21 Air Fryer Appetizers That Understand Snack Priorities

Hosting a group or just craving a quick bite, there’s always a perfect appetizer to make things easier. The full set of 21 air fryer recipes brings easy options for anything from relaxed evenings to sudden cravings. Quick cooking means less waiting and more mingling. Here, snacks truly fit your pace, no matter the crowd.

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.

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.

Holiday gatherings get a boost when this Crispy Air Fryer Conch Fritters recipe appears on the snack table. Each bite brings a hint of coastal flavor, adding something unique to winter spreads. Guests look for these right away as soon as they walk in. Knowing something special is waiting makes the evening more inviting.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Conch Fritters

Quick Air Fryer Bagel Bites

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

Mornings turn brighter when this Quick Air Fryer Bagel Bites recipe makes an appearance. The easy-to-eat pieces vanish quickly, especially when the house starts to fill up in December. Even picky eaters tend to grab another one. Crisp edges mix with a warm center, making snack time more interesting.
Get the Recipe: Quick Air Fryer Bagel Bites

DO MORE WITH YOUR

AIR FRYER

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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.

Cozy nights feel warmer with this Flaky Chicken Pot Pie appetizer. Layers of golden pastry hold a promise of comforting flavor with every pull-apart piece. It works perfectly for friendly gatherings when people want bite-sized comfort food. Bringing these to a party almost guarantees extra smiles around the table.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Chicken Pot Pie

Spicy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Freshly made jalapeño poppers on a plate.
Spicy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bringing this Spicy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers recipe to a snack tray adds a spark no one expects. Spicy warmth is balanced by a coolness that feels just right for winter. Watching these disappear first always makes cold nights more memorable. Every bite wakes up the senses without turning snack time stressful.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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.

Unexpected snacks can make an ordinary evening feel festive, like this Charred Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. Each cob gets just the right amount of crunch, which surprises anyone used to classic sides. Sweet, charred kernels bring guests back for seconds. Nobody expects corn on the cob to fit a December snack lineup, but it works every time.
Get the Recipe: Charred Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Hot Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

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

Few snacks deliver comfort as quickly as this Hot Air Fryer Pizza Rolls recipe. Crisp on the outside but filled with soft, melty goodness, these rolls vanish almost instantly from the serving plate. Snack priorities shift when these come out. Friends pause conversations just for an extra helping.
Get the Recipe: Hot Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

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.

Some appetizers make people think twice before reaching for seconds, yet this Spicy Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites just leaves everyone curious. Warm spices and a gentle crunch create real snack appeal. Every household gathering feels more adventurous with these on offer. Watch as the plate empties before any leftovers remain.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites

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.

Movie night becomes a real event when this Crunchy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips recipe hits the table. Crackling with each bite, these chips bring a festive feel to any snack spread. Paired with dips or alone, they never last long. December always finds room for this upgrade on traditional chips.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

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.

Mini snacks with flaky layers create an instant buzz, just like this Flaky Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket appetizer. Warm and easy to grab, they encourage people to circle the food table more than once. Every year, trays of these start conversations without trying. Rolling out a batch always brings back winter memories.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins

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

After-school hangouts or weekend gatherings get a big upgrade with this Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins recipe. Golden edges and hearty filling offer comfort in every piece. The snack table feels complete as soon as these appear. Second and third helpings are almost guaranteed by the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins

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.

Snack plans get exciting when this Smoky Air Fryer Pig Shots dish is around. Every bite brings a pop of smoky flavor, which makes December snacking more adventurous. These small bites have a way of disappearing in minutes. There is something about a handheld treat that wins over any group.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Air Fryer Pig Shots

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.

There is no denying the appeal of this Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks snack at a holiday get-together. Cheese pulls and golden crust create happy moments for kids and adults alike. Sharing platters of them breaks the ice at any gathering. Even the pickiest guest eventually reaches for one.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

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.

Winter evenings feel cozier when this Creamy Air Fryer Broccoli Soup is served in small cups for snacking. The warmth and silky texture invite people to linger nearby. It surprises people to find soup as a snack option. Those looking for something lighter always appreciate this addition.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Air Fryer Broccoli Soup

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.

Bringing bold flavor to a party spread is easy with this Tandoori Shrimp recipe. Each shrimp delivers a gentle warmth that makes winter snack tables stand out. This dish gives people a welcome surprise among the usual fare. As soon as a platter appears, more conversation circles the appetizer corner.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp

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.

For anyone hunting for something plant-based, this Meaty Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms snack is a welcome sight. Hearty texture and savory notes keep guests coming back for more. Strangers ask about the recipe because it makes snack time memorable. December gatherings grow more interesting thanks to a dish like this.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms

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.

Fresh, crisp bites of this Crispy Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake keep winter parties lively. Anyone who tries one is surprised by the burst of savory flavor in such a small package. Appetizer tables feel more inviting when these are stacked high. Bringing them out prompts questions and guarantees empty plates.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake

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 knots of dough sprinkled with garlic make this Soft Air Fryer Garlic Knots a friend to any snack plate. Each one pulls apart easily, sparking joy during those December get-togethers. People enjoy dipping them or just eating them plain. These little bites bridge both appetizer and comfort snack in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Soft Air Fryer Garlic Knots

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.

Adding a little crunch to snack hour, this Crispy Air Fryer Crostini recipe pairs well with spreads or toppings. Platters look more festive once these begin to pile up. Guests reach for them as soon as they spot the tray. Something about simple, crisp bread brings everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Crostini

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.

Crowd-pleasers always belong at the snack table, especially this Savory Air Fryer Meatball Sliders recipe. Bite-sized and hearty, these sliders disappear before conversations slow down. People often make room for another even when they think they’re done. Every slider served leaves someone wishing for a couple more.
Get the Recipe: Savory Air Fryer Meatball Sliders

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.

Sharing something smoky and bold brings people together fast, especially with this Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers. Each bite draws a small group around the food table. The spicy warmth is balanced nicely, so everyone finds something to enjoy. Platter after platter seems to vanish, especially during December events.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

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.

Snack lovers get excited when this Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins recipe makes its way to the table. Each one offers a little bit of crunchy comfort, perfect for wintertime gatherings. They look impressive but are easy to share. Watching the serving dish empty signals a successful get-together.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

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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