These 35 best fall side dishes are packed with cozy seasonal flavors, including pumpkin, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, and warm autumn spices. Serve them with weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, Thanksgiving turkey, or any fall meal that needs a tasty side.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Halves
These halves come out with a beautifully caramelized outside and a soft, sweet inside — and they barely take any effort to pull together. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, crisping them up perfectly every time. Use them as a bowl for your favorite savory filling, or scoop out the flesh for soups, curries, and pasta sauces.
Air Fryer Zucchini Burgers
The real trick to getting these patties to hold together and crisp up is squeezing out every last bit of excess moisture from the shredded zucchini — don’t skip that step. Bold Southwestern spices give them serious flavor, and the air fryer delivers that satisfying crunch in about 20 minutes. Naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt for vegan or gluten-free diets.
Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash Hasselback with Bacon
Slicing the squash Hasselback-style lets hot air circulate right through every layer, which means perfectly tender flesh and crispy edges throughout. Crumbled bacon and brown sugar tucked into those slices create the ultimate sweet-and-salty combination. This one is guaranteed to be the most talked-about dish at your holiday table.
Air Fryer Frozen Butternut Squash
No thawing, no peeling, no wrestling a whole squash with a chef’s knife — just toss the frozen cubes straight into the air fryer. Cooking from frozen is actually the key to getting that tender, caramelized result in about 15 minutes. It’s the easiest weeknight side dish you’ll make all season.
Air Fryer Creamed Spinach
Of course I had to make creamed spinach in the air fryer — and it’s one of my favorite air fryer recipes to date. The air fryer elevates all those great, comforting flavors beautifully, and it comes together with almost no effort. I love serving this alongside air fryer pork chops, or doubling it as a warm, savory spinach dip.
air Fryer Spinach and Cheese Empanadas
Flaky, golden hand pies stuffed with buttery sautéed spinach, creamy ricotta, and sharp Parmesan — these empanadas are ready in just 30 minutes and the air fryer gets the crust crisper than the oven ever will. They’re vegetarian, totally impressive on a party tray, and just as good as a weeknight dinner with a simple salad.
Easy Lipton Onion Soup Spinach Dip
This is my go-to when I need a crowd-pleasing appetizer fast — just spinach, sour cream, mayo, and that classic Lipton Onion Soup mix for a flavor punch that never gets old. I always make it a day ahead so the flavors have time to really come together. It’s seriously addictive with pita chips or a crusty bread bowl.
Air Fryer Spinach & Prosciutto Frittata Egg Muffins
These are a flavorful, protein-packed way to start your day — savory prosciutto, fresh spinach, and creamy goat cheese all tucked into a perfect little egg muffin. They’re ideal for meal prep and the air fryer cooks them up beautifully in minutes. Grab-and-go breakfasts don’t get much better than this.
Air Fryer Outback Steakhouse Sweet Potato
I’ll be honest — I go to Outback for the Bloomin’ Onion, but this sweet potato is a very close second! Stuffed with honey butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, it’s that perfect sweet-and-savory combo that feels totally indulgent. The best part? You can make it right at home in your air fryer in no time.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Noodles
I made these for my son and me — we’re the only two sweet potato lovers in the house — and we both absolutely loved them! They’re vibrant, fun, and a great gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta. I’ve already added them to our regular rotation and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Air Fryer Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Want to seriously elevate your side dish game? These Hasselback sweet potatoes are the answer. Those beautiful slices fan out perfectly in the air fryer, getting crispy on the edges while staying tender all the way through. Top them with whipped maple butter and you’ve got something that looks and tastes totally gourmet.
Mexican Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Get ready to spice up your side dish game — these are so good alongside taco nights and burrito bowls! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with bold cumin and chili flavors, they bring a zesty kick that balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes beautifully. A total crowd-pleaser every single time.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Home Fries
Craving a crispy, golden side dish for breakfast? These home fries are it! They come out perfectly caramelized on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. I love serving them alongside eggs and bacon for a hearty morning meal the whole family enjoys.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tempura
This one is on my list to try — and honestly it looks so crispy and yummy I can barely stand it! The air fryer gives you all that light, airy crunch of classic tempura without the mess of deep frying. It’s the kind of snack that disappears the second you set it on the table.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Nachos
Love nachos? Got a sweet tooth? This recipe is going to be your new obsession. Sweet potato slices make the most incredible nacho base — slightly crispy, a little chewy, and packed with that sweet-savory balance everyone loves. They’re one of the best party snacks I’ve ever made, and they always disappear fast.
Air Fryer Canned Sweet Potatoes
These were so delicious and honestly so easy to make — a total win for busy weeknights! No peeling, no chopping, just open a can and let the air fryer do all the work. They come out golden and caramelized, and nobody has to know how little effort actually went into them.
roasted spinach casserole
Have you ever used your air fryer to cook canned spinach? If not, you are seriously missing out! Air frying it gives the spinach a deliciously crispy texture that completely transforms what you’d expect from a can. It’s one of my favorite pantry-staple hacks for getting a quick, tasty veggie side on the table fast.
