12 Tasty Air Fryer Sides You’ll Want on Repeat

When I first started using my air fryer, I honestly thought it would just be for quick fries or the odd snack here and there. I didn’t realize how much of a difference it would make to my everyday cooking. Now it’s the appliance I reach for constantly because it’s fast, reliable, and makes everything taste like I put in way more effort than I actually did. There’s something so satisfying about hearing that little timer ding and knowing a tasty side is ready to go.

What I love most is how versatile it is. Some nights I keep things super simple, and other times I play around with different flavors or textures to keep dinner interesting. It’s perfect for those moments when I want to elevate the meal without spending forever in the kitchen. Plus, cleanup is such a breeze, which is always a win after a busy day.

I’ve pulled together some of my favorite air fryer sides that always hit the spot. These are the dishes I keep coming back to because they’re easy, full of flavor, and never fail to bring a little extra something to the table. They fit seamlessly into any kind of meal, and I have a feeling they’ll become regulars in your kitchen too.

Table of Contents

1. Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

The first time I made these, I couldn’t believe how something so simple could look so impressive. The little accordion pattern gets perfectly crisp on the outside while staying fluffy inside, and it’s honestly kind of fun to cut them that way. I love serving them as a side when I want something a bit more special than plain potatoes but still easy enough for a weeknight. They come out golden and irresistible every time, and they always disappear fast at the table.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

2 lbs Golden potatoes
5 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste

Instructions:

Peel the potatoes and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with kitchen towels.
Slice the potatoes into quarters or about half-inch thick pieces.
Place the potato slices on a cutting board and carefully make thin cuts on one side, using chopsticks on each side to avoid cutting all the way through.
Flip the potato slices over and cut diagonally on the other side to create a crosshatch pattern.
Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and season them with salt.
Cook the potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn golden brown.
Serve the potatoes hot.

2. Air Fryer Baked Potato

I’ll never forget the first time I made these because I was genuinely surprised at how perfectly they turned out. The skins get beautifully crisp while the inside becomes light and fluffy, just the way I like it. It’s such a simple side, but it always feels cozy and satisfying, and it goes with pretty much anything. I love that I can pop them in the air fryer and let them do their thing while I focus on the rest of dinner.

GET THE RECIPE

3. Air Fryer Broccolini

I make this all the time when I want a quick veggie side that still feels a little special. The air fryer gives the stems a tender bite while the tops get just the right amount of crisp. A quick toss with a bit of seasoning is all it takes, and I love adding a squeeze of lemon at the end for a fresh pop of flavor. It’s one of those easy sides that always makes the plate look a bit brighter and more inviting.

GET THE RECIPE

4. Air Fryer Fries

I always keep a bag of frozen chips in the freezer because this side never fails to save the day. It’s so easy to toss them in the air fryer and let them crisp up while I get everything else ready. They come out golden and crunchy every time, and there’s something so satisfying about grabbing a handful straight from the basket. It’s a simple little shortcut that makes any meal feel a bit more fun.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 bag (approx. 1lb) frozen chips

Instructions:

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (185°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Add the frozen chips to the basket and spread them out in a single layer.
Air fry at 370°F (185°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
When the chips are golden and crispy, remove them carefully from the air fryer.
Serve right away.

5. Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms

These always make the kitchen smell incredible and they’re so quick to throw together. I love how the garlic brings out the earthy flavor of the mushrooms, and the air fryer gives them a beautiful golden finish without turning them soggy. They’re perfect alongside just about anything, and I often end up snacking on a few before they even make it to the table. It’s such an easy way to add a flavorful touch to dinner.

Servings: 2-3

Ingredients:

250g/ 9oz sliced button mushrooms
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix the sliced mushrooms, avocado oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Toss until the mushrooms are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Once preheated, add the seasoned mushrooms to the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer.
Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
After cooking, remove the mushrooms from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish.
Serve the garlic mushrooms immediately as an appetizer or side dish, or use them to top salads, pasta, or rice dishes.

6. Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries

I love making these when I want to take something simple and give it a little fancy twist. The truffle oil adds such an amazing aroma, and the Parmesan melts just enough to cling to the fries without overpowering them. Every bite has that perfect mix of crispy edges and rich, savory flavor. They always feel like something you’d get at a nice restaurant, but they’re surprisingly easy to pull together at home.

