7 Air Fryer Thanksgiving Side Dishes Under 200 Calories

🍁 Introduction

Thanksgiving is that magical time when homes smell like roasted herbs, cinnamon, and butter — and everyone gathers around for one big, cozy meal. But let’s be honest — traditional sides can turn a holiday feast into a calorie overload before the turkey even lands on the plate.

As a keto and low-carb food lover, I’ve learned that you don’t have to miss out on your favorite holiday flavors. With the help of the air fryer — my secret weapon for fast, crispy, and guilt-free cooking — I can enjoy every bite while keeping calories under control.

Today, I’m sharing 7 Air Fryer Thanksgiving Side Dishes Under 200 Calories that bring comfort, flavor, and that irresistible crispiness to your table. These are not “diet” dishes — they’re satisfying, festive, and perfect for everyone (even those not following keto).

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🌟 Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Thanksgiving Sides

These recipes aren’t just low in calories — they’re packed with texture, warmth, and flavor. Here’s why they stand out:

• All under 200 calories per serving
• Keto-friendly and low-carb adaptable
• Use simple, real ingredients — no complicated prep
• Cook faster than traditional oven sides
• Deliver golden, crispy, holiday-worthy results every time

So grab your air fryer, and let’s make this Thanksgiving delicious and light!

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🥦 1. Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Green Beans

💬 Why This Recipe Works

Green beans are a Thanksgiving classic, but traditional casseroles can be heavy. This air-fried version keeps things light, cheesy, and crisp-tender — a refreshing break from the creamy overload.

🕓 Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Calories: ~95 per serving

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of chili flakes or lemon zest for extra flavor

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the beans: Wash and trim the ends. Pat dry completely — moisture can make them soggy.
2. Season: Toss beans in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until coated evenly.
3. Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place beans in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 8 minutes, shaking halfway.
4. Add cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan and cook 2 minutes more until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden.
5. Serve: Transfer to a plate and garnish with a touch of lemon zest or chili flakes.

💫 Why You’ll Love It

• Crisp, cheesy, and ready in under 15 minutes
• Way lighter than the classic casserole
• Perfect with roast turkey or grilled salmon

Pro Tip: Blanch beans for 2 minutes before air frying if you prefer them softer inside.

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🥔 2. Air Fryer Cauliflower Mash Bites

💬 Why This Recipe Works

Imagine mashed potatoes turned into bite-sized crispy nuggets — but low-carb and high-flavor. These cauliflower bites are the perfect keto-friendly comfort food.

🕓 Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Calories: ~135 per serving (4–5 bites)

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp shredded cheddar
• 1 tbsp almond flour
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Steam cauliflower: Steam florets until fork-tender (about 8–10 mins). Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Mash: Mash cauliflower until smooth, removing excess moisture with a paper towel.
3. Mix: In a bowl, combine mash with cream cheese, cheddar, egg, almond flour, and seasonings. Mix well to form a thick batter.
4. Shape: Scoop small portions (about 1 tbsp) and roll into balls or patties.
5. Air fry: Preheat to 380°F (193°C). Spray basket lightly with oil. Air fry for 12–14 mins, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.

💫 Why You’ll Love It

• Crispy outside, creamy inside
• Great alternative to potatoes
• Keto, gluten-free, and satisfying

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, chill the bites for 15 minutes before air frying.

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🧄 3. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon & Maple Glaze

💬 Why This Recipe Works

This one turns skeptics into fans. Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully in the air fryer — add a touch of sugar-free maple syrup and turkey bacon, and you get a sweet-salty dream under 200 calories.

🕓 Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Calories: ~165 per serving

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar-free maple syrup
• 1 slice turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep sprouts: Remove outer leaves and cut in halves.
2. Season: Toss in olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Air fry: Preheat to 380°F (193°C). Air fry 10–12 mins, shaking halfway.
4. Finish: Stir in the cooked turkey bacon and serve warm.

💫 Why You’ll Love It

• Crispy edges, soft center
• Perfect blend of smoky and sweet
• Great side for turkey or ham

Pro Tip: For extra caramelization, drizzle a few drops of balsamic vinegar before serving.

