27 air fryer sides that upstage the main dish

Tasty, golden sides can steal the spotlight every single time. Discover these 27 air fryer favorites that bring big crunch and bold flavor to the table. Each one adds a pop of fun and makes any meal feel complete!

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Keep things easy without giving up flavor. Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans crisp up beautifully and go with nearly anything. No one misses the extra prep when these are on the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

A bowl of breaded and baked cauliflower bites next to a small dish of creamy dipping sauce garnished with chopped herbs on a wooden board. — Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These pack flavor without weighing the plate down. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower brings heat, crunch, and something a little unexpected. Guests won’t miss the meat with this one around.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Close-up of crispy baked chicken breasts topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh parsley on a wooden board. — Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Expect requests for the recipe before anyone finishes their plate. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders make a strong case for skipping forks altogether. They’re bold, crispy, and ready in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Jalapeño Poppers on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These never make it to the leftovers. Between the smoky bacon and kick of heat, Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon easily steal the spotlight. It’s the kind of side that makes guests ask what’s next.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Smoky and Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

These always draw attention first, even with mains nearby. Smoky and Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges bring that perfect crunch and just enough bold flavor. You’ll want to make extra.
Get the Recipe: Smoky and Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini

A roasted cabbage steak is served on a pink plate. It is topped with a creamy sauce, pumpkin seeds, and chopped green onions. The cabbage is browned and slightly charred at the edges. — Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Not your usual side, but worth making space for. Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini bring a bold kick with a creamy finish. Unexpectedly popular and hard to forget.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini

Air Fryer Onion Rings

A stack of crispy, golden-brown breaded onion rings is placed on a surface, with onions and dipping sauces visible in the background. — Air Fryer Onion Rings. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Golden, crunchy, and hard to pass up, this one delivers. Air Fryer Onion Rings are a solid win for any meal that needs a side with some crunch. They’re more than just filler.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Four bundles of asparagus wrapped in crispy bacon are arranged on a white plate placed on a wooden serving board. — Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These bring a little flair to the plate without extra hassle. Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus combines crispy texture with just enough salt. They go quickly once served.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Air Fryer Halloumi

Crowd-pleasing and unexpectedly addictive, this one earns its spot fast. Air Fryer Halloumi holds its texture and brings a rich, salty bite to the table. Makes a strong case for serving seconds.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Halloumi

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic

Roasted brussels sprouts with pomegranate and goat cheese. — Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Not your average Brussels sprouts situation. Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic deliver crunch, tang, and a little sweetness in every bite. Even the skeptics will circle back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Crispy smashed potatoes garnished with chopped herbs are arranged on parchment paper next to a small bowl of fresh cilantro. — Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

There’s just no competing with crispy edges like these. Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are the kind of side that makes the main course feel like an afterthought. You’ll want to plan for extras.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Eggplant

When you want a vegetable that doesn’t fade into the background, try this. Air Fryer Eggplant offers bite, depth, and holds up under sauces or seasoning. Easily steals the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Stacked spring rolls on a white plate. — Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Everyone loves a side that’s crunchy, light, and gone in minutes. Air Fryer Spring Rolls check every box without stealing too much prep time. They fit right in with a busy holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Air Fryer Zucchini

Here’s an easy way to sneak in something green without any complaints. Air Fryer Zucchini turns crisp and golden with just the right bite. Goes fast, even with picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini

Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds

Golden-brown fried cheese curds garnished with fresh parsley. — Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Things get extra lively when Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds show up. There’s something about the crispy edges and warm center that keeps people reaching for more. You won’t be packing these up at the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds

Air Fryer Short Ribs

You don’t have to go all out to serve something impressive. A tray of Air Fryer Short Ribs brings big flavor in small portions. This one gets noticed no matter what else is on the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Short Ribs

Easy Air Fryer Samosas

You’ll want to serve these with plenty of napkins and zero apologies. Easy Air Fryer Samosas are flaky, bold, and go fast. Perfect for breaking up a heavy spread or starting off a dinner worth remembering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Samosas

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Skip the store-bought version and let these speak for themselves. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips strike a nice balance between crispy edges and a tender center. Nothing about them feels like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Apple cinnamon fritters on a plate with apples. — Air Fryer Apple Fritters. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This one blurs the line between side and dessert in the best way. Air Fryer Apple Fritters have crisp edges and just the right amount of sweetness. A nice finish to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fritters

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

You might end up needing a second batch before dinner even starts. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges hold their own next to any roast or centerpiece. These disappear fast every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Crispy Ottolenghi's Air Fryer Asparagus

Air-fried asparagus spears with crispy texture. — Crispy Ottolenghi's Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Don’t be surprised if everyone forgets what the main course was. The crisp-tender texture and seasoning on Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus speak for themselves. You’ll want to keep this one in rotation beyond the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Ottolenghi's Air Fryer Asparagus

Air Fryer Parsnips

You might not expect parsnips to be the first thing gone. Air Fryer Parsnips add a warm, nutty bite that pairs well with hearty mains. They’re simple, but they stand out.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parsnips

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Bite-sized and crowd-friendly, these hit that nostalgic note. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots bring a bit of comfort without trying too hard. You’ll be glad you made a full tray.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

A person dipping fried shrimp into a bowl of dip. — Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Things get a little quiet once Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp hits the table. There’s just enough heat to keep everyone coming back for more. No one’s thinking about turkey when this is around.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Falafel

These don’t just sit on the side of the plate—they lead it. Air Fryer Falafel has a crisp shell, tender middle, and works solo or dipped. No one ever stops at just one.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Falafel

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

There's always one dish that gets talked about on the way home. In most cases, it's going to be these Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls. They’ve got everything you want in a party side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

Easy Air Fryer Squash

Light, warm, and surprisingly filling, this one fits into any spread. Easy Air Fryer Squash brings just enough texture to round out richer dishes. It often ends up being the quiet favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Squash