Listen, whenever we whisper a prayer to the air that is like “oh no, what am I going to serve with this chicken?” the answer is always the air fryer.
The main dish is usually the easy part. It is the side dish that stumps us. But not anymore.
I have gathered 20 of the most fantastic, crave-worthy air fryer sides to save your weeknight dinners. From crispy fries to roasted greens, these recipes are fast, healthy, and honestly just so good.
1. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots
These little tots are crunchy, perfectly seasoned, and totally ready to be your new best friend. You only need five ingredients to make this happen: sweet potato puree, salt, cumin, coriander, and panko breadcrumbs.
Just give them a little spray of oil and less than 25 minutes later, you are snacking on pure joy.
2. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Getting that roasty, grilled flavor without actually having to fire up the grill? Yes, please.
You just spray the corn with a little oil, let it fry for about 16 minutes, and then slather it with butter and hit it with some salt and pepper. It is simple, summery, and so incredibly good.
3. Air Fryer Garlic Zucchini
I used to only like zucchini if it was breaded and fried, but this version is changing the game. We are skipping the heavy breading and just using garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cooking spray.
The zucchini gets so crunchy and the garlic flavor is just spot on. It is officially my new favorite way to eat green veggies.
4. Air Fryer Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms
You really cannot understand how incredible these are until you try them. They are packed with flavor thanks to mushrooms, cream cheese, bacon, parmesan, and ground sage.
Plus, they take less than 15 minutes! You are going to want to make a double batch because stopping at just a couple is basically impossible.
5. Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
If you love a potato with perfectly crispy skin that is soft and tender on the inside, this is for you. It takes about 45 minutes for four of them, but it is almost zero work.
You just wash, oil, salt, and let the air fryer do its thing. Melt-in-your-mouth goodness is just waiting for you.
6. Air Fryer Asparagus
This asparagus is just as delicious as the grilled version, which is saying a lot. I like to add a little extra flair by swapping the salt for garlic salt and tossing in some parmesan cheese.
It comes out so tender but still has that perfect snap that makes fresh asparagus such a treat.
7. Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Carrot Fries
These are remarkably similar to sweet potato fries, but they get even crispier! They pack a punch of flavor with parmesan, red pepper, garlic, and black pepper.
If you are looking for something that feels a little cheesier and zestier than your standard fry, this is the move.
8. Air Fryer Crispy Garlic Potatoes
There is truly nothing better for getting that crispy-outside, tender-inside texture than the air fryer. I honestly prefer this method to any other way of cooking them.
You cover them in garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and the result is just delightful.
9. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Crunchy, flavorful sweet potato fries in a little over 15 minutes? We are totally down with that. It is simplicity itself: sweet potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Just peel, cut, toss, and fry. Done deal.
10. Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan
This cheesy broccoli parmesan is fresh and delicious, because cheese makes everything better. Even if you aren’t usually a mega broccoli fan, this one tastes fantastic.
If you want a little kick, go ahead and add some chili flakes on top!
11. Air Fryer Cauliflower
Cauliflower often gets overlooked, but when you season it right and toss it in the air fryer, it is scrum-diddly-umptious.
It holds onto the turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper exceptionally well and gets insanely crispy. Do not sleep on this one!
12. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Usually, oven-cooked sprouts are my jam, but this air fryer version is giving them a run for their money because they get so crispy and perfect.
The combo of red wine vinegar, butter, shallots, and olive oil adds a zestiness that is just hard not to love.
13. Air Fryer Carrots
Cooked carrots are just better than raw for a side, and you can go sweet or savory here.
The sweet version is insanely easy with just carrots, butter, brown sugar, and salt. They are ready in about 30 minutes and come out perfectly tender with just a hint of crunch.
14. Air-Fried Italian Stuffed Tomatoes
If you like stuffed peppers, you have to try these stuffed tomatoes. You fill them with cooked brown rice, parmesan, goat cheese, toasted walnuts, basil, and garlic.
They come out looking great—not all squishy and wrinkled—and they taste absolutely phenomenal.
15. Garlic Fries
Okay, these might not be the healthiest side on the list, but they are universally loved for a reason. And hey, the air fryer keeps them a bit healthier than deep frying!
But let’s be real—they are just delicious and that is all that really matters.
16. Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
Green beans wrapped in bacon? Sheer perfection. The bacon gets crispy and yummy while the beans stay crunchy and fresh.
It is an unbeatable combo that balances healthiness with pure tastiness.