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🧀 4. Air Fryer Cheesy Broccoli Tots

💬 Why This Recipe Works

These broccoli tots taste like potato tots but with a healthy, cheesy twist. Even kids can’t resist them!

🕓 Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Calories: ~145 per serving

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 cups steamed broccoli, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp almond flour
• 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Chop broccoli: After steaming, pat dry and finely chop.
2. Mix: Combine all ingredients in a bowl until it forms a sticky dough.
3. Shape: Form small, firm tot shapes using your hands.
4. Air fry: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Spray basket lightly with oil. Air fry for 10–12 mins, flipping halfway until golden brown.

💫 Why You’ll Love It

• Perfectly crispy and cheesy
• Packed with fiber and vitamins
• Great for dipping and meal prep

Pro Tip: Add a spoon of grated Parmesan for even more crispiness and flavor.

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🍠 5. Air Fryer Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potato Cubes

💬 Why This Recipe Works

Sweet potatoes are naturally comforting — and with a dusting of cinnamon and a touch of butter, they taste like dessert and a side dish in one!

🕓 Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Calories: ~180 per serving

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp butter (optional)
• Salt to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep: Cut sweet potato into small, even cubes (about ½ inch).
2. Season: Toss cubes in olive oil, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Air fry: Preheat to 380°F (193°C). Air fry 12–14 mins, shaking halfway until crisp outside and soft inside.
4. Finish: Add a small pat of butter before serving for a glossy finish.

💫 Why You’ll Love It

• Naturally sweet and comforting
• Perfectly portioned under 200 calories
• Great with turkey, chicken, or salmon

Pro Tip: Sprinkle sugar-free maple syrup or chopped pecans for a festive feel.

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🥕 6. Air Fryer Garlic Herb Carrots

💬 Why This Recipe Works

These roasted-style air fryer carrots taste like something out of a fancy restaurant but come together in 15 minutes. They’re tender inside with crisp edges and a buttery garlic finish.

🕓 Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Calories: ~120 per serving

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 cups baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• Salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep: Pat carrots dry so they roast, not steam.
2. Season: Toss with oil, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Air fry: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Cook for 10–12 mins, shaking halfway until slightly browned.
4. Serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or grated Parmesan.

💫 Why You’ll Love It

• Quick, flavorful, and kid-approved
• Low-calorie and nutrient-rich
• Great balance of sweet and savory

Pro Tip: Use multi-colored carrots for a vibrant holiday presentation.

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🍄 7. Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese & Spinach

💬 Why This Recipe Works

Stuffed mushrooms are a Thanksgiving classic — and the air fryer gives them a crispy top while keeping the filling creamy and flavorful.

🕓 Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 8 mins | Calories: ~160 per serving

🧂 Ingredients

• 10 large white mushrooms, stems removed
• 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, drained)
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep mushrooms: Clean gently with a damp towel and remove stems.
2. Mix filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, spinach, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff: Spoon filling into mushroom caps, pressing gently.
4. Air fry: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place mushrooms in a single layer and cook for 8–9 mins until tops are golden.

💫 Why You’ll Love It

• Creamy, savory, and festive
• Keto-friendly with rich flavor
• Elegant enough for holiday tables

Pro Tip: Add crumbled turkey bacon on top before air frying for a smoky touch.

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🥑 Health & Nutrition Insights

All of these Air Fryer Thanksgiving Side Dishes Under 200 Calories prove you don’t need extra butter or heavy sauces to make food taste good. The air fryer allows you to cook with 80% less oil, locking in flavor and texture while keeping calories low.

They’re rich in:

• Fiber (from veggies like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower)
• Healthy fats (olive oil, butter, and cheese)
• Protein (from eggs, turkey bacon, and dairy)

Each dish complements a keto or low-carb lifestyle perfectly while staying light enough for anyone counting calories this holiday season.

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💬 Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving isn’t just about indulgence — it’s about connection, gratitude, and good food made with love. With these 7 Air Fryer Thanksgiving Side Dishes Under 200 Calories, you’ll get the joy of holiday comfort without the food coma.

They’re simple, quick, and totally crowd-approved — from the crispy garlic green beans to the creamy stuffed mushrooms. This year, let your air fryer do the work while you focus on what really matters: enjoying every bite with the people you love.