19 Crispy Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes Delicious

Just when you thought your air fryer couldn’t get any more versatile, we’ve rounded up 19 irresistibly crispy appetizer recipes that’ll make you the star of every gathering. From golden mozzarella sticks to spicy buffalo cauliflower, these bite-sized delights are perfect for game nights, parties, or just treating yourself. Get ready to transform your snack game with minimal effort and maximum flavor—let’s dive into these crunchy creations!

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

These Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, cheesy, and ready in minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer.

Ingredients

  • Mozzarella cheese sticks – 12
  • Flour – ½ cup
  • Eggs – 2
  • Breadcrumbs – 1 cup
  • Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
  • Salt – ½ tsp
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Cut each mozzarella stick in half for 24 pieces.
  2. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and salt.
  3. Dip each mozzarella piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Tip: Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to avoid clumping.
  4. Place coated sticks on a plate and freeze for 30 minutes. This prevents cheese from leaking during cooking.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
  6. Arrange sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
  7. Cook for 6 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Tip: Check at 5 minutes to prevent overcooking.
  8. Remove when golden brown and let cool for 2 minutes before serving. Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture.

Delightfully crispy on the outside with a gooey, melted center. Pair with marinara sauce or a spicy aioli for dipping.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Kick off your snack game with these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings. They’re quick, easy, and irresistibly crunchy.

Ingredients

  • Chicken wings – 2 lbs
  • Baking powder – 1 tbsp
  • Salt – 1 tsp
  • Black pepper – ½ tsp
  • Garlic powder – ½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  2. In a bowl, mix baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Toss the wings in the mixture until evenly coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, not touching.
  6. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the wings.
  7. Cook for another 12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
  8. Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Best enjoyed hot, these wings boast a perfect crunch outside with juicy tenderness inside. Serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Zesty and bold, these Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are a game-changer for snack time. Ready in minutes, they’re the perfect blend of spicy and creamy.

Ingredients

  • Jalapenos – 6
  • Cream cheese – 4 oz
  • Shredded cheddar cheese – 1/2 cup
  • Bacon – 4 slices, cooked and crumbled
  • All-purpose flour – 1/2 cup
  • Egg – 1, beaten
  • Breadcrumbs – 1 cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 370°F for 5 minutes.
  2. Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes for less heat.
  3. Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon in a bowl. Fill each jalapeno half with the mixture.
  4. Dredge filled jalapenos in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
  5. Place poppers in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 370°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  6. Check for golden brown coating and melted filling before removing.

These poppers come out crispy outside with a molten, cheesy center. Serve with a cool ranch dip to balance the heat.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Easy to make and healthier than traditional fries, these air fryer sweet potato fries are a game-changer for snack time. Enjoy crispy edges with a soft center, all with minimal oil.

Ingredients

– Sweet potatoes – 2 medium
– Olive oil – 1 tbsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Paprika – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes.
2. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into ¼-inch thick fries.
3. Toss fries with olive oil, salt, and paprika in a bowl until evenly coated.
4. Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
5. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
6. Check for crispiness; cook for an additional 3-5 minutes if needed.
7. Remove fries from the air fryer and let them cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Kick up the flavor by serving these fries with a spicy aioli or a cool ranch dip. The contrast between the sweet potatoes and the dip’s tanginess is irresistible. For an extra crunch, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt right after cooking.

Air Fryer Onion Rings

Air Fryer Onion Rings
Grab your air fryer for crispy onion rings without the guilt. This recipe keeps it simple and delicious.

Ingredients

  • Onions – 2 large
  • Flour – 1 cup
  • Egg – 1
  • Milk – 1 cup
  • Bread crumbs – 1 cup
  • Salt – ½ tsp
  • Paprika – ½ tsp
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
  2. Slice onions into ½-inch rings, separate.
  3. Mix flour, salt, and paprika in a bowl.
  4. Whisk egg and milk in another bowl.
  5. Place bread crumbs in a third bowl.
  6. Dip each onion ring in flour, then egg mixture, then bread crumbs.
  7. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  8. Place onion rings in basket in a single layer.
  9. Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, flip halfway.
  10. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket for even cooking.
  11. Tip: Shake basket gently when flipping to avoid sticking.
  12. Tip: For extra crispiness, spray rings lightly with cooking spray before cooking.

