Enjoy your favorite fried foods without the extra fat and calories, thanks to these delicious air-fryer snacks.
40 Air-Fryer Snacks You’ll Want to Make Every Day
Updated on Aug. 31, 2024
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Air-Fryer French Fries
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Potatoes, salt
Level: Beginner
You’re only 40 minutes away from homemade fries. Sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley for an extra-fancy touch.
This low-calorie, air-fryer french fries recipe is perfect because I can whip it up at a moment’s notice with ingredients I have on hand. The fries are so crispy, you won’t miss the deep fryer! —Recipe contributor Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia
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Air-Fryer Chicken Wings
Total Time: 60 minutesMain Ingredients: Chicken wings, baking soda, mustard, ginger
Level: Intermediate
Fresh chicken wings work best for this recipe. If you have frozen chicken wings, follow these instructions for cooking frozen foods in an air fryer.
You can’t go wrong with these crispy air-fryer chicken wings. Our spice rub has a nice kick from the cayenne seasoning. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt
Level: Beginner
You don’t need to visit your local bistro to get crispy, caramelized sweet potato fries. If you like them spicy, add extra cayenne pepper. For an extra sweet treat, dust them with cinnamon and brown sugar before air frying.
I can never get enough of these air-fryer sweet potato fries! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and slice them up fresh! —Recipe contributor Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
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Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Total Time: 28 minutes + freezingMain Ingredients: String cheese, flour, eggs, bread crumbs, seasonings
Level: Intermediate
The secret ingredient to these irresistible appetizers is…string cheese! Your kid’s favorite snack is dredged in flour and egg, then coated with bread crumbs. Don’t skip the step of freezing the sticks, or they’ll get soggy and fall apart during the air-frying process.
Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are one of our favorite appetizers. I figured out how to make them at home without having to haul out the deep fryer. Make sure to double-bread each one so these air-fryer mozzarella sticks get nice and crunchy, and to keep the cheese from oozing out as they get warm. —Recipe contributor Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont
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Chili-Lime Air-Fried Chickpeas
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Chickpeas, olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, lime, salt
Level: Beginner
Transform the can of chickpeas hanging out in your pantry into a party-worthy appetizer. With a dash of lime and some flavorful spices, your guests will think you picked them up at a specialty store. Find more easy chickpea recipes to try.
Looking for a lighter snack that’s still a crowd-pleaser? You’ve found it! These air-fried chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Recipe contributor Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
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Zucchini Fries
For zucchini fries that crisp to perfection in the air fryer, we coat them with a cheesy, herby panko coating. Dunk in warm marinara sauce for a full-flavored bite.
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Buffalo Bites
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Cauliflower, Buffalo wing sauce, Greek yogurt, blue cheese, ranch salad dressing mix
Level: Beginner
These buffalo bites are a four-ingredient showstopper that’s sure to be a winner on game day. The recipe makes six servings, but you might be surprised at how quickly they disappear.
Low-carb cauliflower Buffalo bites cook up fast in the air fryer, making them an easy snack or side dish. I serve them with a flavorful dip made with cottage cheese that’s packed with protein compared to most dips. My teenagers happily eat their veggies with this recipe. —Recipe contributor Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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Air-Fryer Egg Rolls
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground chicken, egg roll wrappers, frozen spinach, coleslaw mix, green onions, garlic, Chinese-style barbecue sauce, soy sauce
Level: Intermediate
It’s possible to make restaurant-quality egg rolls at home. And thanks to bagged coleslaw mix, frozen chopped spinach and a bottle of Chinese barbecue sauce, they’re not that tricky to pull off.
My mom taught me how to make egg rolls, and since she passed away I think of her every time I make them. These air-fryer egg rolls taste so good, you’ll never want a fast-food egg roll again. —Recipe contributor Jenniffer Love, South Waltham, Massachusetts
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Air-Fryer Avocado Fries
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Avocado, egg, cornmeal, seasonings
Level: Beginner
Step aside, French fries. Avocado fries are tasty, filling and loaded with healthy fats. Serve with salsa, pico de gallo or spicy ranch dressing for dipping.
