16 Addictive Appetizers for the Air Fryer

By Carl Hanson

France C

The air fryer is the perfect tool for making appetizers. You get the crispy crunch of fried foods but with much less oil -- and a lot less mess. Air fried appetizers are healthier than the deep-fried kind. And at clean-up time, you'll be so happy you ditched the deep-fat fryer. Give them a try -- the best appetizers for the air fryer.

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Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots

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These air-fried tots make an incredible appetizer, yes. But tater tots made from cauliflower are also a terrific (and deliciously sneaky) way to get the kids to eat their veggies! Yoly says, "The best part is they will never know. Now you can have them on the table in less than 10 minutes and you won't have to heat up your house by turning on the oven."

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Air Fryer Spicy Dill Pickle Fries

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"Go bold and use your favorite spicy dill pickle spears for these tasty fries," says bd.weld. "They are easy to make and will be sure to please anyone that likes spicy food. Serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce." If you like these, you might also like Air Fryer Avocado Fries.

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Stuffed Mushrooms with Sour Cream

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"These are great stuffed mushrooms, the recipe uses sour cream and grated cheese to hold the stuffing together, it is far and away my favorite pre-dinner snack to serve at parties," says MumAndMe. You can also make these cheesy mushrooms under the broiler: Bake at 325 degrees F until the cheese in bubbly and browned, about 15 minutes..

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Honey-Sriracha Air Fryer Wings

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"The perfect combination of spicy and sweet in every bite, with the ease of using an air fryer," says France C. "Add more sriracha to suit your tastes. I like to serve the extra sauce on the side for dipping."

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Air Fryer Buffalo-Ranch Chickpeas

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You'll toss the chickpeas with dry ranch dressing mix and buffalo wing sauce and then air fry in an even layer. "Great flavor with a hint of heat," raves France C. "Nice and crunchy, it's hard not to eat the whole batch by myself!" You might also like Air Fryer Salt and Vinegar Chickpeas.

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Air Fryer Egg Rolls

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These Southwest-style egg rolls are stuffed with corn, beans, spinach, jalapeno Jack cheese, Cheddar cheese, and green chiles. You'll get the same crispiness cooking them in the air fryer as you would the deep-fryer.

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Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms

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"These low-carb mushrooms are easy to make and cook in under 10 minutes in your air fryer," says France C. "They make the perfect game-day snack, but also impress as a first course when having friends over for an elegant dinner."

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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots

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These sweet potato tots are lighter when made in the air fryer, and they come with a spicy kick. Enjoy with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauces. "The sweet and spicy were a nice contrast," says Buckwheat Queen. "They go very well with hamburgers. My kids liked these a lot."

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Air-Fried Korean Chicken Wings

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"These Korean-style air-fried wings are crispy, sticky and spicy," says Yoly. "Cooked in an air fryer they are ready in less than 30 minutes. They are perfect as an appetizer or add some rice and veggies on the side and you have a balanced meal."

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Air-Fried Mozzarella Sticks

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Here's a classic app! "These ooey, gooey mozzarella sticks are sure to impress," says Chef Wheeler del Torro. "The best part: because they are air fried, they're better for you than their fried cousin! Season with garlic salt and serve with marinara sauce for dipping."

Prep Tip: "One tip, leave a good amount of space between each stick," says Soup Loving Nicole. "I didn't leave enough space. If the cheese bubbles up into one another, it is impossible to separate them."

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Air Fryer Pakoras

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"All the things you love about pakoras but without the guilt by air frying instead of deep frying," says Soup Loving Nicole. "Don't forget the yogurt dipping sauce!"

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Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Sriracha Mayo

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Bacon-wrapped bay scallops served with a spicy Sriracha-mayo dipping sauce. "I use the smaller bay scallops for this," says fabeverydayblog. "If you are using jumbo scallops it will require a longer cooking time and longer strips of bacon."

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Air Fryer Balsamic-Glazed Chicken Wings

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"Put a big stack of napkins on the table because once you start eating these crispy, sticky, sweet glazed chicken wings, you won't want to stop," says lutzflcat. "This can be an appetizer for four or main course for two."

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Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes with Dip

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"The air fryer does a fantastic job roasting potatoes quickly," says lutzflcat. "On their own, these fingerling potatoes make a wonderful side dish. But they also make a tasty appetizer when served with a tangy dipping sauce. They're also a popular game day snack, suitable for adults and kids."

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Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls

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"These little mac and cheese balls make great little appetizers or finger food," says Yoly. "Kids love them!"

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Air Fryer Arancini

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"These Italian fried rice balls are full of flavor and are a wonderful appetizer," says thedailygourmet. "Pair with any dipping sauce such as pesto, marinara, or use a meat sauce for a hearty meal."

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