Last-Minute Thanksgiving Prep with Smart Kitchen Gadgets (Dinner Ready in 2 Hours!)

Forget spending hours roasting a whole turkey in the oven. This Instant Pot method delivers juicy, flavorful turkey breast with crispy skin in under an hour. The pressure cooking locks in moisture while the air fryer function creates that golden, crackling exterior everyone loves.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless turkey breast (2–3 lbs)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels—this helps achieve crispy skin later.
2. Mix melted butter with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring it reaches every crevice.
3. Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot insert and place the trivet inside.
4. Set the turkey on the trivet, close the lid, and pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.
5. Quick-release the pressure, then switch to the air fryer lid and air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until the skin is beautifully golden and crispy.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Suggested Read:  Try this recipe, Juicy Garlic Butter Steak Bites

🛒 Recommended: Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate 13-in-1 (combines pressure cooker and air fryer)

Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, but when they’re air-fried with maple syrup, they transform into sweet, crispy bites that even vegetable skeptics will devour. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars while creating those addictive crispy edges.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: crispy bacon bits for topping

Instructions:

1. Toss halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Arrange in a single layer in your air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd—work in batches if needed).
3. Air fry at 390°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
4. They’re done when the outer leaves are crispy and the centers are tender.
5. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with bacon bits if desired.

Pro tip: Cut any extra-large sprouts into quarters so everything cooks evenly.

🛒 Recommended: Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fryer Oven (large capacity, perfect for sides)

Skip the fussy pie crust and make this impossibly smooth, custardy pumpkin pie that tastes just as indulgent. The KitchenAid mixer ensures a lump-free filling, and without the crust, it’s actually a bit lighter (which means you can have a bigger slice, right?).

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Add all ingredients to your KitchenAid mixer bowl fitted with the whisk attachment.
3. Mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the filling into your prepared pie dish.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
6. Cool completely before serving with whipped cream.

Pro tip: Make this the first thing you start, and it’ll be cooling while you cook everything else.

🛒 Recommended: KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Stand Mixer (worth every penny)

Traditional stuffing requires tons of chopping, but with a vegetable chopper, you’ll have perfectly diced veggies in seconds. This version is savory, herby, and comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread cubes (day-old bread works best)
• 1 medium onion
• 2 celery stalks
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Use your Fullstar Chopper to dice the onion and celery in seconds—this tool is seriously satisfying to use.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the bread cubes, broth, and all seasonings. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover and cook for 10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Uncover and cook for another 5 minutes to crisp up the top slightly.

Pro tip: Toast your bread cubes in the oven for 10 minutes before using for extra texture.

🛒 Recommended: Fullstar Vegetable Chopper (makes meal prep so much faster)

If you prefer traditional oven roasting, this recipe is for you. The Meater+ thermometer takes all the guesswork out of cooking turkey—it monitors the internal temperature wirelessly and alerts you the moment it’s perfectly done.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in turkey breast (3-4 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Whisk together honey, olive oil, and all seasonings.
3. Pat turkey dry and brush the honey mixture all over, making sure to get under the skin if possible.
4. Insert the Meater+ thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.
5. Roast until the thermometer alerts you that it’s reached 165°F (usually 50-60 minutes).
6. Let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Pro tip: The app will even give you an estimated finish time—perfect for coordinating all your dishes.

🛒 Recommended: Meater+ Smart Wireless Thermometer (never overcook meat again)

Round out your meal with this warming, fragrant apple cider. The electric kettle heats it perfectly in minutes, and your whole kitchen will smell like fall.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 orange, sliced
• Optional: star anise for extra spice

Instructions:

1. Pour apple cider into your electric kettle and heat until just boiling.
2. Pour into a heat-safe pitcher or mugs.
3. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices.
4. Let steep for 3-5 minutes, then serve warm.

Pro tip: Keep the kettle warm on your counter so guests can refill throughout the meal.

🛒 Recommended: COSORI Glass Electric Kettle (heats fast and looks elegant)