Do you know what’s never not delicious? Even on a busy Tuesday night? Air fryer appetizers. ♡
And if you should find yourself, sometime in the next week, needing a super quick, crispy, golden brown snack that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar… well, then, this list is looking good for you.
1. Air Fryer Churros (Great with Chocolate Dipping Sauce)
If you’re a sweet tooth like me, you are going to fall hard for this recipe. Instead of a savory starter, why not go for something sweet?
You can serve these incredible air-fried churros right at the beginning of the night instead of waiting for dessert. They have way fewer calories than the deep-fried kind and are just as delicious, maybe even better!
2. Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp
If you are a seafood fanatic like me, these will get you hooked. You’ve been warned! This air-fried shrimp is a fantastic appetizer by itself, but you can also toss it into some tacos or even a mac and cheese dish.
The juiciness of the shrimp with the crunch of the breading is a combo that will have you reaching for more.
3. Air Fryer Three Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
If you love cheese as much as I do, then you are going to adore these three cheese-stuffed mushrooms. This is the perfect app to whip up when you need something that just feeds your soul.
That gooey cheese mixed with savory garlic will just melt in your mouth. You’ve gotta serve these hot to get the full texture experience.
4. Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
To all my vegan and gluten-free friends out there, this one’s for you. Make chickpeas a little more exciting by tossing them with some seasoning and air frying them for 15 minutes.
And if you think you can just make these in the oven, think again. Air frying these little guys is a total game-changer if you’re after that extra crunch!
5. Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
These juicy and tender chicken meatballs are a killer appetizer, or you can add them to a main dish. Go ahead and put your own signature on them by tossing in your favorite herbs and spices.
Plus, these little guys are freezer-friendly for those moments you need a recipe in a pinch!
6. Air Fryer Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
The absolute best way to enjoy game day is with a whole spread of yummy appetizers to get you through the commercial breaks.
These air fryer bacon and cream cheese stuffed jalapeño poppers won’t just keep you busy, they might make you forget about the main event! Because let’s be real, anything stuffed with bacon and cheese IS the main event, right?
7. Air Fryer Dessert Fries(Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Potato Fries)
When you toss these with cinnamon and sugar, the air-fried dessert fries taste nothing like sweet potatoes! Don’t believe me?
You have to try this recipe the next time a sweet craving hits. I promise these air-fried sweet potato fries will become a regular in your kitchen.
8. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Why even bother going to a restaurant when you can make this incredible appetizer right at home? These super delicious air-fried mozzarella sticks are the ultimate comfort food for those days that call for a little extra love.
Is there anything better than stretchy mozzarella sticks dunked in tomato sauce? Nope. Absolutely nothing!
9. Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
These awesome mac and cheese balls are so quick and easy to make for a last-minute appetizer. Just grab some leftover pasta, your favorite cheeses, and roll them up into little golf-sized balls.
Coat them in breadcrumbs and your go-to spices for what is the most perfect air fryer recipe. Don’t forget a garlic dip to really make the dish sing!
10. Air Fryer Potato Skins
If you’re hunting for an appetizer that looks and tastes like it came right from a restaurant kitchen, I have just the thing for you! Check out these air fryer potato skins for a delicious and simple-to-make starter.
I can promise these are going to be a huge hit with everyone. Is there anything better than a potato that’s pillowy soft inside but perfectly crispy outside?
11. Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Not only are air fryers way healthier than deep fryers, but they also make everything extra crunchy. For a better-for-you alternative to egg rolls, just toss them in the air fryer for some serious yumminess!
This is the ideal recipe when you need to use up some leftover veggies sitting in your fridge. And don’t forget a yummy dipping sauce to pull all those flavors together!
12. Air Fryer Fried Pickles
It might sound a little out there, but one of my signature dishes to bring to parties is air-fried pickles… just hear me out! They always get the party going because they come out so juicy and crunchy.
But don’t even think about making this appetizer without the jalapeño ranch dipping sauce. Do I even need to explain why?
13. Air Fryer Potato Chips (With Chick-fil-A Dipping Sauce)
These scrumptious air fryer potato chips are an amazing swap for greasy fries. Instead of deep frying, just slice up some potatoes, season them, and add a little drizzle of oil to your air fryer.
