Air-fryer sides add crunch to your favorite veggies, potatoes and breaded bites. When you want to skip the work of a deep-fryer, these will be your new menu must-haves.
32 Air-Fryer Sides to Serve with Dinner Tonight
Updated on Aug. 31, 2024
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Air-Fryer French Fries
This low-calorie, air-fryer french fries recipe is perfect because I can whip it up at a moment’s notice with ingredients I have on hand. The fries are so crispy, you won’t miss the deep fryer! —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia
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Air-Fryer Roasted Green Beans
Our family loves roasted green beans, but they can take a long time in the oven. I tried these air-fryer green beans and we loved them! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Air-Fryer Asparagus
This air-fryer asparagus recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing that the spears are tossed in before roasting. It’s a simple, quick side that goes with almost anything. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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Air-Fryer Okra with Smoked Paprika
When you want to cook okra without frying it, roast it with lemon juice for a lighter version. The smoked paprika gives it even more roasty oomph. —Lee Evans, Queen Creek, Arizona
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Air-Fryer Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is most fresh during the summer, and it makes a fantastic barbecue side when it’s charred on the grill. —Jenna Urben, Dallas, Texas
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Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
I can never get enough of these air-fryer sweet potato fries! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and slice them up fresh! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
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Air-Fryer Zucchini Chips
These air-fryer zucchini chips are a must-try if you’re looking for a quick, healthy bite. You need only a handful of ingredients and an air fryer to make this summery snack. —Anvita Bhatnagar Mistry, Cary, North Carolina
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Air-Fryer Chicken Wings
You can’t go wrong with these crispy air-fryer chicken wings. Our spice rub has a nice kick from the cayenne seasoning. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
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Air-Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
These quick air-fryer shrimp are so good you won’t even miss the fat! Eat them alone with cocktail sauce or put them on a salad or sandwich. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Air-Fryer Cheeseburger Onion Rings
This new take on burgers will have your family begging for seconds. Serve these cheeseburger onion rings with spicy ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
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Air-Fryer Garlic-Rosemary Brussels Sprouts
This is my go-to side dish—healthy, easy and very quick to make. I usually season poultry with fresh rosemary, then use leftover herbs for this standout. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Air-Fryer Garlic Bread
This air-fryer garlic bread turns out perfectly toasted in a hurry. I use fresh garlic, but substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if you don’t have any fresh on hand. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
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Air-Fryer Carrots
I love roasting carrots to bring out their sweetness. I think thyme really complements the flavor of these air-fryer carrots, but feel free to mix it up and use other herbs, like rosemary or tarragon. —Marlene Schott, Devine, Texas
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Air-Fryer Potato Wedges
I love these air-fryer potato wedges because the outside gets golden brown and crispy while the interior stays fluffy and tender. Try them with steak, roasts or even burgers. —Linda Rock, Stratford, Wisconsin
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Garlic-Herb Fried Patty Pan Squash
The first time I grew a garden, I harvested summer squash and cooked it with garlic and herbs. This fried patty pan squash recipe is a creative twist. —Kaycee Mason, Siloam Springs, Arkansas
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Air-Fryer Hash Browns
These air-fryer hash browns are one of my go-to sides. They come together quickly, and the air fryer gets them nice and crispy in no time. If you’d like, try topping them with a sprinkling of shredded pepper jack cheese. —Cindi Boger, Ardmore, Alabama
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Air-Fryer Broccoli
I think broccoli was made to be cooked in an air fryer. It gets tender and still has a nice crunch. And it only gets better with a touch of lemon! —Liz Bellville, Tonasket, Washington
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Air-Fryer Potato Chips
These crispy air-fryer potato chips require just four ingredients, and one of them is optional. Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy homemade chips anytime!
