Leftover turkey recipe: Air fryer cups - Easy Peasy Creative Ideas (2024)

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This Thanksgiving, don’t let your turkey leftovers go to waste. Transform them into a delicious and easy meal with a simple, quick, and easy leftover turkey recipe in the air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a hot and healthy meal on the table in no time.

Leftover turkey recipe: Air fryer cups

Leftover turkey recipe: Air fryer cups - Easy Peasy Creative Ideas (1)

Thanksgiving is over, but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to all the delicious holiday flavors! If you’re looking for a tasty way to use up your leftover turkey, try this leftover turkey recipe in the air fryer. These little bites are packed with all the flavors of your favorite holiday dishes, and they’re ready in just minutes! You won’t be disappointed!

You had a blast enjoying a delicious meal with your loved ones. But now what are you going to do with all those turkey leftovers? There’s no need to stop enjoying all that delicious food just because the holiday is over! With this leftover turkey recipe, you can use your air fryer to make delicious Thanksgiving leftover cups with all that extra food.

What is the most popular Thanksgiving leftover?

If you’re like most people, the answer is turkey! And why wouldn’t it be? Turkey is delicious and versatile food that can be used in so many different dishes. But if you’re not careful, those leftover turkey dishes can start to taste a bit… well, boring.

That’s why we’ve come up with this air fryer Thanksgiving leftover cup recipe! It’s a fun and easy way to use up those extra turkey leftovers, and it’s packed with all the flavors of your favorite holiday dishes. Plus, it’s ready in just minutes!

How long is turkey leftover good in the fridge?

If you have any turkey leftover, it’s important to know how long it will last in the fridge. According to the USDA, cooked turkey can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. So if you’re looking to use up your turkey leftovers sooner rather than later, this recipe is perfect!

How do you moisten dry leftover turkey meat?

If your leftover turkey is starting to dry out, don’t worry! There are a few easy ways to moisten it up.

  • First, try adding some chicken broth or stock to the turkey. This will add flavor and moisture to the meat.
  • Another option is to shred the turkey and mix it with some of the gravy. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
  • Finally, if you’re using turkey leftovers for sandwiches or wraps, try adding some cranberry sauce or other condiments.

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What can I do with extra turkey?

If you have extra turkey, there are plenty of ways to use it! One option is to make a turkey pot pie. This is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have, as well as the turkey. Another option is to make leftoverturkey soup, turkey sandwiches or turkey tetrazzini pasta. This is a great way to use up any leftover bones or carcass, as well as any vegetables you have. Finally, if you’re looking for an easy way to use up your turkey with minimal prep time, try this air fryer Thanksgiving leftover cup recipe or give these leftover recipes a try too:

  • Leftover turkey stuffed sweet potatoes
  • Leftover turkey panini
  • Turkey breast with peas
  • Turkey veggie bake
  • Slow cooker turkey enchiladas(replace the chicken with turkey)
  • Make a turkeyshepherd’s pie(replace beef with turkey in this recipe)
  • Make leftover turkey chili with thiseasy chili recipe
  • Try a leftover turkey casserole usingthis recipe
  • Add turkey leftovers and eggs to thisdumplings soupto give it more flavor and increase nutrition and calories.

What do you serve with leftover Thanksgiving turkey cups?

There are so many delicious options when it comes to serving Thanksgiving leftovers.

  1. One option is to serve these cups with some more stuffing and mashed potatoes,boiled potatoes, chips or rice.
  2. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, try making a turkey salad or serving the cups with some roasted veggies like carrots, mushrooms and green beans, or with avocado, yellow beanswith garlic, orsweet potato wedges.
  3. These roasted long pepperswith garlic and vinegar are the perfect side dish for these Thanksgiving leftovers.
  4. ThisInstant Pot corn casseroleand thisInstant Pot corn on the cob make the perfect side dish for these Thanksgiving leftovers, creating a filling, nutritious meal.

No matter what you choose to serve with your Thanksgiving leftovers, I’m sure you’ll love these air fryer Thanksgiving cups! Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an easy way to put together a leftover turkey recipe, these Thanksgiving leftover cups are the perfect solution. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy all the flavors of your holiday meal long after the holiday is over.

What ingredients do I need for this leftover turkey recipe?

The most important ingredient you’ll need to prepare this easy recipe for Thanksgiving leftovers is stuffing. In addition to the leftover stuffing, you can also add these Thanksgiving staples to your air fryer cups:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Leftover turkey
  • Gravy
  • Cranberry jelly

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How Do I Make Leftover Turkey Cups?

Once you have your leftovers ready to go, all that’s left to do is put this easy recipe together! Just follow these tips and tricks for preparing your stuffing cups.

