Looking for some easy appetizers that don’t require turning on the oven? Try these air fryer appetizers for some finger-licking recipe ideas.
I’ve got 20 ideas that are perfectly crispy and crazy delicious. Keep reading for all the details!
20 Easy Air Fryer Appetizer Ideas
We all know air fryers are perfect for making foods super crispy with less oil.
But they can do so much more than that, here are over 20 air fryer appetizers ideas to get your guests oohing and aahing at your next get-together.
With over 20 ideas in this list, you’ll be set to serve appetizers at your gatherings all year long.
With your trusty air fryer, you’ll be the appetizer snack master without breaking a sweat.
Just pop it in, set it, and forget. Your guests will be wowed and your kitchen will stay cool – now that’s what I call easy entertaining.
AIR FRYER DOUGHNUTS RECIPE
Photo: airfryerdelicacies
Everyone loves a good doughnut, but they aren’t always the healthiest choice.
This air fryer doughnuts appetizer provides an easier and healthier way to enjoy homemade doughnuts without deep frying them.
5-MINUTE AIR FRYER NACHOS
Photo: alekasgettogether
Nachos are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, but preparing the traditional oven-baked version can take some time.
This quick 5-MINUTE Air Fryer Nachos recipe allows you to satisfy your nacho craving fast by cooking everything layered on a sheet pan in the air fryer in just a few minutes.
AIR FRYER CINNAMON BITES
Photo: homemadeheather
These simple donut holes quick and easy to make and absolutely yummy. They are going to disappear fast!
AIR FRYER PASTA CHIPS
Photo: iheartvegetables
This Air Fryer Pasta Chips is a crunchy, low-carb appetizer that bakes up light and crispy with just a few basic ingredients and your air fryer.
TYSON CHICKEN FRIES (AIR FRYER)
Photo: letscookchicken
Chicken nuggets and fries are a classic kid-pleasing combo, but frying can make them high in calories and fat.
This Tyson Chicken Fries air fryer appetizer allows you to make a healthier version of your favorite pairing with no added oil for a crispy outside and juicy inside using your air fryer.
HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER POTATO CHIPS
Photo: twokidsandacoupon
Store-bought potato chips can be high in fat, calories, and ingredients you can’t pronounce.
This simple recipe shows you how to make crispy, tasty Air Fryer Potato Chips at home using just potatoes and a few seasonings.
Enjoy a guilt-free appetizer the whole family will love.
AIR FRYER FRITTATA RECIPE
Photo Credit: basicswithbails
Whip up this ultimate air fryer frittata, perfect for busy mornings when you want to start your day right without spending ages in the kitchen.
EASY 3-INGREDIENT AIR FRYER PIZZA PUFFS
Photo: laurenfitfoodie
Pizza is a universally loved appetizer, but traditional homemade pizza can take some time and effort.
This Easy 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Pizza Puffs recipe allows you to satisfy your pizza craving in a fun and easy way in just a few minutes! Serve with pizza sauce for a wonderful appetizer, snack, or supper.
AIR FRYER CRAB CAKE EGG ROLLS WITH FIRE SAUCE
Photo: xoxobella
Crab cakes are a delicious appetizer or meal but can sometimes be high in fat and calories from frying.
This recipe turns crab cakes into a fun handheld egg roll that bakes up crispy on the outside and warm and creamy on the inside using an air fryer, served with a spicy Fire Sauce for dipping.
AIR FRYER POTATO WEDGES
Photo: maryswholelife
This recipe for Air Fryer Potato Wedges allows you to enjoy crispy, golden brown wedges with a fraction of the fat of deep fried, using an air fryer to get all the flavor and crunch without all the oil.
Whether as an appetizer, hearty side, or a light meal, potato wedges are a crowd-pleasing favorite.
BABY CORN FRITTERS (IN AIR FRYER)/ EASY HEALTHY FRITTERS
Photo: platetopalateblog
Fritters are a delicious snack or appetizer.
This air fryer recipe for Baby Corn Fritters allows you to enjoy crispy, golden fritters with a light and healthy batter using minimal oil for an easy appetizer or side the whole family will love.
EASY AIR FRYER RAVIOLI WITH BREADING TO MAKE AT HOME
Photo: thegiftedgabber
Store-bought frozen ravioli can sometimes lack flavor and be high in sodium.
This simple recipe shows how to dress up frozen ravioli with a light breading and cook them to crispy perfection in the air fryer for a homemade appetizer, or meal the whole family will enjoy, with much less fat and calories than deep frying.
