18 Appetizer Ideas Straight from the Air Fryer
Crispy snacks and appetizers are where the air fryer really shines. These recipes deliver crunch, golden edges, and bold flavor without the need for deep frying. From seafood bites and cheesy sides to spicy wings and veggie twists, they’re fast, fun, and loaded with texture. Serve them up with dips or sauces to keep things extra satisfying.
Air Fryer Artichokes + Easy Garlic Aioli Dip
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Trimmed artichokes turn crispy on the edges and tender inside after a spin in the air fryer. A side of garlic aioli adds a rich, creamy contrast. The dip is quick to stir together and pairs well with the charred leaves. A great starter or side that feels a little different.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Artichokes + Easy Garlic Aioli Dip
Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls
Creamy avocado is wrapped in a crisp shell with add-ins like onion or seasoning. The air fryer gives the wrappers a golden crunch without oil. Slice and dip in sweet chili or soy sauce for the best bite. A great mix of smooth and crispy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls
Air Fryer Avocado Fries
Thick slices of avocado are breaded and air fried until the outside is crunchy and the inside stays soft. They’re great for dipping and work well as a side or snack. The contrast in textures makes them extra satisfying. Serve hot with ranch or chipotle mayo.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Avocado Fries
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Shrimp are lightly breaded and air fried until crispy, then tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. They cook fast and come out golden without needing a deep fryer. The sauce gives them a bold kick. Great for starters or tacos.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are coated in BBQ sauce and crisped up with tender meat and sticky skin. The air fryer makes them caramelized without drying out. Finish with extra sauce or a sprinkle of green onion. Serve with napkins.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp
Shrimp are tossed with blackening spices and cooked until slightly charred and firm. The quick cook time helps them stay juicy. They work great in tacos, rice bowls, or over salad. A fast seafood option with big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp
Air Fryer Blooming Onion
This take on the restaurant favorite uses less oil but still delivers a crispy pull-apart onion. Seasoned breading clings to each petal. Serve with a creamy dipping sauce. It’s dramatic and fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Strips of chicken are breaded, fried, and tossed in buffalo sauce for that classic spicy bite. They’re juicy inside with a crispy shell. Blue cheese or ranch makes the perfect dip. Serve with celery sticks to cool things down.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Wings are cooked until golden and then tossed in tangy buffalo sauce. The air fryer keeps them crisp without drying out. Add more sauce after cooking if you like them extra wet. They’re always welcome at game night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Air Fryer Calamari
Rings of squid are breaded and crisped in the air fryer until golden. The result is tender inside with a crunchy outside. Serve with marinara or lemon wedges. They cook in minutes and go fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Calamari
Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip
Carrots are cut into fry shapes and roasted until the edges are browned and sweet. A creamy aioli on the side adds richness and contrast. They’re a lighter snack but still satisfying. Add a sprinkle of seasoning before serving.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip
Air Fryer Cheese Sticks (Homemade Easy!)
These homemade cheese sticks get melty in the center and crispy outside. A quick freeze before air frying helps them hold their shape. Serve with marinara or ranch. Gooey and crunchy all in one.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Sticks (Homemade Easy!)
Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks
Breadsticks are loaded with melted cheese and slices of pepperoni, then crisped up in the air fryer. The edges turn golden while the cheese bubbles. Great for dipping in sauce. A crowd-pleaser with pizza vibes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks
Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Ground chicken is seasoned and rolled into bite-sized meatballs, then air fried until golden. They stay juicy and cook quickly. Serve with sauce or over pasta. Easy to freeze and reheat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Shredded chicken is rolled in tortillas and crisped in the air fryer for a crunchy shell. They’re great on their own or topped with sour cream and salsa. Quick to prep and easy to eat. A fun dinner or snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Shrimp are coated in a coconut crust and cooked until golden and crispy. The sweet coating pairs well with spicy or tangy dips. They’re light, crunchy, and quick to disappear. Serve as an appetizer or party bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
Cream cheese and crab are stuffed into wrappers and fried until golden. The filling stays creamy while the edges crisp up. Serve with a sweet chili dip or soy sauce. A homemade take on a takeout classic.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
Cubed potatoes roast quickly with crispy edges and a fluffy middle. Add your favorite seasoning blend before cooking. They work with breakfast, dinner, or anything in between. A simple but reliable side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
