23 5-Ingredient Air Fryer Sides You’ll Love

Here’s the thing about side dishes: they’re supposed to be easy. You’ve already stressed over the main course, and the last thing you need is a side that requires seventeen ingredients and a culinary degree. That’s where these 5-ingredient air fryer sides come in clutch. They’re simple, they’re fast, and they actually taste like you tried (even when you barely did).

The beauty of air fryer cooking isn’t just about convenience—research shows it can reduce oil usage by up to 90% compared to traditional frying methods, according to Cleveland Clinic. That means you’re getting that crispy, satisfying texture without swimming your vegetables in a vat of oil. Your heart will thank you, and your taste buds won’t even notice the difference.

Why Five Ingredients Is the Magic Number

Five ingredients isn’t just a random number I pulled out of thin air. It’s actually the sweet spot where convenience meets flavor. Any fewer and you’re basically eating plain vegetables (boring). Any more and you’re back in complicated territory, hunting through your pantry for that one spice you swear you bought six months ago.

With five ingredients, you’ve got room for your main vegetable, some healthy fat, seasoning, and maybe a little something extra to make it interesting. That’s all you need. The air fryer does the heavy lifting by creating that crispy exterior we all crave while keeping the inside tender.

Plus, let’s talk about meal prep for a second. When your sides only require five ingredients, you’re way more likely to actually make them during the week. No one’s pulling out twelve different spices on a Wednesday night after work. But five things? That’s doable. That’s sustainable.

The Air Fryer Advantage You’re Not Using

Most people use their air fryers for chicken nuggets and frozen fries. And look, no judgment—those are great. But you’re seriously missing out if you’re not using it for fresh vegetables and creative sides. The air fryer turns even the most boring vegetables into something you’d actually order at a restaurant.

Think about it: when was the last time you got excited about steamed broccoli? Probably never. But air-fried broccoli with a little garlic and parmesan? That’s a different story entirely. The circulating hot air creates this incredible texture that steaming or boiling just can’t match.

According to nutritionists at Medical News Today, air frying can preserve more nutrients than some traditional cooking methods because of the shorter cooking times. So you’re not just making food that tastes better—you’re keeping it healthier too. It’s basically a win-win situation.

Looking to expand your air fryer repertoire? Check out these air fryer veggies that actually taste good for even more inspiration.

23 Side Dishes That’ll Make You Love Your Air Fryer

1. Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, but that’s only because most people have only eaten the sad, boiled version. Air-fried Brussels sprouts are a completely different vegetable. Cut them in half, toss with olive oil and salt, and let the air fryer work its magic at 375°F for about 15 minutes.

The outer leaves get crispy—almost like chips—while the inside stays tender. Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving, and suddenly you’ve got a side dish that people will fight over. I’ve seen it happen at family dinners.

2. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Green beans are one of those vegetables that can go either soggy or spectacular, with very little in between. The air fryer firmly puts them in the spectacular category. Trim your green beans (or don’t, if you’re feeling lazy—I won’t tell), toss them with minced garlic, parmesan cheese, and a bit of olive oil.

Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They come out with these slightly charred edges that are absolutely addictive. My friend Sarah tried these and texted me the next day saying she’d already made them twice more. That’s the power we’re working with here.

3. Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet potato fries are everywhere, but wedges are where it’s at. They’re easier to cut (less knife work = less complaining from me), they cook more evenly, and you get more of that creamy interior. Cut your sweet potatoes into thick wedges, coat them in olive oil, paprika, and a pinch of salt.

The trick here is not overcrowding your air fryer basket. Give those wedges some breathing room, and they’ll reward you with crispy edges. Cook at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. They’re sweet, savory, and way better than whatever’s happening at the drive-thru.

For more potato magic, you’ll definitely want to try these crispy air fryer potatoes with no oil needed—yes, it’s possible and yes, they’re incredible.

4. Zucchini Chips with Herb Salt

Zucchini has this unfortunate tendency to turn into a soggy mess when you cook it wrong. The air fryer makes that basically impossible. Slice your zucchini into thin rounds—use a mandoline slicer if you have one, or just channel your inner chef with a knife.

Toss with olive oil and whatever herbs you’ve got lying around. I usually do rosemary and thyme because they make everything smell like a fancy restaurant. Air fry at 370°F for 12-15 minutes until they’re crispy. These are dangerous because you’ll eat the whole batch before dinner even starts.

5. Cauliflower Buffalo Bites

Whoever first put buffalo sauce on cauliflower deserves some kind of award. Break your cauliflower into florets, toss them with a bit of olive oil and your favorite buffalo sauce, and air fry at 380°F for about 15 minutes.

The cauliflower gets these amazing crispy edges while soaking up all that spicy, tangy buffalo flavor. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing, and watch them disappear. These are proof that healthy sides don’t have to taste like punishment.

