Looking to add a healthy twist to your meals with some delicious air fried side dishes? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll share a variety of mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From crispy zucchini fries to flavorful sweet potato wedges, these dishes will satisfy your cravings without the guilt. So, grab your air fryer and get ready to elevate your meals with these delectable side dishes that are sure to impress both your taste buds and your guests.
Vegetable Side Dishes
Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional french fries. To make zucchini fries, simply cut zucchini into thin strips and coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite seasonings. Then, pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown. The result is a flavorful and crunchy side dish that pairs perfectly with burgers or sandwiches. Zucchini fries are a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your meal.
Sweet Potato Wedges
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to regular potato wedges, sweet potato wedges are the way to go. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and have a natural sweetness that pairs well with a variety of seasonings. To make sweet potato wedges in the air fryer, simply cut a sweet potato into wedges, toss them in olive oil and your favorite spices, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Sweet potato wedges are a tasty side dish that can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in your favorite sauce.
Crispy Broccoli Florets
Broccoli is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be transformed into a delicious side dish in the air fryer. To make crispy broccoli florets, simply toss bite-sized pieces of broccoli in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. The air fryer helps to enhance the natural flavors of the broccoli while giving it a satisfying crunch. Crispy broccoli florets are a great way to add a healthy and flavorful element to any meal.
Potato Side Dishes
Homemade French Fries
Who doesn’t love crispy, golden french fries? With the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy homemade french fries that are healthier and just as tasty as the ones you’d find in a restaurant. To make homemade french fries in the air fryer, simply cut potatoes into thin strips, toss them in olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re crispy and golden brown. Homemade french fries are a classic side dish that pairs well with burgers, sandwiches, or enjoyed on their own.
Loaded Potato Skins
Loaded potato skins are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that can easily be made in the air fryer. To make loaded potato skins, start by baking potatoes until they’re tender. Once the potatoes have cooled, cut them in half and scoop out the center, leaving a thin layer of potato on the skin. Next, fill the hollowed-out potato skins with your favorite toppings like cheese, bacon, and green onions. Finally, pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Loaded potato skins are a delicious and indulgent side dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Parmesan roasted potatoes are a flavorful and easy side dish that can be made in the air fryer. To make Parmesan roasted potatoes, simply toss diced potatoes in olive oil, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite seasonings. Then, place them in the air fryer and cook until they’re crispy and golden brown. The air fryer helps to give the potatoes a deliciously crispy texture while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory and cheesy flavor. Parmesan roasted potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Chicken Side Dishes
Crispy Chicken Wings
Crispy chicken wings are a classic and crowd-pleasing side dish that can be made in the air fryer without the need for deep frying. To make crispy chicken wings, simply toss the wings in your favorite seasonings and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re golden brown and crispy. The air fryer helps to give the wings a satisfying crunch without the excess oil and grease. Crispy chicken wings are a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in your favorite sauces.
Popcorn Chicken
Popcorn chicken is a fun and bite-sized side dish that is perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer. To make popcorn chicken in the air fryer, simply coat bite-sized pieces of chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs and your favorite seasonings, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re crispy and golden brown. The result is a delicious and flavorful chicken dish that is perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. Popcorn chicken is a family-friendly side dish that is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a classic comfort food that can easily be made in the air fryer. To make chicken tenders, start by coating strips of chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs and your favorite seasonings. Then, cook them in the air fryer until they’re crispy and cooked through. The air fryer helps to give the chicken tenders a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Chicken tenders are a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed on their own, dipped in sauce, or added to a salad for a satisfying meal.
Seafood Side Dishes
Crispy Shrimp
Crispy shrimp is a delicious and quick side dish that can be made in the air fryer. To make crispy shrimp, simply coat peeled and deveined shrimp in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite seasonings, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re crispy and golden brown. The air fryer helps to enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp while giving them a satisfying crunch. Crispy shrimp is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed on its own, added to a salad, or served alongside your favorite seafood dishes.
