These easy air-fryer appetizers are perfect for parties or everyday snacking. You can cook everything from mozzarella sticks to wings, fries and fancy small bites in an air fryer.
When it comes to appetizers, fried, crispy, saucy and cheesy dishes reign supreme. Unfortunately, those foods aren’t always so easy on our stomachs. So take a break from regular appetizer recipes and store-bought snacks, and instead turn to one of our favorite kitchen gadgets: the air fryer. Air-fryer appetizers are lighter than deep-fried appetizers because they use significantly less oil. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient: You don’t have to worry about what to do with that extra fryer oil, and they cook 50% faster than a conventional oven.
We collected our best air-fryer appetizers and snacks, including small bites and classic options like wings and french fries. Almost all these options have that crispy crunch we crave in a good appetizer, thanks to the air fryer’s circulating heat design. Make a few recipes to create a complete spread, pairing small bites or fries and chips with crowd-pleasing dips. Or make just one and enjoy it as an everyday snack.
Since you already have your air fryer on the counter, you may as well use it to make the rest of the meal. Follow the appetizer course with other air-fryer recipes for dinner, and don’t forget to include air-fryer desserts as an after-dinner treat!
1/31
Air-Fryer French Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
This low-calorie, air-fryer french fries recipe is perfect because I can whip it up at a moment's notice with ingredients I have on hand. The fries are so crispy, you won't miss the deep fryer! —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 7g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
You’re only 40 minutes away from homemade fries. Sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley for an extra-fancy touch.
2/31
Air-Fryer Chicken Wings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can't go wrong with air-fryer chicken wings. Our spice rub has a nice kick from the cayenne seasoning. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 54 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 102mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
Fresh chicken wings work best for this recipe. If you have frozen chicken wings, we recommend thawing them in the fridge overnight instead of cooking them from frozen.
3/31
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
I can never get enough of these air-fryer sweet potato fries! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and slice them up fresh! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 243 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
You don’t need to visit your local bistro to get crispy, caramelized sweet potato fries. If you like them spicy, add extra cayenne pepper. For an extra sweet treat, dust them with cinnamon and brown sugar before air frying.
4/31
Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
From the Recipe Creator:
Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are one of our favorite appetizers. I figured out how to make them at home without having to haul out the deep fryer. Make sure to double-bread each one so these air-fryer mozzarella sticks get nice and crunchy, and to keep the cheese from oozing out as they get warm. —Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 148 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
The secret ingredient to these irresistible appetizers is…string cheese! Your kid’s favorite snack is dredged in flour and egg, then coated with bread crumbs. Don’t skip the step of freezing the sticks, or they’ll get soggy and fall apart during the air-frying process.
5/31
Chili-Lime Air-Fried Chickpeas
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd-pleaser? You've found it! These air-fried chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 133 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
Transform the can of chickpeas hanging out in your pantry into a party-worthy appetizer with this easy chickpea recipe. With a dash of lime and some flavorful spices, your guests will think you picked them up at a specialty store.
6/31
Zucchini Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
These aren't anything like potato fries—in a good way! They are air-fried to crispy perfection and oh, so flavorful. Enjoy them as an appetizer or a low-carb alternative to french fries. Don't have an air fryer? You can convection-bake for the same time. —Jen Pahl, West Allis, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Coating zucchini strips in panko turns a soft vegetable into a crispy treat. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch is always a good choice!).
7/31
Buffalo Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
Low-carb cauliflower Buffalo bites cook up fast in the air fryer, making them an easy snack or side dish. I serve them with a flavorful dip made with cottage cheese that's packed with protein compared to most dips. My teenagers happily eat their veggies with this recipe. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 1470mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
These buffalo bites are a four-ingredient showstopper that’s sure to be a winner on game day. The recipe makes six servings, but you might be surprised at how quickly they disappear.
8/31
Air-Fryer Egg Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom taught me how to make egg rolls, and since she passed away I think of her every time I make them. These air-fryer egg rolls taste so good, you'll never want a fast-food egg roll again. —Jenniffer Love, South Waltham, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg roll: 187 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
It’s possible to make restaurant-quality egg rolls at home. And thanks to bagged coleslaw mix, frozen chopped spinach and a bottle of Chinese barbecue sauce, they’re not that tricky to pull off.
9/31
Air-Fryer Avocado Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
Avocados just got even more exciting! These juicy, flavorful, easy and healthy air-fryer avocado fries are for those who are huge fans of avocado. They even go well on tacos! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 22 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
Step aside, French fries. Avocado fries are tasty, filling and loaded with healthy fats. Serve with salsa, pico de gallo or spicy ranch dressing for dipping.
10/31
Air-Fryer Ravioli
From the Recipe Creator:
While visiting a friend in St. Louis, Missouri, I tried fried ravioli at almost every restaurant we visited. When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and I think this air-fryer ravioli recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 40 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Fried ravioli is one of our favorite appetizers, but we’re not fans of the oil and saturated fat. When you cook them in the air fryer, you’ll get a lighter snack with the same great flavors.
