Listen, whenever we whisper a prayer to the air that is asking what to make for a party or a snack, the answer is always: air fryer things!
This list of go-to appetizers is here to save the day with healthier alternatives that taste indulgent. We have low carb options, we have keto friendly bites, and we have pure crispiness.
It is fast, it is easy, and it is honestly going to have you adding an air fryer to your wishlist in no time.
1. Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Listen, I am bringing these air fried pickles to every party from now on. They come out so juicy and crunchy that they are guaranteed to get the party started.
And you absolutely must serve them with the jalapeño ranch dipping sauce because dipping is life.
2. Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
These mac and cheese balls are the ultimate last minute appetizer. You just grab some leftover pasta and your favorite cheeses and roll them up into golf ball sized bites.
Cover them in breadcrumbs and spices for a crispy treat that begs for a garlic dip.
3. Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries
Pumpkin fries are my new favorite thing when I need a break from potatoes. They are sweet and salty and have that perfect soft yet crispy texture we all crave.
Plus this recipe is super simple and obviously based on the one and only pumpkin.
4. Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are juicy and crunchy and healthy all at the same time. We are skipping the deep fryer and air frying these strips for a satisfying appetizer that everyone will love.
Serve them up with some potato wedges or sweet potato fries and do not forget the dip!
5. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Hello to all the low carb lovers! These zucchini fries are an amazing keto option with just 3 grams of net carbs per serving.
You just swap breadcrumbs for Parmesan cheese and let the air fryer do its magic for a guilt free fry experience.
6. Air Fryer Cheese Crackers
Sometimes you just need a fun new way to eat cheese! This keto friendly appetizer ditches the carbs and uses just cheese to make a crunchy snack.
Throw it in the air fryer for 10 minutes and you have a quick bite for busy days.
7. Air Fryer Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
Game day just got a whole lot better with these stuffed jalapeño poppers. They are packed with cream cheese and bacon which basically makes them the main event in my book.
These will definitely keep you distracted from the game!
8. Air Fryer Potato Skins
Is there anything better than a potato skin that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside? I think not.
These air fryer potato skins taste like they came straight from a restaurant kitchen and are guaranteed to be a hit with your crowd.
9. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp (With Dipping Sauce)
If you want to impress your guests you need to whip up this coconut shrimp immediately.
Serve it with a heavenly spicy mayo sauce and watch them disappear before they even leave the kitchen. It is seriously that delicious.
10. Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Air fryers make everything crunchier and these egg rolls are no exception. This is the perfect way to use up those leftover veggies sitting in your fridge.
Just add a yummy dipping sauce and you have amazing yumminess without the deep fryer grease.
11. Air Fryer Frozen French Fries with Spicy Ketchup
Sometimes you just need some last minute comfort food! Toss some frozen fries in the air fryer for 15 minutes and mix up a spicy ketchup with horseradish for dipping.
It really could not be easier to get your fry fix.
12. Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
These chicken meatballs are juicy and tender and perfect for an appetizer or main course.
You can totally add your own spin with your favorite herbs and spices too. Plus these little gems are freezer friendly for those last minute cravings.
13. Air Fryer Potato Chips (With Chick-fil-A Dipping Sauce)
Skip the greasy fries and make these scrumptious potato chips instead. You just cut up some potatoes and add seasoning and a drizzle of oil for a crunchy snack.
And obviously you need to stir up a Chick-fil-A dipping sauce on the side.
14. Air Fryer Spring Rolls
These spring rolls are super crunchy and filled with cabbage and carrots and garlic. You only need a few simple ingredients to make an unforgettable appetizer that is not greasy at all.
Go ahead and add any other veggies you have on hand to the mix!
15. Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower
This cauliflower recipe is incredibly light and packed with nutritional value. It will not leave you feeling heavy which is a total win in my book.
Just drizzle your favorite sauce on top for a little extra kick!
16. Air Fryer Three Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
If you are obsessed with cheese then you are going to adore these stuffed mushrooms. The savory garlic and gooey cheese will absolutely melt in your mouth.
You have to serve these hot to really get the full experience!
17. Air Fryer Churros (Great with Chocolate Dipping Sauce)
Sweet tooth lovers rejoice because this recipe is for you! Why wait until the end of the night to serve something sweet when you can have air fried churros as an appetizer?
They have fewer calories than deep fried ones and are just as good.
18. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
These air fried mozzarella sticks are the ultimate comfort food and you can make them right at home.
Nothing beats dipping a stretchy mozzarella stick into some tomato sauce on a day when you need a little extra love. Skip the restaurant and make these instead!
19. Air Fryer Dessert Fries(Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Potato Fries)
These dessert fries taste absolutely nothing like sweet potatoes once you mix them with cinnamon and sugar.
They are sure to become a staple in your kitchen when that sweet craving hits. You just have to try them to believe me!
20. Party Appetizer Mashed Potato Balls
This is the best way to use up leftover mashed potatoes so they are not boring! The soft potato inside pairs perfectly with the crunchy breadcrumbs outside.
Plus this is a great vegan option if you are looking for an alternative to mac and cheese balls.
21. Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
Chickpeas just got a lot more fun with some seasoning and 15 minutes in the air fryer. This recipe is a total game changer if you want that extra crunch that the oven just cannot provide.
And it is perfect for all my vegan and gluten free friends out there!
22. Air Fryer Crispy Crunchy Sweet Potato Fries
These crispy sweet potato fries are my go to when I do not feel like working hard in the kitchen. You just need sweet potatoes and cornstarch and your favorite spices for this simple recipe.
Make sure to soak them in cold water first to get that crispy exterior!
23. Extra Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Air frying makes these potato wedges a ton crispier than the oven ever could! It is the ideal appetizer if you want that delicious taste without the extra calories of deep frying.
If you are a fan of Parmesan then this recipe is definitely for you.
24. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Dipping Sauce
These crispy wings are my go to when it is wintertime and barbecuing is just too much hassle.
You can put your own spin on them with whatever seasonings are hiding in your cupboard. Trust me when I say these are better than any takeout spot!
25. Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp
Seafood obsessed people need to get on this recipe because it will leave you addicted! The juicy shrimp and crunchy breading are perfect on their own or thrown into tacos or mac and cheese.
Do not say I did not warn you about how good these are!
