Air Fryer “What Goes Good with Ham?” 12 Side Dish Answers That Wow

Ham night just got exciting. If you’ve got an air fryer and a beautiful slice of salty-sweet ham, the right sides can turn dinner into a full-on event. I’m talking crispy edges, caramelized veggies, and that perfect mix of sweet and savory. Let’s pair your ham with air-fried sides that steal the show (without stealing your time).

1. Crispy Honey-Butter Carrots With Thyme

Ham loves sweet companions, and these carrots hit the spot. The air fryer gives you caramelized tips and tender centers that taste like you slow-roasted them—without the wait. A touch of honey and butter turns everyday carrots into a side you’ll “sample” three times before serving.

Why It Works

• Sweet + Savory Harmony: Honey and ham vibe like lifelong besties.
• Speed: Carrots go fork-tender in 12–15 minutes at 380°F.
• Fancy Flavors, Easy Steps: Thyme adds a chef-y note with zero effort.

Quick Game Plan

• Toss peeled carrot sticks with olive oil, salt, pepper.
• Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes, shake, then add 1 tablespoon melted butter + 1–2 teaspoons honey + pinch of thyme.
• Return to fryer 3–5 minutes until edges caramelize.

Serve when you want color, sweetness, and a side that makes everyone think you planned ahead (even if you didn’t, FYI).

2. Garlic-Parmesan Smashed Potatoes (Extra Crispy)

Potatoes are the ride-or-die side for ham, and smashed ones bring texture for days. You get craggy, crunchy edges with fluffy centers that soak up all the ham drippings. Add garlic and parmesan and you’ll basically hear applause.

Tips For Maximum Crunch

• Parboil First: Boil baby potatoes until just tender, then smash with the bottom of a cup.
• Generous Oil: Light olive oil helps those edges crisp instead of dry out.
• Flavor Finish: Toss hot potatoes with grated parmesan, garlic powder, and chopped parsley.

Air Fryer Flow

• Parboil 10–12 minutes; drain well.
• Smash on a sheet pan, oil + salt + pepper.
• Air fry at 400°F for 10–14 minutes until golden and crunchy; finish with parmesan and garlic.

Perfect when you want a hearty side that feels special but still pairs with everything on the table. IMO, it’s the ultimate “I made an effort” potato.

3. Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Bits

Brussels sprouts get a bad rap—until you air fry them. They turn crackly on the outside and tender inside, and a tiny hit of brown sugar with tangy vinegar makes them pop next to ham. Bacon bits? Obviously invited.

Flavor Notes

• Sweet + Tangy: Brown sugar and apple cider vinegar balance ham’s saltiness.
• Texture Party: Crispy leaves, soft centers, and crunchy bacon.
• Low Effort, High Payoff: 10–12 minutes and done.

How To Make

• Halve sprouts; toss with oil, salt, pepper.
• Air fry at 380°F for 8 minutes; shake.
• Toss with 1–2 teaspoons brown sugar + splash of apple cider vinegar + cooked bacon bits.
• Return to fryer 2–3 minutes to glaze.

Use this when you need a bold, modern side that balances richness and makes your plate look like a restaurant special. Seriously, even sprout haters cave.

4. Maple-Cornbread “Fries” With Hot Honey Dip

Hear me out: cornbread, cut into batons, crisped in the air fryer until golden and toasty. You get sweet-savory sticks that dunk like champs and pair insanely well with ham’s smoky sweetness. It’s comfort food with a little wink.

What You’ll Love

• Fun Format: Fries, but make them cornbread.
• Crunch Outside, Tender Inside: The air fryer rescues leftover cornbread like a hero.
• Dip Worthy: Hot honey or maple-mustard takes it over the top.

Quick Steps

• Cut day-old cornbread into 1-inch sticks; brush lightly with melted butter.
• Air fry at 375°F for 5–8 minutes, flipping once, until crisp and browned.
• Serve with hot honey (honey + chili flakes) or maple Dijon (maple syrup + Dijon + pinch cayenne).

Make this when you want a playful side that feels like a treat. Kid-friendly, game-day-friendly, and ham’s new BFF.

5. Roasted Apple-Onion Medley With Sage

Apples and ham go together like Sundays and naps. Toss in sweet onions, a little sage, and you’ve got a side that tastes like fall without the fuss. The air fryer caramelizes everything fast, and the aroma alone will make people wander into the kitchen.

Why It Shines

• Classic Pairing: Apples echo the sweetness in a glaze without going dessert-level sweet.
• Aromatic Herbs: Sage or rosemary adds cozy depth.
• Flexible: Works with thick ham steaks or spiral-sliced leftovers.

How To Pull It Off

• Slice firm apples (Honeycrisp or Gala) and red or sweet onions.
• Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, pinch of sage; optional: a drizzle of maple.
• Air fry at 370°F for 8–12 minutes, shaking once, until edges caramelize.

Reach for this when you want balance, brightness, and a side that makes your plate look chef-curated. Trust me, it tastes even better than it smells.

There you go—five air fryer sides that make ham feel like a holiday any night of the week. Mix two for a dinner spread or rotate them through the week with leftovers. Go preheat that air fryer and make your ham the star it was meant to be.