Appetizers are the perfect way to kick off any gathering, whetting appetites for the main course to come. But frying batch after batch of appetizers can be time-consuming, messy, and unhealthy. That’s where the air fryer comes in! This magical appliance produces crispy, delicious appetizers in a fraction of the time and with little to no oil. From classics like garlic bread to fun finger foods like bacon-wrapped avocado, your air fryer can turn out amazing appetizers that look and taste deep fried.
In this collection, you’ll find 10 sensational air fryer appetizer recipes guaranteed to be a hit at your next party or potluck. Expect crave-worthy flavors like coconut shrimp with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, spinach and feta stuffed in golden pastry turnovers, and zesty fiesta chicken fingers coated in crushed corn chips. Mushroom roll-ups, zucchini fritters, and even brussels sprouts get the air fryer treatment, emerging tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Air Fry to the App: 10 Appetizers You’ll Devour from Your Air Fryer
1. Crispy Air-Fried Pickles
Total Time: Prep: 20 min. + standing Cook: 15 min./batch, Makes: 32 slices
These crispy air-fried pickles offer all the crunchy goodness of fried pickles without the grease. Coating the pickle slices in a flavorful panko breadcrumb mixture and air frying yields pickles that are deliciously golden brown and crisp. Served alongside a creamy ranch dipping sauce, they make a fun and tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
- 32 slices of dill pickle, patted dry
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Cooking spray
- Ranch dressing, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Let the pickle slices stand on paper towels until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour and salt. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, pickle juice, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Place the panko breadcrumbs and chopped dill in a third shallow bowl.
- Working in batches, dip the pickle slices first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip them in the egg mixture followed by the panko mixture, patting gently to adhere the crumbs.
- Place the breaded pickles in a single layer on the greased air fryer tray or basket. Air fry for 7-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip the pickles and lightly spray with cooking spray. Air fry for another 7-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately with ranch dressing for dipping, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving (1 pickle slice)
Calories: 26,Fat: 1g,Saturated Fat: 0g,Cholesterol: 13mg,Sodium: 115mg,Carbohydrates: 4g,Sugar: 0g,Fiber: 0g,Protein: 1g
2. Air-Fried Chicken Wings
Total Time, Prep: 15 min. Cook: 35 min./batch, Makes: 2 dozen
These crispy air-fried chicken wings are full of flavor from a spice and herb coating. Baking soda helps the skin get extra crispy in the air fryer. Serve with ranch, buffalo sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon each ground mustard, ginger, and nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 12 whole chicken wings, cut into 3 sections (about 2 1/2 pounds)
- Ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or barbecue sauce for dipping (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the garlic powder, garlic salt, mustard, ginger, nutmeg, pepper, allspice, baking soda, and cayenne.
- Cut each chicken wing into 3 sections, discarding the wing tip. Add the wings to the spice mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Working in batches, arrange the wings in a single layer on the greased air fryer tray or basket. Air fry for 15 minutes.
- Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for 20-25 minutes more, until the juices run clear and the wings are golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining wings. Serve immediately with ranch, buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving (1 wing section)
Calories: 54,Fat: 4g,Saturated fat: 1g,Cholesterol: 15mg,Sodium: 102mg,Carbs: 0g,Sugar: 0g,Fiber: 0g,Protein: 5g
3. Air-Fried Garlic Bread
This easy air-fried garlic bread is crispy on the outside and meltedly tender within. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs gives it incredible flavor.
Prep Time: 10 min, Cook Time: 10 min, Total Time: 20 min, Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley or 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 8 slices ciabatta or French bread
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, Parmesan, garlic, and parsley. Spread the mixture evenly over each bread slice.
- Working in batches, arrange the bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve the garlic bread warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving:
Calories: 122, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 181mg, Carbs: 14g, Sugar: 1g, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 3g
4. Air-Fried Coconut Shrimp with Apricot Dipping Sauce
These crispy coconut shrimp get perfectly golden and crunchy in the air fryer. The sweet apricot dipping sauce balances the coconut-crusted shrimp beautifully.
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the apricot dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Directions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place the flour in one shallow bowl and the beaten eggs in another. In a third bowl, mix together the shredded coconut and salt.
- Dredge each shrimp first in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip in the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat in the coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes. Gently flip and air fry for 3-5 minutes more until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, stir together the apricot preserves, Thai chili sauce, lime juice and ginger.
- Serve the crispy coconut shrimp immediately with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving (4 shrimp with 2 Tbsp sauce)
Calories: 331, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 137mg, Sodium: 296mg, Carbs: 50g, Sugar: 39g, Protein: 15g
5. Air-fried Spinach and Feta Turnovers
These flaky turnovers are stuffed with a savory spinach and feta filling and air-fried to golden perfection. They make a delicious vegetarian appetizer or snack.
Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 12 mins, Total Time: 30 mins, Makes: 4 turnovers
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza crust
- Tzatziki sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 425°F. In a bowl, whisk 2 eggs and set aside 1 tablespoon for egg wash.
- In another bowl, mix together the spinach, feta, garlic, pepper and remaining beaten eggs.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch square. Cut into four 6-inch squares.
- Place about 1/3 cup of the spinach mixture onto each square. Fold diagonally into a triangle and pinch the edges to seal.
- Cut small slits on top of each turnover and brush with the reserved 1 tablespoon egg wash.
