The side dish is where carbs pile up — chips, rice, mash. These air fryer sides keep the crunch and comfort while cutting the carbs right down, each with the numbers so they're easy to fit in.
Key takeaways
Q: What are good low-carb air fryer sides?
A: Courgette fries, cauliflower, green beans, broccoli, halloumi and asparagus all crisp up well and keep carbs low.
Q: What can you swap for chips?
A: Courgette fries or cauliflower make satisfying lower-carb stand-ins.
Eight low-carb sides
| Side | Carbs (per portion) |
|---|---|
| Courgette fries | ~6g |
| Cauliflower bites | ~4g |
| Green beans | ~4g |
| Broccoli | ~3g |
| Halloumi fries | ~3g |
| Asparagus | ~2g |
| Garlic mushrooms | ~2g |
| Roasted peppers | ~5g |
All have full recipes — start with courgette fries, green beans and halloumi.
Swap the staples
- Chips → courgette fries or cauliflower.
- Rice → cauliflower rice.
- Mash → celeriac or cauliflower mash. More in our diabetic vegetables guide.
Frequently asked questions
What low-carb side replaces chips?
Courgette fries and cauliflower are the closest swaps — crispy and satisfying, at a fraction of the carbs of potato chips.
Which air fryer sides are lowest in carbs?
Asparagus and mushrooms are around 2g a portion, with broccoli, green beans and halloumi only slightly higher.
Is this medical advice?
No. These are general lower-carb ideas. Carbohydrate needs are individual, so follow your GP or dietitian and guidance from the NHS and Diabetes UK.