AIR FRYER PARMESAN ZUCCHINI
Photo: simplymadeeats
Zucchini is a versatile and healthy vegetable, but it can easily become soggy when baked conventionally.
This quick and easy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini recipe ensures the zucchini comes out crispy on the outside and tender inside, an irresistible and healthy appetizer.
EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN TAQUITOS
Photo: munchygoddess
Taquitos are a favorite party appetizer or snack but frying can add unwanted calories and fat.
This easy air fryer recipe allows you to enjoy crisp taquitos filled with a savory chicken filling without the extra fat of frying.
The taquitos cook up crunchy on the outside and warm and filling on the inside in a fraction of the time.
AIR FRYER GNOCCHI
Photo: zardyplants
Gnocchi is a comforting pasta that is often boiled but can become soggy.
With the air fryer, gnocchi bakes up light and crispy on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside.
This simple air fryer gnocchi recipe produces perfectly cooked, healthy and satisfying appetizer or a quick snack.
4-INGREDIENT SMASHED GARLIC POTATOES IN AIR FRYER
Photo: gocookyummy
Garlic potatoes are a classic appetizer but baking them can be time-consuming.
This easy air fryer recipe requires just 4 ingredients to make crispy smashed garlic potatoes with tender insides in less than half an hour.
The air fryer concentrates the flavor and allows the potatoes to develop a delicious crust without much oil.
SIMPLE AIR FRYER ROASTED PEANUTS
Photo: thekitchenbucketlist
Roasted peanuts make for a tasty appetizer or snack but traditional oven roasting can be messy and time-consuming.
With just a few minutes in the air fryer, this simple recipe produces perfectly roasted peanuts that are crisp on the outside and flavorful throughout, with no need for oil and less mess than conventional oven roasting.
AIR FRYER CRAB RANGOON
Photo: acedarspoon
Crab Rangoon is a popular appetizer enjoyed at many Asian restaurants but homemade versions can be high in fat and calories if deep fried.
This air fryer recipe is a light and crispy Crab Rangoon with a fraction of the fat and calories of deep frying.
The air fryer prepares the wontons to golden brown perfection without needing to submerge them in oil.
AIR FRYER EDAMAME BEANS
Photo: anaffairfromtheheart
Edamame beans are a healthy appetizer or snack but roasting them in the oven can take some time.
With the air fryer, tender and flavorful edamame beans can be ready in less than 15 minutes with a light coating of oil or salt for a quick appetizer or side dish the whole family will love enjoying.
AIR FRYER PIZZA ROSE RECIPE
Photo: diyandfun
Pizza is a classic favorite but the dough can be difficult to cook through without getting the top too brown.
This air fryer pizza rose recipe results in a tender, flaky crust that is cooked all the way through and crispy on the outside.
Rolled into a rose shape and baked in the air fryer, this unique personal pizza makes for a fun, easy appetizer.
AIR FRYER PLANTAIN CHIPS (SWEET AND SAVORY)
Photo: cookeatlivelove
Plantains are a delicious tropical fruit but frying them can add unwanted fat and calories.
With the air fryer, both sweet and savory plantain chips can be cooked to crispy perfection without submerging them in oil.
The result is a healthy appetizer that retains the plantains’ naturally sweet or smoky flavor.
Served up with all your favorite dips
AIR FRYER COCONUT SHRIMP
Photo: coupleinthekitchen
Coconut shrimp is a popular appetizer or entree but traditional preparations involve deep frying.
This air fryer version allows you to enjoy crispy, coconutty shrimp without all the added fat and calories of deep frying.
A quick toss in panko breadcrumbs and coconut flakes results in light, crispy shrimp perfect as an appetizer or entree.
Faqs About Making Appetizers In An Air Fryer
Q: Do I need to oil or spray the basket?
A: For many recipes you don’t need to oil or spray the basket first. But it can help crispin breaded foods. Just use a light spray of oil.
Q: How long do appetizers take to cook?
A: Cooking times can vary but most small appetizer items only take 8-12 minutes at 375°F. Check at the lower end of the suggested time range and adjust as needed.
Q: Can I cook frozen appetizers?
A: Yes, you can cook appetizers straight from frozen in your air fryer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. No need to thaw first.
Can I reheat leftovers?
A: Absolutely. Just add a minute or two to the original cooking time when reheating appetizers in the air fryer.
How many can I cook at once?
A: The amount you can cook at once depends on the size and shape of the items. For small appetizers like wings or pot stickers, a full basket is usually okay.
Do I need to flip or shake?
A: For thin, flat foods, give the basket a shake or flip items halfway through for even cooking and browning. Thicker foods usually don’t require flipping.
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