20 Appetizers That Prove Air Fryers Do It Better
Cheese Puffs Air Fryer
These Low Carb Cheese Puffs made in the air fryer are a quick and satisfying snack that’s perfect for curbing hunger between meals. Made with just one and a half simple ingredients, they’re incredibly easy to whip up anytime a craving strikes. Not only are they deliciously cheesy and light, but they’re also low carb, gluten-free, grain-free, and diabetic-friendly, making them a smart option for a variety of dietary needs. The air fryer gives them a perfectly crisp and airy texture without the need for excess oil or complicated prep. Whether you're following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for a fun new snack idea, these cheese puffs are sure to hit the spot.
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Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer French Fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions, offering that same golden-brown crunch without all the extra oil. Each fry comes out perfectly crisp on the outside while staying soft and fluffy on the inside, making them irresistible with every bite. They’re incredibly simple to make and pair wonderfully with just about any meal or your go-to dipping sauces. Whether you're serving them as a snack, side dish, or party treat, they’re always a hit. And to make things even easier, there’s a free printable cooking chart included so you can get perfect results every single time.
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Air Fryer Chicken Wings
You don’t need to thaw your chicken wings to enjoy a crispy, flavorful appetizer—just pop them straight into the air fryer from frozen. In no time, they cook up with perfectly golden skin and juicy, tender meat inside. It’s a hassle-free way to satisfy your wing cravings, especially when you're short on time or prepping for a last-minute get-together. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces and a platter of fresh veggie sticks for a snack that’s sure to be a hit at any party or game day spread.
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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
These air fryer sweet potato wedges are a quick and flavorful snack that you can whip up from scratch with minimal effort. All it takes is slicing up a few sweet potatoes, tossing them in olive oil and a blend of garlic powder, dill, and paprika, then letting the air fryer work its magic. In just minutes, you’ll have wedges that are beautifully crisp on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside. They’re the kind of snack that feels indulgent but is actually pretty wholesome. Whether you're serving them as a side or enjoying them straight from the basket, they're always a hit.
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Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket are one of those nostalgic snacks that never go out of style—and making them in the air fryer makes the whole process even easier. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you get perfectly golden, flaky dough wrapped around warm, savory sausages in a matter of minutes. They come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with no need to turn on the oven. Whether you're whipping up a last-minute party appetizer or a fun snack for the kids, this recipe is always a hit. It's a simple, satisfying treat that feels homemade without all the fuss.
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Air Fryer Lumpia
Craving the crispy, savory goodness of authentic Filipino Lumpiang Shanghai? This air fryer lumpia recipe delivers all the delicious flavor and crunch you expect, but with a lighter, healthier twist. By using the air fryer, you can skip the deep fryer and still get that perfectly golden, crisp exterior without all the extra oil. It’s a great way to enjoy this beloved dish with less mess and fewer calories. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a party snack, these lumpia are sure to disappear fast!
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Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Get ready for a flavor-packed snack that hits all the right notes! These Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch. Each jalapeño is stuffed with a rich blend of cheeses, wrapped in smoky bacon, then coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs for that satisfying crunch. The air fryer cooks them to golden-brown perfection in just minutes—no need for deep frying or extra oil. Whether you're hosting a party or just craving a bold bite, these poppers are guaranteed to disappear fast!
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Air Fryer Pita Chips
These homemade Air Fryer Pita Chips are the perfect snack when you're craving something light, crispy, and satisfying. Made in just 15 minutes, they’re incredibly easy to whip up and can be seasoned however you like—whether you prefer them salty, herby, or with a little spice. They're great on their own, but also make a delicious companion to creamy hummus, guacamole, or any dip you love. You can even crumble them over salads or soups for a crunchy finishing touch. Once you try making them at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought chips again!
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Air Fryer Dorito Chicken Tenders
These Air Fryer Dorito Chicken Tenders are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite, and they might just become your new go-to comfort food. Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, these tenders are coated in crushed cheesy tortilla chips, giving them an extra-crispy texture and bold, irresistible flavor. The air fryer locks in all that crunch without the need for deep frying, making them a lighter but still satisfying option. They're perfect for dunking into your favorite sauces, whether you're hosting a game day gathering or just looking for a quick dinner everyone will enjoy. Best of all, they come together fast, making them ideal for busy weeknights when you need something easy and delicious.
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Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
These Air Fryer Taquitos are packed with flavor, thanks to a savory mix of shredded chicken, creamy refried beans, sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty green chile salsa all rolled up in a crispy tortilla. Cooking them in the air fryer gives you that satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying, making them a little lighter but just as delicious. They're perfect for dunking into your favorite dips like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, which take every bite to the next level. Whether you're serving them up as a hearty appetizer for a gathering or a quick, satisfying dinner, these taquitos are sure to disappear fast.
