10 Air Fryer Sides That Pair Perfectly With Chicken
Chicken comes in a variety of flavors, including mild, spicy, saucy, crispy, roasted, and juicy. Instead of competing, a good side should enhance. Air fryers offer you a shortcut—crispy edges, less oil, and occasionally less mess than oven roasting or deep frying. Ten tasty, simple sides that go well with practically any type of chicken are included in this article. You’ll have sides that add crunch, color, and nutritional balance whether your chicken is spiced, barbecued, sauced, or herb-roasted. These sides are safe for home kitchens and use ingredients that are widely available (globally). Let’s add a sense of completion to chicken dinners!
1. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Fries
These fries are thin strips of potato that have been tossed with seasonings, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a small amount of olive oil. They crisp up nicely in the air fryer, turning golden on the outside and soft on the inside. They give chicken, especially grilled or roasted, a savory, cheesy crunch that goes well with it. You can add herbs like oregano or rosemary, or use more or less Parmesan, to change how cheesy or garlicky they get. They pair particularly well with buffalo, BBQ, or even lemon pepper chicken. They can be served as a star side without a dipping sauce because of their powerful flavor. However, simple ketchup or sauces like aioli also go well with it.
2. Sweet Potato Wedges
The earthy, sweet potato wedges counterbalance the savory flavors of the chicken. Slice sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with salt, pepper, olive oil, paprika, and possibly a pinch of cinnamon, and then air fry until the insides are tender and the edges are crispy. They are especially good with smoky or spicy chicken (think jerk, barbecue, or chipotle). The tender meat goes well with a crunchy or sauced chicken, and the subtle sweetness tempers the heat. Sweet potatoes are a tasty and nourishing side dish because they are high in beta carotene and fiber.
3. Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
When broccoli florets are roasted in an air fryer after being mixed with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan, the tips become crispy and the stems become tender. Garlic adds punch, and cheese adds richness. It’s a lighter side that adds greens, crunch, and flavour. Broccoli’s crisp, slightly bitter green contrasts well with heavy (such as fried chicken) or heavily sauced chicken. Additionally, it gives the plate some color and vitamins (C and K). Before oiling, make sure the florets are dry to prevent sogginess; shake the basket halfway through cooking.
4. Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Glaze
Slice the Brussels sprouts (or cut them in half if they are large), toss them with a little oil, and then air fry them to crisp the outside and soften the inside. To add a sweet, tart twist, drizzle with balsamic vinegar or a balsamic reduction after cooking. Roast chicken, lemony or herb-based chicken, or even skin-on chicken thighs, benefit from this side’s nice texture and flavor contrast. Balsamic’s acidity and the mild bitterness of the sprouts go well with poultry. Brussels sprouts are also a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
5. Zucchini Fries or Chips
Zucchini is a great vegetable side because it has mild flavour and pairs well with a variety of chicken styles. Cut into thin rounds for chips or strips for fries, sprinkle with bread crumbs or just oil and seasoning, and air fry until the inside is tender and the outside is crisp. Chicken tenders or breaded chicken pair well with zucchini fries. Additionally, when you want vegetables that don’t overpower your chicken, they pair well with lighter chicken dishes like lemon chicken or herb chicken. For added flavor, you can serve it with a dip (yoghurt, garlic sauce, tzatziki, etc.).
6. Cauliflower “Wings”
By coating (with batter or spice mix) and air-frying until crispy, cauliflower florets were transformed into “wings.” After cooking, you can toss in a sauce, such as barbecue sauce, garlic parmesan, or buffalo sauce. You get a satisfying texture and a vegetarian crunch that goes surprisingly well with chicken. Cauliflower wings mimic the flavor of bold sauces found on chicken wings or breasts, but they lighten the dish. They offer a range of textures and enable a vegetarian portion of the meal without sacrificing flavor.
7. Baby or New Potatoes with Herbs
Half or quarter small potatoes (new or baby), add oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme or parsley, salt, and pepper, and air fry until the outside is crispy and the inside is fluffy. The potatoes provide comfort and starch, while the herbs add scent. These go well with grilled or roasted chicken. They absorb the chicken’s juices and complement sauces and gravies nicely. Scaling up or down is also simple. Cut the pieces to a similar size and don’t pack the basket too full to guarantee even cooking.
8. Corn on the Cob
In an air fryer, corn on the cob is fantastic. You can air fry it until it’s lightly charred or browned after brushing it with butter or oil and adding salt and herbs. Savory or spicy chicken goes nicely with sweet, juicy kernels. Corn adds moisture, sweetness, and texture to chicken tacos, barbecue chicken, and even Asian-style chicken. Corn also adds a bright yellow color to the plate and gives it a crunchy pop when you bite into it.
9. Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Tossed with a little butter (or butter substitute), garlic, salt, pepper, and possibly some parsley or thyme, the mushrooms are air-fried until they are browned, juicy, and flavorful. The scent of butter garlic enhances the mushrooms. This side is particularly good with plain chicken (roasted, baked with herbs, or grilled). Without being heavy, it adds depth, umami, and a hint of richness. Moreover, mushrooms complement lighter or white meats visually (color contrast) and provide essential nutrients (protein, minerals like potassium and selenium).
10. Air‑Fried Vegetable Medley
A mixture of vegetables, including bell peppers, onions, carrots, zucchini, and possibly some mushrooms, are combined with oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. The vegetables are then air-fried until the edges are crisp or charred and the insides remain tender. An alternative is to squeeze in some lemon or add a little smoked paprika. This healthy and adaptable side dish goes well with any type of chicken. This medley cools down spicy or saucy chicken and adds flavor and color to simple or herbaceous chicken. Variety offers nutritional benefits: a variety of vegetables provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
