I Didn’t Expect To Use The Air Fryer This Much— 23 Sides Changed Everything

The air fryer wasn’t supposed to take over, but here we are, using it more than anything else. It started with a few favorites, then 23 sides later, it became the default for getting food on the table. These are the kinds of wins that don’t require much thinking, just a press of a button. It works, so nobody’s arguing.

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy, garnished with herbs and black pepper, on a wooden board.
Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked casserole dish filled with cheesy potatoes and crispy bacon, garnished with chopped green onions, with a portion missing from the dish.
Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Turning potatoes into something crispy yet packed with flavor was a surprise hit. Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes are soft on the inside with a slightly textured outer layer that works well with nearly anything. It’s the kind of dish you can serve as a side or snack without extra effort. Perfect for adding something hearty without relying on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole

Baked dish with layered pasta, mushrooms, asparagus, and nuts in a creamy sauce, topped with a golden-brown crust, in a rectangular white baking dish.
Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crisp ravioli layered together gave me options I didn’t expect. Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole combines texture and warmth in a way that feels complete yet simple. It’s perfect when you’re looking for something filling to pair with lighter meals. A quick option that works well for sharing or just keeping all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ravioli Casserole

Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake

Close-up of golden-brown crab cakes stacked on a plate, garnished with chopped herbs and set on a white paper.
Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crab cakes got an upgrade with more crunch than expected. Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake produces a slightly crispy outer layer while staying tender inside. It’s perfect for pairing with simple salads or just enjoying as-is. A smart way to bring something fancy without unnecessary steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Two stuffed peppers in a bowl with melted cheese on top.
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Peppers filled with hearty ingredients felt more enjoyable with less work. Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers cook evenly while maintaining a bit of bite and bold flavor. They’re a reliable choice for pairing with basic mains or serving on their own for smaller eats. A solid pick when versatility matters most.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Homemade Fries

A serving of golden-brown french fries with a side of ketchup.
Air Fryer Homemade Fries. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sticking to basics hit differently when fries turned super crispy. Air Fryer Homemade Fries give that perfect crunch without needing a deep fryer. They pair well with just about anything or work as a quick snack. Easy to make and great to keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Homemade Fries

Air Fryer Asparagus

Air fried asparagus with garlic and parmesan on a white plate.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Asparagus turned crisp without losing its freshness and became a simple favorite. Air Fryer Asparagus is a light side but still gives enough balance to complete any meal. It’s easy to adjust for larger portions without adding extra steps. Perfect when green sides need a little upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast potatoes in a serving bowl, with serving spoons and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Breakfast felt easier when I threw potatoes into the air fryer. Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes come out golden and soft inside but crisp outside. They’re excellent for larger servings or just as a quiet start to the day. A dependable side that’s always worth the effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

A white dish with green bean casserole in it.
Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Green beans in casserole form tasted better with added crunch from the fryer. Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole creates a balanced side that can be light or hearty depending on the main dish. It’s quick to manage and pairs well with almost anything. Great for making greens feel less routine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Fingerling potatoes in a serving bowl.
Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smaller potatoes turned crisp made for a versatile addition to meals. Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes cook evenly while keeping their soft centers intact. They’re simple to pair with anything or enjoy alone if you’re looking for something snack-sized. A side that’s both quick and comforting for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Turning greens into a casserole felt less messy thanks to the fryer. Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole combines creamy layers with tender bites of veggie for something complete yet shareable. It’s a smart option for potlucks or casual dinners with less cleanup. A solid dish that feels hearty without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus Casserole

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cut-up pieces make every bite feel fresh while adding texture. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes stay soft with crisp edges, ideal for balanced plates. Easy to manage in large batches or set aside for snacks. A great addition to any mealtime rotation.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

A close-up image of three seasoned and grilled ears of corn arranged on a plate.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Corn tasted better with a slight crispiness added in. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob keeps the sweet flavor intact while enhancing it with char-like edges. It’s simple but pairs well with large and small meals alike. A dependable side that’s quick to make and impresses with subtle changes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air Fryer Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Air Fryer Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cooking a baked potato in less time felt way more convenient. Air Fryer Baked Potato delivers softness inside while the outer gets crisp and golden. It’s easy to add toppings or just leave it plain depending on what’s needed. Perfect for busy nights when you want less fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potato

Air Fryer Broccoli

A bowl of air fried broccoli garnished with grated cheese and lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Broccoli. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli transformed into something more enjoyable with crisp edges. Air Fryer Broccoli stays soft in the middle but gains texture that pairs well with mains or acts as a light snack. It’s easy to make while still feeling different from steaming or roasting. An effortless green option worth rotating into meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Three baked sweet potatoes with butter and chives on.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Whole sweet potatoes came out softer and richer than expected. Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are perfect for pairing with spreads and sides or just cutting up and enjoying plain. They’re filling enough to act as a standalone snack too. A smart pick for replacing carb-heavy sides.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Egg Casserole

A white casserole dish with an egg casserole in it.
Air Fryer Egg Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baking eggs felt quicker with fewer steps involved. Air Fryer Egg Casserole layers simple ingredients into a shareable dish for breakfast or brunch. It’s filling but still manageable for mornings with limited prep time. A simple yet solid choice for getting out of traditional routines.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Egg Casserole

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet potato wedges in a bowl.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sliced sweet potatoes turned golden and crispy felt like a snack upgrade. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges combine soft centers with textured sides making them shareable yet rich. They’re easy to fit into plates or serve alongside dips for variety. Perfect for those moments where snack plates need a little boost.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Close-up view of cooked bacon strips and fried eggs on a white plate, garnished with parsley.
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bacon gets crunchier and cleaner when cooked this way. Crispy Air Fryer Bacon manages to keep all the flavor while reducing grease and mess. It’s a fast way to make larger servings without waiting by the stove. Great for mornings with hungry guests or adding bacon to sides.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Roasted Baby Potatoes ready to eat.
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smaller potatoes turned crispy but still fluffy inside made a surprise hit. Air Fryer Baby Potatoes cook evenly and are easy to share across bigger gatherings. It’s a side dish that doesn’t overshadow anything but works in the background. A simple staple to pull out whenever needed.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Carrots turned sweet and slightly crisp felt fresher than usual. Air Fryer Glazed Carrots combine soft insides with a balanced outer finish making them versatile across meals. They’re quick and go well with heavier dishes as a lighter contrast. A side worth considering more often.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole

A white dish with a sweet potato casserole on top of a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Casserole doesn’t need the oven for big results. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole balances creamy and soft layers making it an excellent side for a complete meal. It’s easy to portion and quick to assemble for larger servings. Great for family dinners with varied palates.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole

Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms

Close-up of golden-brown air fryer mushrooms garnished with chopped parsley. The mushrooms appear perfectly cooked to a tender texture.
Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A slight crisp added to mushrooms takes them up a level. Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms are tender and bold enough to pair with bigger mains or act as a standalone plate. They’re perfect for dinners where meat-heavy sides need something fresh next to them. Easy to snack on or share once ready.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms

Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy, garnished with herbs and black pepper, on a wooden board.
Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Even mashed potatoes benefit from pulling in air fryer elements. Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes add flavor depth while staying creamy and rich in texture. They’re simple to whip up in larger batches without needing much extra. A reliable pick that never feels out of place on dinner tables.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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