With a crunchy exterior and tender inside, these onion rings are a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with a spicy mayo or barbecue sauce for dipping.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Want a crispy, spicy snack that’s easy to make? These Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are your answer.

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower – 1 head
  • Flour – ½ cup
  • Milk – ½ cup
  • Buffalo sauce – ½ cup
  • Salt – ½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  2. Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
  3. Mix flour, milk, and salt in a bowl to create a batter.
  4. Coat each floret in the batter.
  5. Place florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  6. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  7. Toss cooked florets in buffalo sauce until fully coated.
  8. Return to air fryer for 2 more minutes to set the sauce.

You’ll love the crunch outside and tender inside. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Got a zucchini and an air fryer? Let’s turn that veggie into crispy, guilt-free chips in no time.

Ingredients

  • Zucchini – 1 medium
  • Olive oil – 1 tbsp
  • Salt – ½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
  2. Slice zucchini into ¼-inch rounds. Tip: Use a mandoline for even slices.
  3. Toss zucchini slices with olive oil and salt in a bowl.
  4. Arrange slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Tip: Avoid overlapping for even crispiness.
  5. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Tip: Check at 8 minutes for desired crispness.
  6. Remove chips and let cool on a rack for 2 minutes.

Zucchini chips come out delightfully crisp with a light, savory flavor. Try serving them with a side of ranch or sprinkle with Parmesan right after frying for an extra kick.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Knots

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Knots

Garlic parmesan knots are the perfect quick snack or side. They’re crispy, flavorful, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

  • Pizza dough – 1 lb
  • Garlic powder – 1 tbsp
  • Parmesan cheese – ½ cup
  • Butter – 2 tbsp
  • Parsley – 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes.
  2. Roll pizza dough into 12 equal-sized ropes. Tie each into a knot.
  3. Place knots in air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for 6 minutes.
  4. Flip knots. Cook for another 6 minutes until golden. Tip: Shake basket halfway for even cooking.
  5. Melt butter in microwave for 30 seconds. Stir in garlic powder.
  6. Brush garlic butter over knots. Sprinkle with parmesan and parsley. Tip: Use a pastry brush for even coating.
  7. Return to air fryer. Cook for 1 minute to melt cheese. Tip: Watch closely to prevent burning.

Zesty and golden, these knots have a crisp exterior with a soft center. Serve with marinara for dipping or as a side to pasta.

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Unbelievably crispy and creamy, these Air Fryer Crab Rangoons are a game-changer for appetizer lovers. Ready in minutes, they’re perfect for last-minute guests or a quick snack.

Ingredients

  • Wonton wrappers – 12
  • Cream cheese – 4 oz, softened
  • Crab meat – 1/2 cup, finely chopped
  • Green onions – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
  • Garlic powder – 1/4 tsp
  • Water – 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, crab meat, green onions, and garlic powder until well combined.
  2. Place 1 tsp of the mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper.
  3. Dip your finger in water and run it around the edges of the wrapper.
  4. Fold the wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, pressing edges to seal tightly.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 370°F for 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange Rangoons in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
  7. Air fry at 370°F for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  8. Let cool for 2 minutes before serving to avoid burns.

Delightfully crunchy on the outside with a melt-in-your-mouth filling, these Rangoons are a crowd-pleaser. Serve with sweet chili sauce for an extra kick or alongside a crisp salad for contrast.

Air Fryer Avocado Fries

Air Fryer Avocado Fries
Unbelievably crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, these avocado fries are a game-changer. Use ripe but firm avocados for the best texture.

