If you're looking to elevate your vegetable side dishes, the air fryer is your new best friend. Here are 14 must-try vegetable accompaniments that not only enhance flavours but also add a delightful crunch to your meals.

1. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Halved and tossed in olive oil with a sprinkle of sea salt, these sprouts turn out beautifully caramelised with a satisfying crunch.

2. Spicy Roasted Cauliflower: Coated in a blend of spices, this cauliflower florets dish offers a smoky, spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with any main course.

3. Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Simply seasoned with garlic and parmesan, these spears retain their vibrancy while gaining a deliciously cheesy layer.

4. Herbed Sweet Potato Wedges: Cut into wedges and seasoned with a mix of herbs, these sweet potatoes are a healthy yet indulgent side.

5. Air-Fried Ratatouille: This classic French dish can be reimagined in an air fryer, where the vegetables become tender and full of flavour.

6. Zucchini Fries: Breaded and air-fried, these zucchini sticks are a lighter twist on traditional fries, perfect for dipping in your favourite sauces.

7. Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: Filled with a mixture of grains and herbs, these peppers are roasted until tender and bursting with flavours.

8. Crispy Green Beans: Coated in a light batter and air-fried, these green beans make for a crunchy, moreish addition to any meal.

9. Balsamic Roasted Carrots: Glazed with balsamic vinegar and a hint of honey, these carrots develop a lovely shine and a sweet tang.

10. Air-Fried Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with an herby cream cheese mixture, these mushrooms become golden and decadent in the air fryer.

11. Curried Chickpeas: While not technically a vegetable, pairing chickpeas with your greens adds plant-based protein and a punch of flavour.

12. Spiced Butternut Squash: Diced and tossed with spices, this squash is roasted to perfection, making it a vibrant side dish.

13. Air-Fried Broccoli Florets: A simple toss with oil and seasoning transforms broccoli into a crispy delight, perfect alongside any main.

14. Greek-Style Roasted Tomatoes: Drizzled with olive oil and oregano, these tomatoes become sweet and tender, ideal for complementing grilled dishes.

With the air fryer, preparing these vegetable side dishes becomes a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time in the kitchen. These recipes highlight the versatility of vegetables, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will be tempted to indulge!

Air fryer turnips are a delightful and healthy option for a quick side dish or snack. To prepare them, simply peel and chop the turnips into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a splash of olive oil, seasoning with salt, pepper, and perhaps a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavour. Preheat your air fryer to around 200 degrees Celsius, then arrange the turnip pieces in a single layer in the basket.

Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The result is beautifully crispy, golden-brown turnips with a tender centre, offering a slightly sweet yet earthy taste. These air fryer turnips make for a perfect accompaniment to your Sunday roast or can be enjoyed on their own as a guilt-free nibble. Give them a try, and you might just find a new favourite vegetable dish!

Indulging in the delights of seafood has never been easier, especially when it comes to preparing succulent lobster tails in an air fryer. The best air fryer lobster tails are not only quick to cook but also yield perfectly tender meat with a delightful, slightly charred exterior.

To get started, simply split the lobster tails down the middle, lightly season with melted garlic butter, and perhaps a dash of paprika for a hint of warmth. The air fryer works its magic at around 200 degrees Celsius, cooking the lobster in just a matter of minutes, ensuring that each bite is infused with flavour and tenderness.

Serving your air-fried lobster tails with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs elevates the dish, making it an impressive treat for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight meal. Paired with a crisp salad or buttery new potatoes, this dish promises to transform your dining experience into a culinary celebration.

Indulging in an Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese is a delightful way to elevate a classic comfort food. Picture this: two slices of golden-brown bread, perfectly crisped in the air fryer, enveloping a melty core of rich, oozing cheese and savoury ham.

To prepare, simply butter the outside of your chosen bread and layer it with your favourite cheese — a classic mature Cheddar or perhaps a smooth Gruyère — along with thinly sliced ham. Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket and set it to a moderate temperature. In just a matter of minutes, the heat will transform the bread into a crunchy exterior while the interior melts into a heavenly fusion of flavours.

Serve it up with a side of warm tomato soup for the ultimate British twist, and you have a meal that's both nostalgic and effortlessly modern. Perfect for a quick lunch or a cosy dinner, the Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese is a dish that promises comfort in every bite.

For a simple yet delicious side dish, air fryer baked potatoes are a brilliant choice. Begin by selecting a few medium-sized potatoes, preferably Maris Piper or King Edward for their fluffy interiors. Give them a good wash to remove any dirt, then prick the skins several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.

