When it comes to preparing fast, tasty and nutritious meals, the air fryer is now a favorite kitchen tool for many people.
However, it isn’t only used for making crispy fries or juicy chicken wings; this appliance can also be used to cook different side dishes that will complement any meal.
From vegetables roasted to perfection right through to indulgent snacks made using a fraction of the oil required traditionally – these are 15 air fryer side dishes you cannot only prepare without much effort but also sure satisfy your palate.
If you want something traditional, adventurous or just comforting – there’s something here for everyone! So let us check out some of the greatest air frying recipes ever created which will undoubtedly turn your next dinner into an unforgettable feast!
The 15 Best air fryer side dishes and recipes
1. Sweet Potato Fries
Ya know, I love making sweet potato fries at home. I think they have, ya know, that sweet taste and a little bit of the crispness too, when I make these I like to toss them in a little bit of olive oil, a little bit of salt an maybe a little bit of paprika.
I think they are good with practically everything. I think these are a great alternative to regular fries and they’re very healthy and I feel good snacking on them so, they have a lot of vitamin A.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into thin, even-sized fries.
2. Put all the sweet potato fries in a big mixing bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper and mix until they’re all coated.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place sweet potato fries in a single layer in a basket of an air fryer; do not overlap. You may need to cook in batches.
5. Air fry 15-20 minutes, shaking at 10 minutes, until crisp and golden.
6. Take out of the air fryer and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
2. Zucchini Chips
I love crunchy snacks. In fact my latest obsessions is the zucchini chip: it is simple, delicious – and healthy!
I have been eating zucchini chips for a couple of months now and I am happy that I can do that without any guilt. I think it’s the best of both worlds: I can eat a healthy treat!
I have some in my pantry at all times.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large egg
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. In another bowl, beat the egg and add olive oil.
5. Dip the zucchini slices in the beaten egg, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Add the dredged zucchini disks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until golden brown and crisp.
3. Brussels Sprouts
These little green sprouts are without a doubt a favorite in my kitchen. No matter the time of night or day when I need to throw something together that looks healthy and tastes great, Brussels sprouts never let me down.
The way you can cook them up – roasted, sautéed, or even grilled – is always a wonderful moment. I feel that their nutty taste and tender texture make them a delightful accompaniment to any plate.
Ingredients
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss the shredded Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and black pepper until fully coated.
3. Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 10 minutes, then shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
5. Cook a further 7-10 minutes until Brussels sprouts are golden and crispy. Optional: Top with Parmesan cheese before cooking an additional 2 minutes, until melted and crispy.
6. Serve immediately.
4. Avocado Fries
For me, there is nothing better than a new twist on a classic favorite, and I was so pleasantly surprised by these crispy, golden pearls. Each bite gives you the perfect ratio of creamy avocado and crispy coating.
They are an instant hit when I serve them at gatherings. My friends often ask me for the recipe.
I really think they will become your latest snack obsession.
Ingredients
2 ripe avocados
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
2. Halve the avocados, remove the seed, and then slice them into wedges.
3. Establish a dredging station with three wide, shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
4. Dredge the avocado wedges in flour, dip in the egg, and coat in the breadcrumbs.
5. Spritz the avocado wedges lightly with cooking spray and spread in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer, not touching. 6) Air-fry at 400° for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
5. Mozzarella Sticks
It might be a particular kind of comfort food for me, but sometimes I can’t beat mozzarella sticks: that fried coating, and that chill-contrasting stretch when you bite through it into molten cheese.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
1. Cut the mozzarella sticks in half, then each in half again (so you will have 24 pieces). Freeze the cheese sticks for at least 1 hour, which should help them retain their shape.
2. Arrange three bowls to create a breading station: one with flour (sifted if possible); one with beaten eggs; and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt and pepper.
3. Dip each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs to stick, then repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
4. Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes until the coating is set.
5. Set air fryer temperature to 390°F (200°C) and preheat. Coat the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray and arrange in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer (this might need to be done in batches).
6. Air fry at 390°F (200°C mark) for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden and crispy. Serve hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
6. Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
I love parmesan and garlic on pretty much everything so I figured it would be perfect, and it is.
I like to serve them with anything and everything, as a snack, or alongside my dinner. I like the burst of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub and cut the potatoes into wedges. Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
3. Drain and pat the potato wedges dry with a paper towel.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
5. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the potato wedges and toss again so the wedges are evenly dusted.
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes in the air fryer on 200 degrees Celsius, tossing halfway, until brown and crispy.
7. Serve right away.
7. Cauliflower Bites
I love the concept of vegetables turned into delicious little morsels, and this is now one of my favorite snacks. I love the crunchy texture, and these are so versatile, I adore them as a snack or a side dish.
I think they’re a great healthy swap for something naughty-tasting but good-for-you crunchy food, and I always have a batch in my fridge ready to nibble on while cooking. I love coming up with different seasoning options and dips to suit my mood.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- Cooking spray
- Optional: Your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, buffalo, etc.)
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a big bowl, whisk together flour, garlic salt, onion salt, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. Add the water little by little until the batter is smooth.
3. Dip each cauliflower floret in the batter and coat it thoroughly, then roll it in the breadcrumbs.
4. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the battered and breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray the florets lightly with cooking spray as well.
5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
8. Onion Rings
There’s nothing I won’t go for – crispy, golden onion rings in particular. I can just imagine that wonderful crunchy shell encasing the sweetly tender onion within.
