of rolls is perfect for smaller gatherings.

Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

These Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are perfectly cooked in your Air Fryer. Toss them in a Korean Gochujang sauce for the perfect vegetable side dish.

Creamy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

This Creamy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese is made in your Air Fryer and you do not have to boil the noodles first. It’s a delicious side dish that can be made in your Air Fryer in about 20 minutes. 

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes with Hot Honey Butter

These Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Top them with a delicious hot honey butter for the perfect side dish.

Air Fryer Carrots (Sweet or Savory)

These Air Fryer Carrots are perfectly roasted in your Air Fryer. Make them sweet or savory, whichever you prefer, in less time than it takes to roast them in the oven.

Easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are the perfect side dish to prepare in your Air Fryer that will be ready in less than an hour.

Air Fryer Thanksgiving Desserts

These tasty air fryer desserts are the perfect way to finish the day!

Air Fryer S'mores

When it comes to S’mores, you don’t need a campfire when you have an Air Fryer. Here’s how to make Indoor S’mores in an Air Fryer.

Easy Air Fryer Brownies

These Air Fryer Brownies are perfect for when you want a small batch of delicious brownies and don’t want to turn on the oven. They are made from scratch and are the perfect mix between fudgy and cakey brownies.

These easy air fryer recipes will make your Thanksgiving extra special and a lot less stressful! Let me know what your favorite recipe is!

More Air Fryer Recipes

  • Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
  • Air Fryer Plantains
  • Baked Air Fryer Apples
  • Air Fryer Granola

October 29, 2021 by Tanya 41 Comments

Soft Air Fryer Dinner Rolls

Dinner rolls pulled apart in the air fryer basket.

Whip up some delicious homemade dinner rolls quickly and easily in your air fryer. These dinner rolls are so light and fluffy, and take less time to bake compared to the oven. The perfect bread side for any meal, and a must have for Thanksgiving!

Air fryer dinner rolls served in a large bowl.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

No Thanksgiving or holiday meal is complete without some light and fluffy dinner rolls, and they are a breeze to make in the air fryer!

Made from scratch, these bread rolls are a wonderful addition to any dinner and because they are baked in the air fryer they are ready in a fraction of the time and it frees up your oven. You'll notice that this recipe for dinner rolls uses less flour than most. That way your air fryer can hold all the dough.

You'll also notice that this recipe uses no egg. After testing multiple roll recipes and batches, we found that these dinner rolls just didn't need it. They're perfectly delicious, fluffy, and buttery.

Make them ahead of time and be sure to make a double batch to freeze, they really are delicious!

Be sure to try my Honey Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls and Vegan Dinner Rolls too!

Dinner rolls pulled apart in the air fryer basket.

How to make air fryer dinner rolls

  • Gather your ingredients.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Add water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of granulated white sugar to a small measuring cup. Stir and set aside for 10 minutes, until the yeast has bloomed.
  • Add bread flour, remaining granulated sugar, and salt to a large bowl. Mix until combined. Add yeast mixture, milk, and 3 Tablespoons of softened butter and mix until combined. Use your hands to clump the dough together and place on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth. You could also use a stand mixer for these steps.
  • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow it to proof in a warm area until it’s almost double in size, about 1 - 1 ½ hours.
Yeast, water and sugar in a jug.
The yeast when it's bloomed.
Yeast mixed with the other ingredients.
The bread dough rolled into a ball.
The dough ball in a bowl covered with plastic wrap.
The dough after it has risen in the bowl.
  • Meanwhile, line the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment paper. DO NOT turn on the air fryer at this time. Place proofed dough on a lightly floured surface and cut dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a roll and place them in the lined air fryer basket next to each other, with the sides touching. Close the air fryer. DO NOT start the air fryer at this time. Allow the rolls to rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour in the closed air fryer that is off.
  • When ready to air fry, turn on the air fryer and set the temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15-18 minutes until the rolls are done, and golden on top.
  • Brush the rolls with the remaining butter and sprinkle with coarse kosher salt or sea salt if desired. Enjoy.
The dough cut into nine pieces.
The dinner roll dough resting in the air fryer basket.
The baked dinner rolls in the air fryer basket.

How long do dinner rolls stay fresh?

You can of course enjoy these dinner rolls straight away, but they are a great option to make ahead of time so they're ideal for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Let the rolls cool fully before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for 4 to 5 days, I don't recommend storing them in the fridge as this can dry them out. You can serve them at room temperature or warm them through in the air fryer at 360F for a minute or two.

Can you freeze them?

