Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for a healthier snack option? Look no further! Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, allowing us to create crispy and delicious treats with minimal oil. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering air fryer appetizer recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
From classic mozzarella sticks to spicy buffalo cauliflower bites, these recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to satisfy your cravings, these crispy air fryer appetizers are the perfect solution.
Let’s get started with some tried-and-true favorites…
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Transform mozzarella sticks into crispy, cheesy goodness with this easy air fryer recipe!
Ingredients:
– 12-16 mozzarella sticks (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Optional: Garlic powder or Italian seasoning for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, and/or garlic powder/Italian seasoning if desired.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the exterior is crispy.
5. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
Elevate your snack game with this easy recipe that yields crispy and delicious chicken wings without the need for deep-frying. This air fryer method is a healthier alternative that still packs plenty of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce (or your preferred wing sauce)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chicken wings and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
5. Place the coated wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 20-22 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Toss with Frank’s RedHot sauce (or your preferred wing sauce) during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Elevate your snack game with these crispy and spicy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers! By using the air fryer, you’ll get a healthier version of this classic appetizer without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jalapeños
– 1 cup cream cheese softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the stems of the jalapeños and carefully slice them in half lengthwise.
3. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and lime juice.
4. Stuff each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the peppers.
5. Place the stuffed jalapeños in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Elevate your snack game with these crispy and flavorful potato wedges, infused with the richness of garlic parmesan.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the potatoes into wedges and place them in a bowl.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Load the potato wedges into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, shaking halfway through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Elevate your snack game with this simple recipe that yields crispy onion rings with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each onion ring into the beaten egg and then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Place coated onion rings in a single layer on a parchment-lined air fryer basket.
5. Spray with cooking spray or drizzle with oil.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: A Twist on a Classic Snack!
These bite-sized morsels combine the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the crunch of air-fried cauliflower. Perfect for game day or as a healthy-ish snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
– 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Air-fry cauliflower in batches for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. While cauliflower is cooking, mix buffalo sauce with 1-2 tbsp water to thin it out (adjust to desired consistency).
5. Once cauliflower is done, toss with buffalo sauce mixture until coated.
6. If using cheese, sprinkle on top and air-fry for an additional 30 seconds to melt.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or crumbled blue cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (depending on batch size)
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon: A Twist on a Classic Appetizer
These bite-sized treats combine the rich flavor of crab with the crispy texture of air-fried wontons. Perfect for parties or as an appetizer, this recipe is easy to make and will be a hit!
Ingredients:
• 1 package of wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
• 1/2 cup of jumbo lump crab meat
• 1 tablespoon of cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of chopped scallions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together crab meat, cream cheese, soy sauce, and scallions.
3. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture in the center.
4. Brush edges with a little water and fold the wrapper into a triangle, pressing edges to seal.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Air fry the rangoons for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown, shaking halfway through.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Cheesy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Transform your favorite pizza into a crispy, cheesy, bite-sized snack with this easy recipe! These addictive air fryer pizza rolls are perfect for game day gatherings or as a quick after-school treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Cut into desired roll shapes (e.g., logs, strips, or squares).
4. Place rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown, shaking halfway through.
6. Remove from air fryer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Transform your favorite snack into a healthier, crispy delight with this easy recipe for Air Fryer Fried Pickles. By using the air fryer’s powerful hot air circulation technology, you can achieve a crunchy exterior without adding extra oil.
Ingredients:
– 1 large dill pickle, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each pickle slice into the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated pickle slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray with cooking spray or oil.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C), shaking halfway through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Crunchy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Elevate your snack game with these crispy and delicious zucchini fries, cooked to perfection in the air fryer!
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the zucchinis into long, thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick). Place them in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the spice mixture to the zucchini strips and toss until evenly coated.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the zucchinis and toss again to combine.
6. Load the zucchini fries into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Check on the fries after 10 minutes; they should be crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños
Elevate your snack game with this simple yet addictive recipe for Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños. Crunchy, smoky bacon wraps around spicy jalapeño peppers, creating a flavor combination that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jalapeño peppers
– 6 slices of bacon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut off the stems of the jalapeños and slice them in half lengthwise.
3. Wrap each jalapeño half with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeños in the Air Fryer basket, leaving some space between each pepper.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the peppers are tender.
6. Remove from the Air Fryer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots
Transform sweet potatoes into crispy and delicious tater tots using your air fryer. This recipe is perfect for a quick snack or as a side dish for your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: additional seasonings of your choice (e.g., garlic powder, paprika)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Use your hands or a spoon to shape the mixture into small tots, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.
4. Place the tater tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Tots are done when crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Golden Air Fryer Falafel Bites
Elevate your snack game with these crispy and flavorful Golden Air Fryer Falafel Bites! Made with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs, these bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick lunch or as a satisfying appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
– Golden Air Fryer Breading Mix (or regular breading mix with a pinch of turmeric)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mash chickpeas using a fork or a potato masher. Add parsley, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Divide the mixture into small portions (about 1-inch balls). Shape each portion into a ball.
4. Dip each falafel ball in beaten egg and then coat with Golden Air Fryer Breading Mix (or regular breading mix with turmeric).
5. Place the coated falafel bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Elevate your seafood game with this easy Air Fryer recipe that combines the crunch of shrimp with the richness of coconut and a hint of tropical flavor.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.
3. Dip each shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with grated ginger.
5. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, shaking halfway through.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Savory Air Fryer Meatballs
Elevate your mealtime with these tender and flavorful air fryer meatballs, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day gathering. This recipe yields 12-15 meatballs that are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
4. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and return to air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Spinach and Artichoke Dip Bites
Elevate your party game with these bite-sized Spinach and Artichoke Dip Bites cooked to perfection in the Air Fryer. This recipe is a twist on the classic dip, transformed into crispy, cheesy bites that are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Air Fryer to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together artichoke hearts, spinach, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Using a spoon or small scoop, drop mixture into balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
4. Place balls in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Air Fryer Panko-Crusted Mushrooms
Elevate your mushroom game with this easy and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick snack or side dish. By using panko breadcrumbs and air frying, you’ll achieve a crispy exterior while preserving the tender interior of these earthy delights.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), cleaned and stemmed
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and garlic powder.
3. Dip each mushroom into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Remove from air fryer and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your Brussels sprouts game with this addictive Air Fryer recipe that combines the sweetness of honey with the spiciness of Sriracha. Perfect as a side dish or add it to your favorite meals for an extra boost of flavor!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, honey, Sriracha sauce, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Load the Brussels sprouts into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, or until tender and caramelized.
5. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts on top during the last minute of cooking.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your guests with these 18 crispy air fryer appetizer recipes perfect for every occasion! From classic mozzarella sticks and chicken wings to innovative twists like buffalo cauliflower bites and honey sriracha Brussels sprouts, there’s something for everyone. These easy-to-make recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Try making air fryer pizza rolls, panko-crusted mushrooms, or sweet potato tots – the possibilities are endless! With these delicious and healthy appetizers, you’ll be the host with the most.
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