11/31
Air-Fryer Potato Chips
From the Recipe Creator:
For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 148 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
While it’s easy to pick up a bag of potato chips at the grocery store, there’s simply nothing like eating a warm, crispy chip baked from scratch. To make them extra crunchy, slice them as thinly as possible using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, then pat them dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
12/31
Air-Fryer Plantains
From the Recipe Creator:
Having grown up in Puerto Rico, I've had so much amazing Caribbean food, but tostones have always been a favorite of mine. Traditionally they are deep fried, but this version of air-fryer plantains gives me the same fabulous taste without some of the calories. —Leah Martin, Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1piece: 39 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
If you’ve never dared to make fried plantains at home, now is your chance. Both yellow plantains and black plantains, which are more ripe, are fine for this recipe. For best results, use plantains that have patches of both black and yellow. Next, try your hand at plantain fritters.
13/31
Air-Fryer Taquitos
From the Recipe Creator:
I love these any-occasion air-fryer taquitos. Spice them up by adding sliced jalapenos if desired. —Mark Webber, Valdez, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1 taquito: 168 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
To keep the corn tortillas from cracking when you roll them, be sure to warm them in the microwave first. Stack 10 tortillas and wrap them in a damp paper towel, then microwave for 30 seconds to one minute. Fill the tortillas with seasoned ground beef and serve with salsa for a simple air-fryer snack.
14/31
Air-Fryer Calamari
From the Recipe Creator:
You can make crispy calamari just like your favorite Italian restaurant does thanks to the air fryer! A quick coat in crunchy panko bread crumbs and a few minutes in the air fryer are all it takes to make this special appetizer. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 11 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Like shrimp, calamari can get tough and rubbery if cooked too long. To make sure it’s tender, cook the calamari quickly at high heat, and check frequently to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
15/31
Air-Fryer Sausage Bacon Bites
From the Recipe Creator:
Try surprising your family on Sunday morning by pulling these bites out of the air fryer as they head to breakfast, and get ready for the oohs and aahs of delight. They're equally delicious as a party appetizer. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 74 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
This irresistible appetizer requires only three ingredients to pull off. If you’re looking to reduce your sugar content, simply omit the sprinkle of brown sugar on top.
16/31
Air-Fryer Samosas
From the Recipe Creator:
These samosas are so easy; they can be frozen and reheated! Depending on the size of your air-fryer, cook them in batches. There are several Indian dipping sauces that are delicious with these—I also like them with ranch dressing. — Barbara Banski, Fenton, MI
Nutrition Facts:
1 samosa: 61 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
This takeout favorite is surprisingly easy to whip up at home—with the help of your air fryer, of course. Add fennel seeds, crushed coriander seeds, caraway seeds or amchur for an authentic depth of flavor in these air-fryer appetizers.
17/31
Air-Fryer Crab Rangoon
From the Recipe Creator:
I always order crab rangoon at restaurants that serve it; it's one of my favorite appetizers. I created this air-fryer crab rangoon to make a healthier version at home. —Emily Higgins, Wingdale, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 62 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 111mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Wait! Don’t order takeout just yet. You can make crab rangoon at home with fresh crabmeat and store-bought wonton wrappers. If you’re not a spicy food fan, go easy on the Chinese-style mustard.
18/31
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
From the Recipe Creator:
This air-fryer sweet potato chips recipe is so quick and easy. Be sure to give the sweet potato slices a quick soak in cold water to help remove some of the excess starch. —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup chips with about 2 tablespoons dip: 285 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
The best part about making your own potato chips is that you can customize the spices to give them a sweet, salty or spicy kick. We love ours with taco seasoning and ground cumin.
19/31
Nashville Hot Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
I live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 419 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
Your game day friends will be so impressed that you whipped up these chicken tenders from scratch. Fresh chicken tenders work best for this recipe. If you have frozen chicken wings, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, then remove them from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
20/31
Air Fryer Tortellini with Prosciutto
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my take on Italian street food, and these tortellini are crunchy and gooey. Use the best-quality tomatoes you can find for the sauce—it's so good that you'll want to double it and serve it over pasta. If you don't have an air fryer, you can make these in a deep fryer, an electric skillet or on the stovetop. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 38 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Sorry, calamari, we found another bite-sized app to munch on. These crunchy little tortellini are just begging to be dipped into garlicky marinara sauce. Serve with a jar of toothpicks to make for easy dipping during cocktail hour.
21/31
Beef Wellington Fried Wontons
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty appetizers scale down classic beef Wellington to an ideal party size. They feel fancy and fun! —Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 wonton: 47 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
A package of store-bought wonton wrappers makes these air-fryer appetizers quick and easy, even on a weeknight. A combination of shiitake mushrooms, baby portobellos and white mushrooms make it extra special.
22/31
Air-Fryer Quinoa Arancini
From the Recipe Creator:
We love arancini, but they're not the healthiest option! I wanted to make a version that we could enjoy guilt-free. I substituted quinoa for rice and tried baking instead of frying. Now we can have these air-fryer arancini anytime. —Sabrina Ovadia, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 arancini: 423 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 1283mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
If you’ve ever had arancini balls at an Italian restaurant, you know they’re usually fried and made with rice. This healthier choice uses quinoa instead and, thanks to the air fryer, only requires a fraction of the oil.
