21 Air Fryer Appetizers That Bring the Flavor and Skip the Oil

When friends or family drop by, appetizers are always the perfect way to welcome everyone in. For easy entertaining, 21 air fryer ideas step up to deliver crunch and flavor with hardly any oil. These recipes shine at game-day spreads, holiday gatherings, or even relaxed weeknights. With such a mix, discovering new favorites feels as effortless as pressing start.

A hand reaches for a piece of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken garnished with chopped parsley on a white plate.
Crispy Air Fryer Conch Fritters. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Crispy Air Fryer Crostini

Slices of crispy toasted bread with a golden-brown crust, displayed in a pile.
Crispy Air Fryer Crostini. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bite-sized crunch is what brings this Crispy Air Fryer Crostini to snack tables everywhere. Each piece is just right for dipping, spreading, or topping with your favorite flavors. People hover nearby, eager to grab extra before it’s all gone. I love serving this when guests crave simplicity with a bold edge.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Crostini

Tandoori Shrimp

Grilled shrimp skewers seasoned with spices and garnished with fresh herbs, served on a dark plate.
Tandoori Shrimp. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Bold color and lively flavors turn this Tandoori Shrimp into the center of attention, especially at gatherings. Each shrimp keeps things light yet satisfying, making snack time feel special. Friends sneak extras while chatting about the bright spices. I rely on this dish for parties that need a memorable touch.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp

Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Baked potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions on parchment paper.
Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Finger foods get an upgrade with these Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins. Each bite brings a crisp shell and hearty filling that won’t weigh you down. Comments about how they manage all that flavor without the oil happen every single time. I double the batch because empty plates always come quickly.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Spicy Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites

A hand picks a golden-brown, crispy fried ball from a bowl containing similar fried balls against a dark background.
Spicy Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Big energy jumps onto the plate with these Spicy Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites serving up just the right amount of kick. People ask about the pop of flavor after every round. Platter refills can’t keep up with demand. I pull them out for any event that needs snacks with a definite wow factor.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites

Hot Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Hot Air Fryer Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Game night gets a boost with these Hot Air Fryer Pizza Rolls. Melty centers paired with crisp wrappers keep hands busy and conversations lively. Everyone cheers when they spot a fresh batch appear. I reach for this recipe when classic comfort food needs a new spin that feels just right.
Get the Recipe: Hot Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Smoky Air Fryer Pig Shots

Close-up of shrimp wrapped in bacon secured with toothpicks, on a parchment-lined surface, seasoned with spices.
Smoky Air Fryer Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Smoke and savory flavor combine in these Smoky Air Fryer Pig Shots to make snack time especially fun. Half the crowd disappears into the kitchen looking for extras. No oily fingers means less fuss at cleanup. I’ve found these bites always spark plenty of compliments and requests for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Air Fryer Pig Shots

Crunchy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Air fried tortilla chips stacked on a plate around a bowl of dipping sauce.
Crunchy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Extra crunch with a lighter feel tops the list with these Crunchy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips. Every dip and scoop brings another reason to go back for just one more. Bowls empty long before the party winds down. I pair these chips with crowd-pleasing dips every time a gathering needs quick and easy snacks.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Crispy Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake

Close-up of golden-brown crab cakes stacked on a plate, garnished with chopped herbs and set on a white paper.
Crispy Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Seafood lovers perk up when this Crispy Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake lands on the table. The exterior sparkles while the inside stays tender and light. Comments often turn to how something so crisp can have so little oil. I enjoy prepping these as a fresh, flavorful option that feels like a real treat, even on regular days.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake

Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins

Potato skins with sour cream and sliced scallions.
Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No snack list feels complete without these Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins. Crisp shells and hearty toppings create the kind of appetizer people talk about well after the plates are clean. It’s fun seeing which layer draws the biggest cheers. I use this recipe for making any gathering brighter and instantly more festive.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins

Savory Air Fryer Meatball Sliders

Close-up of cheese-stuffed sliders topped with herbs and crumbs, with one slider being lifted to reveal melted cheese stretching from the tray.
Savory Air Fryer Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Big flavor fits inside each bite of these Savory Air Fryer Meatball Sliders. Mini sandwiches bring both ease and excitement to casual celebrations. Snacks move fast as hands reach for seconds and thirds. I roll out these sliders for gatherings where people want filling food but lighter cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Savory Air Fryer Meatball Sliders

Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy centers and crispy edges make these Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks disappear fast at any party. Guests line up for another dip into their favorite sauces before the stack runs out. Even picky eaters ask for more. I rely on this classic snack to please just about any crowd without the extra oil.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Bacon-wrapped jalapeños filled with cheese, secured with toothpicks, on a plate next to a small bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Parties lift off quickly with these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers. Each spicy, smoky bite brings a grin to the table, and empty trays happen often. Flavor fans always ask how these come together so easily. I serve them whenever I want a snack that sparks extra energy in the room.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Meaty Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms

A bowl of crispy, breaded air fryer Portobello mushrooms garnished with fresh herbs, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce.
Meaty Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Savory, earthy bites headline these Meaty Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms. Sharing is easy thanks to their perfect finger food size, and even non-vegetarians find themselves reaching for more. praises for their flavor come quickly. I add these to appetizer spreads whenever I need a hearty option that doesn’t feel heavy.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms

Charred Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

A close-up image of three seasoned and grilled ears of corn arranged on a plate.
Charred Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet kernels and a smoky char make this Charred Air Fryer Corn on the Cob feel like the best kind of comfort snack. Pass around each cob and watch laughter fill the room. People comment on how something simple can taste so bold. I make extra since everyone grabs a piece before settling into the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Charred Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Quick Air Fryer Bagel Bites

Bagel bites in an air fryer basket.
Quick Air Fryer Bagel Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bite-sized breads get all the attention with these Quick Air Fryer Bagel Bites. Each one offers a soft center and crisp outside, making sharing fun and easy. Guests swap favorite toppings as the snack board grows. I pop these out for spontaneous gatherings or mornings where small bites feel just right.
Get the Recipe: Quick Air Fryer Bagel Bites

Crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Close-up of several crispy, twisted strips of cooked bacon on a white surface.
Crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spirals of salty crunch bring these Crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon to the top of any snack wish list. Plates fill up fast before the platter can be set down. People ask how bacon can be so crisp without the mess. I reach for this appetizer anytime classic snacks need a new look and a bit more fun.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

Creamy Air Fryer Broccoli Soup

Bowl of green soup with croutons, shredded cheese, a mint leaf, and a swirl of olive oil on top.
Creamy Air Fryer Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lighter comfort food shows up with this Creamy Air Fryer Broccoli Soup, perfect for pairing with simple sides. Guests relax into each bowl, surprised at how familiar yet different it tastes. The warmth lingers in every spoonful. I keep this recipe ready for chilly evenings when snacks need to feel like something cozy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Air Fryer Broccoli Soup

Flaky Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

A close-up of several pigs in a blanket, consisting of sausages wrapped in baked dough, topped with a light sprinkling of salt.
Flaky Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pastry and savory bites join forces with these Flaky Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket. Small enough for carefree munching, they never make it to leftovers. You’ll spot plenty of happy hands grabbing extras. I always recommend these for any occasion where snacks should be fun without the fuss of frying.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

Soft Air Fryer Garlic Knots

A close-up of a baked garlic knot topped with chopped herbs and spices, displaying a golden-brown crust.
Soft Air Fryer Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm, pillowy bites shine in these Soft Air Fryer Garlic Knots. Each one offers enough flavor to make snack time special, yet stays light for sharing. Baskets empty at every party. I make them alongside dips for gatherings that call for easy comfort and lots of smiles.
Get the Recipe: Soft Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Flaky Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Flaky Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Golden, layered crust meets light filling in this Flaky Chicken Pot Pie. People dig in for a taste that feels rich and yet doesn’t sit heavy, perfect for sharing at any event. The mix of textures always surprises. I go for this option when classic comfort deserves a lighter, modern spin that everyone can enjoy together.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Chicken Pot Pie

Crispy Air Fryer Conch Fritters

A hand reaches for a piece of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken garnished with chopped parsley on a white plate.
Crispy Air Fryer Conch Fritters. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Ocean flavor meets crunchy bite in these Crispy Air Fryer Conch Fritters. Mini patties deliver excitement to tables that need something a bit different. Friends keep reaching for more, chatting about where these bold flavors come from. I serve them when appetizers should feel just as fun as the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Conch Fritters

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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