When the oven is full of turkey, ham or a roast, the air fryer becomes the most useful appliance in the kitchen. It turns out hot, crisp bites in minutes, with little oil and no deep-fat frying. These air fryer appetizers are easy enough for a weeknight get-together and pretty enough for a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party, and most can be prepped ahead so you only need to cook them when guests arrive.
Before You Start: Air Fryer Basics
- Every model is different. Times below are for a basket-style air fryer of about 4 to 6 quarts (4 to 6 liters). Check a few minutes early the first time.
- Do not overcrowd. Hot air needs space. Cook in batches and keep the first batch warm in a low oven at 200F (95C).
- Preheat for 3 minutes if your model allows it. It gives crisper results.
- Use perforated parchment liners for sticky or cheesy bites, but never put loose paper in an empty preheating basket, as it can blow into the heating element.
- Shake or flip halfway. It helps everything brown evenly.
6 Easy Air Fryer Appetizers for the Holidays
1. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Sweet, salty and always the first plate to empty. Makes 16.
- 16 large pitted Medjool dates
- 2 oz (55 g) goat cheese or 16 whole almonds
- 8 slices streaky bacon, cut in half
Stuff each date with a little goat cheese or an almond, wrap with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Air fry at 375F (190C) for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is crisp. Let cool for a few minutes, as the filling gets very hot.
2. Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms
Makes about 16.
- 16 cremini or chestnut mushrooms, stems removed and chopped
- 4 oz (115 g) sausage meat
- 2 oz (55 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan and 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 garlic clove, minced, and a little chopped parsley
Fry the sausage and chopped stems in a pan until the sausage is fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Cool slightly, then mix with the cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic and parsley. Fill the caps, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and air fry at 360F (180C) for 8 to 10 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden. You can fill them a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge.
3. Brie and Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites
Makes 16.
- 1 sheet (about 9 oz or 250 g) ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (115 g) Brie, cut into 16 small cubes
- 1/4 cup (about 70 g) cranberry sauce
- Fresh thyme or chopped pecans, to finish
Cut the pastry into 16 squares. Top each with a cube of Brie and a small spoonful of cranberry sauce, then fold up the corners slightly. Air fry in a single layer on a liner at 350F (175C) for 7 to 9 minutes until puffed and golden. Finish with thyme or pecans. This is a good use of leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce.
4. Pigs in Blankets, Two Ways
In the UK, pigs in blankets are small chipolata sausages wrapped in bacon. In the US, the name usually means cocktail sausages wrapped in pastry. Both work in the air fryer.
- UK style: wrap 12 chipolatas in half slices of streaky bacon. Air fry at 380F (190C) for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway, until the sausages are cooked through to 160F (71C).
- US style: wrap 24 cocktail sausages in strips cut from an 8 oz (225 g) tube of crescent dough. Air fry at 350F (175C) for 6 to 8 minutes until golden.
5. Crispy Parmesan Chicken Wings
- 2 lb (900 g) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 tbsp baking powder (not baking soda), 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp melted butter, 1/3 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan and chopped parsley
Pat the wings very dry and toss with baking powder, salt and garlic powder. Air fry at 380F (195C) for 22 to 25 minutes, shaking every 8 minutes, until crisp and 165F (74C) inside. Toss with the butter, Parmesan and parsley and serve right away.
6. Spiced Crispy Chickpeas
A crunchy, vegan option for snacking bowls.
- 1 can (15 oz or 400 g) chickpeas, drained and dried well
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin and 1/2 tsp salt
Toss the chickpeas with oil and spices. Air fry at 390F (200C) for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes, until crunchy. They crisp up more as they cool. For a sweet version, use cinnamon and a pinch of sugar instead.
Three Quick Dipping Sauces
- Honey mustard: 1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tbsp honey. Great with pigs in blankets.
- Garlic yogurt: 1/2 cup (120 g) Greek yogurt, 1 small grated garlic clove, lemon juice and salt. Good with wings and chickpeas.
- Sweet chili mayo: equal parts mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce, with a squeeze of lime.
Make-Ahead Plan for Party Day
- The day before: stuff the dates and mushrooms, cut the pastry and Brie, and season the wings. Cover and chill everything.
- An hour before guests arrive: cook the chickpeas, which hold well at room temperature.
- As guests arrive: cook the bites in rotation, starting with the ones that take the longest.
Food Safety at Parties
Hot appetizers should be eaten hot. Keep raw meat away from ready-to-eat foods, use a thermometer for wings and sausages, and do not leave cooked food sitting out for more than 2 hours. Refrigerate leftovers promptly. The UK Food Standards Agency explains how to chill and store food safely. Label anything with nuts, and keep a separate tray for vegetarian guests.
If you enjoy bold, crispy party food, try our homemade chicken shawarma for a crowd-pleasing main course.
FAQ
Can I cook frozen appetizers in an air fryer?
Yes. Most frozen snacks cook well, usually at a slightly lower temperature and shorter time than the oven instructions. Check the package and look for air fryer directions.
How do I keep air fryer appetizers warm?
Hold finished batches on a rack in a 200F (95C) oven for up to 30 minutes.
An air fryer frees up your oven and gets hot bites to the table fast. Prep the night before, cook in quick batches, and these air fryer appetizers will keep your guests happy from the first drink to the last toast.
