21 Air Fryer Appetizers That Turn Simple Nights Into Snack Nights

Planning any holiday meal can feel overwhelming, but 47 new Christmas side ideas might be all you need. There’s nothing better than seeing familiar faces gather around dishes everyone actually wants to eat. A mix of different sides gives everyone plenty to talk about and enjoy. Soon, your holiday table will feel both comfortable and complete.

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.

Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins

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

Each crispy round on the tray seems to disappear as people grab for this Loaded Air Fryer Potato Skins appetizer. Conversation bubbles up around who scored the best bite with the perfect filling. Warm potatoes always feel right at any snack gathering. I like making these when a crowd needs something crunchy and loaded with flavor.
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.

One look at a mini sandwich from this Savory Air Fryer Meatball Sliders platter, and hands start reaching out. People always chat about how the sliders are both rich and tender. There’s just something about compact, flavorful bites that brings folks together. I bring them out for movie nights or whenever appetizers need to impress.
Get the Recipe: Savory Air Fryer Meatball Sliders

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.

Parties get a touch of the coast as soon as this Crispy Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake hits the table. Guests share quick stories about beach vacations while enjoying each golden bite. The crunch outside hides a soft, flavorful middle that keeps everyone guessing. I love crab cakes for moments when I want the snacks to feel a bit extra special.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Maryland Crab Cake

Hot Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

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

Oozy cheese tucked inside flaky rolls gets guests excited for this Hot Air Fryer Pizza Rolls snack. The crowd wants to try them straight out of the basket before you can even serve dip. Little hands and grown-ups both reach in for that classic crunch. I make pizza rolls for nights when finger foods spark the loudest laughs.
Get the Recipe: Hot Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

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.

Bowls of this Crunchy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips transform snacking into a group event. Guests pair them with all sorts of salsas and dips, sparking honest debates about the ideal chip-to-dip ratio. Chips like these keep the table buzzing as everyone munches between games and stories. I always whip up extra for busy nights packed with friends.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

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.

Fun starts with a tray piled high with this Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins. Discussions center around what makes each one taste so comforting—the crunch, warmth, and plenty of toppings. It feels like the whole table unites with every shared bite. I turn to these potato skins for instant party energy and happy faces.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

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.

Hearty mushrooms filled with flavor catch people’s attention in this Meaty Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms appetizer. The unique texture is a big draw, with folks coming back for more even if they aren’t mushroom fans. Everyone likes a snack that feels a little different. I use these for nights when deeper, meatier flavors are welcome on the table.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms

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.

Pops of color and mild heat get everyone crowding around the platter holding this Tandoori Shrimp appetizer. Friends trade thoughts on the tangy, bright flavors with each skewer. It’s easy to keep talking as you snack. I serve shrimp for casual nights that deserve an appetizer with a playful twist.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp

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.

Each crunchy pull of cheese from this Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks gets guests grinning. The playful stretch sparks stories about favorite childhood snacks. Hands dip, share, and pass around the tray until not a single stick is left. I include mozzarella sticks anytime a group needs a good icebreaker at the snack table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

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.

Smoky flavors fill the air while people linger near this Smoky Air Fryer Pig Shots tray. There’s always a scramble for the perfectly crisp, juicy bite. Stories of past game days flow as plates refill. I make pig shots to keep friends laughing and the snacks going strong throughout the night.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Air Fryer Pig Shots

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.

Twists of bacon with crunchy edges always draw eager hands to this Crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon on the food table. Laughter and discussion kick in as folks compare which piece has the most curl or best crunch. The unique shape makes this bacon stand out among classics. I like using this snack when a breakfast favorite needs a little party flair.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Twisted Bacon

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.

Steaming, flaky pie pockets deliver pure comfort with each spoonful of this Flaky Chicken Pot Pie. Stories from home pop up as friends gather around bowls. Each bite brings cozy warmth you want from a winter snack. I reach for chicken pot pie during chilly evenings where everyone could use a little extra comfort.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Chicken Pot Pie

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.

Crisp, golden slices promise you’ll want just one more from this Crispy Air Fryer Crostini plate. The crunch is ideal for topping with creamy spreads and dips, sparking new ideas all night. Friends love making custom snack creations together. I lean on crostini for lively nights crowded around the appetizer table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Crostini

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.

Blackened stripes and sweet kernels give this Charred Air Fryer Corn on the Cob a fun, street-food feel. Guests bite in, talking about the tender crunch and hint of smokiness. Messy hands and wide smiles are guaranteed. I bring out corn on the cob when parties could use something cheerful and hands-on.
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.

Mini rounds with filling make this Quick Air Fryer Bagel Bites a snack that vanishes in a flash. People experiment with pairings, swapping suggestions about what to try next. These help keep energy high through the evening’s conversations. I serve bagel bites for everyone who can’t pick between savory and snack-sized.
Get the Recipe: Quick Air Fryer Bagel Bites

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.

Puff pastry and a touch of heat meet in this Flaky Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket recipe. You’ll see folks reaching for more than one, always hoping to grab one straight from the air fryer. The nostalgic bite gets everyone sharing stories from past parties. I use pigs in a blanket for gatherings where classic appetizers are always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

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.

Plates fill with golden rounds as folks try this Crispy Air Fryer Conch Fritters during a snack night. Some guests compare them to favorite seafood vacations, curious about the light inside. Even those new to conch go back for another taste. I break out fritters when adventurous eaters are hungry for something different.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Conch Fritters

Spicy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

Zippy heat in each bite energizes the room thanks to this Spicy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers plate of snacks. Excited laughter ripples through as someone discovers the first surprise kick. Trays empty quickly, keeping the party lively. I slide these into the rotation anytime we want appetizers that wake up the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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 knots fill baskets of this Soft Air Fryer Garlic Knots at any gathering. Garlic aroma drifts across the room as soon as the first batch lands on the table. Friends stretch for the softest knot, comparing which one is the fluffiest. I love making these simple snacks for guests who could use a little comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Soft Air Fryer Garlic Knots

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.

Bowls of green goodness add warmth to casual evenings with this Creamy Air Fryer Broccoli Soup. Conversation slows as people take in the smooth, soothing spoonfuls. The cozy vibe pairs well with any festive snack table. I choose this soup for colder nights when everyone’s looking for that extra bit of comfort and cheer.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Air Fryer Broccoli Soup

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.

Tongues tingle after the first sample of this Spicy Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites, making these an instant crowd-pleaser. The unique spicy filling encourages guests to swap notes and challenge each other for another taste. Party energy stays high as the tray empties. I go for rattlesnake bites when everyone wants a wild card on snack night.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Air Fryer Rattlesnake Bites

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