27 sensational football appetizers for game day

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I’ve got 27 sensational football appetizers that will make your game day spread the talk of the town. These recipes are the perfect combination of flavor, fun, and creativity, guaranteed to score major points with your hungry crowd.

Blooming onion on a plate with sauce in the background.
Air Fryer Blooming Onion. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crockpot Little Smokies

Crock pot little smokies on a spoon over the slow cooker.
Crockpot Little Smokies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Set it and forget it with these Crockpot Little Smokies, and watch them disappear faster than a referee’s whistle. Three ingredients, zero hassle, and a whole lot of yum. They’re the bite-sized MVPs of your snack lineup.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Little Smokies

Cajun Wings

Chicken wing flat with Cajun spices.
Cajun Wings. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let the good times roll with these crispy Cajun Wings that bring a taste of Mardi Gras to game day. They’re coated in spices that pack a punch and ready to fly off the plate. Whether you air fry or oven bake, these wings are a win.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Wings

Sausage Cheese Dip

Sausage cheese dip in a cast iron skillet topped with tomatoes and jalapenos.
Sausage Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get ready for a dip that’s so creamy and sausage-packed, it’s practically a meal in itself. This Sausage Cheese Dip is the melty, cheesy bowl of deliciousness that no game day should be without. Just five ingredients and you’re on your way to snack stardom.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Cheese Dip

Southwest Egg Rolls

Plate of southwest egg rolls cut open to show the filling of beans, chicken, corn and cheese.
Southwest Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Channel the spirit of Chili’s with these Southwest Egg Rolls straight from your air fryer. They’re loaded with chicken, corn, beans, onions, cheese, and a kick of Tex-Mex seasoning. Dip ’em in sauce and watch the fans go wild.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Egg Rolls

Bang Bang Shrimp

A person dipping fried shrimp into a bowl of dip.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bang Bang Shrimp in the air fryer is the appetizer that’ll put that old bag of chips to shame. Crispy shrimp with a spicy kick, they’re the snack that’ll make you want to bang on the table for an encore. And since they’re so easy, you’ll have plenty of time to perfect your victory dance.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño Poppers on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce.
Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Jalapeño Poppers in the air fryer are like little peppers of happiness stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon. They’re the spicy, crunchy, creamy bites that’ll make you the MVP of game day. Just make sure you’ve got enough for a rematch because these will go fast.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Crispy pasta chips on a plate with sauce.
Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Who knew pasta could be a chip? These Air Fryer Pasta Chips are the crunchy, crispy revolution your snack game didn’t see coming. Boil, season, air fry, and watch the crowd go wild.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Garlic Cheese Balls

Pulling apart a garlic cheese ball filled with stringy mozzarella cheese.
Garlic Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Garlic Cheese Balls are the air-fried orbs of glory that’ll have everyone reaching for one…or five. They’re garlicky, they’re cheesy, and they’re made from refrigerator biscuits, which means more time for you to brush up on your victory dance. These little guys are about to become your new snack playbook.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Cheese Balls

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Blooming onion on a plate with sauce in the background.
Air Fryer Blooming Onion. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into the crispy layers of an Air Fryer Blooming Onion and forget the fryer fuss. It’s a show-stopping, tear-inducing (in a good way) centerpiece that’ll outshine the halftime show. Plus, who wouldn’t want to pluck petal after petal of golden, crunchy goodness?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits

Ham and cheese biscuits cut in half with mustard dipping sauce.
Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits are the buttery, meaty, cheesy pockets that’ll have you forgetting all about those frozen pizza rolls. In just 15 minutes, you’ve got a snack that’s so good, it might just steal the show from the halftime performance. And they’re air-fried, which is basically culinary magic.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Ham and Cheese Biscuits

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Puff pastry pinwheels on a round wooden cutting board.
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels are rolling out to be the sleeper hit of your game day spread. They’ve got all the bacon and jalapeño goodness you crave, wrapped up in crispy puff pastry. Oven or air fryer, they’re scoring big on flavor and ease.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Air Fryer Ravioli

Crispy air fryer ravioli on a plate with one dipping into a sauce.
Air Fryer Ravioli. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Forget the frozen snacks; these Air Fryer Ravioli will have everyone huddling around the appetizer table. They’re breaded, bite-sized, and downright delectable when dunked in marinara sauce. Just pop them in the air fryer and watch them disappear faster than the ref can throw a flag.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ravioli

Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish

Holding a deviled egg sprinkled with paprika.
Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish are the classic appetizer with a tangy twist. They bring a subtle pickle flavor that’ll have everyone reaching for more. Transform your appetizer tray into a creative masterpiece that’s as mouth-watering as a game-winning drive.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Pickle Relish