Avocados just got even more exciting! These juicy, flavorful, easy and healthy air-fryer avocado fries are for those who are huge fans of avocado. They even go well on tacos! —Recipe contributor Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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Air-Fryer Ravioli
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Frozen beef ravioli, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, flour
Level: Beginner
Fried ravioli is one of our favorite appetizers, but we’re not fans of the oil and saturated fat. When you cook them in the air fryer, you’ll get a lighter snack with the same great flavors.
While visiting a friend in St. Louis, Missouri, I tried fried ravioli at almost every restaurant we visited. When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and I think this air-fryer ravioli recipe comes pretty close. —Recipe contributor Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Air-Fryer Potato Chips
Total Time: 25 minutes, plus soaking timeMain Ingredients: Potatoes, olive oil-flavored cooking spray, sea salt, parsley
Level: Beginner
While it’s easy to pick up a bag of potato chips at the grocery store, there’s simply nothing like eating a warm, crispy chip baked from scratch. To make them extra crunchy, slice them as thinly as possible using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, then pat them dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Recipe contributor Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York
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Air-Fryer Plantains
Total Time: 60 minutesMain Ingredients: Green plantains, garlic, onion powder, garlic salt, salt
Level: Intermediate
If you’ve never dared to make fried plantains at home, now is your chance. Both yellow plantains and black plantains, which are more ripe, are fine for this recipe. For best results, use plantains that have patches of both black and yellow. Next, try your hand at plantain fritters.
Having grown up in Puerto Rico, I’ve had so much amazing Caribbean food, but tostones have always been a favorite of mine. Traditionally they are deep fried, but this version of air-fryer plantains gives me the same fabulous taste without some of the calories. —Recipe contributor Leah Martin, Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania
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Air-Fryer Taquitos
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, corn tortillas, taco seasoning
Level: Beginner
To keep the corn tortillas from cracking when you roll them, be sure to warm them in the microwave first. Stack 10 tortillas and wrap them in a damp paper towel, then microwave for 30 seconds to one minute. Fill the tortillas with seasoned ground beef and serve with salsa for a simple air-fryer snack.
I love these any-occasion air-fryer taquitos. Spice them up by adding sliced jalapenos if desired. —Recipe contributor Mark Webber, Valdez, Alaska
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Air-Fryer Kale Chips
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Kale, olive oil, seafood seasoning, sea salt
Level: Beginner
Kale chips are delicious and couldn’t be easier to make, but they’re a bit more fragile than your usual potato chips. To keep them intact, store them in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for 1 to 2 days, if they last that long without getting eaten.
Harvesttime means big bunches of kale from local farmers. These crunchy air-fryer kale chips are delicious, super healthy and easy to make. I make them with seasoning to take the flavor up a notch. For extra zip, add a dash of cayenne pepper. —Recipe contributor Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New York
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Air-Fryer Calamari
Total Time: 27 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh or frozen calamari, egg, flour, milk, panko bread crumbs
Level: Beginner
Like shrimp, calamari can get tough and rubbery if cooked too long. To make sure it’s tender, cook the calamari quickly at high heat, and check frequently to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
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Pizza Puffs
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Frozen pizza dough, pepperoni, mozzarella, butter, garlic
Level: Beginner
The only thing better than delivery is a homemade bowl of pizza puffs, complete with warm marinara dipping sauce. Swap mushrooms or peppers in for pepperoni if you prefer a veggie option.
What’s more fun than a pizza puff? Skip the kind sold in the frozen-foods aisle and try this homemade version. You can substitute any meat or vegetable for the pepperoni and any cheese for the mozzarella. —Recipe contributor Vivi Taylor, Middleburg, Florida
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Air-Fryer Sausage Bacon Bites
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Bacon, frozen cooked breakfast sausage links, brown sugar
Level: Beginner
This irresistible appetizer requires only three ingredients to pull off. If you’re looking to reduce your sugar content, simply omit the sprinkle of brown sugar on top.
