Note: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Whether you are looking for vegetable side dishes to cook for a crowd or for your family, this list of 20+ best vegetable side dishes will come in handy. The recipes that made this list are simple and easy, and you can make them in your Instant Pot or Air fryer in no time.
Whether you like your vegetables steamed, sauteed or air fried, we got you covered. Let’s get started 🙂
We all want to incorporate more veggies into our diet to make it healthier and well-balanced. But “what vegetable sides to make for dinner” is a question that bogs down everyone.
Finding a vegetable side dish that comes together quickly for your everyday meal or to go with your Thanksgiving dinner can get challenging.
Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered.
I’ve put together this list of side dishes that are healthy, flavorful, and super easy to make in your Instant Pot or your air fryer. These are perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side dish to add to your holiday table.
What you’ll love most about this list is most of these vegetable side dish recipes require very little hands-on effort and come together in less than 30 minutes. While all the recipes are vegetarian, there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options as well.
Also, these veggie sides pair well with chicken, fish, or any other meat-based dishes.
Perfect options for weeknight dinners or for when you are looking to make vegetable sides for Thanksgiving/ Christmas (or any holidays).
Great for potluck parties – if you are in charge of getting a veggie side dish, this vegetable dishes list should give you plenty of options.
Most require minimum hands-on effort – These recipes call for either an Instant Pot or an Air fryer.That means you are free to cook other dishes while these two devices do their magic.
The best part, almost all recipes require very little prep time and come together in 30 minutes or less.
Oven-style (Ninja Dual Heat Air Fryer – 1800W)– The oven-style ones usually take more space but what’s unique about this Ninja one is that it flips vertically for easy storage on the countertop. Most importantly, it is perfect for families of 4 or more and makes easy work of Ninja air fryer pakora.
Instant Pot Vegetable Side dishes
Instant Pot is perfect for steaming vegetables, but what makes it even better is its ability to saute the veggies once they are steamed. Check out the recipes below for healthy, steamed, sauteed veggies in the Instant Pot.
Steam your carrots to fork-tender perfection with this quick and easy Instant Pot steamed carrots recipe made with two ingredients in under 15 minutes.
Honey glazed Instant Pot carrots – Learn how to steam carrots in the Instant Pot and glaze them to make this delicious side dish. This carrot side dish is perfect for busy weeknights and for holiday dinners.
Fluffy on the inside and crispy and spiced on the outside, these roasted Bombay Potatoes are a vegan and gluten-free side dish you can easily whip up in your Instant Pot or stovetop in under 30 minutes.
If you're looking for a healthy side dish, or the perfect vegetable to serve at your Summer BBQ party, you'll love this easy Instant Pot corn on the cob. Flavorful, juicy, and perfectly cooked every time.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes – If you have been getting store-bought mashed potatoes, then I would suggest you give this Instant Pot recipe a try. It is a classic recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes and with very little effort.
I love how the veggies turn out in the Air fryer – crispy, flavorful, and the best part – the cooking is hands-free. Here are some of the easiest vegetable dishes you can make in your air fryer.
These air fryer roasted baby potatoes are flavorful, delicious, and easy to make. Seasoned to perfection, these Bombay potatoes makes for a perfect side dish with any meal.
If you're looking for an easy vegetable side dish, you have to try these crispy air fryer roasted carrots. Serve with your favorite dip for a delicious alternative to French fries.
This crispy recipe for air fryer cauliflower is an easy side dish with no breading. Ready in just 20 minutes, this will become your new favorite way to eat cauliflower!
This air fryer green beans recipe is the easiest and most flavorful way to prepare this classic and healthy side dish! Plus, it all comes together in just 15 minutes.
Fast, easy, and crispy, this air fryer asparagus seasoned with garlic and parmesan comes together in 20 minutes for an addictive side dish even your pickiest eaters will love.
Get all of the same great flavor and crispy texture as oven roasted broccoli, but in less time in the air fryer, and with less oil! This simple recipe is going to be your new favorite side dish!
If you're looking for a simple, delicious, and quick way to serve more vegetables, you have to try this recipe for air fryer roasted sweet potatoes. Ready in just 20 minutes, they are the perfect healthy side dish!
You'll love this air fryer version of Punjabi bhindi masala. It comes together in less than 30 minutes with very little hands-on time and yields perfect results every time!
Hi! I am Anu - former Project Manager, now a full-time blogger. I love simplifying Indian food recipes without using highly processed ingredients. My goal is to inspire you to cook at home by sharing easy recipes that you can quickly make in your Instant Pot (or stovetop).
