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 14 of my favorite air fryer veggie side dishes. They’re perfect for adding some nutritional goodness to your midweek meals, and they’re also fantastic for occasions when you might be feeding a crowd and you want to free up more space in your oven or on your stove for other dishes.
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
1. 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:
- Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy edges!
2. 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:
- Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
- Dip zucchini fries into the beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.
3. 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:
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place in the air fryer basket and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.
4. 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:
- Toss carrots with butter, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve warm for a sweet and savory treat.
5. 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:
- Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve hot and enjoy the spice!
6. 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:
- Toss green beans with olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place in the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Serve immediately while they’re crispy.
7. 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:
- Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
8. 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:
- Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve hot with fresh herbs for garnish.
9. 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:
- Toss mushrooms with melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place in the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
10. 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:
- Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve warm as a cozy side.
11. 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:
- Toss beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve warm or add to salads.
12. 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:
- Brush eggplant slices with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve warm with marinara or tahini sauce, if you like.
13. Air Fryer Kale Chips
Crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-addictive, these kale chips are a healthy snack or side that’s ready in minutes. I love serving these with homemade Chinese takeout style food, to add some freshness and crunch!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves torn
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Toss kale with olive oil and salt.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch!
14. 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:
- Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- 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.
