18 Easy Air Fryer Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Last Updated on October 15, 2026 by Betty Davies

Free up valuable oven space this holiday with these easy air fryer Thanksgiving side dishes! From crispy potatoes and creamy mash to seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots and squash, there are plenty of delicious sides to complete your Thanksgiving dinner.

Using the air fryer makes it easy to cook smaller batches while the turkey takes over the oven, and many of these recipes are quick to prep and cook. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning a smaller Thanksgiving meal, these easy sides will help make holiday cooking a little less stressful.

Air Fryer Potato Side Dishes

From creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy gratin to crispy roasted potatoes, these easy air fryer potato sides are perfect for Thanksgiving. With no oven required, they’re an easy way to make everyone’s favorite holiday side while saving valuable oven space.

Air Fryer Potato Gratin

Cheesy and indulgent, this air fryer potato gratin is much quicker than oven baking and can be made in advance. Perfect for saving valuable oven space on Thanksgiving.

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Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes

Wonderfully fluffy and made with cream and butter, these rich mashed potatoes are an easy way to make a Thanksgiving classic without taking up stovetop space.

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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Potatoes

Tender baby potatoes wrapped in crispy bacon make an irresistible holiday side. Easy to prep and packed with flavor, they're perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

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Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes

Perfectly crispy and tender, these buttery baby potatoes are quicker than oven roasting and make a simple, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side.

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Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, these Hasselback potatoes look impressive on the holiday table but are quick and easy to prep.

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Air Fryer Potatoes and Onions

Baby potatoes and sliced onions cook together for an easy, flavorful side with crispy edges and tender centers. Perfect served alongside turkey and gravy.

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Air Fryer Vegetable Side Dishes

Add some color to your Thanksgiving table with these easy air fryer vegetable sides. From seasonal squash and Brussels sprouts to carrots, cabbage and green beans, there’s something here to complement every holiday meal.

Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables

Tender with crispy edges, this colorful mix of roasted vegetables is quick and easy to make in the air fryer. A simple way to serve several seasonal veggies with Thanksgiving dinner.

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Air Fryer Mashed Sweet Potato

Naturally sweet with a hint of garlic, this fluffy mashed sweet potato is easy to make in the air fryer and frees up valuable stovetop space for Thanksgiving.

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Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash

Maple syrup and sage give these tender roasted butternut squash cubes a delicious sweet and savory flavor that's perfect for the holiday table.

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Air Fryer Baby Carrots

Quick and easy to make, these seasoned baby carrots are tender with lightly caramelized edges. A colorful and fuss-free addition to Thanksgiving dinner.

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Air Fryer Roasted Parsnips

Simply seasoned and quick to cook, these air fryer parsnips have tender centers and beautifully roasted edges. A classic fall vegetable that's perfect alongside turkey.

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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts wrapped in crispy bacon make a fun and flavorful holiday side. Quick to cook in the air fryer, they're perfect for Thanksgiving entertaining.

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Air Fryer Spouts and Bacon with Maple Syrup

Brussels sprouts and bacon are tossed in a sweet maple glaze for an irresistible sweet and savory side that's made for the Thanksgiving table.

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Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Cooked straight from frozen, these seasoned green beans are ready in minutes. A handy last-minute Thanksgiving side when time and oven space are running short.

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Air Fryer Cabbage with Onions and Apples

Tender cabbage is cooked with onion and apple for a simple sweet and savory side. Easy to prepare and full of flavors that pair beautifully with a holiday roast.

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Air Fryer Red Cabbage

Seasoned with balsamic, this colorful red cabbage is simple to make and full of flavor. A quick seasonal side that brings something different to your Thanksgiving spread.

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Air Fryer Pumpkin Recipe

Sweet, salty and tender with caramelized edges, this air fryer pumpkin is quick to prepare and packed with fall flavor.

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Air Fryer Rutabaga Recipe

Tender on the inside with golden roasted edges, air fryer rutabaga is a simple seasonal vegetable side that pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy.

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Tips for Making Thanksgiving Sides in the Air Fryer

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave some space around the food so the hot air can circulate and everything cooks evenly. If you’re feeding a crowd, it’s better to cook in batches.
• Plan your timings. Air fryer sides tend to cook quickly, so work backwards from when you want to serve dinner and cook longer recipes first.
• Keep cooked sides warm. If you’re making several batches, transfer cooked sides to a covered dish and keep them warm until you’re ready to serve.
• Remember that air fryers vary. Cooking times can differ depending on the make, model and size of your air fryer, so check your food a little earlier the first time you make a recipe.
• Make the most of that free oven space! Use the air fryer for potatoes and vegetables while your turkey and other dishes are in the oven. It’s an easy way to make Thanksgiving cooking much more manageable.