17 effortless summer sides to add color and taste to summer meals

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If the thought of another bland, boring summer meal has you running for the takeout menu, don’t sweat it! With these 17 effortless summer sides you can add a burst of color and a ton of taste to your meals.

Air fryer yellow squash on a fork with more squash pieces in the background on a plate.
Air Fryer Yellow Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Corn on the Cob

corn on the cob in a green corn dish in front of an air fryer.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

There’s something extra special about corn on the cob cooked in the air fryer. It comes out perfectly cooked and slightly charred, making it a speedy and delicious side dish.
Get the Recipe: Corn on the Cob

Broccoli

closeup of air fryer broccoli topped with sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get ready to turn a simple veggie into a crispy delight with air fryer broccoli. Tossed with your favorite spices and cooked until just crisp, this is a side dish that’s ready faster than you can set the table!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli

Spaghetti Squash

Top view of cooked spaghetti squash with some on a fork.
Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Spaghetti squash cooks up quickly and easily in the air fryer. With a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, it transforms into a flavorful, speedy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash

Green Beans

closeup of air fryer green beans on a plate with a blue rim.
Air Fryer Green Beans. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With a quick toss in the air fryer, green beans transform into a wonderfully tender-crisp side dish. Season them up however you like, and in no time, you’ll have a simple, nutritious accompaniment to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans

Sweet Potatoes

baked sweet potato with butter with a bowl of cinnamon sugar and a plate of butter in the background.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sweet potatoes shine in the air fryer, cooking up quickly and coming out beautifully caramelized. It’s an easy, tasty side dish that pairs perfectly with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes

Red Potatoes

Air Fryer Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Red potatoes become crispy and delicious when cooked in the air fryer. They’re a quick and easy side dish that’s sure to be a hit at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Red Potatoes

Glazed Carrots

multicolored carrots with a honey glaze one a plate with a green napkin at the side.
Glazed Air Fryer Carrots. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn basic carrots into a decadent side dish with the help of your air fryer. The quick-cooking method brings out their natural sweetness, and a simple glaze takes them to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Carrots

Snap Peas

Holding an air fryer snap pea on a fork, after cooking and coating with sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Snap Peas (or Snow Peas). Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Snap peas in the air fryer are a game-changer. They come out tender-crisp, with a beautiful roasted flavor that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Snap Peas

Acorn Squash

Acorn squash after air frying with some of the insides scooped up on a fork.
Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Acorn squash is a breeze to prepare in the air fryer. Its natural sweetness comes out perfectly when roasted quickly in the air fryer, making it a great side dish that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Acorn Squash

Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet potato wedges coated in everything bagel seasoning on brown paper.
Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sweet potato wedges are a cinch to make in the air fryer. They come out crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them a fast and tasty side dish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Yellow Squash

Air fryer yellow squash on a fork with more squash pieces in the background on a plate.
Air Fryer Yellow Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Yellow squash becomes tender and slightly caramelized when cooked in the air fryer. It’s a simple, speedy side dish that pairs perfectly with a wide range of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash

Baby Potatoes

Top view of a plate of yellow and purple baby potatoes with salt.
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Baby potatoes turn out delightfully crispy and flavorful when cooked in the air fryer. Ready in a flash, they’re a go-to side dish for any busy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baby Potatoes

Eggplant

Eggplant on a white plate after air frying.
Eggplant. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Eggplant becomes beautifully tender and slightly crispy when cooked in the air fryer. This quick and simple side dish adds a touch of elegance to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant

Asparagus

roasted asparagus topped with parmesan with a lemon wedge in the background.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Asparagus in the air fryer is an absolute game-changer. It comes out perfectly tender-crisp with a wonderful roasted flavor – all in a matter of minutes.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus

Baked Potato

Closeup of an air fryer baked potato topped with butter that is melting.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Yes, you can make a perfect baked potato in the air fryer! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and ready faster than your oven can preheat. This easy side dish is ideal for busy weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Roasted Tomatoes

plate of air fryer tomatoes topped with basil.
Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The air fryer works its magic on tomatoes, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a lovely roasted flavor. This quick and easy side dish is a fantastic addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatoes

Smash Potatoes

smashed baby potatoes on a plate and topped with salt and pepper.
Air Fryer Smash Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Smash potatoes in the air fryer? Absolutely! These babies come out crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and are ready in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Smash Potatoes

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