17 Best Air Fryer Side Dishes to Complete Dinner Fast
This nifty appliance isn't just for main meals!
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Whether you're whipping up a weeknight dinner or planning a feast for family and friends, the right side dish can take your meal from good to unforgettable. Because what's a burger without crispy fries or steak without juicy asparagus? And there's no better way to achieve a full dinner than with an air fryer! Pull it out, plug it in, and with the touch of a button, you can make fuss-free food in a flash. You can make some of the best air fryer side dishes that will quickly complete your next meal.
It's true, fries are only the beginning of air fryer recipes you can make! But with options like parmesan steak fries and sweet potato fries, we wouldn't blame you for sticking to the classics. Still, though, there are so many recipes to round out your meals. For instance, perfectly crispy veggies will pair with anything from chicken to pasta! Try healthy air fryer recipes like snap peas, green beans, or even Brussels sprouts. And if you get a hankering for something comforting and crispy, whip up onion rings, mozzarella sticks, or fried pickles.
No matter which recipe you go with, each one will turn out wonderfully crunchy, golden, and oh-so-satisfying—with minimal effort and way less oil than traditional frying. Move over, main course because it's time for the sides to shine. Soon, you'll forget what the main dish even was!
Air Fryer Asparagus
Just when you thought asparagus couldn't get any better, the juicy flavor of this spring veggie is enhanced by a crunch that comes from tossing the spears in paprika, onion powder, and breadcrumbs. Oh, and a healthy coat of melted butter!
Get Ree's Air Fryer Asparagus recipe.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Despite the name, these "baked" potatoes are actually air fried! The effortless method ensures perfect doneness every time. Top them with your favorite fixings, such as bacon, cheese, or chives, then serve them up with steak or salmon.
Get the Air Fryer Baked Potato recipe.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Even the pickiest eaters will devour their veggies when made golden, crunchy, and delicious in the air fryer! These tiny, tender leaves are especially yummy when seasoned with soy sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Forget take out! These egg rolls are so yummy, you may never need to order Chinese again. They're a lightened-up version of a typical egg roll recipe since they're brushed with a light coating of oil before they get crisped while cooking. Bonus: Store-bought coleslaw mix makes them super simple.
Get the Air Fryer Egg Rolls recipe.
Air Fryer French Fries
There's hardly a tastier or more versatile side than a big heaping of fries! With this recipe, your favorite potato form will come out just as crispy, crunchy, and fluffy as usual, but using far less oil. Not to mention, they're ready in just 30 minutes flat.
Get the Air Fryer French Fries recipe.
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Who says you can't serve this state fair food alongside your main meal? Not us! The pickles turn out tangy, crispy, and never greasy—just delicious. Pro tip: Eat 'em hot and fresh with homemade ranch!
Get Ree's Air Fryer Fried Pickles recipe.
Air Fryer Falafel
Get ready to go Greek for dinner this week! This easy recipe takes fluffy, herbaceous chickpea balls and transforms them into golden, perfectly tender falafel with barely any effort at all. Just be sure to make plenty of the tangy tahini yogurt sauce to dunk them in.
Get the Air Fryer Falafel recipe.
Air Fryer Green Beans
These green beans will finish with a satisfying crunch that is nearly impossible to achieve on the stovetop. Tossed with a small amount of olive oil and seasoning, the veggie makes a simple addition to any dinner table, and only takes 15 minutes from start to finish.
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
This fiery finger food can be served on the side of dinner to add quite the kick! It takes just five minutes in the air fryer to create their cheesy, spicy, crunchy deliciousness. You'll want to dip them in ranch dressing, too.
Get the Air Fryer Jalapeño poppers recipe.
Air Fryer Bacon
Your big ol' breakfast or brunch spread needs a side dish, too! Get the same crispy strips you know and love in a fraction of the time to serve alongside eggs, donuts, or pancakes. You might also use this bacon to complete your BLT or to top off a baked potato.
Get the Air Fryer Bacon recipe.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
No need to go to your favorite restaurant to get mozzarella sticks with your meal! Now, you can make the crispy, cheesy favorite from the comfort of your home—without all the oil. Here, a touch of paprika adds smoky flavor as well.
Get the Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks recipe.
Air Fryer Okra
From shrimp gumbo to pulled pork, okra is one of those things that goes well with an array of fares. As for this Southern fried okra recipe, the air fryer gives it a scrumptious crunch while a light creole seasoning adds a tasty kick. You can always skip the spice, though.
Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.
Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries
These crispy wedges are the ultimate side for steak—and anything else, too! They'll cook up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, loaded with a savory blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese. And don't skip the balsamic ketchup for dipping.
Get Ree's Air Fryer Parmesan Steak Fries recipe.
Air Fryer Snap Peas
Take this naturally sweet vegetable and make it even more delectable when you give the veggie a little crunch and a sprinkle of parmesan. No matter what you serve snap peas with, you can feel good about scarfing them down!
Get Ree's Air Fryer Snap Peas recipe.
Air Fryer Onion Rings
There's no guilt associated with this guilty pleasure when you use an air fryer! A crispy coating of tangy buttermilk, olive oil, dried spices, and panko gives the beloved fried finger food a crunchy and delicious flavor, too.
Get Ree's Air Fryer Onion Rings recipe.
Air Fryer Potatoes
These potatoes get perfectly crispy on the outside and perfectly pillowy on the inside in just ten minutes. So, you can get a speedy spud fix with your steak dinner or use them as breakfast potatoes for a filling morning meal.
Get the Air Fryer Potatoes recipe.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a hearty, healthier alternative to regular french fries, and they're dang delicious, too! For an even tastier twist, add seasonings like savory cumin and spicy cayenne, then serve them with tangy creamy honey mustard for dipping.
Get the Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
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