  • Start with warm stuffing. While the ingredients inside your leftover cups can be cold, you need to start with warm stuffing. This will help make the stuffing more pliable and easier to form into a cup shape.
  • Bake the cups in silicone muffin liners. Since your leftover cups will be heated in the air fryer, you’ll need to find a cooking method that fits inside the basket. Silicone baking cups are a great option because they’re oven-safe and non-stick.
  • Form the stuffing into a cup shape. Place a scoop of the warm stuffing into your silicone mold and use your fingers to press the mixture into the shape of the muffin cup. Continue pressing the mixture along the bottom and up the sides of the cup until the entire mold is covered with stuffing.
  • Add the filling. Once you have all your stuffing cups formed, it’s time to prepare the filling. Simply stir together the remaining leftovers to form a stuffing mixture. Then, scoop the mixture into the cups.
  • Air fry the leftovers. Place all the muffin cups in the basket of your air fryer and cook them until the stuffing is crispy and the filling is heated through.

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Ideas

Finding ways to use up all that leftover turkey isn’t always easy. But these delicious leftover cups are the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of your holiday meal long after the holiday is over. Try these recipe ideas to add even more flavor to your Thanksgiving leftovers.

  • Add some broth. If your leftover stuffing seems too dry to form into muffin cups, try mixing in some extra broth to give it more moisture. Add the broth one tablespoon at a time, stirring between each addition. Continue adding more broth until the mixture is moist, but not mushy.
  • Try different filling mixtures. While mashed potatoes, turkey, and gravy make a delicious flavor combination for your filling, it’s not the only option you have when making your own stuffing cups. You can create a variety of leftover combinations using whatever you have on hand, including sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, ham, corn, and brussels sprouts.
  • Use a muffin pan. Some larger air fryer models are big enough to hold a six-cup muffin pan. If you don’t have any silicon muffin cups on hand, try placing a small muffin pan in your air fryer basket instead. Make sure to grease the muffin pan before adding the stuffing to keep it from sticking to the sides as it bakes.
  • Bake the cups in the oven. Using your air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this Thanksgiving snack. But if you don’t have one at home, you can also bake your stuffing cups in the oven. Press the stuffing into a greased muffin pan and bake the cups at 375 degrees for around 10 minutes, until the stuffing is crispy and the filling is heated through.
  • Add some cheese. Another simple way to add even more flavor to your leftover turkey is with the help of some shredded cheese. Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potato filling before stuffing the cups or sprinkle some cheese on top of your cups before baking to enhance the flavor.
  • Serve with toppings. Give your leftover cups even more Thanksgiving flavor by adding a dollop of gravy or cranberry jelly on top of each cup before serving. Baked bacon bits work great with these cups too!

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How Do You Store Leftover Turkey Cups?

These leftover cups taste the best when they’re right out of the air fryer. But if you have a few extras after everyone is finished eating, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The leftover cups will stay good for up to three days when stored properly.

You can reheat your leftovers in the microwave – just heat them on high for 30 seconds to one minute. Or place the cups in the air fryer at 350 degrees for two to three minutes.

Can you freeze leftover turkey cups?

Yes, you can freeze your leftover turkey cups to enjoy at a later time. Simply place the cups in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw the frozen cups overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees for two to three minutes.

Whether you’re looking for a new way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers or just want a delicious and easy snack, these leftover turkey cups are the perfect solution. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they come together in no time and can be easily customized to your liking. So if you find yourself with some leftover turkey, give these cups a try. You won’t be disappointed!

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Air fryer cups leftover turkey recipe

Looking for a delicious leftover turkey recipe? Try these air fryer cups! It's a quick & easy way to enjoy all your favorite holiday flavors!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Course: Main Course, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer cups, leftover turkey recipe, turkey leftovers

Servings: 6 cups

Author: Petro Neagu

Ingredients

  • 2 cups stuffing
  • 1.5 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup turkey leftover, chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown gravy
  • 1/2 cup cranberry jelly

Instructions

  • Warm up your stuffing to make it more pliable.

  • Form a 1/2” layer on the inside of a jumbo silicone muffin liner. From the bottom of the cup and then press the stuffing to the side of the liner to form a cup.

    Leftover turkey recipe: Air fryer cups - Easy Peasy Creative Ideas (7)

  • Bake the stuffing cups in the air fryer basket for 10 minutes at 400°f.

    Leftover turkey recipe: Air fryer cups - Easy Peasy Creative Ideas (8)

  • While cups are baking. Mix the gravy, mashed potatoes, and turkey meat to create a filling.

    Leftover turkey recipe: Air fryer cups - Easy Peasy Creative Ideas (9)

  • Using a large ice cream scoop, fill the stuffing cups with the filling.

