Crispy Air Fryer Sides

The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Air Fryer Side Dishes: Recipes, Tips & Tricks

Unlock the full potential of your air fryer with this comprehensive guide to the BEST Air Fryer Side Dishes. Whether you’re a newcomer eager to explore its magic or a seasoned air frying enthusiast seeking fresh inspiration, this collection is designed to elevate your meals. We’ll not only share incredible, easy-to-follow recipes but also arm you with expert tips and tricks to ensure every side dish you make is perfectly crispy, tender, and flavorful, every single time.

The air fryer has quickly become an indispensable kitchen appliance for many, and for good reason! It offers a fantastic way to achieve that sought-after crispy texture of deep-fried foods without the excessive oil, making your meals healthier and lighter. From quick weeknight accompaniments to impressive holiday spreads, the versatility of this countertop marvel is truly remarkable.

Air Fryer side dishes print imposed over a collage of air fryer side dish photos.

For those new to the world of air frying, or even if you’re looking to broaden your culinary horizons, our Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners guide is an excellent starting point. It’s packed with essential information and simple recipes to get you comfortable with this amazing appliance. Whether you’ve just unboxed your first air fryer or you’re a long-time user, you’ll find valuable insights and delicious ideas here.

Understanding Your Air Fryer: How It Works and Essential Tips

The air fryer has revolutionized healthier cooking by allowing you to achieve wonderfully crispy results without the need for deep-frying. Instead of submerging food in oil, this remarkable appliance utilizes a powerful heating element and a high-speed fan to circulate hot air rapidly around your food. This superheated air cooks and crisps the exterior, mimicking the effects of deep-frying with significantly less fat. It’s a game-changer for preparing delicious sides, main dishes, and even desserts with a lighter touch.

Most air fryers operate at temperatures up to 400° Fahrenheit (200° Celsius), with some models reaching even higher. This consistent and intense heat ensures even cooking and that desirable golden-brown finish. The science behind it is simple yet effective: convection cooking at its finest, concentrating heat directly on your food.

Naturally, when you first start using an air fryer, you’ll have questions. Common inquiries often include:

  • What are the best foods to make in an air fryer?
  • How long should I cook specific items?
  • Should I use oil, and if so, what are the best oils for air frying?
  • What’s the best air fryer to buy for my needs?
  • Is preheating my air fryer really necessary?

Rest assured, we’ve compiled answers to these and many more questions in our dedicated post on the Top 10 Air Fryer Questions. Each recipe featured on our site, including all the delightful side dishes below, provides clear guidance on optimal temperatures, precise cooking times, oil recommendations, and whether preheating is essential for that particular dish. This ensures you have all the information you need for perfect results every time.

Beyond side dishes, our passion for air frying extends to a vast collection of the best air fryer recipes. You’ll discover everything from savory main courses and delectable desserts to quick appetizers and, of course, a plethora of perfect side dishes. We constantly explore new ways to utilize this versatile appliance to simplify your cooking and expand your menu.

To further enhance your air frying journey, we invite you to connect with our vibrant community of Easy Air Fryer Recipes enthusiasts on Facebook. It’s a welcoming space where members share their favorite recipes, innovative tips, and clever tricks, making everyone feel like part of a big, food-loving family.

Discover Your Next Favorite Air Fryer Side Dish

Ready to dive into a world of delicious and easy air fryer side dishes? Below, you’ll find an incredible assortment of recipes designed to complement any meal. Each one is simple to access, ensuring you can quickly find, save, and prepare your next culinary masterpiece. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Simply click the link provided for each recipe.
  2. Once on the recipe page, look for and click the “Jump to Recipe” button to go straight to the instructions.
  3. To save or print, click the “PRINT Recipe” button, making it easy to keep your favorite air fryer side dish recipes handy.

With these simple steps, you’re just moments away from preparing a fantastic side dish. We’re confident you’ll discover new family favorites and enjoy the ease of air frying. As a prime example of the air fryer’s magic, let’s look at one of our absolute go-to recipes: classic baked potatoes. They consistently turn out perfectly fluffy on the inside with an amazingly crisp skin, making them a staple in our kitchen. You’ll never want to bake them any other way after trying this air fryer method!

Baked potaotes made in the air fryer

5 from 1 vote
Servings: 4

Air Fryer Side Dishes

Our air fryer baked potatoes are a testament to how versatile this appliance is for side dishes. Consistently delivering perfect results, with a wonderfully crispy skin and fluffy interior, they’ve become a staple and a top favorite among our readers.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
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Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 4 Russet potatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
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Instructions 

  • Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly prick each potato with a fork.
  • Rub olive oil over the potatoes, and then rub them with kosher salt.
  • Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 40-45 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the potatoes from the basket and serve with your favorite additions and toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Sodium: 592mg, Potassium: 888mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 2IU, Vitamin C: 12mg, Calcium: 28mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.


