These standout side dishes are anything but ordinary—perfect for complementing your next cookout, potluck, or family dinner. From fresh salads to hearty classics, they might just steal the show.

Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

air fryer broccoli and cauliflower on a white plate with a pink linen and thyme.
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

If you love crisp and tender roasted broccoli and cauliflower but don’t have the time to preheat the oven, this Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower offers an easy, delicious alternative.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Air fryer zucchini and squash on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This air fryer zucchini and squash recipe is lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil and cooked in the air fryer until it achieves a delicious browning. This side dish is an easy air fryer recipe perfect for summer! 
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Closeup of fingerling potatoes roasted in air fryer coated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and thyme dressing.
Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These crispy, light, creamy air fryer fingerling potatoes come together in 20 minutes for an easy, versatile side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Rutabaga Fries

Rutabaga Fries serves in a glass.
Rutabaga Fries. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Those crispy low carb Rutabaga Fries Recipe is an excellent alternative to traditional french fries with minimum net carbs. Rutabagas is a great vegetable used regularly in the keto lifestyle, and those fries are no exception.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga Fries

Roasted maple root vegetables

Roasted carrots, beets and Brussels sprouts on a tinfoil lined pan topped with sesame seeds.
Roasted maple root vegetables. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Tossed in a maple ginger dressing and roasted to caramelized perfection, these paleo-roasted root vegetables are the perfect side dish!
Get the Recipe: Roasted maple root vegetables

Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Closeup of crispy smashed potatoes with dill and chili slices.
Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These crispy smashed potatoes eliminate the need to boil and fry your potatoes by completing both of those steps in the air fryer. Crispy, creamy, and incredibly easy to make, these air fryer smashed potatoes are a versatile side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Gluten-Free Sweet potato casserole

Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping in a glass baking dish with a spoon in the dish.
Gluten-Free Sweet potato casserole. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes in a cinnamon maple flavor topped with a candied pecan crumble. This gluten-free sweet potato casserole is a scrumptious addition to any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Sweet potato casserole

Best Salsa

A close-up of fresh salsa with chopped vegetables in a metal dish, surrounded by tortilla chips—one of the most irresistible side dishes for any gathering.
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Our best Salsa recipe filled with Mexican flavors takes only 5 minutes to make but will be forever on your table from now on. Fully sugar-free, gluten-free, low carb, paleo, and vegan, this dip is great for diabetics as well.
Get the Recipe: Best Salsa

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

A bowl of baked zucchini chips sits inside a larger wooden bowl filled with more chips, next to a white towel with red stripes—these irresistible side dishes are perfect for any gathering.
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These garlic flavored air fryer zucchini chips are crispy and addicting! With no breading, this recipe comes together quickly and easily for a delicious healthier snack, appetizer or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas

Caramelized bananas with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Air Fryer Banana dessert is so easy to make, and you won’t believe how delicious it is! These air fryer caramelized bananas require only 3 ingredients and can be ready in less than 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Caramelized Bananas

Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts

Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts on a cooling rack.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These air fryer pumpkin donuts are perfect for the fall! Pumpkin flavored dough is air fried and dipped in pumpkin spice sugar for a Halloween treat!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin Pancakes

A stack of pumpkin pancakes with whipped cream and pecans.
Pumpkin Pancakes. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Pumpkin pancakes stacked on a white plate with coconut cream on top and a spoon and toppings behind it.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pancakes

Candied Maple Brussels-gf/v

glass bowl with roasted brussels sprouts and more sprouts on a baking tray behind it.
Candied Maple Brussels-gf/v. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Candied Brussels sprouts need only 5 ingredients! These maple roasted Brussels are made without bacon, crispy and an easy win with kids.
Get the Recipe: Candied Maple Brussels-gf/v

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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