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
This air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus is a deliciously simple side dish or appetizer that comes together in no time. Tender asparagus spears are seasoned just right and wrapped in smoky, savory bacon, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The air fryer cooks the bacon to crispy perfection while keeping the asparagus tender and flavorful. It's an easy yet impressive dish that works well for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or entertaining guests. With minimal prep and quick cook time, it's sure to become a favorite go-to recipe.
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Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets are a quick and delicious way to enjoy crispy, golden seafood bites without the mess of traditional frying. Coated in a seasoned cornmeal breading, these nuggets cook in under 15 minutes, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or as part of a po'boy sandwich for a satisfying meal.
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Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
If you’ve got leftover mac and cheese in the fridge, this clever little trick is about to become your new favorite snack. These air fryer mac and cheese balls are incredibly simple to make and turn that cheesy comfort food into crispy, golden bites of deliciousness. With just a few extra ingredients and a quick spin in the air fryer, you’ll have a crunchy, melty treat that’s hard to resist. Perfect for parties, game nights, or just a fun way to reinvent leftovers, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
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Frozen Potstickers in Air Fryer (Trader Joe’s Potstickers)
Making frozen potstickers in the air fryer is a total game-changer when you're short on time but still want something tasty. With just two ingredients and about 10 minutes, you can whip up a snack, appetizer, or side dish that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. There's no need for oil splatter or watching over a hot stove—just pop them in and let the air fryer do all the work. It’s an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy one of your favorite takeout-style treats at home. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or when you're just craving something warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Potstickers in Air Fryer (Trader Joe’s Potstickers)
Air Fryer Crab Cakes
These Air Fryer Crab Cakes strike the perfect balance between rich flavor and satisfying texture. Each cake is generously packed with sweet, flaky crab meat and just enough filler to keep everything together without overpowering the seafood. Thanks to the air fryer, they come out beautifully crisp on the outside while staying moist and tender inside. They make an elegant appetizer or light main course that’s easy to whip up but tastes like a restaurant-quality dish. Whether you're hosting guests or just treating yourself, these crab cakes are sure to impress.
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Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs are a simple yet flavorful option that works great for both busy weeknights and casual get-togethers. Made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and a perfect blend of seasonings, these meatballs come out juicy and golden in just 15 minutes. They’re a lighter alternative to traditional fried meatballs, but still packed with flavor and satisfying texture. For families with picky eaters, there’s even a clever way to sneak in some shredded zucchini—adding a healthy boost without anyone noticing. Serve them with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip for a tasty and versatile dish everyone will love.
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Blackstone Air Fryer Lobster Tails
These luxurious lobster tails are cooked to perfection in a Blackstone air fryer, offering a quick and elegant way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Using the air fryer gives you tender, juicy meat with a lightly crisp exterior—all without the hassle of boiling water or firing up the grill. It’s a surprisingly simple method that delivers impressive results, perfect for a special dinner or when you’re craving something a little more indulgent. This modern twist on a seafood favorite makes preparing lobster more approachable, even on a busy weeknight.
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Homemade Croutons – Made in an Air Fryer
Making homemade croutons in an air fryer is surprisingly simple and so much faster than using the oven. With just a few basic ingredients like bread, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings, you can create crispy, golden croutons in minutes. They turn out perfectly crunchy on the outside while staying slightly tender inside, adding the ideal texture to salads or soups. Plus, making them at home means you can customize the flavors exactly how you like. Once you try air-fried croutons, you'll never go back to the store-bought kind!
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Air Fryer Cod Goujons
These homemade air fryer cod goujons are a delicious and satisfying option for busy weeknights or casual family meals. Made with fresh cod coated in flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs, they come together quickly and cook up beautifully in the air fryer. The result is a perfectly crispy exterior with a flaky, tender inside that both kids and adults will love. They’re a healthier alternative to deep-fried fish, without sacrificing any of the crunch or flavor. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an easy meal or fun snack everyone can enjoy.
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Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Craving something cheesy and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen? Homemade pizza rolls made in the air fryer are the perfect answer. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, you can whip up golden, crispy bites stuffed with melty cheese and savory pizza fillings in no time. The air fryer gives them that irresistible crunch without the hassle of deep frying or heating up the oven. They’re so quick, easy, and delicious, you’ll find yourself making them again and again—especially once friends and family start requesting more!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