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Just like the detailed recipe card for our beloved Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, each entry below features its own comprehensive recipe card. While the baked potato reigns as our most popular air fryer side, prepare to explore a diverse array of other delectable options. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy vegetables, potatoes, and even sweet treats, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. Happy cooking!

The Best & Easiest Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes

Golden stuffing with green celery and chopped onions served on a white plate with pork tenderloin.

4.40 from 23 votes

Air Fryer Stuffing

This incredibly easy air fryer stuffing recipe is a fantastic, flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion, not just holidays! Each bite bursts with the savory taste of perfectly sautéed onions and celery, combined with aromatic seasonings, all crisped to perfection in your air fryer. It’s a quick and delightful alternative to traditional oven-baked stuffing.

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Sweet Potato Casserole made in the air fryer with a scoop missing.

5 from 3 votes

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole

Indulge in this gourmet Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole, a luxurious and comforting side dish ideal for holidays or any special meal. Crafted with tender sweet yams, a hint of sugar and cinnamon, crunchy pecans, and rich butter, it delivers incredible flavor. Best of all, using the air fryer significantly cuts down on cooking time, bringing this festive classic to your table faster.

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Overhead photo of sweet potatoes on a white plate that were made using an air fryer.

4 from 4 votes

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

Discover your new favorite way to prepare sweet potatoes with our Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe! Experience a delightfully crispy skin encasing a perfectly plump and fluffy interior. A simple topping of cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pat of butter transforms this easy air fryer side into an utterly amazing and nutritious dish.

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Golden green bean casserole after being cooked in the air fryer.

5 from 3 votes

Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

Elevate your holiday meal or everyday dinner with this incredibly easy Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole. This classic comfort food is made effortlessly in the air fryer, featuring tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and a generous topping of golden, crispy onions. It’s a quicker, simpler way to enjoy a beloved side dish.

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Close up of cornbread muffins with top muffin covered in melting butter.

5 from 4 votes

Air Fryer Cornbread

Prepare to be amazed by how incredibly soft and moist Air Fryer Cornbread turns out! This delightful quick bread, made with traditional buttermilk, boasts an authentic country flavor that makes it a perfect, comforting addition to chili, stew, or any Southern-inspired meal. Baking it in the air fryer ensures a lovely golden crust while keeping the inside tender.

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5 from 5 votes

Air Fryer Green Beans

Transform ordinary green beans into a delicious and healthy side dish or snack with this easy Air Fryer Green Beans recipe. The air fryer works its magic, creating perfectly crispy exteriors and tender interiors that even picky eaters will adore. Seasoned simply, these vibrant green beans are a quick and versatile addition to any family meal.

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Close up photo of golden crispy steak fries cooked and in a basket, garnished with parsley flakes.

4.59 from 12 votes

Air Fryer Steak Fries

Craving thick, satisfying fries? Our Air Fryer Steak Fries deliver an unbeatable crispy, golden exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. They make for an absolutely perfect side dish alongside burgers, steaks, or sandwiches, and are equally fantastic as a quick and hearty after-school snack. Forget deep-frying – the air fryer makes them healthier and just as delicious!

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Golden cooked potato wedges seasoned in the air fryer basket.

4.86 from 7 votes

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Achieve perfectly golden and irresistibly crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges that are wonderfully soft and fluffy on the inside. This simple recipe takes minimal effort and results in a crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs beautifully with virtually any main course. Season them to your liking for a versatile and delicious addition to your meal rotation.

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Golden crispy fries seasoned with salt pepper and more.

4.88 from 8 votes

Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries

Forget greasy takeout – these Air Fryer Seasoned French Fries boast a flavor profile that truly surpasses any fast-food restaurant. Crafted with a blend of smoky paprika, savory garlic powder, and just the right amount of salt, they emerge from the air fryer perfectly crispy and bursting with homemade taste. They’re an addictively good side dish for any meal.

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Golden crispy potato chips in a white bowl

5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Potato Chips

Enjoy guilt-free snacking with these incredibly crispy Air Fryer Potato Chips. Requiring just three simple ingredients – fresh potatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt – these homemade chips offer a significantly healthier alternative to store-bought varieties. They’re quick, easy, and satisfyingly crunchy, perfect as a snack or a light side.

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