Yes! These freeze really well and will keep for up to 6 months. Be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag to protect them from freezer burn. You can thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving. Thaw them on a rack so that they don't get soggy when they defrost.

What do you serve them with?

These air fryer dinner rolls are the perfect bread side dish to serve up with your Thanksgiving or holiday dinner, they are also great for everyday use served with soups and chilis. Try them alongside my other favorite Thanksgiving recipes:

  • Homemade Honey Butter
  • Roasted Air Fryer Turkey Breast
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Giblet Gravy
Baked dinner rolls.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • This dough can be made in a stand mixer. Follow the directions and knead dough in the stand mixer with a dough hook for 7-8 minutes.
  • It’s best to use a scale to weigh the flour in this recipe. However, if you don’t have a scale, cups will work fine. Just make sure to spoon the flour into the cup and level it before placing it in the bowl.
  • All-purpose flour can be used instead of bread flour if needed.
  • Don't skip the rising times, this is what results in light and fluffy dinner rolls.
  • You do not need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
  • Different air fryer models can run slightly differently, so cooking times may vary slightly. Check them at around 15 minutes.
Hands pulling apart the dinner rolls.

More Bread Recipes

  • Classic Southern Cornbread
  • Banana Bread
  • Cornbread Muffins
  • Instant Pot Bread Pudding
Dinner rolls pulled apart in the air fryer basket.
Print Recipe
4.67 from 18 votes

Soft Air Fryer Dinner Rolls

Whip up some delicious homemade dinner rolls quickly and easily in your air fryer. These dinner rolls are so light and fluffy, and take less time to bake compared to the oven. The perfect bread side for any meal, and a must have for Thanksgiving!
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Resting time2 hours hrs
Total Time2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fried dinner rolls, air fryer bread rolls, how to make dinner rolls in an air fryer
Servings: 12 small rolls
Calories: 143kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup water warmed (100F - 110F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 3 Tablespoons granulated white sugar divided
  • 2 ¼ cup Bread flour spooned and leveled (281g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup milk
  • 4 Tablespoons softened unsalted butter divided
  • Coarse salt for sprinkling on top optional

Instructions

  • Add water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of granulated white sugar to a small measuring cup. Stir and set aside for 10 minutes, until the yeast has bloomed.
  • Add bread flour, remaining granulated sugar, and salt to a large bowl. Mix until combined. Add yeast mixture, milk, and 3 Tablespoons of softened butter and mix until combined. Use your hands to clump the dough together and place on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth. You could also use a stand mixer for this step.
  • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow it to proof in a warm area until it’s almost double in size, about 1 - 1 ½ hours.
  • Meanwhile, line the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment paper. DO NOT turn on the air fryer at this time. Place dough on lightly floured surface and cut dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a roll and place them in the lined air fryer basket next to each other, with the sides touching. Close the air fryer. DO NOT start the air fryer at this time. Allow the rolls to rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour in the closed air fryer that is off.
  • When ready to air fry, turn on the air fryer and set the temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15-18 minutes until the rolls are done, and golden on top.
  • Brush the rolls with the remaining butter and sprinkle with coarse kosher salt or sea salt if desired. Enjoy.

Video

Notes

  • This dough can be made in a stand mixer. Follow the directions and knead dough in the stand mixer with a dough hook for 7-8 minutes.
  • It’s best to use a scale to weigh the flour in this recipe. However, if you don’t have a scale, cups will work fine. Just make sure to spoon the flour into the cup and level it before placing it in the bowl.
  • All-purpose flour can be used instead of bread flour if needed.
  • Don't skip the rising times, this is what results in light and fluffy dinner rolls.
  • You do not need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
  • Different air fryer models can run slightly differently, so cooking times may vary slightly. Check them at around 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 134IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

October 25, 2021 by Tanya 2 Comments

Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds

pumpkin seeds with pumpkin in background

These Roasted Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds are a deliciously crunchy, healthy, and tasty snack. This snack is the perfect way to use those pumpkin seeds after carving a pumpkin. 

pumpkin seeds with pumpkin in background

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

It’s that time of year again. All things Fall are in the air, pumpkin carving is a joyous activity, and we’re getting ready for some of our favorite Fall Holidays. One in particular that we love is Halloween, where we head to the pumpkin patch, pick a pumpkin, and then take it home to carve it. 

If you’ve ever carved a pumpkin, you’re familiar with the ooey-gooey pulp and seeds that are scooped from the inside. Well before you toss those seeds, do me a favor and consider roasting them for snacking. You’ll be plenty surprised at how crunchy and delicious they are. 

I roast mine in my air fryer because I find the air fryer makes seeds and beans extra crunchy. I followed a similar method when I made these air fryer chickpeas.