Lemon Garlic Salmon
Lemon garlic salmon is a light and flavorful side dish that can be cooked to perfection in the air fryer. To make lemon garlic salmon, simply season a salmon fillet with lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and then cook it in the air fryer until it’s cooked through and flaky. The air fryer helps to lock in the moisture of the salmon while giving it a crispy exterior. Lemon garlic salmon is a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of vegetables and grains.
Breaded Side Dishes
Onion Rings
Crispy onion rings are a tasty and satisfying side dish that can easily be made in the air fryer. To make onion rings, simply coat sliced onions in a mixture of breadcrumbs, flour, and your favorite seasonings, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re golden brown and crispy. The air fryer helps to give the onion rings a satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying. Onion rings are a classic side dish that pairs well with burgers, sandwiches, or enjoyed on their own.
Fried Pickles
Fried pickles are a unique and flavorful side dish that can be made in the air fryer without the need for a deep fryer. To make fried pickles, simply coat dill pickle slices in a mixture of breadcrumbs, flour, and your favorite seasonings, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re crispy and golden brown. The air fryer helps to give the fried pickles a satisfying crunch while preserving the tangy and briny flavor of the pickles. Fried pickles are a fun and delicious side dish that pairs well with burgers, sandwiches, or enjoyed as a snack.
Eggplant Parmesan Bites
Eggplant Parmesan bites are a flavorful and vegetarian-friendly side dish that can be made in the air fryer. To make eggplant Parmesan bites, start by slicing eggplant into thick rounds and then dipping them in beaten eggs and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite seasonings. Next, cook the eggplant bites in the air fryer until they’re golden brown and crispy. The air fryer helps to give the eggplant a satisfying crunch while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory and cheesy flavor. Eggplant Parmesan bites are a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs well with pasta or salad.
Cheese Side Dishes
Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Cheese stuffed mushrooms are a flavorful and elegant side dish that can be made in the air fryer. To make cheese stuffed mushrooms, start by removing the stems from button mushrooms and then filling the caps with a mixture of cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite seasonings. Next, cook the stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The air fryer helps to give the mushrooms a deliciously crispy texture while the cheese adds a creamy and indulgent flavor. Cheese stuffed mushrooms are a delicious appetizer or side dish that is sure to impress.
Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a popular and cheesy side dish that can be made in the air fryer for a healthier twist. To make mozzarella sticks, simply cut mozzarella cheese into sticks, dip them in beaten eggs, coat them in breadcrumbs, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re crispy and the cheese is melted. The air fryer helps to give the mozzarella sticks a satisfying crunch while keeping the cheese inside gooey and delicious. Mozzarella sticks are a fun and indulgent side dish that pairs well with marinara sauce for dipping.
Loaded Nachos
Loaded nachos are a crowd-pleasing side dish that can be made in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal. To make loaded nachos, simply layer tortilla chips with shredded cheese, cooked ground beef or chicken, and your favorite toppings like jalapenos, tomatoes, and avocado. Then, cook the loaded nachos in the air fryer until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The air fryer helps to give the nachos a crispy texture while the toppings add a variety of flavors and textures. Loaded nachos are a versatile side dish that can be customized to your liking and enjoyed as a meal or snack.
Healthy Side Dishes
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Crispy Brussels sprouts are a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be made in the air fryer. To make crispy Brussels sprouts, simply toss halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. The air fryer helps to enhance the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts while giving them a satisfying crunch. Crispy Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Baked Asparagus Fries
Baked asparagus fries are a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional fries that can be made in the air fryer. To make baked asparagus fries, simply coat asparagus spears in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite seasonings, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re crispy and golden brown. The air fryer helps to give the asparagus fries a satisfying crunch while preserving their natural flavor. Baked asparagus fries are a nutritious side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack.
Air Fried Okra
Air fried okra is a crispy and flavorful side dish that can be made in the air fryer without the need for deep frying. To make air fried okra, simply coat sliced okra in a mixture of cornmeal, flour, and your favorite seasonings, and then cook it in the air fryer until it’s crispy and golden brown. The air fryer helps to give the okra a satisfying crunch while keeping the inside tender. Air fried okra is a tasty and unique side dish that pairs well with Southern-style meals or can be enjoyed as a snack.
