What to Serve With Pizza: 20 Best Side Dishes to Try

Pizza night at our house almost never stops at just pizza. Don’t get me wrong, the pizza is the star, but it’s all those extra little sides that turn it into a full-on meal everyone actually gets excited about. Something crispy to snack on, something cheesy to scoop up sauce, maybe even something green so it feels a little balanced. That’s exactly what this list is all about. Easy, comforting sides that fit right in next to your favorite slice.

Most of these recipes are simple, low-effort, and perfect for busy nights. A lot of them can be made in the air fryer, which means less mess and faster cooking. If you’ve got a good air fryer, a large sheet pan, or even a trusty pizza stone already heating up in the oven, you’re more than set. These are the kinds of sides you can throw together while the pizza bakes or reheats, without feeling like you’re running a restaurant out of your kitchen.

Whether you’re ordering takeout, making homemade dough, or grabbing a frozen pizza and calling it a win, these sides help round things out. There’s a mix of crispy, cheesy, fresh, and cozy options so everyone at the table can find something they love. It’s relaxed, unfussy food that makes pizza night feel a little more fun and a lot more satisfying.

1. Air Fryer Parmesan Fries

If pizza night always leaves you wishing for something extra crispy on the side, this one fits right in. These fries come out golden on the outside, soft in the middle, and tossed with just the right amount of savory seasoning and cheesy goodness. They’re easy to make in the air fryer, which means less mess and no waiting around for the oven, and they’re perfect for dipping into marinara, garlic sauce, or whatever’s left on your plate.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4–5 medium potatoes
• 1/3 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/3 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic granules
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 oz Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Peel the potatoes, then slice them into evenly sized fries. Keep them slightly thick so they don’t dry out while cooking.

2. Rinse the fries under cold water a few times or soak them for about 15 minutes to wash away excess starch. Drain well and pat completely dry with paper towels.

3. Add the dried fries to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle over the salt, paprika, pepper, and garlic granules. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

4. Spread the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.

5. Carefully shake the basket to flip the fries and help them crisp evenly.

6. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the fries are golden and crispy.

7. Transfer the hot fries to a serving bowl, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and gently toss. Serve right away, with fresh herbs if you like.

2. Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries

If you want to make pizza night feel a little extra without doing anything complicated, this side does the trick. Crispy fries get tossed with savory Parmesan and just a hint of truffle flavor, which instantly makes everything feel a bit more special. They’re quick to make in the air fryer, smell amazing the second they’re done, and disappear fast once they hit the table. Perfect for dipping, sharing, and sneaking a few while the pizza finishes baking.

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3. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

These are perfect when you want something a little different next to your pizza but still super snackable. Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and just slightly sweet, they balance out all that cheesy, savory goodness really nicely. The air fryer keeps things easy and mess free, and they’re great with everything from garlic sauce to a simple sprinkle of salt. It’s one of those sides that somehow works for kids and adults without any complaints.

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4. Loaded Tater Tots

These are always a hit when pizza night needs something fun and a little indulgent on the side. Crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle, and piled high with all the good stuff, they disappear fast once they’re on the table. They’re easy to share, perfect for grazing between slices, and great for dipping into whatever sauces you’ve already got out.

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5. Golden Parmesan Herb Potato Bites

These little bites are perfect when you want something crispy, cheesy, and easy to snack on while everyone reaches for another slice. They’re golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with herby, Parmesan flavor that pairs so well with pizza.

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6. Potato Fritters

These are a fun change from the usual fries and make pizza night feel a little more special without any extra effort. Crispy around the edges and soft in the middle, they’re perfect for dipping into marinara, garlic sauce, or even ranch. They’re easy to stack on a plate, great for sharing, and somehow always end up being the first thing everyone reaches for while the pizza’s being sliced.

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7. Duchesse Potatoes

These add a slightly fancy touch to pizza night without feeling over the top. Light, fluffy, and crisped up on the outside, they’re perfect for snacking between slices and soaking up extra sauce. They look impressive on the table but are still totally approachable, which makes them a fun surprise side that feels a little special while keeping things relaxed and casual.

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8. Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

These are one of those sides that instantly make pizza night feel a little more fun without adding extra stress. Crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and perfectly seasoned, they’re great for pulling apart and dipping while everyone waits for the pizza to cool. The air fryer keeps things simple, and once these hit the table, they disappear fast because they’re just too satisfying to snack on between slices.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Peel the potatoes and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with kitchen towels.

2. Slice the potatoes into quarters or about half-inch thick pieces.

3. 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.

4. Flip the potato slices over and cut diagonally on the other side to create a crosshatch pattern.

5. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and season them with salt.

6. Cook the potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn golden brown.

7. Serve the potatoes hot.

9. Crispy Hasselback Potatoes

These are a great way to add something a little extra to pizza night without overthinking it. Crispy edges, soft centers, and plenty of flavor in every slice make them perfect for sharing and dipping into whatever sauces are already on the table. They look impressive but feel totally relaxed, which makes them the kind of side everyone keeps reaching for between bites of pizza.

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10. Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes

These little bites are perfect for pizza night when everyone wants something warm, cheesy, and easy to grab. Crispy on the edges and fluffy in the middle, they’re topped with melty cheese, savory bacon, and a pop of green onion that makes them hard to resist. They’re great for snacking between slices, easy to pass around the table, and feel like a fun bonus alongside your favorite pizza.

