14+ Must-Try Air Fryer Vegetable Side Dishes!

I’ve wasted too much money over the years on kitchen gadgets and appliances that never see the light of day after a couple of uses, but my air fryer definitely isn’t one of them. I use mine daily, and I have done for a good few years now and I can’t see that changing any time soon.

It’s just so much quicker, more economical, and often healthier than other cooking methods, and I’ve discovered that there’s very few recipes that can’t be absolutely delicious when adapted for an air fryer! 

In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite air fryer veggie side dishes. Including the best ever potato wedges, perfectly fluffy baked sweet potatoes, parmesan truffle fries, crispy kale chips, and tender and crisp broccoli, you’ll love these!

Before we jump in, here are some quick tips for cooking vegetable sides in an air fryer to help you to achieve the best possible results every time: 

• Always cook in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer and how many people you’re cooking for, this might mean that you need to cook in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness
• Check your model’s manual to see if preheating is required. This can vary from one appliance to another, and it’s definitely advisable to follow the instructions!
• If you’re new to air frying or you’re using a new appliance, keep a close eye during the cooking process to ensure you don’t burn your veggies. Air fryers typically cook much faster than more traditional methods! 
• Remember that you can adapt your dishes by adding different seasonings and spice mixes. This is one of my favorite tips for keeping meals varied and exciting

Don’t miss more of my reader favorite air fryer recipes, including teriyaki chicken, honey garlic salmon bites, honey BBQ chicken tenders, pizza bagels, spicy sriracha salmon bowls, and cornflake chicken tenders! 

1. Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Seriously my favorite way to make potato wedges! They’re crispy, they’re beautifully fluffy, and they’re loaded with flavor. They’re also super easy, and they’re done in just 25 minutes. 

2. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

A real staple that you’ll make again and again! Best of all, they’re quick and easy to prepare – they take just 30-35 minutes to make from scratch, and you’ll need just a handful of ingredients, including sweet potatoes, olive oil, and seasonings.

3. Air Fryer Kale Chips

These kale chips are made for those nights when you feel like you need to add some extra goodness into your diet, and this recipe is the absolute best way to make it more palatable and actually enjoyable to eat! Trust me, these feel like a treat and you’ll want to make them again. 

4. Air Fryer Broccolini 

If you usually boil your broccoli, this air fryer method it a total game-changer and you’ll never go back! With just a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a quick blast in your air fryer, you get tender stems, crispy edges, and a beautifully fresh flavor, all in around 15 minutes. 

5. Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries

This one is for the nights when you want something a little fancy, but without tons of effort! These crispy, golden fries are tossed with Parmesan, truffle oil, and fresh parsley, giving you that rich, savory flavor that pairs so well with so many main courses. 

6. Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

Beautifully crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they’re perfect for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or as a side dish for a bigger meal. I love to add a generous dollop of creamy Greek yogurt for an extra serving of protein!

7. Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory, garlicky, cheesy goodness, these golden bites are the kind of healthy-ish snack or side dish that feels just indulgent enough.

8. Air Fryer Broccoli

Who knew broccoli could be this addictive? Air fryer broccoli is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly seasoned for a quick and healthy side. My best tip for this one is to make it your own by adding a garnish at the end of the cooking process. Grated parmesan, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes are all delicious, and you can choose your favorite depending on what dish you’ll be serving your broccoli with. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
3. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy edges!

9. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these air fryer zucchini fries are a healthier take on a classic. Perfect for dipping!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, cut into fry shapes
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
2. Dip zucchini fries into the beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
3. Arrange in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.

10. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

Unpopular opinion: sprouts are delicious and are woefully underrated! If you’re on the fence, I think this recipe might just convince you. Crispy, caramelized, and cheesy, it’s the side dish you didn’t know you needed.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Place in the air fryer basket and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Sprinkle with Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.

11. Air Fryer Carrots with Honey Garlic Butter

These sweet and savory carrots are glazed with honey garlic butter, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. A fantastic choice for the holidays and family gatherings, as they’re a classic that everyone will love. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss carrots with butter, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Serve warm for a sweet and savory treat.

12. Air Fryer Cajun Sweet Potato Wedges

Spicy, crispy, and absolutely irresistible, these Cajun sweet potato wedges will be the star of your dinner table. I love serving them with grilled chicken and slaw, though they’re also a great side dish for burgers, salmon, steak – so many different options! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the spice!

13. Air Fryer Parmesan Green Beans

Crispy green beans with a cheesy Parmesan coating? Yes, please! These are a quick and easy side that goes with pretty much anything.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss green beans with olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Place in the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
3. Serve immediately while they’re crispy.

14. Air Fryer Cauliflower

Crispy air fryer cauliflower is the ultimate versatile side dish, with a golden crust and tender center. A touch of paprika adds a gorgeous hue, and these are a great choice if you love cauliflower wings but want to keep things super simple! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

15. Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

These crispy baby potatoes are crispy, tender, golden, and utterly satisfying. The perfect side for any meal! Leave the skins on for a rustic vibe. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Serve hot with fresh herbs for garnish.

16. Air Fryer Garlic Butter Mushrooms

These garlic butter mushrooms are tender, flavorful, and a little bit fancy. A simple yet sophisticated side!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb mushrooms, halved
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs, to garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss mushrooms with melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Place in the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy.

17. Air Fryer Cubed Butternut Squash

This caramelized butternut squash is sweet, savory, and perfectly roasted. It’s great as a side or tossed into salads.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Serve warm as a cozy side.

18. Air Fryer Roasted Beets

Sweet, earthy, and tender, these roasted beets are as gorgeous as they are tasty. I love topping these with crumbled feta or goats cheese, or adding on top of a salad with leafy greens and shredded chicken. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Serve warm or add to salads.

19. Air Fryer Eggplant Slices

Golden and tender, these air fryer eggplant slices are perfect as a side or a base for your favorite toppings.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced into rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brush eggplant slices with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Serve warm with marinara or tahini sauce, if you like.

20. Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

These roasted tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor. They’re perfect for pasta, salads, or as a side.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Serve warm with fresh basil, or let cool for a flavorful topping.

These air fryer vegetable side dishes are easy, versatile, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, or caramelized, this list has something for everyone. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your favorite idea! I love hearing about the recipes you’ve been recreating in your own kitchen.