    Leftover turkey recipe: Air fryer cups - Easy Peasy Creative Ideas (10)

  • Return cups to the air fryer basket and bake for 5 minutes at 350°f

    Leftover turkey recipe: Air fryer cups - Easy Peasy Creative Ideas (11)

  • Remove and let cool and spoon a tablespoon dollop of cranberry jelly. If you prefer more gravy as an addition or substitute, have at it.

    Leftover turkey recipe: Air fryer cups - Easy Peasy Creative Ideas (12)

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Leftover turkey recipe: Air fryer cups - Easy Peasy Creative Ideas (2024)

FAQs

How do you reheat a sliced turkey breast in an air fryer? ›

How to Reheat Turkey in an Air Fryer
  1. Preheat the air fryer or Ninja Foodi to 300°F.
  2. Prepare and moisten the turkey in a baking dish that fits in your air fryer and cover with aluminum foil (see instructions above). ...
  3. Reheat the turkey for 8-10 minutes per pound of meat or until leftovers reach a minimum of 160°F–165°F.
Jan 25, 2024

Can you eat cold turkey? ›

And turkey is perfectly safe to eat the next day – hot or cold. But there are some things you should consider in order to stay safe. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said leftovers should be cooled to room temperature and then covered, wrapped, or placed in a sealed container.

How do you reheat leftovers for Thanksgiving? ›

Transfer the turkey and mashed potatoes into oven-safe dishes, add a little stock to the turkey and butter to the potatoes, and cover both dishes. Reheat them together for about 30 minutes at 350°F. You're winning the leftover dinner game right now.

How long to cook leftovers in air fryer? ›

How to Reheat Leftovers (like fries, vegetables, pizza, etc)
  1. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400 °F.
  2. Place leftovers in a single layer in air fryer basket.
  3. Cook for 3-5 minutes at 350 °F, or until food is crispy to liking and reaches safe internal temperature of 165 °F.

How long to put leftovers in air fryer? ›

Preheat the air fryer at 350-400F for 4 to 5 minutes. Place the food you want to reheat in the basket without crowding. Air fry 3 to 5 minutes or so until crispy and heated through but keep a close watch on it.

Can you use tin foil in an air fryer? ›

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

How do you reheat leftover turkey without drying it out? ›

Simply heat your oven to 300 degrees, put the carved meat in a baking dish, and add some chicken broth or turkey stock to the pan. The meat will absorb some of the liquid as it heats, making it nice and juicy. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in the oven until the meat is hot, 20 to 30 minutes.

How do you make leftover turkey moist? ›

Place the turkey pieces in a baking dish and drizzle with a few tablespoons of stock and/or butter. Cover the dish with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave the sliced turkey (cover with a damp paper towel) in a microwave-safe dish at 50% power in 1-minute intervals.

Is it safe to eat cooked turkey after 5 days? ›

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.

Can dogs eat turkey? ›

You may have noticed that turkey is a common ingredient in dog treats and dog food. Skinless, unseasoned white turkey meat that's been properly cooked is actually fine for dogs to consume in small amounts. Ground turkey, as long as it's plain and has no additives, is also perfectly healthy for dogs.

Why can you only reheat turkey once? ›

How many times can you reheat turkey? It's not a good idea to reheat turkey more than once. Technically, as long as it reaches 165° each time, it's safe to eat. That said, it's a food safety hazard to some degree, since every time you heat and cool food, it passes through the danger zone (between 40° and 140°).

How do you reheat Thanksgiving leftovers in an air fryer? ›

If you prefer the air fryer, it's best to stick to a couple slices at a time. Wrap your slices in foil to prevent splattering, then pop them in the air fryer for five to 10 minutes at 350°.

How long can leftover turkey stay in the fridge? ›

How Long Does Turkey Last in the Fridge? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends using cooked turkey within three to four days as long as it is kept refrigerated at a temperature that is 40°F or lower. “Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth,” the website states.

What's the best way to reheat leftover? ›

Mar 24, 2023
  1. On stove top: Place food in pan and heat thoroughly. ...
  2. In oven: Place food in oven set no lower than 325 °F. ...
  3. In microwave: Stir, cover, and rotate fully cooked food for even heating. ...
  4. Not Recommended: Slow cooker, steam tables or chafing dishes.
Mar 24, 2023

Can you air fry leftover meat? ›

Air fryers aren't just for cooking — they're also excellent tools for reheating leftovers, especially when you want to bring a little crunch back to something that was once crispy.

How do you reheat a precooked turkey without drying it out? ›

Simply heat your oven to 300 degrees, put the carved meat in a baking dish, and add some chicken broth or turkey stock to the pan. The meat will absorb some of the liquid as it heats, making it nice and juicy. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in the oven until the meat is hot, 20 to 30 minutes.

Can you put foil in an air fryer? ›

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

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