Try surprising your family on Sunday morning by pulling these bites out of the air fryer as they head to breakfast, and get ready for the oohs and aahs of delight. They’re equally delicious as a party appetizer. —Recipe contributor Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
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Air-Fryer Samosas
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Red potatoes, garam masala, chili powder, egg roll wrappers, mango chutney
Level: Intermediate
This takeout favorite is surprisingly easy to whip up at home—with the help of your air fryer, of course. Add fennel seeds, crushed coriander seeds, caraway seeds or amchur for an authentic depth of flavor in these air-fryer appetizers.
These samosas are so easy, they can be frozen and reheated! Depending on the size of your air-fryer, cook in batches. There are several Indian dipping sauces that are delicious- I also like them with ranch dressing. —Recipe contributor Barbara Banski, Fenton, Michigan
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Air-Fryer Crab Rangoon
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Crabmeat, cream cheese, wonton wrappers, mayonnaise,
Level: Intermediate
Wait! Don’t order takeout just yet. You can make crab rangoon at home with fresh crabmeat and store-bought wonton wrappers. If you’re not a spicy food fan, go easy on the Chinese-style mustard.
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Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, canola oil, seasonings
Level: Intermediate
The best part about making your own potato chips is that you can customize the spices to give them a sweet, salty or spicy kick. We love ours with taco seasoning and ground cumin.
This air-fryer sweet potato chips recipe is so quick and easy. Be sure to give the sweet potato slices a quick soak in cold water to help remove some of the excess starch. —Recipe contributor Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
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Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Asparagus, bacon
Level: Beginner
Sure, bacon is an indulgence, but when you wrap it around a spear of asparagus, it’s practically a salad. It’s the perfect salty snack for game day, but it’s elevated enough for a cocktail party, too.
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Air-Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken
Total Time: 10 minutes + marinatingMain Ingredients: Hot sauce, chicken tenderloins, flour
Level: Intermediate
Your game day friends will be so impressed that you whipped up these chicken tenders from scratch. Fresh chicken tenders work best for this recipe. If you have frozen chicken wings, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, then remove them from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
I live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state’s famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —Recipe contributor April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee
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Air-Fryer Crispy Sriracha Spring Rolls
Total Time: 60 minutesMain Ingredients: Coleslaw mix, chicken breasts, cream cheese, Sriracha, spring roll wrappers
Level: Intermediate
We could eat these flaky, crunchy and satisfying spring rolls almost every day. This recipe makes two dozen spring rolls, but extras can easily be frozen. Freeze the uncooked spring rolls an inch apart in freezer containers, separating the layers with waxed paper. When you’re ready to eat these air-fryer snacks, cook the frozen spring rolls as directed in the recipe, adding extra cook time as needed.
These air-fryer spring rolls are a fabulous appetizer to have waiting in the freezer! While we were in the Bahamas, friends suggested a restaurant that serves amazing chicken spring rolls. When I got home, I created my own version. —Recipe contributor Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Air Fryer Tortellini with Prosciutto
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Refrigerated prosciutto tortellini, bread crumbs, Pecorino romano, tomato puree, eggs, milk
Level: Intermediate
Sorry, calamari, we found another bite-sized app to munch on. These crunchy little tortellini are just begging to be dipped into garlicky marinara sauce. Serve with a jar of toothpicks to make for easy dipping during cocktail hour.
This recipe is my take on Italian street food, and these tortellini are crunchy and gooey. Use the best-quality tomatoes you can find for the sauce—it’s so good that you’ll want to double it and serve it over pasta. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make these in a deep fryer, an electric skillet or on the stovetop. —Recipe contributor Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
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Air-Fryer Beef Wellington Wontons
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, mushrooms, dry red wine, wonton wrappers
Level: Intermediate
A package of store-bought wonton wrappers makes these air-fryer appetizers quick and easy, even on a weeknight. A combination of shiitake mushrooms, baby portobellos and white mushrooms make it extra special.