GET THE RECIPE

7. Air Fryer Roasted Carrots

I make these all the time when I want a side that’s both easy and full of flavor. The carrots turn beautifully tender inside with just the right amount of caramelization on the edges, and the herbs make them smell amazing while they cook. It’s one of those simple dishes that always brightens up the plate, and I love how little effort it takes to get them just right.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 lb bag of baby carrots
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

Preheat the air fryer to 380.
Add the olive oil and seasonings to a medium size bowl, and stir to mix together.
Add the carrots to the bowl, and toss to coat with the seasoning mixture.
Add carrots in a single layer to the air fryer basket, and air fry for 15-18 minutes, tossing the basket half way through cooking.

8. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

I’ve always loved the natural sweetness of these, and the air fryer makes them so perfectly crisp that it’s hard not to sneak a few while they’re still piping hot. The mix of spices gives them a little extra kick, and they pair so well with just about any meal. I like that they feel a bit more special than regular fries but are still super easy to make, which is exactly the kind of side I reach for on busy nights.

GET THE RECIPE

9. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Jackets

This is one of those sides that feels cozy and satisfying without needing much effort at all. The skin crisps up beautifully while the inside turns soft and fluffy, and the simple seasonings give it such a warm, comforting flavor. I love adding a cool, creamy topping to finish it off because it balances everything so nicely. It’s the kind of dish that always makes the table feel a little more inviting.

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

1 sweet potato
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup yogurt
1/3 tsp pepper
1 tsp dry basil

Instructions:

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Use a fork to poke the sweet potato a few times, allowing steam to escape while cooking. Coat the sweet potato with olive oil, paprika, dry basil, salt, and pepper, making sure it’s evenly covered.
Place the seasoned sweet potato in the air fryer basket and cook for 30-40 minutes, until the flesh is tender and the skin is crispy.
Once cooked, carefully remove the sweet potato from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it in half lengthwise to create two “jackets.”
Top the sweet potato jackets with a dollop of Greek yogurt and garnish with additional salt, pepper, and dry basil, if desired. Enjoy!

10. Air Fryer Sweetcorn

I get so excited when fresh corn is in season because this is the easiest way to bring out its natural sweetness. The butter melts into every kernel, and the air fryer gives it just the right amount of char that makes it taste like it came straight off the grill. It’s quick to prep, smells amazing while it cooks, and always disappears fast once it hits the table.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 ears of corn, husked
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Place each ear of corn on a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap it completely.
Add 1 tablespoon of butter to each ear of corn.
Evenly sprinkle salt over each ear of corn.
Tightly wrap each ear in aluminum foil.
Arrange the wrapped corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, carefully unwrap the corn and return it to the air fryer basket.
Cook uncovered for an additional 3 minutes to develop a slight char and enhance the flavor.
Once done, remove the corn from the air fryer and serve hot.

11. Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

I love making this because it turns something so simple into a fun little treat with almost no effort. The twists get extra crispy on the edges while staying a bit chewy in the center, which is my favorite texture. It always looks great on the table and disappears almost instantly, especially when there’s a crowd. Plus, it’s such a breeze to cook, and there’s barely any cleanup afterward.

Servings: 3

Ingredients:

9 slices of bacon

Instructions:

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
Twist each slice of bacon into a spiral shape.
Arrange the twisted bacon in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
Cook the bacon at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, or until it’s as crispy as you like.
When the bacon is golden and crispy, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease.
Let the twisted bacon cool for a few minutes before serving.

12. Air Fryer Avocado Fries

The first time I tried these, I was completely hooked. They turn out so beautifully crisp on the outside while staying creamy inside, and that contrast makes them so satisfying to eat. I love how easy they are to prep, and they always feel a little bit special without taking much effort. They’re perfect for snacking, sharing, or adding a fun twist to a meal.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

2 ripe avocados
1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and peel them. Slice each half into about 8 wedges, making sure they’re thick enough to hold their shape while cooking.
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with soy milk, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt and pepper.
Coat each avocado slice in flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured slices into the soy milk, making sure they’re fully covered.
Roll the slices in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
Arrange the breaded avocado slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Work in batches if needed.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

I love how these simple sides can make any meal feel a little more exciting without adding extra stress to the kitchen. The air fryer really does all the hard work, and the results never disappoint. Whether I’m cooking for family, friends, or just myself, these dishes always bring a nice mix of flavor, crunch, and comfort to the table. I have a feeling once you try a few, they’ll become regulars in your rotation too.