- Working in batches if needed, place turnovers in a single layer on the greased air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with tzatziki sauce, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 361, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 104mg, Sodium: 936mg, Carbs: 51g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 17g
6. Bacon-wrapped Avocado Wedges with Spicy Mayo
Crisp bacon wraps around creamy avocado wedges in this fun twist on guacamole. A Sriracha spiked mayo dipping sauce adds even more flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins, Total Time: 30 mins, Makes: 1 dozen wedges
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe avocados, halved, peeled, and cut into 6 wedges each
- 12 bacon strips
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 Tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 1-2 Tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp grated lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Wrap a bacon strip around each avocado wedge.
- Working in batches if needed, arrange the bacon-wrapped wedges in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-15 minutes until the bacon is cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, lime juice, and lime zest.
- Serve the avocado wedges warm with the spicy mayo dip. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving (1 wedge)
- Calories: 142
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
- Sodium: 274mg
- Carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
7. Air-fried Zucchini Pizza Fritters
These crispy veggie fritters are packed with shredded zucchini, potato, onion, and cheese. They make a delicious snack or appetizer topped with marinara sauce.
Prep Time: 20 min, Cook Time: 15 min, Total Time: 35 min, Makes: 12 fritters
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, coarsely grated
- 1 medium potato, peeled and coarsely grated
- 1/2 small onion, coarsely grated
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the grated zucchini, potato, and onion in a clean towel. Squeeze out excess liquid.
- In a large bowl, combine the veggie mixture, egg, flour, Parmesan, and spices.
- Form into 1/4 cup patties. Working in batches, place the fritters in a single layer on the greased air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned, flipping halfway.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving (1 fritter)
Calories: 44, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 18mg, Sodium: 164mg, Carbs: 5g, Fiber: 1g, Protein: 3g
8. Air-Fried Mushroom and Cheese Roll-Ups
These cheesy mushroom roll-ups make an easy yet impressive appetizer. The blend of mushrooms, herbs and spices is wrapped in a tortilla with cream cheese and ricotta, then air fried to crispy perfection.
Prep Time: 30 mins, Cook Time: 10 mins, Total Time: 40 mins, Makes: 10 roll-ups
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz portobello mushrooms, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz whole milk ricotta
- 10 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- Cooking spray
- Chutney, for serving
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook mushrooms in oil 4 minutes. Stir in herbs, pepper flakes and salt. Cook until browned, 4-6 minutes more. Let cool.
- In a bowl, mix together cheeses. Fold in mushrooms.
- Spread about 3 Tbsp of filling on each tortilla. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Working in batches, place roll-ups seam side down on the greased air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F until golden brown, 9-11 minutes.
- Remove toothpicks before serving. Serve warm with chutney for dipping.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 291, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 27mg, Sodium: 380mg, Carbs: 31g,Fiber: 2g, Protein: 8g
9. Air-fried Fiesta Chicken Fingers
These crispy chicken fingers are coated in a flavorful mixture of crushed corn chips and taco seasoning. The crunch of the coating pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken inside.
Prep Time: 20 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins, Total Time: 35 mins, Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups crushed corn chips
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- Sour cream ranch dip or salsa, for serving
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into 1-inch wide strips.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and black pepper. Place the flour in a second shallow bowl. In a third bowl, mix the crushed corn chips and taco seasoning.
- Dredge the chicken strips in flour, dip in the buttermilk, then coat in the corn chip mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Working in batches, place the coated chicken in a single layer on the greased air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 7-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve immediately with sour cream ranch or salsa for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 676, Fat: 36g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 47mg, Sodium: 1431mg, Carbs: 60g, Fiber: 3g, Protein: 24g
10. Crispy Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Rosemary
These air-fried Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender within. A quick garlic-infused olive oil toss and a crunchy panko topping make them irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins, Total Time: 30 mins, Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 tsp minced fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 3 Tbsp olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Microwave on high for 30 seconds.
- Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a bowl. Toss with 2 Tbsp of the garlic oil mixture until coated.
- Arrange the sprouts in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Air fry for 4-5 minutes.
- Stir the sprouts, then air fry for 8 more minutes, stirring halfway, until starting to brown and become tender.
- In a small bowl, toss the panko with the rosemary and remaining garlic oil.
- Sprinkle the panko mixture over the sprouts and air fry 3-5 minutes more until the crumbs are browned.
- Serve the Brussels sprouts immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 164, Fat: 11g, Saturated fat: 1g, Sodium: 342mg, Carbs: 15g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 5g
Final Word
The air fryer truly shines when it comes to cooking up crispy, crave-worthy appetizers in a flash. This collection of 10 tasty recipes shows off the versatility of the air fryer, with options ranging from classic garlic bread to more unique creations like bacon-wrapped avocado and fiesta chicken fingers.
A few highlights include the Coconut Shrimp with Sweet and Spicy Apricot Dipping Sauce. The air fryer yields shrimp with a perfectly crisp coconut coating and tender interior. Spinach Feta Turnovers offer a savory vegetarian appetizer exploding with creamy spinach and salty feta flavor wrapped in a golden pastry crust. For bold flavors, the Fiesta Chicken Fingers coated in zesty crushed corn chips and taco seasoning are sure to satisfy.
The air fryer also lends itself well to reinventing typically fried appetizers in a healthier way. Crispy Zucchini Pizza Fritters, Pickles, and Mushroom Roll-Ups mimic their deep-fried counterparts but use little to no oil. Even the Brussels Sprouts turn out caramelized and crunchy thanks to the air fryer.
With the speed and convenience of the air fryer, whipping up these party-ready appetizers is a breeze. So next time you host guests or simply want to indulge in a flavorful snack, turn to these 10 recipes and let your air fryer work its magic. It’s sure to impress both your tastebuds and your guests.
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