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Take a stroll down delicious lane with this Walking Taco Casserole, where all your taco favorites are layered up and ready to party. It’s like a taco in casserole form, with Fritos for the crunch you didn’t know you needed. Ground beef, cheese, veggies—this dish is walking the walk.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Air Fried Pearl Onions

Air fried pearl onion on a toothpick with more fried onions on a plate in the background.
Air Fried Pearl Onions. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Air Fried Pearl Onions are like mini bloomin’ onions without the hassle. Breaded and bite-sized, they’re perfect for popping and dipping. Easy to whip up, these crispy snacks might just steal the spotlight from the game.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Pearl Onions

Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Buffalo chicken egg rolls on a wooden cutting board with celery and sprinkled with blue cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Spice up your snack game with Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls, where East meets (spicy) West in a crispy wrapper. With just six ingredients, you’ll be rolling these out faster than a quarterback dodging a tackle. They’re the egg rolls that think they’re wings, and nobody’s mad about it.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Sweet Chili Wings

Bowl of Thai sweet chili wings on a gray and white napkin.
Sweet Chili Wings. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sweet Chili Wings are the perfect mix of sugar, spice, and everything nice. They’re so sticky and finger-licking good, you might just forget to watch the game. Go ahead and keep a victory napkin close by—you’re gonna need it.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Chili Wings

Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

Closeup of someone dipping a pretzel bite in mustard sauce.
Air Fryer Pretzel Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bite-sized and brimming with that soft, chewy goodness, these Air Fryer Pretzel Bites are a total game-changer. Made from canned biscuits for extra ease, they’re the dunkable darlings of any sports shindig. Just try to resist the urge to do a touchdown dance with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pretzel Bites

Boom Boom Sauce

Dipping a chicken nugget in a bowl of boom boom sauce.
Boom Boom Sauce. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Ditch the store-bought stuff and whip up some Boom Boom Sauce that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and just the right kick of spice to dunk anything and everything. Consider it the secret sauce to becoming the snack champion of game day.
Get the Recipe: Boom Boom Sauce

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Crab rangoon in the air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crab and cream cheese come together in a crispy dumpling that’s the talk of the snack table. These Air Fryer Crab Rangoon are so surprisingly easy, you’ll be fishing for compliments. They’re the perfect side dish that’s about to become the main event.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Bite size chestnuts wrapped in bacon on a toothpick.
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Imagine crunchy water chestnuts wrapped in a snug bacon blanket and kissed with a sweet glaze—yep, that’s your new game day go-to. They’re a sweet and savory surprise that’ll have guests flagging you down for the recipe. And who knew the air fryer could be your best play of the day?
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Red basket full of air fryer fried pickles with pickles in the background.
Air Fryer Fried Pickles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pucker up for these Air Fryer Fried Pickles that bring the crunch without the grease. They’re so tangy and crispy, you’ll think you’re at your favorite sports bar. Plus, they’re the perfect excuse to open up that fancy dipping sauce you’ve been saving.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Cheese Dip

Gouda Cheese Sauce in a bowl with a fry being dipped into it.
Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Gouda cheese sauce is the dip that’ll make your fries, pretzels, and chips feel like they’ve been drafted to the majors. It’s easy, cheesy, and the MVP of melty goodness. You might even find yourself making cheese fries at halftime—just because you can.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Dip

Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Egg roll cut in half and dipped into sweet chili sauce.
Air Fryer Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crispy on the outside, pork and cabbage party on the inside, these Air Fryer Egg Rolls are a total snack touchdown. They’re the homemade heroes that’ll make you forget all about that takeout menu. Plus, they’re probably healthier than the linebacker’s diet.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Texas Caviar Dip

Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.
Texas Caviar Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into the fresh, colorful world of Texas Caviar, where black-eyed peas, beans, and veggies come together in a sweet and tangy dance. It’s a hearty dip that’s as vibrant as your team’s colors. Serve it up and watch it disappear faster than a sprint to the end zone.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar Dip

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Pulling apart an air fryer mozzarella stick to show the gooey cheese inside.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Imagine the cheers, not for the game but for these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks that come out golden and gooey. They’re the kind of snack that’ll make you forget whether it’s first down or fourth. Plus, they’re a surefire way to stretch the fun all game long.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Everything Bagel Dip

A person is holding a cucumber with a dip on it.
Everything Bagel Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the creamy, savory world of Everything Bagel Dip, where your favorite bagel flavors come together. Perfect for parties, this dip pairs splendidly with crackers, veggies, or your favorite chips.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Dip

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