These tasty appetizers scale down classic beef Wellington to an ideal party size. They feel fancy and fun! —Recipe contributor Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia
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Air-Fryer Quinoa Arancini
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Quinoa, eggs, bread crumbs, Parmesan, mozzarella
Level: Beginner
If you’ve ever had arancini balls at an Italian restaurant, you know they’re usually fried and made with rice. This healthier choice uses quinoa instead and, thanks to the air fryer, only requires a fraction of the oil.
We love arancini, but they’re not the healthiest option! I wanted to make a version that we could enjoy guilt-free. I substituted quinoa for rice and tried baking instead of frying. Now we can have these air-fryer arancini anytime. —Recipe contributor Sabrina Ovadia, New York, New York
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Air-Fryer Mini Chimichangas
Total Time: 70 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, egg roll wrappers, taco seasoning, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, chopped green chiles
Level: Intermediate
This recipe feeds a crowd; one batch makes 14 servings. If you have any leftovers, cool them completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Transfer to an airtight container, then reheat in a single layer on a greased air-fryer tray at 375°F for six to eight minutes on each side.
My family raves about these air-fryer chimichangas. Infused with green chiles, the beefy snacks are guaranteed to liven up the party! —Recipe contributor Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio
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Game-Day Thai Chicken Meatballs
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Lean ground chicken, panko bread crumbs, onion, cilantro, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, ketchup, soy sauce
Level: Beginner
If you think this lightning-fast meatball recipe is fast, just wait until you see how quickly they get eaten. Plus, they use mostly pantry ingredients and are healthy to boot!
These Thai chicken meatballs make a great game-day snack. We also like to serve them as a main dish over stir-fried veggies. —Recipe contributor Merry Graham, Newhall, California
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Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders
When we crave crispy chicken tenders but don't want to deep fry at home, there's only one method that can compare (and cut out a lot of grease!): air-fryer chicken tenders.
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Sweet and Spicy Air-Fryer Meatballs
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Lean ground beef, quick-cooking oats, Ritz crackers, eggs, evaporated milk, onions, honey
Level: Intermediate
Ritz crackers and quick-cooking oats are the secret ingredients in this irresistible appetizer. To keep the meatballs light and tender, mix gently and use a scoop rather than your hands to form the balls. You could also try grinding your own ground beef with a food processor.
I am always on a quest for meatballs that pack a sweet and savory punch. These air-fryer meatballs are a snap to pull together and can be served over rice or buttered noodles. —Recipe contributor Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
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Air-Fryer Pickles
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Dill pickle slices, eggs, panko bread crumbs, flour, ranch salad dressing, seasonings
Level: Beginner
Fried pickles aren’t just for the state fair anymore. For extra-crispy pickles, drain off any excess liquid, pat the pickles dry, then cook immediately after dredging them. This way, the moisture won’t soak into the breading. For maximum crunch, toast the breadcrumbs before coating the pickles.
Enjoy deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Recipe contributor Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
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Air-Fryer Crab au Gratin Spread
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Crabmeat, canned mushrooms, cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, cheddar cheese, half-and-half, milk, white wine, seasonings
Level: Intermediate
It’s magic: Just set this cheesy, warm dip on the table and watch it vanish before your eyes. Place the entire baking dish in the air fryer, then serve it in the same dish to keep things simple.
I love to serve this warm, comforting appetizer any time we have a get-together with family or friends. It’s easy to whip up with convenient canned crab. —Recipe contributor Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
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Air-Fryer Cinnamon Almonds
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Unbleached almonds, egg white, vanilla extract, sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon
Level: Beginner
Keep these air-fryer snacks in an airtight container in the cupboard for when a craving strikes. With only seven ingredients, you can replenish your stash whenever you want.
These crunchy air-fryer cinnamon almonds are a spectacular treat to take to a party or gathering. They taste just like the roasted almonds you get at the fair. —Recipe contributor Janice Thompson, Stacy, Minnesota
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Air-Fryer Wasabi Crab Cakes
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Lump crabmeat, dry bread crumbs, sweet red pepper, celery, onions, eggs, mayonnaise, wasabi
Level: Beginner
Classic crab cakes are delicious, but sometimes you want to make a recipe that will have the whole table raving. Enter wasabi crab cakes, which includes the popular—and spicy!—Japanese condiment for an added kick.