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11. Air Fryer Baked Potato

This one is perfect when pizza night needs something simple but extra satisfying on the side. Crispy skin, fluffy inside, and ready to load up with butter, cheese, or whatever toppings you’ve got on hand, it’s an easy win. The air fryer makes it quick and hands-off, and it’s the kind of cozy side that pairs really well with a hot slice and a cold drink.

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12. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

These are such an easy add-on for pizza night, especially when you want something crunchy to snack on while the slices are disappearing. Light, crispy, and ready in minutes, they’re perfect for dipping into marinara, garlic sauce, or any extra pizza sauce you’ve got sitting around.

Servings: 24 tortilla chips

Ingredients:

• 4 Yellow Corn Tortillas
• Coarse Salt
• Cooking Spray

Instructions:

1. Cut the four corn tortillas into six equal wedges, just like slicing a pie.

2. Arrange as many pieces as you can in a single layer in the air fryer basket. The amount will vary depending on the size and shape of your air fryer.

3. Lightly spray the tortilla pieces with cooking spray, then sprinkle with coarse salt to taste.

4. Preheat the air fryer for about 1 minute before cooking.

5. Air fry the tortilla chips at 300°F for 8 minutes, or until crisp and golden. Repeat with the remaining pieces until all are cooked. Enjoy warm or cooled!

13. Baked Mac & Cheese

This is the kind of side that instantly makes pizza night feel extra cozy. Creamy, cheesy, and baked until perfectly bubbly, it’s pure comfort food that everyone loves scooping onto their plate next to a slice. It’s great for feeding a crowd, especially when you’ve got kids at the table, and it always disappears faster than you expect.

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14. Mac & Cheese Bites

These are a fun, snackable twist that fit right in on pizza night when everyone’s grabbing bites between slices. Crispy on the outside with a creamy, cheesy center, they’re perfect for dipping and easy to pass around the table. They feel a little special without being fussy, and once they’re out, they tend to disappear fast thanks to that golden crunch and rich, comforting flavor.

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15. Honey Butter Skillet Corn

This is one of those sides that surprises everyone in the best way on pizza night. Sweet, buttery, and extra creamy, it balances out all the cheesy, savory slices perfectly. It comes together quickly in one skillet, feels cozy without being heavy, and somehow ends up being the dish people keep going back to for just one more spoonful.

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16. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

This is such an easy, no-fuss addition to pizza night when you want something simple and satisfying on the side. The kernels come out tender and slightly crisp, with just enough char to make them extra tasty. It’s great slathered with butter, sprinkled with a little salt, and eaten right alongside a slice without feeling heavy or overdone.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

2. Place each ear of corn on a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap it completely.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to each ear of corn.

4. Evenly sprinkle salt over each ear of corn.

5. Tightly wrap each ear in aluminum foil.

6. Arrange the wrapped corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

7. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.

8. After 10 minutes, carefully unwrap the corn and return it to the air fryer basket.

9. Cook uncovered for an additional 3 minutes to develop a slight char and enhance the flavor.

10. Once done, remove the corn from the air fryer and serve hot.

17. Air Fryer Broccolini

This is a great option when you want to sneak something green onto the table without anyone complaining. Crispy at the tips, tender in the middle, and full of garlicky flavor, it pairs really well with all that cheesy pizza goodness. The air fryer keeps it quick and easy, and it’s the kind of side that actually gets eaten instead of pushed around the plate.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lbs. broccolini heads
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Dash of salt
• Dash of black pepper
• Lemon juice, optional

Instructions:

1. Rinse the broccolini and let it drain.

2. Remove the leaves from the stems.

3. Trim the ends of the stems.

4. In a medium bowl, toss the broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

5. Transfer the broccolini to the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

6. Once done, remove from the air fryer and drizzle with lemon juice, if desired.

7. Serve and enjoy!

18. Balsamic Grilled Vegetables

This is a great way to balance out all the cheesy, crispy goodness of pizza night. The veggies get perfectly tender with just a little char, and that balsamic flavor adds a touch of sweetness that works so well alongside a slice. It feels fresh without being boring, and it’s one of those sides that makes the whole meal feel a little more put together without any extra effort.

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19. Caprese Skewers

These are such a fun, fresh addition to pizza night when you want something light on the side. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and that pop of fresh flavor are a nice break from all the warm, cheesy slices. They’re easy to grab, don’t require any fuss, and make the whole spread feel a little brighter and more balanced.

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20. Avocado Salad

This is a nice, fresh option to round out pizza night when you’re craving something cool and creamy alongside all that melty cheese. It’s light, flavorful, and comes together quickly, which makes it perfect for tossing together while the pizza bakes. It adds a little balance to the table without feeling like an afterthought, and it pairs surprisingly well with a hot slice.

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At the end of the day, pizza night is supposed to be easy, fun, and something everyone looks forward to. Adding a few simple sides like these turns it into more of a meal without making extra work for yourself. Whether you lean toward crispy, cheesy comfort foods or mix in a few fresh options to balance things out, there’s something here that fits right in. Pick one or two, or go all out, and enjoy a pizza night that feels a little more special without losing that laid-back vibe.