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Air-Fryer Honey Sweet Potatoes
The flavors of sweet potatoes, cinnamon and honey are such classics. Try serving these air-fryer sweet potato cubes as a side dish with roast chicken or pork. —Laura Mifsud, Northville, Michigan
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Air-Fryer Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These stuffed sweet potatoes are the perfect holiday side dish. Try preparing them ahead of time in the morning and then bake just before serving. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Air-Fryer Kale Chips
Harvesttime means big bunches of kale from local farmers. These crunchy air-fryer kale chips are delicious, super healthy and easy to make. I make them with seasoning to take the flavor up a notch. For extra zip, add a dash of cayenne pepper. —Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New York
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Air-Fryer Egg Rolls
My mom taught me how to make egg rolls, and since she passed away I think of her every time I make them. These air-fryer egg rolls taste so good, you’ll never want a fast-food egg roll again. —Jenniffer Love, South Waltham, Massachusetts
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Air-Fryer Latkes
Hot, crispy potato latkes are such a treat, but who wants to deal with all the oil and grease? I tried making air-fryer latkes and they came out just as good without all the cleanup. —Nancy Salinas, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
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Air-Fryer Cauliflower
Need an easy side dish for dinner? Try air-fryer cauliflower, which comes together quickly and can be flavored in umpteen ways.
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Air-Fryer Plantains
Having grown up in Puerto Rico, I’ve had so much amazing Caribbean food, but tostones have always been a favorite of mine. Traditionally they are deep fried, but this version of air-fryer plantains gives me the same fabulous taste without some of the calories. —Leah Martin, Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania
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Air-Fried Radishes
Radishes aren’t just for salads anymore. These fried radishes make a colorful side for any meal. Plus, they’re quick to make in your air fryer. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
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Air-Fryer Baked Potatoes
By rubbing the potatoes with a butter-garlic mixture before cooking them, you end up with a very flavorful potato skin. It’s just a little incentive to eat what I think is the best part of this air-fryer baked potato. —Teresa Emrick, Tipp City, Ohio
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Zucchini Fries
For zucchini fries that crisp to perfection in the air fryer, we coat them with a cheesy, herby panko coating. Dunk in warm marinara sauce for a full-flavored bite.
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Samosas
This samosa recipe is one of my family’s absolute favorites. These crispy dough pockets are stuffed with potatoes and peas, then air-fried to give them a healthier twist. They’d make a perfect starter, side dish or buffet food for your next party. —Soniya Saluja, The Belly Rules the Mind
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Air-Fryer Red Potatoes
Roasting is one of my favorite ways to prepare veggies. Some fragrant rosemary, fresh or dried, gives these air-fryer red potatoes a distinctive but subtle taste. The dish is simple to prepare yet elegant in color and flavor. It’s a wonderful addition to any menu. —Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania
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Air-Fryer Pizza Puffs
I love pizza in any form, so it seemed only logical to turn my pizza love into an appetizer. These little bundles can be made ahead of time and chilled until you’re ready to pop them into the air fryer. —Vivi Taylor, Middleburg, Florida
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Air-Fryer Mushroom Roll-Ups
This party appetizer was inspired by a dish I saw on an episode of Top Chef. I simplified the snacks a little and tweaked the flavors a bit. These mushroom roll-ups can be made ahead and reheated in a 250° oven for 10 minutes. —Lillian Julow, Lawrenceville, GeorgiaAir-Fryer Sides FAQ
What foods should you not put in an air fryer?
There are a few general items that won’t work in an air fryer. Battered foods, cheesy recipes and certain baked side dishes won’t cook properly and will end up causing quite a mess. Opt for doughy sides versus battered sides and save your mac and cheese recipes for the oven or stovetop.
Is it better to use parchment or aluminum foil in an air fryer?
When you want to avoid a mess, you can use either parchment or foil. While either one will work, parchment is less likely to react with the food you’re making. Air fryer sides like broccoli or okra use lemon, and the acid in the lemon juice could potentially cause the foil to leach into your dishes. If you do opt for parchment over foil, crumple the paper in your hands so it’s more pliable. You’ll be able to fit it to the basket more easily when it’s been smushed a bit.
