Air-fryer vegetables like Buffalo cauliflower bites, zucchini fries and potato wedges give you crispy, crunchy sides without deep-frying or oven-roasting.
25 Air-Fryer Vegetables for Sides and Snacks
Air-Fryer Asparagus
This air-fryer asparagus recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing that the spears are tossed in before roasting. It’s a simple, quick side that goes with almost anything. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, PennsylvaniaAir-Fryer Broccoli
I think broccoli was made to be cooked in an air fryer. It gets tender and still has a nice crunch. And it only gets better with a touch of lemon! —Liz Bellville, Tonasket, WashingtonAir-Fryer Herb and Lemon Cauliflower
A standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. —Susan Hein, Burlington, WisconsinBuffalo Bites
Low-carb cauliflower Buffalo bites cook up fast in the air fryer, making them an easy snack or side dish. I serve them with a flavorful dip made with cottage cheese that’s packed with protein compared to most dips. My teenagers happily eat their veggies with this recipe. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, MarylandAir-Fryer Eggplant Fries
My kids love these air-fryer fries, and I like that they’re healthy. Coated with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese and garlic salt, these eggplant fries are delicious and guilt-free. —Mary Murphy, Atwater, CaliforniaAir-Fryer Zucchini Fries
Instead of french fries with my burgers and sandwiches, I love to serve these air-fryer zucchini fries. They’re crispy, delicious and a wonderful way to use up the zucchini from my garden. —Matthew Hass, Ellison Bay, WisconsinAir-Fryer Mushroom Roll-Ups
This party appetizer was inspired by a dish I saw on an episode of Top Chef. I simplified the snacks a little and tweaked the flavors a bit. These mushroom roll-ups can be made ahead and reheated in a 250° oven for 10 minutes. —Lillian Julow, Lawrenceville, GeorgiaAir-Fryer Roasted Green Beans
Our family loves roasted green beans, but they can take a long time in the oven. I tried these air-fryer green beans and we loved them! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, KansasAir-Fryer Garlic-Rosemary Brussels Sprouts
This air-fryer Brussels sprouts recipe is my go-to Thanksgiving side dish. It’s healthy and easy, and it doesn’t take very much time or effort to make. I usually use rosemary for my turkey, so this lets me use up some of the leftover herbs! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, UtahAir-Fryer Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These stuffed sweet potatoes are the perfect holiday side dish. Try preparing them ahead of time in the morning and then bake just before serving. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, TexasGarlic-Herb Fried Patty Pan Squash
The first time I grew a garden, I harvested summer squash and cooked it with garlic and herbs. This fried patty pan squash recipe is a creative twist. —Kaycee Mason, Siloam Springs, ArkansasAir-Fryer Beets with Orange Gremolata and Goat Cheese
My grandma always grew beets and then pickled or canned them, but I prefer to prepare them differently. These roasted beets with fresh herbs and tangy goat cheese are wonderful in the winter or they can be enjoyed all year. —Courtney Archibeque, Greeley, ColoradoAir-Fryer Zucchini
Zucchini is quartered into half-moon shapes before being lightly covered in olive oil and Italian seasoning, then placed in the air-fryer for a crispy result. Serve them as a vegetable side to your main dish, or make it the star of the show by making miniature stuffed zucchini boats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WisconsinAir-Fryer Fried Avocado Tacos
Tacos just got even more exciting! These juicy, flavorful, easy and healthy tacos are for those who are huge fans of avocado. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, MarylandAir-Fryer Portobello Melts
We’re always looking for satisfying vegetarian meals, and this air-fryer sandwich recipe tops the list. These melts are especially delicious in the summer when we have tons of homegrown tomatoes. —Amy Smalley, Morehead, KentuckyAir-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
I can never get enough of these air-fryer sweet potato fries! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and chop them up fresh! —Amber Massey, Argyle, TexasAir-Fried Radishes
Radishes aren’t just for salads anymore. These fried radishes make a colorful side for any meal. Plus, they’re quick to make in your air fryer. —Taste of Home Test KitchenAir-Fryer Acorn Squash Slices
This air-fryer acorn squash recipe was passed down to me from my grandma, who always served it at Thanksgiving. Now I make it in my air fryer whenever I’m feeling nostalgic. —Rita Addicks, Weimar, TexasBacon-Wrapped Avocado Wedges
We all know almost everything is improved with bacon—and avocado is no exception. Since it’s made in an air fryer, this appetizer is one to remember. It will definitely impress your friends! —James Schend, former Taste of Home culinary deputy editorAir-Fryer Red Potatoes
I like to make air-fryer vegetables as a side dish. Some fragrant rosemary, fresh or dried, gives these air-fryer red potatoes a distinctive but subtle taste. They’re a wonderful addition to any menu. —Margie Wampler, Butler, PennsylvaniaAir-Fryer Pumpkin Fries
Move over french fries—these homemade pumpkin fries are divine! Not only are they healthier than traditional fries, but they are simple to make and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. The maple-chipotle dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, MarylandAir-Fryer Chickpea Fritters with Sweet-Spicy Sauce
Chickpeas are a common ingredient in many dishes in Pakistan where I grew up. I incorporate the tastes of my home country when cooking for my American-born daughters. I have combined the light spice of Pakistani foods with the love of deep-fried finger foods that many Americans, including my daughters, enjoy. To eat, dip the warm, air-fryer fritters in the chilled yogurt. Enjoy as a snack, appetizer or as part of a meal. —Shahrin Hasan, York, PennsylvaniaAir Fryer Pepper Poppers
These creamy stuffed jalapenos have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. —Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New YorkAir Fryer Pickles
It’s a stretch to say this is a recipe for air-fryer vegetables, but it’s close enough! Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Nick Iverson, Denver, ColoradoBreaded Air-Fryer Summer Squash
Air-fryer summer squash is beautifully crispy. You don’t have to turn the fried pieces, but do keep an eye on them. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, TexasAir-Fryer Vegetables FAQ
What vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer?
This list proves that pretty much any vegetable can be cooked in an air fryer. The one exception: leafy greens. The light leaves won’t weigh themselves down when the hot air begins to circulate, so saute them on the stovetop.
When cooking vegetables that aren’t on this list, use our air-fryer cook times to determine how long the food needs to fry.
Is air-frying vegetables healthy?
Yes. You don’t use nearly as much oil when air-frying as you would when deep-frying. Because of this, air-fried vegetables are more on par with sauteed or roasted vegetables. Choose heart-healthy oils like olive oil or avocado oil when coating your air-fryer vegetables.