6. Crispy Chickpeas

Canned chickpeas are about to become your new best friend. Drain them, pat them dry (this step is crucial—wet chickpeas won’t crisp up), and toss with olive oil and your seasoning of choice. I rotate between curry powder, paprika, and garlic powder depending on my mood.

Air fry at 390°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking every five minutes. They come out crunchy and addictive—perfect for snacking or tossing on salads. One guy in our community lost 15 pounds after switching his chip habit to these crispy chickpeas. Not saying they’re magic, but they’re pretty close.

7. Lemon Pepper Asparagus

Asparagus is one of those vegetables that screams “I’m an adult who has my life together.” Air frying it takes about seven minutes, which is perfect because adulting is exhausting. Trim the woody ends (just snap them—they’ll break where they’re supposed to), drizzle with olive oil, and season with lemon zest, black pepper, and salt.

Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. The tips get slightly crispy while the stalks stay tender. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them right before serving, and you’ve got a side that looks way fancier than the effort you put in.

8. Maple Glazed Carrots

Baby carrots are convenient, but full-size carrots cut into sticks are where the real flavor lives. Toss them with olive oil and pure maple syrup, then hit them with some cinnamon and salt. It sounds like dessert, but it works as a side dish.

Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes until they’re caramelized and tender. The maple syrup creates this gorgeous glaze that makes even carrot-haters reconsider their life choices. My nephew, who once declared war on all vegetables, ate three servings of these. Miracles happen.

9. Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Broccoli gets a lot of hate, mostly from people who’ve only had it boiled into submission. Air-fried broccoli is completely different. Cut your broccoli into florets, toss with olive oil and garlic powder, then coat with shredded parmesan cheese.

Air fry at 390°F for 10-12 minutes. The cheese gets all crispy and golden, the florets get tender with slightly charred edges, and suddenly broccoli is the star of the meal. This is the side dish that converts vegetable skeptics.

Speaking of veggies that don’t suck, definitely check out these 25 air fryer veggies for more ideas that’ll actually make you excited about eating your greens.

10. Crispy Onion Rings

Yes, you can make onion rings with just five ingredients. Slice your onions into rings, dip them in beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of paprika and salt. No deep fryer, no mess, no judgment for eating half of them before they even make it to the table.

Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They come out golden and crispy, and you’ll feel like you’re cheating the system somehow. These pair perfectly with literally everything—burgers, steak, or just eating them straight from the basket.

11. Herb Roasted Mushrooms

Mushrooms are weird little sponges that soak up whatever flavor you give them. Toss them with olive oil, dried thyme, garlic powder, and salt. The air fryer concentrates all those flavors while giving the mushrooms this meaty texture.

Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. They shrink down quite a bit (mushrooms are mostly water), but what you’re left with is pure umami goodness. These are fantastic on their own or tossed with pasta.

12. Cajun Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob in the air fryer is a game changer, especially when you don’t want to heat up your entire kitchen with a pot of boiling water. Brush your corn with melted butter, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and a bit of lime juice.

Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally. The kernels get slightly charred, the seasoning creates this flavorful crust, and you avoid the whole “corn boiling over and making a mess” situation. Plus, it tastes way better than plain boiled corn.

13. Crispy Kale Chips

Kale chips have a reputation for being that thing healthy people pretend to enjoy. But air-fried kale chips are legitimately good. Tear your kale into pieces (remove those thick stems unless you enjoy chewing on tree branches), massage with olive oil, and season with salt.

Air fry at 350°F for 5-7 movies. Watch them carefully because they go from perfect to burnt in about thirty seconds. When done right, they’re crispy, salty, and actually satisfying. When done wrong, they taste like burnt sadness. Stay vigilant.

14. Garlic Butter Radishes

Radishes might seem like an odd choice, but cooked radishes taste completely different from raw ones—they lose that sharp bite and become mild and almost potato-like. Halve your radishes, toss with melted garlic butter and salt.

Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through. They come out tender and buttery with these perfectly crispy edges. If you’ve got radish-haters in your life, don’t tell them what they’re eating until after they’ve admitted they love it. Sneaky, but effective.

15. Spicy Edamame

Frozen edamame is one of those freezer staples that never gets enough credit. No need to thaw—just toss frozen edamame (in the pods) with olive oil, chili flakes, and salt. The air fryer works its magic while they’re still frozen.

Air fry at 390°F for 10 minutes, shaking once. The pods get slightly blistered, the beans inside stay tender, and you’ve got a protein-packed side that’s way more interesting than plain steamed edamame. These are also dangerous as a snack—you’ll eat way more than you planned.

16. Ranch Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks sound fancy but they’re just thick slices of cauliflower. Slice your cauliflower head into thick “steaks,” brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with ranch seasoning mix.

