Thanksgiving dinner always needs more oven space than you have. Your air fryer can take care of the sides while the turkey roasts. These 11 air fryer Thanksgiving sides include sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts with bacon, dinner rolls, butternut squash, hasselback potatoes, and more. Each recipe comes from a trusted food creator, so you can plan a stress free holiday menu.
Classic Holiday Sides
1. Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon
Photo credit: Air Fryer Fanatics
Air Fryer Fanatics roasts fresh green beans and baby yellow potatoes with garlic salt and bacon. It is a hearty side that covers two dishes in one. Everything cooks together in about 35 minutes.
Make it while the turkey rests. Toss with extra bacon bits before serving. It is a fresh swap for green bean casserole.
For recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon
2. Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potatoes
Photo credit: The Country Cook
At The Country Cook, whole sweet potatoes bake in the air fryer, then get topped with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. They taste like sweet potato casserole without the extra dish. Each one is soft and caramelized.
Bake them up to an hour ahead and keep them warm. Add mini marshmallows on top for the last two minutes. Kids love them.
For recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potatoes
3. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Photo credit: Air Frying Foodie
Air Frying Foodie roasts Brussels sprouts with chopped bacon and garlic powder. Bacon fat crisps the sprouts as they cook. It is a crowd favorite holiday side.
Halve the sprouts so they cook evenly. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving. Make a double batch for big families.
For recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
4. Leftover Stuffing Muffins
Photo credit: Recipe This
Recipe This turns leftover Thanksgiving stuffing into crispy muffins with eggs and milk. They puff up golden in the air fryer. It is a smart way to use leftovers the next day.
Bake them in silicone muffin cups. Serve with leftover gravy or cranberry sauce. They freeze well too.
For recipe: Leftover Stuffing Muffins
5. Greek Yogurt Dinner Rolls
Photo credit: Fit Foodie Finds
Fit Foodie Finds mixes flour, baking powder, Greek yogurt, and egg into soft dinner rolls with no yeast. They bake in the air fryer while the oven stays busy. Every roll is fluffy and golden.
Brush them with melted butter right after baking. Serve warm with honey butter. Make them a few hours ahead and reheat briefly.
For recipe: Greek Yogurt Dinner Rolls
Fall Vegetables
6. Herb Roasted Carrots and Potatoes
Photo credit: Recipe This
Recipe This roasts baby potatoes and baby carrots with olive oil, thyme, parsley, and dried herbs. They come out golden and tender. It is a classic holiday side with less effort.
Cut potatoes to match the size of the carrots. Toss with fresh herbs before serving. It pairs with turkey or ham.
For recipe: Herb Roasted Carrots and Potatoes
7. Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts
Photo credit: Mason Fit
Mason Fit roasts diced butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with pecans, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. It is sweet, savory, and crunchy. Fall flavors in every bite.
Buy pre diced squash to save time. Add a drizzle of maple syrup at the end. Toss with dried cranberries for color.
For recipe: Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts
8. Parmesan Acorn Squash
Photo credit: Fit Foodie Finds
Fit Foodie Finds roasts acorn squash slices with olive oil, maple syrup, and Parmesan. Edges caramelize while the inside turns tender. It looks beautiful on a holiday table.
Leave the skin on, it softens as it cooks. Slice the squash into even half moons. Sprinkle fresh thyme on top.
For recipe: Parmesan Acorn Squash
Crowd Pleasers
9. Bacon Wrapped Corn on the Cob
Photo credit: Air Fryer Fanatics
Air Fryer Fanatics wraps ears of corn in bacon and air fries them until crispy. Smoky bacon and sweet corn are a winning combo. It is a fun twist on a classic side.
Cut ears in half for smaller servings. Secure the bacon with toothpicks. Brush with butter before serving.
For recipe: Bacon Wrapped Corn on the Cob
10. Cauliflower Steaks
Photo credit: Air Frying Foodie
Air Frying Foodie slices cauliflower into thick steaks and seasons them with smoked paprika and garlic. They roast golden in about 15 minutes. It is a great option for vegetarian guests.
Cut from the center of the head for the thickest steaks. Drizzle with herb sauce before serving. Use leftover florets for soup.
For recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
11. Bacon and Cheese Hasselback Potatoes
Photo credit: Air Fryer Eats
Air Fryer Eats fills thinly sliced russet potatoes with cheddar, bacon, and garlic. Edges turn crispy while the centers stay fluffy. They look impressive on any holiday table.
Use chopsticks on both sides so you do not slice all the way through. Top with sour cream and chives. Start them before the turkey comes out.
For recipe: Bacon and Cheese Hasselback Potatoes
Thanksgiving Air Fryer Game Plan
- Make rolls and stuffing muffins in the morning.
- Roast vegetables while the turkey cooks.
- Cook potatoes and Brussels sprouts while the turkey rests.
- Reheat anything that cooled off for two to three minutes right before serving.
Wrapping Up
Your air fryer can be the secret helper that makes Thanksgiving dinner easier. Use it for two or three sides and your oven stays free for the turkey. Every dish gets to the table hot and crispy. For more side ideas, check out our 15 Air Fryer Vegetable Sides and save this post to your Pinterest board.
Which Thanksgiving side will you make in your air fryer? Tell us in the comments below, and share your favorite holiday tip. Happy cooking!