12 Air Fryer Side Dishes You Can Make With the Touch of a Button
By Lacey Muinos,
22 days ago
Make your life easier with these simple sides.
Antonis Achilleos
It’s easy to justify getting another small kitchen appliance when it can replace a few. The right air fryer can roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and then some. It can also warm up your leftovers.
The real selling point of getting an air fryer, however, is that it’s considered a healthier way to cook. Air fryers work like convection ovens—hot air cooks your food by circulating around it, even crisping up the edges. So, if you normally cook with a lot of oil, you could cut down on the fat by air frying food instead.
There’s a lot you can make in the air fryer, too. Chicken tenders, crispy salmon, and meatballs are some popular air fryer recipes . But here’s a pro tip: Cook your main dish in your oven and reserve the air fryer for side dishes. If you need some inspiration, here are some easy air fryer side dishes to try, which require little to no effort.
Meat’s favorite vegetable is the potato , and there’s no shortage of ways to prepare ‘em. But everyone loved a baked potato with a pat of butter, some chives, and a sprinkle of cheese. When the main dish is the oven, throw a few spuds in the air fryer. Air fried potatoes take about 35 minutes to cook in a 40- degree Fahrenheit air fryer.
Potatoes aren’t the only vegetable you can turn into fries. These zucchini fries look straight out of a restaurant. Rather than roasting them in the oven, preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees while you dredge the zucchini. Air fry for about 16 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Don’t forget the dipping sauces!
GREG DUPREE; FOOD STYLING BY EMILY NABORS HALL, PROP STYLING BY CLAIRE SPOLLEN
Buffalo cauliflower wings had their moment, and then cauliflower steaks had theirs. Now, these cauliflower bites deserve the spotlight. They’re sweet and spicy, saucy and crispy, and perfectly dippable. You’ll need to make a batter for the cauliflower pieces, so the prep is a bit hands-on. Still, once you transfer the cauliflower pieces to the air fryer, they crisp up in 10 minutes or less.
Anything you can roast in the oven, you can pop in the air fryer. Well, almost anything—it needs to be small enough to fit. Naturally, you can air fry sweet potatoes instead of baking or roasting them in the oven. These healthy spuds take about 14 to 18 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 390 degrees. It only takes a few minutes to cut and season them, making this a healthy air fryer side dish that’s also quick to make.
Eggplant is an often misunderstood vegetable. Both the taste and texture leave something to be desired—depending on the recipe, that is. In this eggplant recipe, the vegetable is cut into rounds, allowing more surface area to get crispy. It’s also seasoned with miso, honey, sesame oil, and fresh ginger for an Asian-style side dish that pairs perfectly with baked tofu cubes or cutlets. Preheat the air fryer to 415 degrees and cook for about 14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
They say you should eat the rainbow, so don’t forget to load up on green veggies. They can get a bad rap, but have you tried crispy broccoli in the air fryer? Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees while you toss your broccoli florets in olive oil , salt, and pepper. Cook them for about 8 minutes and serve with your favorite protein and grain for an easy yet balanced meal.
If you haven’t noticed, the air fryer is where vegetables go to become the most appetizing side dishes. Take air fried asparagus, for example. Though edible, raw asparagus has a chewy texture. When air fried at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes, asparagus becomes crispy and tender. Just be sure to arrange the spears in a single layer so they cook evenly.
Like potatoes, Brussels sprouts simply belong in the air fryer. They crisp up faster than in the oven, so the air fryer is the way to go. This recipe calls for a few simple ingredients, plus some pancetta to elevate the side dish. Rather than roasting these sprouts, preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees. Air fry the Brussels sprouts for about 14 minutes, then sprinkle with lemon zest for an added pop of flavor.
Forget side dishes with just one vegetable—just throw a variety in the air fryer for a medley of flavors, colors, and nutrients. These maple roasted veggies are warming and perfect for fall, though you can enjoy them any time of the year. While you prep and season the veggies (don’t forget the splash of maple syrup for sweetness), preheat the air fryer to 440 degrees. Allow the veggies to cook for about 16 minutes.
There are so many ways to make and season corn, which is why it’s a popular vegetable. One night, you can have Mexican street-style corn . On nights you’re feeling less inclined, just air fry your corn. The ears cook quickly—just 10 to 15 minutes at 375 degrees—and there’s minimal cleanup. Add some butter, salt, and pepper, and you’re good to go.
Butternut squash is available at peak freshness from late summer through early winter. Roasted butternut squash is a popular way to prepare this orange-fleshed fruit, but you can also air fry it. Simply pop some oiled and seasoned butternut squash cubes in a 400-degree air fryer for about 20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to get that crispy texture on all sides.
Who said side dishes have to be vegetables? If you want a bit more protein , more power to you. Crispy prosciutto is a popular addition to cheese and charcuterie boards, but you can enjoy this delicacy on a regular Tuesday, too. In a 340-degree air fryer, lay the prosciutto in a single layer and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Drizzle with honey and serve.
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