If you haven’t jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet, these 17 irresistible appetizers might just convince you to make the leap. From crispy zucchini chips to gooey cheese balls, these recipes prove that you can achieve that perfect crunch without drowning your food in oil.
Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Make this classic restaurant appetizer right in your air fryer. The crispy, seasoned petals come out golden brown and ready to share – perfect for starting your meal with something that’ll get people talking.
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Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
These air fryer bites start with canned biscuits and end up tasting just like soft pretzels. They’re a quick appetizer that goes great with hot mustard sauce.
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Buffalo Wings
These wings come out crispy in the air fryer without the mess of oil. A classic appetizer that brings the heat and crunch you want from buffalo wings.
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Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Mix up your air fryer appetizer game with these buffalo chicken filled egg rolls. They need just 6 ingredients and bring together two favorite foods in one crunchy package.
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Fried Ravioli
These breaded ravioli turn into crispy bites in the air fryer. The cheese inside stays hot and melty – just add marinara sauce and you’ve got a crowd-ready appetizer.
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Sweet Chili Wings
These wings hit all the right notes with their sticky coating that’s both sweet and spicy. They’re an air fryer appetizer that’ll have everyone reaching for more.
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Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
The air fryer makes the bacon extra crispy around these sweet-glazed water chestnuts. These small bites pack big flavor as an appetizer that combines crunchy and salty.
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Jalapeño Poppers
These stuffed jalapeños come loaded with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon. They’re an air fryer appetizer that brings just the right amount of heat and richness.
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Garlic Cheese Balls
Start with refrigerator biscuits and add mozzarella for these cheesy air fryer bites. They come out hot and stretchy – a quick appetizer that’ll start any party right.
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Zucchini Chips
These panko and parmesan coated zucchini rounds crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. They’re a lighter take on chips that work great as a starter.
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Air Fryer Tortellini
The air fryer turns regular tortellini into crunchy, cheese-filled bites. Add your favorite sauce and you’ve got an appetizer that puts a new spin on pasta.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortellini
Southwest Egg Rolls
Packed with chicken, vegetables, cheese, and southwest spices, these egg rolls make a filling air fryer appetizer. The crispy wrapper holds all the good stuff for dipping.
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Fried Pickles
The air fryer gives these pickle chips a golden coating while keeping the tangy center. They’re a crunchy appetizer that pairs perfectly with ranch dip.
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Zucchini Fritters
These veggie-packed fritters get a nice golden crust in the air fryer. They’re an easy-to-share appetizer that makes good use of fresh zucchini.
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Bang Bang Shrimp
Crispy coated shrimp meet spicy sauce in this popular air fryer appetizer. This version of the restaurant favorite brings the same flavors home.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp
Air Fryer Calamari
Get restaurant-style calamari rings from your air fryer without deep frying. They come out golden and crunchy – ready to serve as a starter that’ll impress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Calamari
Ranch Chicken Wings
These wings come out of the air fryer crispy on the outside and tender inside. The ranch seasoning makes them an appetizer that needs no extra sauce.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Chicken Wings