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds in the Air Fryer

Start by prepping the seeds. First, you’ll need to cut the top off the pumpkin and remove the pulp and seeds from the inside. You’ll notice many seeds stuck to a little bit of pulp. Use your hands and gently remove the pulp from the seeds. 

Place the seeds in a colander and rinse the seeds. My medium-large-sized pumpkin yielded about 1 and ¼ cups of seeds.

  • pumpkin seeds and pulp on silver bowl
  • raw pumpkin seeds on colander on towel

Boil the Seeds

Next, place the seeds in a medium-sized pot and cover with 3 cups of water and 1 Tablespoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for about 7 minutes. Once done boiling, drain the seeds in a colander and then place them on a clean kitchen towel. 

  • pumpkin seeds in water in pot
  • pumpkin seeds on kitchen towel

Pat the seeds dry and then place them in the air fryer basket. They will still be partially wet but that is ok. 

Close the air fryer basket and air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes. This will allow our seeds to dry before adding oil. 

pumpkin seeds in air fryer basket before roasting

After 4 minutes, open the basket and lightly spray the pumpkin seeds with oil, and then stir to ensure all the seeds are covered. Close the basket and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes at 350F, stirring halfway through. 

pumpkin seeds in air fryer basket after roasting

Season the seeds with desired spices

When there are about 1-2 minutes left, season the seeds with any desired seasonings. Once the seeds are roasted, remove them and spread them on a sheet pan. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

pumpkin seeds on sheet pan

How to Season the Seeds:

These seeds will taste slightly salty already (thanks to our boiling step) but if you want additional flavors, add seasonings when there are about 2 minutes left on your cook time. You do not want to add seasonings too early or they may burn. 

close up photo of roasted pumpkin seeds in air fryer basket

How to store Roasted Pumpkin seeds

Store these seeds in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. You could also freeze them for up to 3 months.  

Notes on Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds

  • These are good for snacking as is but you could use these for salads, on top of morning oatmeal, or granola. 
  • Season the seeds like you like. You can use the seasonings I used in my air fryer chickpeas recipe, stick with salt and pepper, or use a little tajin seasoning.
  • Use any oil with a high-smoke point that you prefer. I usually use canola or avocado oil.

Looking for more Air Fried Snack recipes? Try these out:

  • Air Fryer Beet Chips
  • Air Fryer Sugar Pecans
  • Apple Chips
pumpkin seeds with pumpkin in background
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Crispy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds

These Roasted Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds are a deliciously crunchy, healthy, and tasty snack. This snack is the perfect way to use those pumpkin seeds after carving a pumpkin.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Cooling10 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer pumpkin seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 56kcal
Author: Tanya

Equipment

  • Large Air Fryer
  • Sheet Pan

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds from 1 medium-large sized pumpkin
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
  • Seasonings of Choice

Instructions

  • Cut the top off the pumpkin and remove the pulp and seeds from the inside. Place the seeds in a colander and rinse the seeds.
  • Place the seeds in a medium-sized pot and cover with 3 cups of water and 1 Tablespoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for about 7 minutes. Once done boiling, drain the seeds in a colander and then place them on a clean kitchen towel and pat the seeds dry.
  • Place the seeds in the air fryer basket. Close the air fryer basket and air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes.
  • After 4 minutes, open the basket and lightly spray the pumpkin seeds with oil, and then stir to ensure all the seeds are covered. Close the basket and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes at 350F, stirring halfway through.
  • Add any desired seasonings when there are about 1-2 minutes left on the air fryer cook time.
  • Once the seeds are roasted, remove them and spread them on a sheet pan. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • These are good for snacking as is but you could use these for salads, on top of morning oatmeal, or granola.
  • Season the seeds as you like. You can use the seasonings I used in my air fryer chickpeas recipe, stick with salt and pepper, or use a little tajin seasoning.
  • Use any oil with a high-smoke point that you prefer. I usually use canola or avocado oil.

Nutrition

Calories: 56kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 877mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

October 22, 2021 by Tanya 8 Comments

Sweet Potato Bundt Cake

Sweet potato bundt cake with glaze served on a plate.

Topped with a cream cheese glaze, this sweet potato bundt cake is perfectly spiced and deliciously sweet. Simple to make, it's a great addition for your Thanksgiving menu with it's wonderful warming flavors.

Sweet potato bundt cake with glaze served on a plate.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

This sweet potato bundt cake is a wonderful way to mix up your Thanksgiving desserts, but it can easily be enjoyed throughout the year!