7. Easy Creamed Spinach (Best Steakhouse Recipe)
Craving that classic steakhouse side without the reservation? This creamed spinach is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor — just like the one you’d find at your favorite upscale restaurant. It’s quick to make and absolutely sure to impress, making any home-cooked meal feel like a five-star experience.
Air Fryer Roasted Pumpkin
One humble sugar pumpkin, about 20 minutes, and you’ve got crispy-edged, caramelized cubes with a tender, sweet middle — no oven preheat and barely any cleanup. This is the very first thing I make every fall, and after making it more times than I can count, I’ve nailed down exactly how to get that golden, slightly crunchy exterior every single time.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Wedges
These are the cozy, crunchy fall snack you didn’t know you needed — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with warm savory flavor. Try them once as a side dish or an afternoon snack, and you’ll be hooked.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Mug Cake
This warm, spiced, single-serving dessert goes from pantry to spoon in about 12 minutes — no eggs, no butter, and not a single mixing bowl to wash. Everything goes straight into the mug, which makes it my go-to pick-me-up when I want something cozy without committing to a whole cake.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Granola
This is the recipe that genuinely convinced me the air fryer beats the oven for granola — it toasts in about 10 minutes instead of 25, and the basket’s circulating heat crisps the oats so evenly you won’t get a single soggy cluster. I sweeten mine with maple syrup, and I’ll be honest: most of it never makes it to a bowl.
Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast
Thick brioche soaked in a real pumpkin custard, air fried until the edges are crisp and caramelized while the middle stays soft and almost pudding-like — this is the fall breakfast worth setting an alarm for. Twenty minutes, one bowl, and no griddle to scrub.
Homemade Thin Mints
Homemade Thin Mints are amazing! If you have been looking for the perfect Copycat Thin Mint Recipe, this is the one! Make this as your next summer treat!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Thin Mints
Cheesy Ritz Pickle Bites
If you love the perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and tangy, these Cheesy Ritz Pickle Bites are a must-try! With crispy Ritz crackers, melty cheese, and a zesty pickle center, they make the ultimate bite-sized snack. Whether you need a quick appetizer or a fun party treat, these little bites pack big flavor in every crunchy, cheesy bite!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ritz Pickle Bites
Air Fryer Ranch Ritz Crackers
Dive into the world of effortless snacking with this Air Fryer Ranch Ritz Crackers recipe, a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their snack time with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
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Air Fryer Rolo Stuffed Ritz Crackers
Indulge in a delightful fusion of sweet and salty with these irresistible Air Fryer Rolo Stuffed Ritz Crackers!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Rolo Stuffed Ritz Crackers
Air Fryer Scallops With Ritz Crackers
These Air Fryer Scallops with Ritz Crackers are crispy, golden, and packed with buttery, savory flavor. Quick to prepare, they make a perfect appetizer or a delicious, easy seafood dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops With Ritz Crackers
Air Fryer Ritz Cracker Sandwiches
For a quick snack that’s both delicious and easy to make, try air fryer Ritz cracker sandwiches!
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Air Fryer Ritz Cracker Chicken
This Air Fryer Ritz Cracker Chicken is crispy, golden, and packed with buttery flavor thanks to the crushed Ritz cracker coating. Juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, it’s a quick and easy dinner the whole family will love!
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Best Ritz Dip #1
This Ninja Foodi Spicy Sausage Queso Dip is rich, creamy, and packed with savory sausage and melty cheese. Quick to make and full of flavor, it’s perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you crave a cheesy snack.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Sausage Queso Dip
Best Ritz Dip #2
This easy Slow Cooker Beer Cheese Dip is rich, creamy, and packed with bold cheesy flavor, all made hands-off in the crockpot. Perfect for game day or parties, it stays warm and dippable for hours with almost zero effort.
Get the Recipe: Ritz Dip
Slow Cooker Ritz Dip #3
This Easy Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe brings the heat and the creaminess without babysitting the stove. Toss everything in the crockpot, let it melt into cheesy magic, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “just one more bite.”
Recipe: Ritz Dip #3
4 Ingredient Potato Soup
Some nights you don’t want a recipe so much as a rescue — and this is the one I reach for when the fridge is nearly bare and everyone is hungry. Potatoes, milk, garlic salt, and green onions come together into a pot of creamy, spoon-coating comfort that practically makes itself. The russet potatoes do all the heavy lifting, thickening the soup on their own while you go do something else.
Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with cheesy garlicky flavor — these are the side dish I throw together when I want something impressive with almost zero effort. A handful of pantry staples and your air fryer are all you need, and they pair with pretty much everything. Fair warning: they disappear fast.