Mix up a Chick-fil-A dipping sauce on the side for these crunchy chips. Garnish with some parsley or chives to make the dish extra special!
14. Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Packed with cabbage, carrots, and garlic, these spring rolls are super crunchy, and not greasy whatsoever! All you need are a handful of simple ingredients for an appetizer you won’t forget.
And don’t be afraid to toss any veggies you have on hand into the mix.
15. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Dipping Sauce
Crispy air fryer chicken wings are one of my go-to appetizers in the winter when grilling is just too much of a hassle. Put your own spin on these juicy wings by adding whatever seasonings you have hiding in your cabinet.
I promise you’ll whip up some incredible wings that are better than any takeout place. My mouth is watering just thinking about them!
16. Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These delicious chicken tenders are not only tasty, juicy, and crunchy, they’re also healthy. Instead of going the traditional deep-frying route, air fry some chicken strips for a seriously satisfying appetizer.
I’d suggest serving these with a side of potato wedges or sweet potato fries. And don’t forget to add a dip to bring all the flavors together.
17. Air Fryer Cheese Crackers
For all my keto fans, this appetizer is for you! Skip the carbs with this easy-to-make appetizer of just, you guessed it, cheese!
Toss some cheese into your air fryer for 10 minutes for those busy days when you need something to snack on. Sometimes you just need a fun new way to eat cheese!
18. Party Appetizer Mashed Potato Balls
If you’re on the lookout for a vegan alternative to the air fryer mac and cheese balls, give some mashed potato balls a try! This is a great recipe for when you have some leftover mashed potatoes to use.
Is there anything more boring than just eating leftovers? I really doubt it! The softness of the potato with the crunch of the breadcrumbs will leave you feeling so satisfied and wanting more.
19. Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower
Attention! This tasty recipe is about to be your new favorite dish. Not only is cauliflower packed with nutritional value, it’s also so light and won’t leave you feeling heavy.
Feel free to drizzle your favorite sauce over the top for an extra kick!
20. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Lately, these air fryer zucchini fries have been my go-to recipe whenever I’m following a keto diet. They are a fantastic low-carb alternative to potatoes with only 3 grams of net carbs per serving.
Just swap out breadcrumbs for parmesan cheese when you’re coating the zucchini strips and toss them into the air fryer. Guilt-free fries have never tasted so amazing!
21. Air Fryer Crispy Crunchy Sweet Potato Fries
Air fryer crispy and crunchy sweet potato fries are one of my go-to apps for days when I don’t feel like spending forever in the kitchen.
Since all you need are sweet potatoes, cornstarch, and your favorite spices, this simple recipe is perfect for those lazy days. Here’s a tip: soak the sweet potato fries in cold water for an even crispier outside!
22. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp (With Dipping Sauce)
If you need an appetizer that will really impress your dinner guests, this is the one! Whip up some air-fried coconut shrimp with a heavenly spicy mayo sauce as your starter.
This recipe is so good that the shrimp might not even make it out of the kitchen for your guests to try! Don’t worry, I won’t tell.
23. Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries
Lately, these air-fried pumpkin fries have been one of my favorite appetizers to make when I’m tired of the usual potato or sweet potato fries.
They are sweet and salty at the same time, while also being soft and crispy. This perfect combo is super simple to make and is based on just one ingredient. You guessed it, pumpkins!
24. Extra Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Extra crispy air fryer potato wedges are perfect if you’re looking for a delicious appetizer without all the extra calories of deep frying.
While you might think about baking potato wedges in the oven for a healthier option, air frying makes them so much crispier! If you’re a parmesan fan, then this recipe is definitely for you. But then again, who isn’t?
25. Air Fryer Frozen French Fries with Spicy Ketchup
Air fryers are not just great for yummy dishes, but also for recipes that are quick and efficient. Need some last-minute comfort food? Why not try some frozen French fries with spicy ketchup?
Just pop some frozen fries into the air fryer for 15 minutes while you mix ketchup and horseradish for a dipping sauce. It really couldn’t get any easier than this!
