12 Air Fryer Sides That Steal the Show

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Key Takeaway: These air fryer Thanksgiving sides are crispy, golden, and guaranteed to outshine even the turkey. From perfectly roasted veggies to cheesy favorites, each dish is simple, crowd-pleasing, and completely oven-free.

When it comes to Thanksgiving, everyone talks about the turkey — but let’s be real: the sides are what everyone secretly loves most. Your air fryer makes them better — crispier, faster, and stress-free.

These 12 air fryer sides are the ones I reach for every holiday. They’re easy to prep, quick to cook, and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive in!

🥔 1. Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and coated in garlicky butter — these are the definition of comfort.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt, pepper, and parsley

Steps:

1. Toss potatoes with oil, butter, and seasonings.
2. Air fry at 400°F for 16–18 minutes, shaking halfway.
3. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Tip: Add Parmesan for extra crispiness.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Garlic Butter Potatoes

🥦 2. Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Forget soggy sprouts — these are caramelized perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Parmesan
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Toss sprouts with oil, Parmesan, and seasoning.
2. Air fry at 380°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.

Tip: Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

🥕 3. Maple Glazed Carrots

Sweet, glossy, and lightly caramelized — perfect next to any main.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby carrots
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Toss carrots with oil, syrup, and seasoning.
2. Air fry at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until tender.

Tip: Add a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy twist.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Maple Glazed Carrots

🍠 4. Sweet Potato Cubes

Perfectly crispy and naturally sweet — a lighter alternative to casserole.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt

Steps:

1. Toss with oil and seasonings.
2. Air fry at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway.

Tip: Sprinkle with brown sugar for a sweet-savory mix.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

🌽 5. Corn Ribs

A viral favorite turned Thanksgiving staple — juicy, smoky, and fun to eat.

Ingredients:

• 2 ears corn, quartered lengthwise
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Rub corn with oil and spices.
2. Air fry at 380°F for 10–12 minutes until curled and crisp.

Tip: Finish with lime juice and Parmesan.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Corn Ribs

🧄 6. Cheesy Garlic Bread Bites

Buttery, garlicky, and gooey — these disappear fast.

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• Parsley

Steps:

1. Flatten dough, fill with cheese, and fold closed.
2. Brush with butter and garlic.
3. Air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until golden.

Tip: Serve with warm marinara dip.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Garlic Bread Bites

🧀 7. Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites

Creamy inside, crispy outside — nostalgia in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover mac & cheese, chilled
• 1 egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

Steps:

1. Form chilled mac into balls.
2. Coat in egg and breadcrumbs.
3. Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden.

Tip: Freeze 15 minutes before cooking for best shape.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Mac & Cheese Bites

🧅 8. Onion & Herb Stuffing Muffins

Everything you love about stuffing, but in individual crispy portions.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed bread
• 1 cup broth
• ½ cup onion, sautéed
• 1 tbsp fresh herbs
• 1 egg

Steps:

1. Mix ingredients and pack into muffin cups.
2. Air fry at 350°F for 12–14 minutes until browned.

Tip: Add dried cranberries for a festive pop.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Stuffing Muffins

🧄 9. Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

Crispy edges, soft inside, and perfect with any gravy.

Ingredients:

• 1 small head cauliflower, florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Toss cauliflower with oil and seasonings.
2. Air fry at 390°F for 14–16 minutes, shaking halfway.

Tip: Add grated Parmesan for an Italian twist.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Garlic Cauliflower

🥔 10. Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Golden, buttery perfection — the crunch will blow you away.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby potatoes, boiled until tender
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Steps:

1. Smash boiled potatoes gently.
2. Brush with oil and seasonings.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until crisp.

Tip: Add a dollop of sour cream and chives.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

🥬 11. Green Bean Bundles with Bacon

Elegant, savory, and easy — your guests will think you catered.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans
• 8–10 bacon strips
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp butter, melted

Steps:

1. Bundle green beans, wrap with bacon.
2. Brush with butter and brown sugar.
3. Air fry at 380°F for 12–15 minutes.

Tip: Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Green Bean Bundles

🧈 12. Honey Butter Cornbread Muffins

Sweet, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up gravy.

Ingredients:

• 1 box cornbread mix
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• ½ cup milk
• 1 egg

Steps:

1. Mix ingredients until smooth.
2. Fill silicone muffin cups ¾ full.
3. Air fry at 330°F for 10–12 minutes until golden.

Tip: Brush tops with honey butter while warm.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

🧡 Final Thoughts

These 12 air fryer sides prove one thing: the side dishes can absolutely steal the Thanksgiving spotlight.

Whether you’re serving buttery potatoes, sweet glazed carrots, or crispy sprouts, your air fryer makes every bite faster, crispier, and easier — no oven juggling required.

🧡 Love these sides? Don’t miss my Air Fryer Thanksgiving Appetizers to Kick Off the Feast and 12 Air Fryer Thanksgiving Desserts That Impress Without the Oven to round out your holiday menu!

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