Coat the potatoes lightly in olive oil and season with a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance their flavour. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C, then place the potatoes in the basket, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking. Cook for approximately 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through to achieve an evenly crisp skin.

Once done, the potatoes should have a beautifully golden exterior and a soft, yielding centre. Slice them open and add your favourite toppings—whether it's a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chives, or a generous helping of cheese, these air fryer baked potatoes are sure to impress at any meal. Enjoy them as a hearty accompaniment to your roast or simply as a satisfying snack any time of day!

Indulging in Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly is a game-changer for any home cook seeking the perfect balance of succulent tenderness and irresistible crunch. The beauty of using an air fryer lies in its ability to achieve that coveted crispy skin, while keeping the meat incredibly juicy. To start, simply score the skin to allow the heat to penetrate, then season generously with salt and your favourite spices.

As the air fryer circulates hot air around the pork belly, the skin transforms into a delightful crackling, while the layers beneath remain moist and flavourful. In just a matter of minutes, you'll have a dish that’s both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed greens for a harmonious blend of textures and flavours. With this method, crispy pork belly is no longer a luxury reserved for special occasions; it can be savoured whenever the craving strikes. Perfectly crispy and tender every time, it’s bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

The air fryer has transformed the way we approach cooking, particularly when it comes to achieving that elusive crispiness without the guilt of deep frying. Among the many ingredients that benefit from this culinary marvel, king oyster mushrooms stand out. With their meaty texture and subtle umami flavour, these mushrooms become incredibly tender and delightfully crisp when air-fried.

To prepare them, simply slice the king oyster mushrooms into thick pieces, drizzle with a splash of olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and perhaps a sprinkle of garlic powder for an extra kick. As they cook in the air fryer, the earthy aroma fills the kitchen, promising a delicious treat. In just a matter of minutes, you'll have perfectly golden-brown mushrooms, ideal as a side dish, a topping for salads, or even as a hearty addition to a vegetarian burger. The result is a dish that encapsulates both simplicity and indulgence, making king oyster mushrooms an ingenious choice for anyone looking to elevate their air fryer repertoire.

Air Fryer Egg Toast is a delightful breakfast option that combines the simplicity of toast with the richness of a perfectly cooked egg. To prepare this dish, you begin by cutting a small hole in a slice of bread, creating a circular window that will hold the egg. Lightly butter the bread for extra flavour and place it in the air fryer basket. Crack an egg into the hole, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and then set the air fryer to a moderate temperature. Within minutes, the bread achieves a golden crispiness while the egg cooks to a lovely runny yolk, providing a satisfying contrast in textures. This playful twist on a classic breakfast favourite is not only quick to prepare but also a feast for the eyes, making it a perfect start to any day. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!

Beef roast in the air fryer is a delightful way to achieve a tender and juicy joint of meat with a perfectly crispy exterior. To prepare, begin by seasoning a well-marbled beef joint with a generous rub of salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs—rosemary and garlic work wonders. Preheat the air fryer to around 180°C and place the seasoned roast in the basket, ensuring it has enough space for proper air circulation.

Cooking time will vary depending on the size and cut of the beef, but a general rule of thumb is to roast it for about 25 minutes per kilogram for a medium finish. It's essential to check the internal temperature, aiming for around 55-60°C for medium-rare. Once done, allow the roast to rest for about 15 minutes; this will help to lock in the juices, ensuring a succulent slice every time.

The result? A beautifully cooked beef roast, with all the rich flavours and textures that make for a hearty British Sunday dinner, but with the added convenience and efficiency of the air fryer. Serve it with classic accompaniments like Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, and seasonal vegetables for a truly comforting meal.

Air Fryer Eggplant with Garlic and Herbs

If you're looking for a tasty and healthy way to prepare eggplant, this air fryer recipe is perfect for you. Begin by slicing the eggplant into rounds about 1 cm thick. Sprinkle some salt over the slices and allow them to sit for about 20 minutes. This step helps to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.

Once the eggplant has had its time to sit, rinse and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Toss the slices with a splash of olive oil, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs—I recommend fresh thyme or oregano for a fragrant finish. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.

Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for approximately 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they're golden and crispy.

Serve your delicious air-fried eggplant as a side dish or toss it into a salad for an added burst of flavour. This easy recipe will soon become a favourite on your dinner table!