Simple Side Dishes That Elevate Any Meal
Simple side dishes can transform a basic meal into a memorable dining experience. These easy recipes work well with almost any main course and can be made quickly, especially with the help of an air fryer. Here are a few simple side dishes to try at home.
Ingredients
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- While the potatoes cook, steam the baby carrots and green beans until tender but still crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small pan, melt butter and add dried thyme or rosemary if using. Toss the steamed vegetables in the butter mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve the crispy potato wedges alongside the buttery vegetables for a delicious side combo.
Tips and Variations
- Try swapping potato wedges with sweet potato fries for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- For added zest, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes right after cooking.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the potatoes on a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, turning once.
- Roast other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers with the same butter and herb mixture for variety.
- Use fresh garlic instead of powder for a stronger flavor, adding it in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
