15 Delicious Air Fryer Appetizers You Need to Try
The air fryer is every foodie’s dream come true. It’s quick, healthier than traditional frying, and versatile enough to make some seriously amazing appetizers. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to whip up a snack for yourself, these 10 air fryer appetizers are absolute must-tries. Get ready to impress your taste buds (and your guests)!
1. Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Cheesy, gooey, and delightfully crunchy—these mozzarella sticks are a classic favorite.
Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Cooking spray
Method:
- Freeze mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes.
- Coat each stick in flour, dip in eggs, and then roll in breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Repeat for extra crunch.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange sticks in a single layer.
- Air fry at 390°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve with marinara sauce!
2. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
A vegetarian twist on buffalo wings with the perfect kick of heat!
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower (cut into florets)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Method:
- Mix flour, water, and garlic powder to create a batter. Toss cauliflower florets in the batter, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Mix buffalo sauce and melted butter. Toss the cooked cauliflower in the sauce. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
3. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Spicy, creamy, and wrapped in crispy bacon. These are always a hit!
Ingredients:
- 10 jalapeños (halved and deseeded)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 10 slices of bacon (cut in half)
Method:
- Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Stuff the jalapeño halves with the mixture.
- Wrap each jalapeño with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crispy.
4. Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Crispy wings without all the oil? Yes, please!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Method:
- Pat the wings dry and toss with olive oil and spices.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss with your favorite sauce and enjoy!
5. Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
A healthier alternative to French fries with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis (cut into sticks)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Method:
- Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Dip zucchini sticks in eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes. Serve with marinara or ranch!
6. Air Fryer Shrimp Toast
A crispy, flavorful appetizer that’s a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of baguette (about ½ inch thick)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Method:
- Blend shrimp, mayo, sesame oil, green onions, and garlic powder into a paste.
- Spread the mixture onto the baguette slices and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Air Fryer Spinach and Artichoke Wontons
A fun twist on the classic dip in bite-sized form!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup spinach (cooked and chopped)
- ½ cup canned artichoke hearts (chopped)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 20 wonton wrappers
Method:
- Mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, and mozzarella.
- Spoon a small amount of the mixture into each wonton wrapper. Fold and seal with a bit of water.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
8. Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins
Cheesy, bacon-y goodness that’s perfect for game day.
Ingredients:
- 4 small russet potatoes
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- ¼ cup sour cream
Method:
- Bake or microwave potatoes until tender. Cut in half, scoop out some flesh, and spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 400°F for 5–7 minutes until crispy.
- Fill with cheese and bacon, then air fry for another 2–3 minutes to melt. Top with sour cream and green onions.
9. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Sweet, crispy shrimp that pairs perfectly with a tangy dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ cup flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Method:
- Coat shrimp in flour, then dip in eggs, and roll in a mixture of coconut and breadcrumbs.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
10. Air Fryer Mini Meatballs
Juicy, bite-sized meatballs perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Method:
- Mix all ingredients and roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
11. Crispy Avocado Egg Rolls with Lime Dipping Sauce
Creamy avocado filling wrapped in a crispy shell and paired with a zesty lime dipping sauce. These egg rolls are irresistible and perfect for sharing!
Ingredients:
For the Egg Rolls:
- 2 large avocados (diced)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 6–8 egg roll wrappers
- Cooking spray
For the Lime Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ tsp lime zest
- ½ tsp honey
- Pinch of salt
Method:
For the Egg Rolls:
- In a medium bowl, gently mix diced avocado, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic powder. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much—you want a chunky texture.
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface, with one corner pointing toward you (diamond shape). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the avocado mixture onto the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly. Seal the edges with a bit of water. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Spray the egg rolls lightly with cooking spray.
- Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
For the Lime Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, honey, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve the crispy avocado egg rolls hot with the lime dipping sauce on the side.
12. Spicy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
Craving something spicy, tangy, and deliciously healthy? Try these Spicy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings! Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish, these wings are a tantalizing twist on Buffalo’s classic.
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower head, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter
Cooking Method
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth.
- Dip cauliflower florets in the batter, coating evenly.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Mix buffalo sauce with melted butter.
- Toss baked cauliflower in buffalo sauce.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Serve hot with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, honey, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious honey-glazed air fryer sweet potato fries!
13. Glazed Sweet Potato
Ingredients
Cooking method