23/31
Air-Fryer Mini Chimichangas
From the Recipe Creator:
My family raves about these Mexican-inspired bites. Infused with the flavor of green chiles, these tasty snacks are guaranteed to liven up the party! —Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 chimichanga: 294 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 618mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
This recipe feeds a crowd; one batch makes 14 servings. If you have any leftovers, cool them completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Transfer to an airtight container, then reheat in a single layer on a greased air-fryer tray at 375°F for six to eight minutes on each side.
24/31
Game-Day Thai Chicken Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
These Thai chicken meatballs make a great game-day snack. We also like to serve them as a main dish over stir-fried veggies. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 98 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 369mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
If you think this lightning-fast meatball recipe is fast, just wait until you see how quickly they get eaten. Plus, they use mostly pantry ingredients and are healthy to boot!
25/31
Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders
From the Recipe Creator:
These crispy air-fryer chicken tenders are perfect for dipping. Try with your favorite honey mustard, ranch or barbecue sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 161 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 618mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 0.500 starch.
When we crave crispy chicken tenders but don’t want to deep fry at home, there’s only one method that can compare (and cut out a lot of grease!): air-fryer chicken tenders.
26/31
Sweet and Spicy Air-Fryer Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
I am always on a quest for meatballs that pack a sweet and savory punch. These air-fryer meatballs are a snap to pull together and can be served over rice or buttered noodles.—Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball with 1-1/2 teaspoons sauce: 90 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
Ritz crackers and quick-cooking oats are the secret ingredients in this irresistible appetizer. To keep the meatballs light and tender, mix gently and use a scoop rather than your hands to form the balls. You could also try grinding your own ground beef with a food processor.
27/31
Air-Fryer Pickles
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 pickle slice: 26 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Fried pickles aren’t just for the state fair anymore. For extra-crispy pickles, drain off any excess liquid, pat the pickles dry, then cook immediately after dredging them. This way, the moisture won’t soak into the breading. For maximum crunch, toast the breadcrumbs before coating the pickles.
28/31
Air-Fryer Crab au Gratin Spread
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to serve this warm, comforting appetizer any time we have a get-together with family or friends. It's easy to whip up with convenient canned crab. —Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 64 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
It’s magic: Just set this cheesy, warm dip on the table and watch it vanish before your eyes. Place the entire baking dish in the air fryer, then serve it in the same dish to keep things simple.
29/31
Air-Fryer Wasabi Crab Cakes
From the Recipe Creator:
With wasabi in both the crab cakes and the dipping sauce, this festive appetizer brings its own heat to the holiday party. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 crab cake with 1 teaspoon sauce: 49 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Classic crab cakes are delicious, but sometimes you want to make a recipe that will have the whole table raving. Enter wasabi crab cakes, which includes the popular—and spicy!—Japanese condiment for an added kick.
30/31
Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp
From the Recipe Creator:
Coconut and panko crumbs give this spicy air-fryer shrimp its crunch. It’s perfect for an appetizer or for your main meal. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 shrimp with 2 tablespoons sauce: 423 calories, 10g fat (8g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
Shredded coconut and panko bread crumbs make this flavorful recipe irresistible. The addictive dipping sauce made with apricot preserves, cider vinegar and crushed red pepper flakes makes this one of those air-fryer appetizers that disappear in minutes.
31/31
Air-Fryer Pepper Poppers
From the Recipe Creator:
These creamy stuffed jalapenos have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. —Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 81 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
We love making restaurant-quality game day snacks in the air fryer, and these spicy homemade poppers top of the list. Serve them with sour cream, ranch dressing or French onion dip to cut the heat.
Air-Fryer Appetizers FAQ
What are the best foods to put in the air fryer?
The best foods for the air fryer are chicken, veggies and seafood. An air fryer works like a small convection oven, keeping foods crispy, moist and juicy as it circulates air around the food. The only foods that don’t work well are ones with a wet batter, like onion rings or fried chicken. The batter might be so soft that it will drip off the food before it crisps up. Additionally, it’s best to air fry food in smaller volumes because it won’t cook properly if the tray is too crowded.
Do you have to use parchment paper when cooking air-fryer appetizers?
Air fryer pans and baskets are designed to be easy to clean, so you don’t have to line them with anything to make air-fryer appetizers. If you’d prefer to use a liner for even easier clean-up, use vented parchment paper air-fryer liners to allow air to pass through the basket. You can make your own by cutting a piece of parchment paper to the size of your air fryer pan or basket, then poking holes in it with a hole punch or straw.
Can you cook frozen appetizers in the air fryer?
You can cook frozen appetizers in the air fryer, and they usually don’t need to be defrosted. Precooked items like frozen egg rolls or mini pizza bites can be cooked from frozen, but we recommend thawing raw items (like chicken wings) before popping them in the air fryer. Note that it might take longer to cook items straight from the freezer, and cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