Air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. The edges get beautifully caramelized, and the ranch flavor penetrates throughout. These are substantial enough to make vegetarian friends very happy, and carnivores won’t even miss the meat.

17. Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts make another appearance because they’re just that good in the air fryer. This version adds some heat with sriracha and balances it with honey. Halve your sprouts, toss with a mixture of honey, sriracha, and olive oil.

Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes. The honey caramelizes into this sticky glaze while the sriracha adds just enough heat to keep things interesting. Fair warning: these are addictive. Make extra because people will come back for seconds.

18. Balsamic Glazed Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are usually relegated to salads, but air frying them transforms them into something special. Toss them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and sugar.

Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. They blister and burst, creating this sweet and tangy sauce that’s perfect for spooning over everything from chicken to pasta. This is one of those sides that makes you look like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen.

19. Sesame Snap Peas

Snap peas are already sweet and crunchy raw, but air frying them takes them to another level. Toss with sesame oil (just a tiny bit—it’s potent), soy sauce, and sesame seeds.

Air fry at 370°F for 5-7 minutes. They stay bright green and crisp-tender while picking up this amazing nutty flavor from the sesame. These are probably the fastest side dish on this list, which makes them perfect for those nights when you’re running on empty.

If you’re all about quick and easy meals, you need to see these easiest air fryer dinners ready in 10 minutes—because sometimes we all need dinner on the table yesterday.

20. Lemon Herb Potatoes

Baby potatoes in the air fryer are ridiculously easy and always impressive. Halve your baby potatoes, toss with olive oil, lemon zest, and whatever herbs you’ve got (rosemary and thyme are my go-to).

Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, shaking every 5-7 minutes for even crisping. The outsides get golden and crispy while the insides stay fluffy. These are the kind of potatoes that make people ask if you went to culinary school. You didn’t, but your air fryer did the work.

21. Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Zucchini fries are the side dish that makes kids (and adults) eat their vegetables without complaining. Cut zucchini into fry shapes, coat in a mixture of parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, and give them a light spray of oil.

Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping once. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and way healthier than actual fries. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear.

22. Curry Roasted Cauliflower

Curry powder is one of those spices that makes everything taste more complex than it actually is. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil and curry powder, then air fry at 380°F for 15 minutes.

The curry creates this beautiful golden color and adds layers of flavor that plain roasted cauliflower just can’t match. This pairs especially well with grilled chicken or fish, or honestly, just eat it straight from the basket with a fork.

23. Blistered Shishito Peppers

Shishito peppers are mostly mild with the occasional spicy one thrown in—it’s like vegetable Russian roulette. Toss them whole with olive oil and sea salt.

Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until they’re blistered and charred in spots. The skin gets crispy while the pepper inside stays tender. Squeeze some lemon juice over them and serve as a side or appetizer. These are sophisticated without being pretentious, which is exactly the vibe we’re going for.

Want to keep the healthy momentum going? These 5-ingredient air fryer meals under 400 calories will keep your meal planning simple and your waistline happy.

Making It Work in Real Life

Look, I could give you twenty-three more recipes, but if you don’t actually make any of them, what’s the point? The key to actually using these recipes is making them fit into your actual life, not some idealized version where you have unlimited time and energy.

Start with one or two favorites and rotate them weekly. Don’t try to be a hero and make different sides every single night. That’s not sustainable, and you’ll burn out faster than forgotten vegetables in an overheated air fryer.

Keep your pantry stocked with the basics: olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese. Those five ingredients alone can transform almost any vegetable into something craveable. Add a few specialty items as you go—curry powder, buffalo sauce, balsamic glaze—and you’ll always have options.

Batch cooking is your friend here. Most of these sides keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and some even reheat nicely in the air fryer. Make a big batch of crispy chickpeas on Sunday, roast a few pounds of Brussels sprouts on Wednesday, and suddenly you’ve got sides covered for most of the week.

The air fryer isn’t magic (despite what it seems like), but it does make cooking vegetables significantly easier and more appealing. And when healthy eating is easier, you’re way more likely to actually do it. That’s the real secret here.

Final Thoughts

Here’s what I’ve learned after making hundreds of air fryer sides: the ones you’ll actually make are the ones that don’t stress you out. Five ingredients is enough to make something delicious without turning dinner into a production. Your air fryer does most of the work, and you get to take all the credit.

Start simple. Pick one or two recipes from this list that sound good to you, make them this week, and see what happens. Maybe you’ll discover that you actually like Brussels sprouts, or that your kids will eat vegetables when they’re crispy enough. Small victories, right?

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s finding a handful of sides you can rotate through without thinking too hard about it. Save the complicated recipes for when you’re feeling ambitious. For everything else, there’s the air fryer and five ingredients.

Now go make something crispy. Your vegetables are waiting, and they’re not going to air fry themselves. Though honestly, with how easy this is, they practically could.