Are you on the hunt for vegetable side dishes that will please both the crowd and your family? Look no further! This collection of 20+ delightful vegetable side dishes is your ultimate guide to whipping up quick, tasty, and healthy options for your meals. These recipes are simple enough to make using your Instant Pot or Air Fryer, ensuring that you can enjoy flavorful veggies any day of the week!

Whether you prefer your vegetables steamed, sautéed, or air-fried, we have something for everyone. So, let’s dive in and get started on your vegetable adventure! 😊

Incorporating more vegetables into our diets is a fantastic way to promote health and balance. But when it comes to deciding which vegetable sides to prepare for dinner, it can feel like quite the challenge.

Finding a speedy and flavorful vegetable side dish for your everyday meals or special occasions, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, can lead to stress. But worry not, I’ve compiled a list of effortless and delicious options that will enhance your weekly menus and holiday feasts.

Most importantly, you’ll appreciate that many of these vegetable side dish recipes require minimal hands-on effort and can be ready in under 30 minutes. While all of these recipes are vegetarian, you’ll also find plenty of vegan and gluten-free alternatives. These veggie sides pair well with chicken, fish, or any meat-based dishes.

Some of my favorites? Baked sweet potatoes, air-fried fresh green beans, steamed carrots, asparagus with parmesan, and crispy air-fried French fries! 🎉

Why you’ll love these recipes

• Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday celebrations.
• Ideal for potluck parties – providing ample options for those in charge of bringing a veggie side.
• Minimal hands-on effort is required, allowing you to multitask with your Instant Pot or Air Fryer while other dishes cook.
• Most recipes call for little prep time and are ready in 30 minutes or less.

Instant Pot Vegetable Side Dishes

The Instant Pot is perfect for steaming vegetables, and its saute function elevates the flavor even further. Check out these healthy, steamed, and sautéed veggie recipes!

1. Asian-Style Sautéed Green Beans

Ingredients:

• Fresh green beans
• Sesame oil
• Garlic cloves
• Salt
• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and add sesame oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic.
3. Add fresh green beans and toss well to combine.
4. Seal the lid and pressure cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Release pressure and serve garnished with toasted sesame seeds.

2. Steamed Carrots

Ingredients:

• Baby carrots
• Water
• Salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place carrots in the Instant Pot with a cup of water and a pinch of salt.
2. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
3. Quick-release the pressure, drain, and serve.

3. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes
• Water
• Butter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly and pierce with a fork.
2. Add water to the Instant Pot and place sweet potatoes on the trivet.
3. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, quick-release the pressure.
4. Slice open and add butter if desired.

Air Fryer Vegetable Side Dishes

The Air Fryer is a game-changer for cooking veggies! Get ready for crispy, flavorful sides without the fuss. Here are some of the easiest vegetable dishes you can whip up in your air fryer.

1. Air-Fried Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes, cubed
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Paprika (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Add to air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. Serve warm, and enjoy!

2. Roasted Baby Potatoes

Ingredients:

• Baby potatoes
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, and seasoning.
3. Air fry for about 25 minutes or until golden brown, shaking halfway through.
4. Garnish with parsley and serve.

3. Air-Fried Carrot Fries

Ingredients:

• Carrots, cut into fries
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
2. Coat carrot fries with olive oil and spices.
3. Air fry for about 15 minutes or until crispy.
4. Serve with a dip if you desire!