With wasabi in both the crab cakes and the dipping sauce, this festive appetizer brings its own heat to the holiday party. —Recipe contributor Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
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Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Shrimp, shredded coconut, panko bread crumbs
Level: Intermediate
Shredded coconut and panko bread crumbs make this flavorful recipe irresistible. The addictive dipping sauce made with apricot preserves, cider vinegar and crushed red pepper flakes makes this one of those air-fryer appetizers that disappear in minutes.
Panko crumbs give this spicy air-fryer coconut shrimp its crunch. It’s perfect as an appetizer or for your main meal. —Recipe contributor Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
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Samosas
Total Time: 35 minutes, plus risingMain Ingredients: Flour, ghee, potatoes, peas, gingerroot, seasonings
Level: Intermediate
This takeout favorite might look complicated to make, but it’s actually pretty easy—with the help of your air fryer, of course. Add fennel seeds, crushed coriander seeds, caraway seeds or amchur for an authentic depth of flavor in these air-fryer appetizers.
This samosa recipe is one of my family’s absolute favorites. These crispy dough pockets are stuffed with potatoes and peas, then air-fried to give them a healthier twist. They’d make a perfect starter, side dish or buffet food for your next party. —Recipe contributor Soniya Saluja, The Belly Rules the Mind
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Air-Fryer Herb and Lemon Cauliflower
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Cauliflower, olive oil, herbs, lemon
Level: Beginner
These bites are a four-ingredient showstopper that’s sure to be a winner on game day. The recipe makes six servings, but it’s a guarantee there won’t be leftovers.
A standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. —Recipe contributor Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
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Air-Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Egg, sugar, peanut butter
Level: Beginner
It’s totally possible to make soft, chewy cookies in the air fryer with only three ingredients. Jazz up the batter with bits of toffee, chopped peanuts or pretzels.
An iconic American cookie, this version is so easy to mix up and bakes even faster in the air fryer. With these air-fryer peanut butter cookies, cravings can now be satisfied in mere minutes. —Recipe contributor Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
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Air-Fryer Roasted Green Beans
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Green beans, mushrooms, red onions, olive oil, Italian seasoning
Level: Beginner
It’s never a chore to eat your veggies when they’re this crunchy and flavorful. Sub in one of our flavored butter recipes for traditional butter to impress your guests.
Our family loves roasted green beans, but they can take a long time in the oven. I tried these air-fryer green beans and we loved them! —Recipe contributor Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Air-Fryer Pepper Poppers
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, bacon, jalapenos, bread crumbs, seasonings
Level: Beginner
We love making restaurant-quality game day snacks in the air fryer, and these spicy homemade poppers top of the list. Serve them with sour cream, ranch dressing or French onion dip to cut the heat.
These creamy stuffed jalapenos have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. —Recipe contributor Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York
Air-Fryer Snacks FAQ
What are the best foods to put in the air fryer?
The fun of cooking with an air fryer is that you can make a variety of tasty snacks and appetizers with a fraction of the oil. Chicken, veggies and seafood cook so quickly and evenly, they’re practically foolproof. An air fryer works like a small convection oven, keeping foods crispy, moist and juicy. It’s best not to air fry any foods with a wet batter, like onion rings or fried chicken, because the batter might stay soft and drip off. Additionally, it’s best to air fry food in smaller volumes, because the food won’t cook properly if the tray is too crowded.
What do you put under food in an air fryer?
Air fryer pans and baskets are designed to be easy to clean, so you don’t have to line them with anything. If you’d prefer to use a liner for even easier clean-up, vented parchment paper air-fryer liners are sold online and at some grocery stores. You could also make your own by cutting a piece of parchment paper to the size of your air fryer pan or basket, then poking holes in it with a hole punch or straw.
Can you cook frozen snacks in the air fryer?
Yes! In most cases, you don’t even need to defrost those frozen chicken wings, egg rolls or mini pizza bites before popping them in the air fryer. Note that it might take longer to cook items straight from the freezer. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model.
