20+ Air Fryer Side Dishes That Are Actually Worth Making
When you need to get a meal on the table fast, sides are sometimes the first thing to skip. But these simple and delicious air fryer side dishes are totally worth the time! Each one is flavor-packed and memorable, earning a spot on your plate again and again.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Air Fryer Side Dishes
- Many air fryer recipes call for a spray oil to prevent food from sticking to the basket (avocado oil is usually the preferred option). You can also lightly spray vegetables with oil to help the exterior get perfectly crispy and browned.
- For easy cleanup, purchase precut parchment liners for the air fryer basket. These often have holes to maintain airflow and won’t affect the results.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket to allow proper heating and even crisping or browning. Feel free to cook the recipe in batches if you need to double it, or if you are using a smaller air fryer.
- Cut food into uniformly-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- It’s a good idea to shake the basket or flip items halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping and browning.
20+ Air Fryer Side Dishes That Are Actually Worth Making
Simple Vegetable Air Fryer Side Dishes
These aren’t your basic, bland veggies! Try these simple, flavorful sides featuring staple ingredients to elevate everyday vegetables. These veggie dishes have been known to steal the spotlight!
1
Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
Who knew cauliflower could transform into such a crispy and crave-worthy dish? Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites deliver bold flavor and a breaded crunch with a delicious roasted texture. You won’t be able to resist these tasty bites served with creamy sriracha-ranch for dipping!
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2
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
When you hear “Brussels sprouts for dinner again?!” in a GOOD way, you know you’re winning with this recipe! Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are perfectly golden and super-flavorful with the bold maple-sriracha glaze. You only need a few ingredients to get this delicious side ready to serve!
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3
Air Fryer Yellow Squash
Air Fryer Yellow Squash is a simple and delicious way to eat your veggies! This healthy side dish needs no breading and features a smoky seasoning that flavors every bite. Best of all is the fresh and tangy lime crema on the side, adding the perfect balance.
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4
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
If you struggle to eat your veggies because you think they’re boring or difficult to make, then it’s time to try these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts! Easy to make, tender and bursting with flavor, you’ll have everyone begging to eat their veggies!
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5
Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
Air fryer zucchini fries are a tasty and healthy way to add more vegetables to your meal plan! The crispy exterior will win over even the kids, and they’re super easy to make. Made with a simple breading of potato chips and breadcrumbs, these crunchy fries are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce!
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6
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes and Brussels sprouts
Want to eat more veggies? This easy sweet potato and brussels sprout recipe in the air fryer takes just 6 ingredients and cooks up in under 15 minutes for a delicious and healthy side dish!
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7
The Best 10-Minute Air Fryer Zucchini
For a healthy side dish that’s ready fast, try The Best 10-Minute Air Fryer Zucchini recipe! In this no-breading version, you’ll only need a simple seasoning blend, oil, and Parmesan to get savory zucchini spears crispy and ready to eat in under 20 minutes.
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8
Easy Breaded Eggplant in the Air Fryer
Easy Breaded Eggplant in the Air Fryer is a tasty way to enjoy your veggies! The crispy breading turns golden brown in the air fryer, and the combination of potato chips and panko breadcrumbs keeps it light and satisfying. Serve this healthy side dish with dipping sauces for a delicious added touch!
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9
Air Fryer Green Beans
Need a quick and healthy side dish to go with just about any meal? About about these simple Air Fryer Green Beans? You are only 4 ingredients and 10 minutes away from the perfect side!
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10
Air Fryer Asparagus
Simple side dishes that are healthy and can be cooked in minutes are a must! This air fryer asparagus cooks in less than 10 minutes and only requires 3 ingredients.
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11
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Do you have a hankering for fresh corn on the cob – without the effort of roasting it on the grill? Air fryer corn on the cob is ready in about 10 minutes. It is toasty, tender, and tastes gourmet when topped with a mix of seasonings, cilantro, and goat cheese crumbles.
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12
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a crispy, golden side that’s simple, healthy, and delicious! The squash is lightly seasoned, making it the perfect option for a quick dish with main proteins, or for creating a hearty veggie bowl. The slightly sweet natural flavor makes this family-friendly and gets more color on every plate!
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Air Fryer Potato Sides & Fries
Never underestimate what you can do with a spud! These crispy, browned sides are effortless and oh-so-tasty with just a few ingredients.
13
Crispy Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
Crispy Air Fryer Diced Potatoes are golden-brown, lightly seasoned, and ready in under 25 minutes! This quick and easy side dish is a simple yet delicious option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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14
Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Everyone loves a side of potatoes with their meal, and these air fryer red potatoes are the best combination of flavor and crispiness! Toss some baby red potatoes with oil and seasonings and let the air fryer cook them to perfection. Serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
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15
Air Fryer Hash Browns
Ready to discover the most perfect hash browns that are actually crispy – minus the mess and added grease? Try air fryer hash browns the next time you have a craving for breakfast potatoes. Plus, the cleanup is so easy!
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16
Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
These hot potatoes will barely have time to cool before being devoured! Crispy air fryer potato wedges are made with just 3 ingredients and make a delightful side to practically any main dish. Get perfectly golden spuds in the air fryer – and no greasy mess!
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17
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato
Love twice baked potatoes but don’t love the extra time in and out of the oven? Try the air fryer for crispy skins and a cheesy, flavorful filling that heats through in minutes!
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18
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
These baked sweet potatoes are actually made in the air fryer! Super easy, no heating up the oven required and ready in a fraction of the time.
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19
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Transform your basic sweet potato into a nutritious side for any meal. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes require only 3 ingredients and are so easy to make! Enjoy your crispy potato bites in a breakfast bowl or as a simple veggie side.
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20
Air Fryer French Fries
If you love crispy French fries, but not the greasy mess or the drive-through, you have to try this method! Homemade French fries in the air fryer are simple, made-from-scratch, and of course, crispy and crunchy. Season them however you love and serve with all the dipping sauces!
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21
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
These healthy sweet potatoes fries use only 1 tablespoon of oil and take only 15 minutes to cook! Learn the secret to making crispy fries in your Air Fryer at home!
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