Ingredients

– Avocados – 2, sliced into wedges
– Flour – ½ cup
– Eggs – 2, beaten
– Breadcrumbs – 1 cup
– Salt – ½ tsp.
– Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. Dredge avocado wedges in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Dip floured wedges into beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with salt.
4. Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
5. Arrange coated avocado wedges in a single layer in the basket.
6. Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
7. Remove from air fryer and let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Tip: For extra crispiness, spray the coated wedges lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
Tip: Ensure wedges aren’t touching in the basket for even cooking.
Tip: Serve immediately to maintain crispiness.
Vibrant and crunchy, these avocado fries pair perfectly with a spicy mayo or ranch dressing. Try them as a unique side or a standout snack.

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Just when you thought dates couldn’t get any better, we wrap them in bacon and air fry them to perfection.

Ingredients

  • Dates – 12
  • Bacon – 6 slices
  • Toothpicks – 12

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
  2. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise to make 12 pieces.
  3. Wrap each date with a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
  4. Place bacon-wrapped dates in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching.
  5. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crispy.
  6. Remove from air fryer and let cool for 2 minutes before serving.

Enjoy the crispy bacon paired with the sweet, chewy dates. Serve these as a party appetizer or a savory snack any time.

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Delightfully crispy and subtly sweet, this air fryer coconut shrimp is a quick fix for seafood cravings. Perfect for appetizers or a light meal, it’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients

  • Shrimp – 1 lb
  • Coconut flakes – 1 cup
  • Flour – ½ cup
  • Egg – 1
  • Salt – ½ tsp
  • Pepper – ¼ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
  2. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails on for presentation.
  3. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper.
  4. Beat egg in a separate bowl.
  5. Place coconut flakes in a third bowl.
  6. Coat shrimp in flour mixture, then dip in egg, and finally roll in coconut flakes.
  7. Arrange shrimp in air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
  8. Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes, flip halfway through for even crispiness.
  9. Check for golden brown color and crispy texture before serving.

Unbelievably crunchy outside with juicy shrimp inside, these are best served immediately with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping. Try skewering them for a fun party appetizer.

Air Fryer Spinach and Artichoke Dip Balls

Air Fryer Spinach and Artichoke Dip Balls
Fancy a twist on the classic dip? These Air Fryer Spinach and Artichoke Dip Balls are crispy outside, creamy inside. Perfect for game day or snacking.

Ingredients

– Cream cheese – 8 oz
– Frozen spinach – 1 cup, thawed and drained
– Artichoke hearts – 1 cup, chopped
– Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, shredded
– Garlic powder – 1 tsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Breadcrumbs – 1 cup
– Egg – 1, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 370°F for 5 minutes.
2. Mix cream cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts, mozzarella, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl until combined.
3. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls.
4. Dip each ball into beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Place balls in air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
6. Air fry at 370°F for 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Flip balls halfway through cooking for even browning.
8. Let cool for 2 minutes before serving.

Hot out of the air fryer, these balls offer a satisfying crunch with a gooey, flavorful center. Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.

Air Fryer Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip

Air Fryer Pretzel Bites with Cheese Dip
Unbelievably easy and irresistibly cheesy, these air fryer pretzel bites are your next party hit. Pair them with a creamy cheese dip for the ultimate snack.

Ingredients

– Flour – 1 cup
– Yeast – 1 tsp
– Sugar – 1 tsp
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Water – ½ cup
– Baking soda – 1 tbsp
– Cheddar cheese – ½ cup
– Milk – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add water gradually, kneading until a dough forms. Tip: Dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.
4. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
5. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Dissolve baking soda in 2 cups of warm water. Dip each dough ball in the solution.
7. Place dough balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Tip: Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
8. Air fry for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Tip: Shake the basket halfway for even cooking.
9. For the cheese dip, melt cheddar cheese with milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
10. Serve pretzel bites warm with the cheese dip.

Just out of the air fryer, these bites are golden and crisp outside, soft inside. The cheese dip adds a rich, creamy contrast. Try serving them with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra kick.

Air Fryer Falafel Bites

Air Fryer Falafel Bites

Delightfully crispy on the outside and tender inside, these Air Fryer Falafel Bites are a quick, healthy snack. Perfect for dipping or topping salads.

