The turkey gets the spotlight, but the side dishes are what fill the plates. These 25 easy Thanksgiving side dishes cover every classic: stuffing, potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, Brussels sprouts, mac and cheese, and warm dinner rolls. Many are made in the air fryer or Instant Pot, so your oven stays free for the bird and you’re not stuck juggling pans all afternoon.
Stuffing & Dressing
1. Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
Sweet cornbread and savory sausage team up with herbs and vegetables in a stuffing that crisps on top and stays tender inside. It’s a flavorful twist on the classic that cooks faster than in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
2. Air Fryer Stuffing
A classic bread stuffing made in the air fryer, with golden, crunchy edges and a soft, savory middle. You can mix it ahead and cook it right before dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffing
3. How to Make Stovetop Stuffing in Your Air Fryer
Give boxed stuffing a buttery, crispy upgrade in just a few minutes. It’s the easiest shortcut side for a busy holiday kitchen.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Stovetop Stuffing in Your Air Fryer
4. Air Fryer Southern Dressing
Leeks, celery, garlic, and thyme flavor this Southern-style dressing, which works with either cornbread or sourdough. It can also be shaped into stuffing balls for easy serving.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Dressing
5. Ina Garten’s Cornbread Stuffing
Tender cornbread and savory herbs make this Barefoot Contessa–inspired stuffing a comforting holiday essential. Bake it in its own dish for a crisp top and bottom.
Get the Recipe: Ina Garten’s Cornbread Stuffing
Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes
6. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are ready in under 20 minutes with almost no babysitting. It’s the easiest way to make a Thanksgiving must-have.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
7. Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes
Two sides in one basket: crisp green beans and golden potatoes seasoned and roasted together. It’s hearty, simple, and ideal when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Beans and Potatoes
8. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
Silky mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and brown sugar get finished with pecans, marshmallows, or both. Making it in the air fryer frees up precious oven space.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
9. Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole (Copycat)
This restaurant-inspired casserole pairs cinnamon-kissed sweet potatoes with a buttery brown sugar and pecan streusel. Bake it in ramekins for cute individual servings.
Get the Recipe: Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole
10. Easy Sweet Potato Casserole With Canned Yams
Canned yams make this holiday favorite fast and fuss-free, finished with pecans and toasty marshmallows. It’s also make-ahead friendly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Casserole With Canned Yams
Mac and Cheese
11. Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
Rich, creamy, and extra cheesy, this copycat bakes right in the air fryer. It’s a guaranteed hit with the kids’ table and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
12. Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Muffins
Mac and cheese baked into single-serve muffins with crisp edges and gooey centers. They’re easy to grab from a buffet line.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese Muffins
Green Beans
13. Air Fryer Green Beans Almondine
Crisp-tender green beans topped with toasted almonds and a hint of lemon make an elegant, light side. It balances out the heavier dishes beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Beans Almondine
14. Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans
Straight from the freezer to the table, these buttery, herby green beans get a crunchy almond finish. No blanching needed.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans
15. Air Fryer Canned Green Beans
Transform a pantry staple into a crispy, well-seasoned side in minutes. Add garlic, Parmesan, or bacon bits to dress them up for the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Canned Green Beans
Brussels Sprouts & Carrots
16. Air Fryer Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts
Crispy roasted sprouts get tossed in rich garlic butter and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan. Even Brussels sprouts skeptics go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts
17. Copycat Ruth’s Chris Brussels Sprouts
Bring a steakhouse favorite home with caramelized, golden sprouts that are crisp outside and tender inside. You can prep them ahead and air fry just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth’s Chris Brussels Sprouts
18. Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Brussels Sprouts
Bright lemon and cracked pepper make these crispy sprouts a fresh, zesty side. They’re ready in under 20 minutes and fit keto and Whole30 guests.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Brussels Sprouts
19. Air Fryer Shredded Brussels Sprouts
Bagged shredded sprouts crisp up in about 10 minutes with almost no prep. Finish with Parmesan and a drizzle of balsamic or maple syrup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shredded Brussels Sprouts
20. Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots roast up with caramelized edges and a tender center. Try a maple-cinnamon version for an extra-festive touch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Breads & Rolls
21. Air Fryer Cornbread
Golden cornbread is a Thanksgiving staple on its own, and leftovers are perfect for making stuffing. It pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread
22. Air Fryer Soft Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy, buttery homemade rolls bake up golden in the air fryer. They’re just right for soaking up gravy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Soft Dinner Rolls
23. Bob Evans Dinner Rolls
Frozen rolls get brushed with herb butter and warmed in minutes for a bakery-style basket. It’s a stress-free shortcut for a big crowd.
Get the Recipe: Bob Evans Dinner Rolls
24. Air Fryer Yeast Rolls
Homemade yeast rolls with a soft crumb, a golden crust, and melty cheese tucked inside. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Yeast Rolls
25. Air Fryer Garlic Crescent Rolls
Flaky crescent dough brushed with garlic butter and Italian herbs bakes up golden in minutes. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser for every age.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Crescent Rolls
Tips for Stress-Free Thanksgiving Sides
Use every appliance. Put the turkey in the oven, and use your air fryer and Instant Pot for sides so everything finishes hot at the same time.
Prep the day before. Sweet potato casseroles, stuffing mixtures, and trimmed Brussels sprouts can all be prepped ahead and cooked just before dinner.
Balance rich and fresh. Pair creamy dishes like mac and cheese and mashed potatoes with lighter sides like green beans almondine or lemon pepper Brussels sprouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many side dishes should I make for Thanksgiving?
Most hosts plan four to six sides for 8–10 guests: a stuffing, a potato dish, a sweet potato dish, one or two vegetables, and rolls.
What Thanksgiving sides can I make ahead?
Sweet potato casserole, stuffing, and mac and cheese can be assembled a day early and refrigerated, then baked or air fried before serving.
Can I make Thanksgiving sides in the air fryer?
Yes. Stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and dinner rolls all cook well in the air fryer, which frees up oven space.
Final Thoughts
A great holiday meal is all about the sides, and these easy Thanksgiving side dishes make it simple to fill the table without losing your mind in the kitchen. Mix and match classic stuffing, creamy sweet potatoes, crispy vegetables, and warm rolls to build the perfect menu. Pin this list and come back to it every November!