They’re one of the first foods I think of when it comes to comfort food – whether I’m eating as a side or as a snack. I love their versatility and am always satisfied.
Mine are the best I’ve ever had – made by me – and I can coat ’em with whatever suits my fancy, and dip ’em too!
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Separate the onion slices into individual rings.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and set aside.
4. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and paprika.
5. Dip each onion ring first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and then in the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spritz your onion rings with cooking spray and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
9. Green Bean Fries
I absolutely love these green bean fries. They are golden and crispy and I can’t get enough of them!
The first time I tried green bean fries, I couldn’t believe how much I liked them! They are so good, they have great taste to them, that perfect mix between tender green beans and a crunchy, flavorful coating.
I think it’s the perfect snack, or side dish and perfect for anyone like me that wants to add some excitement to their meals with a healthy alternative that I can feel guilt free about eating.
Ingredients
Fresh green beans, trimmed
Olive oil spray
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Grated Parmesan cheese
Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss the green beans in a bowl with olive oil spray, a little salt, pepper and garlic powder.
3. If using, mix in Panko breadcrumbs to add extra crunch.
4. Lay the salted and peppered green beans in the air fryer fry basket.
5. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
6. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy!
10. Stuffed Mushrooms
There’s nothing better than a well-prepared appetizer, and for me stuffed mushrooms are the ultimate immune-system booster. For me, they serve as a confluence of taste.
For the palate, the filling is rich and salty, while the mushroom gives it a firm base. It is the dish that I turn to for an audience win with little to no effort.
Ingredients
20 large mushrooms, stems removed
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, bread crumbs, salt and black pepper.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture.
4. Brush the stuffed mushrooms with olive oil.
5. Place the stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown. Serve warm.
11. Jalapeño Poppers
I love it whenever I bite into one of these spicy snacks. The hot jalapeños hit me, together with some hot and delicious cheese, making them the best party starters.
It’s very easy and super yummy at the same time. Whenever I need to think of something amazing wow my friends, then this is what I am going to make.
Ingredients
- 12 large jalapeño peppers
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Prepare Jalapeños
Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
2. Mix Filling: Combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Stuff Peppers
Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
4. Breaded Jalapeños: Place each stuffed jalapeño in the flour, then roll in beaten eggs, then roll in panko breadcrumbs.
5. Place Into Air Fryer
Place the breaded jalapeños in the air fryer basket, in a single layer, and very lightly spray with cooking spray.
6. Air Fry
Preheat to 375°F (190°C); once hot, place the plant-based nuggets inside the air fryer in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
12. Asparagus Spears
The first time I ate asparagus, I was amazed at how versatile it is, since it has a delicate texture and a sweet toothsome flavor. I prefer mine lightly grilled (or steamed) to keep its crispiness at its peak.
Ingredients
12 asparagus spears
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash and trim the woody ends off the asparagus spears.
3. Place the asparagus in a large bowl and coat with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper. Arrange asparagus in a single layer in air fryer basket.Make sure you leave enough space between your veggies to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
4. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes or until it reaches your desired tenderness. You can check its doneness by pricking it with a fork.
5. Use an air fryer to air fry the asparagus on a high setting for 7-8 minutes while shaking the basket half way through cooking. That’s it! We hope you enjoy your light and fresh dinner.
6. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the cooked asparagus before serving. Enjoy!
13. Broccoli Tots
Nothing pleases me more than the task of finding a healthier, tastier version of a comfort-food classic and, as such, an indulgence for the soul – a new obsession is entering my lives: a healthy take on those delicious morsels of comfort, the tater tot.
So healthy; so full of vitamins and fiber; and such a great veggie flavor!
Ingredients
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the steamed and chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
3. Scoop 1 Tbsp at a time, and press into a tot, or roundish nugget. You can form the rest of the mixture.
4. Spritz the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray and fill with the broccoli tots, being careful not to overcrowd.
5. Bake the tots for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until crisp and golden.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious broccoli tots!
14. Corn on the Cob
Nothing gets me more excited for a summer barbecue than some juicy kernels popping with flavor in my mouth.
Ingredients
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- 4 ears of fresh corn, husks removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for serving)
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Rub the ears of corn with olive oil all over.
3. Season the corn with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
4. Add the corn to the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure that the pieces don’t crowd the basket.
5. Cook the corn in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until it’s tender and lightly charred on the outside.
6. Toss the corn in the butter and serve.
15. Butternut Squash Fries
So you are looking for delicious healthy snacks that do not make you feel bad? I understand.
I try to make healthy food that tastes delicious when possible, and these fries are one such example. I love chips and fries.
I could eat them all day so it was a mixture of relief and joy when I discovered that I could make fries out of squash that tastes really good and that leaves me feeling good afterwards. They are delicious served with or without dip.
Ingredients
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-
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
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Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel the butternut squash and cut it into fries shapes about 1/4 in thick.
3. Toss them with olive oil, garlic salt, sumac or lemon-pepper, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until they’re evenly coated.
4. Spread the fries in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Depending on the size of the air fryer, you might have to cook in batches so as not to overcrowd the fries.
5. Cook 15-20 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, until fries are golden and crisp. Adjust cooking time as needed for desired crunch.
6. Serve immediately as a side dish or snack. Enjoy!