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas – 1 can (15 oz), drained
  • Garlic – 2 cloves
  • Cumin – 1 tsp
  • Baking powder – ½ tsp
  • Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
  2. In a food processor, blend chickpeas, garlic, cumin, and baking powder until coarse. Tip: Do not overblend to keep texture.
  3. Form mixture into 12 small balls, lightly coat with olive oil. Tip: Wet hands prevent sticking.
  4. Place falafel in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Tip: Ensure space between bites for even cooking.
  5. Serve immediately. Falafel should be golden and crisp.

Vibrant in flavor, these bites offer a satisfying crunch with a soft, herby center. Try them stuffed in pita with tahini sauce for a fulfilling meal.

Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms

Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a crowd-pleaser, and using an air fryer makes them irresistibly crispy. Simple ingredients pack big flavor into each bite.

Ingredients

  • Large mushrooms – 12
  • Cream cheese – 4 oz
  • Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup
  • Garlic powder – ½ tsp
  • Olive oil – 1 tbsp
  • Salt – ¼ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 370°F for 3 minutes.
  2. Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Remove stems.
  3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, parmesan, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
  4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture.
  5. Lightly brush olive oil on the stuffed mushrooms for crispiness.
  6. Place mushrooms in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  7. Air fry at 370°F for 8 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Let cool for 2 minutes before serving.

Outcome: These mushrooms are crispy outside, creamy inside. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra color and flavor.

Air Fryer Corn Fritters

Air Fryer Corn Fritters

Savory and crisp, these air fryer corn fritters are a quick fix for any snack craving. They’re golden, crunchy, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

  • Corn kernels – 1 cup
  • Flour – 1/2 cup
  • Egg – 1
  • Baking powder – 1/2 tsp
  • Salt – 1/4 tsp
  • Oil – 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 370°F for 5 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, mix corn, flour, egg, baking powder, and salt until combined.
  3. Lightly grease air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the air fryer, leaving space between each.
  5. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  6. Remove fritters and let cool on a wire rack for 2 minutes before serving.

Enjoy these fritters hot for the best texture—crispy outside, tender inside. Try them with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory twist.

Air Fryer Bruschetta

Air Fryer Bruschetta

Fresh flavors meet crispy bread in this quick air fryer bruschetta. Perfect for a snack or appetizer, it’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients

  • Baguette – 1, sliced
  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp
  • Tomatoes – 2, diced
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Basil – ¼ cup, chopped
  • Salt – ½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
  2. Brush baguette slices with olive oil on both sides.
  3. Air fry bread slices at 350°F for 4 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket for even crisping.
  4. In a bowl, mix tomatoes, garlic, basil, and salt. Tip: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Top each bread slice with the tomato mixture. Tip: Serve immediately to maintain the bread’s crispiness.

Here’s how it turns out: The bread stays crispy under the juicy tomato topping. Herbs add a fresh kick, making it a hit at any gathering.

Air Fryer Pita Chips with Hummus

Air Fryer Pita Chips with Hummus

Vibrant and crunchy, these Air Fryer Pita Chips with Hummus are a quick snack. Perfect for dipping, they’re ready in minutes.

Ingredients

  • Pita bread – 2 pieces
  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp
  • Salt – ½ tsp
  • Hummus – 1 cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
  2. Cut pita bread into 8 wedges per piece.
  3. Brush both sides of each wedge with olive oil.
  4. Sprinkle salt evenly over the wedges.
  5. Place wedges in air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overlapping.
  6. Air fry for 4 minutes, flip each wedge, then fry for another 4 minutes until golden and crisp.
  7. Let chips cool for 2 minutes to crisp further.
  8. Serve with hummus on the side for dipping.

Bold in flavor, these chips offer a satisfying crunch. Pair with spicy hummus for an extra kick or serve alongside a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Greatness awaits in every bite with these 19 crispy air fryer appetizer recipes! Perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in, these dishes promise to delight your taste buds with minimal effort. We’d love to hear which recipes you try and adore—drop a comment below with your favorites. Don’t forget to share the love (and these tasty ideas) by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy cooking!

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