Mexican Side Dishes
Crispy Taquitos
Crispy taquitos are a flavorful and crunchy side dish that can be made in the air fryer. To make crispy taquitos, simply roll tortillas filled with seasoned shredded chicken or beef, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re golden brown and crispy. The air fryer helps to give the taquitos a satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying. Crispy taquitos are a delicious and portable side dish that can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in salsa or guacamole.
Chile Rellenos
Chile rellenos are a traditional Mexican dish that can be made in the air fryer for a healthier twist. To make chile rellenos, start by roasting and peeling poblano peppers. Then, stuff the peppers with cheese, dip them in beaten eggs, and coat them in breadcrumbs. Finally, cook the chile rellenos in the air fryer until they’re crispy and the cheese inside is melted. The air fryer helps to give the chile rellenos a deliciously crispy texture while the cheese adds a creamy and savory flavor. Chile rellenos are a delicious and satisfying side dish that pairs well with rice and beans.
Quesadilla Triangles
Quesadilla triangles are a fun and tasty side dish that can be made in the air fryer. To make quesadilla triangles, simply fill tortillas with your favorite cheese and toppings, fold them in half, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted. The air fryer helps to give the quesadilla triangles a crispy exterior while keeping the inside gooey and delicious. Quesadilla triangles are a versatile side dish that can be customized to your liking and enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal.
Asian Side Dishes
Asian Spring Rolls
Asian spring rolls are a light and flavorful side dish that can be made in the air fryer. To make Asian spring rolls, start by filling spring roll wrappers with a mixture of vegetables, like shredded carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts, and then roll them up tightly. Next, cook the spring rolls in the air fryer until they’re golden brown and crispy. The air fryer helps to give the spring rolls a satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying. Asian spring rolls are a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of Asian-inspired main courses.
Sesame Garlic Green Beans
Sesame garlic green beans are a simple and flavorful side dish that can be made in the air fryer. To make sesame garlic green beans, simply toss trimmed green beans in sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame seeds, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re tender-crisp and slightly charred. The air fryer helps to enhance the flavors of the green beans while giving them a deliciously crispy texture. Sesame garlic green beans are a tasty and nutritious side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of Asian-inspired meals.
Teriyaki Tofu
Teriyaki tofu is a flavorful and vegetarian-friendly side dish that can be made in the air fryer. To make teriyaki tofu, simply coat tofu cubes in a mixture of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and your favorite seasonings, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re crispy and golden brown. The air fryer helps to give the tofu a satisfying crunch while the teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor. Teriyaki tofu is a delicious and protein-packed side dish that pairs well with rice or noodles.
Dessert Side Dishes
Air Fried Apple Chips
Air fried apple chips are a healthy and delicious dessert side dish that can be made in the air fryer. To make air fried apple chips, simply slice apples into thin rounds, sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re crispy and golden. The air fryer helps to dehydrate the apple slices, resulting in a crispy and slightly sweet snack. Air fried apple chips are a guilt-free dessert option that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with yogurt or a dip.
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Cinnamon sugar donuts are a sweet and indulgent dessert side dish that can be made in the air fryer. To make cinnamon sugar donuts, start by preparing a simple donut dough and shaping it into small rounds or rings. Next, cook the donuts in the air fryer until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Finally, toss the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to coat. The air fryer helps to give the donuts a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Cinnamon sugar donuts are a delicious treat that pairs well with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Banana Fritters
Banana fritters are a sweet and satisfying dessert side dish that can be made in the air fryer. To make banana fritters, simply dip slices of ripe banana in a batter made from flour, sugar, and your favorite spices, and then cook them in the air fryer until they’re golden brown and crispy. The air fryer helps to give the banana fritters a deliciously crispy texture while keeping the inside soft and sweet. Banana fritters are a delicious and comforting dessert option that can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