Spiced with cinnamon, ginger and cloves, sweet potato puree is mixed into the batter resulting in a perfectly moist bundt cake.

Finished with a sweet cream cheese glaze, this is a delicious occasion cake that everyone will love. I love that it's easy to make too!

Be sure to try my Orange Poppy Seed Bundt Cake and Pumpkin Cake too!

A slice of the cake being cut.

How to make a sweet potato bundt cake

  • Gather your ingredients.
Ingredients to make the recipe.
  • Add flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ginger powder, salt, baking soda, ground cloves in a bowl and mix to combine. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together for about 5 minutes.
  • Mix in eggs, one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract.
  • Mix in half the flour mixture, then mix in sweet potato puree, then mix in remaining flour mixture, until fully combined.
Dry ingredients mixed together in a bowl.
Butter and sugars beaten together.
Eggs mixed into the butter and sugar.
Dry and wet ingredients combined.
  • Pour into the prepared Bundt pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 55min to 1hr, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Remove and allow to cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Then remove and allow to continue cooling.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by beating cream cheese and powdered sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer until combined, about 2 minutes. Mix in vanilla extract and milk until combined. Pour glaze over cooled cake.
The cake batter in a bundt tin.
The baked cake in the bundt tin.
The sweet potato bundt cake turned out onto a plate.
Glazing the cake.

Can you use homemade sweet potato puree?

Yes! You can easily make your own puree if you have lots of sweet potatoes to hand! Roast them in the oven and then scoop out the flesh. Process until nice and smooth. If you make your own puree, then be sure to let it cool fully before mixing in with the other ingredients.

How long does it keep?

This sweet potato bundt cake will keep well covered and at room temperature for 3 to 4 days, so it's a great make-ahead option for the holidays. If you plan on making it ahead of time, it's best not to glaze it straight away, as once frosted, it will need to be kept refrigerated and this can dry it out a little quicker.

Can you freeze it?

This cake will freeze well for up to 3 months. You can freeze it with the glaze, but I find the best results are freezing it without, plus it's easier to store this way. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in foil and plastic wrap to protect it from freezer burn. Thaw the cake at room temperature or in the fridge overnight before glazing and serving.

Close up of the glaze on the sweet potato bundt cake.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Use oil or cooking spray to grease the bundt pan. Butter can burn and cause the cake to stick.
  • Don't over mix the cake batter when you add the flour. It should be combined, but over mixing can lead to a dense cake as the gluten can over develop.
  • Bake the cake in a fully pre-heated oven so that it cooks through evenly.
  • Let the cake cool before glazing it. If the cake is still warm, the glaze will thin and run off.

More Cake Recipes

  • Grapefruit Cake
  • Tropical Tres Leches Cake
  • Red Velvet Cheesecake
  • Chocolate Cola Cake
  • Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Sweet potato bundt cake with a slice cut out of it.
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Sweet Potato Bundt Cake

Topped with a cream cheese glaze, this sweet potato bundt cake is perfectly spiced and deliciously sweet. Simple to make, it's a great addition for your Thanksgiving menu with it's wonderful warming flavors.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: glazed bundt cake recipe, spiced bundt cake, sweet potato puree cake
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 504kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cake flour 351g
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon ginger powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ cup brown sugar packed (330g)
  • ½ cup granulated white sugar 117g
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 15 oz can sweet potato puree

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar 88g
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 teaspoons milk

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 10 cup Bundt pan. Set aside.
  • Add flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ginger powder, salt, baking soda, ground cloves in a bowl and mix to combine. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together for about 5 minutes on medium speed.
  • Mix in eggs, one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract.
  • Mix in half the flour mixture, then mix in sweet potato puree, then mix in remaining flour mixture, until fully combined. Pour into the prepared Bundt pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 55min to 1hr, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Remove and allow to cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Then remove and allow to continue cooling.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by beating cream cheese and powdered sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer until combined, about 2 minutes. Mix in vanilla extract and milk until combined. Pour glaze over cooled cake.

Notes

  • Use oil or cooking spray to grease the bundt pan. Butter can burn and cause the cake to stick.
  • Don't over mix the cake batter when you add the flour. It should be combined, but over mixing can lead to a dense cake as the gluten can over develop.
  • Bake the cake in a fully pre-heated oven so that it cooks through evenly.
  • Let the cake cool before glazing it. If the cake is still warm, the glaze will thin and run off.

Nutrition

Calories: 504kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 219mg | Potassium: 348mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 7494IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 1mg
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Welcome to My Forking Life! Hi, I'm Tanya, attorney, busy wife and mom, and lover of quick, easy, and delicious meals.

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