40 Air-Fryer Snacks You’ll Want to Make Every Day

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Air-Fryer French Fries

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

Air-Fryer Chicken Wings

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

Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

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

Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Air-Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

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

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

Air-Fryer Zucchini Fries

Turn your garden haul into a crispy side for burgers and sandwiches. To keep the fries from getting soggy, pat the zucchini dry with a paper towel before adding the coating, then arrange the fries in one layer in the air fryer.

Instead of french fries with my burgers and sandwiches, I love to serve these air-fryer zucchini fries. They’re crispy, delicious and a wonderful way to use up the zucchini from my garden. —Recipe contributor Matthew Hass, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

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Buffalo Bites

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

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

Air-Fryer Avocado Fries

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

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

Air-Fryer Potato Chips Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Air-Fryer Potato Chips

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

Air-Fryer Plantains Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Air-Fryer Plantains

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

Air-Fryer Taquitos

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

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

Air-Fryer Calamari

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

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

Air-Fryer Sausage Bacon Bites

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

Air-Fryer Samosas

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

Air-Fryer Crab Rangoon

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.

Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

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

Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

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.

Air-Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

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

Air-Fryer Crispy Sriracha Spring Rolls

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

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

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

Air-Fryer Quinoa Arancini

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

Air-Fryer Mini Chimichangas

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

Game-Day Thai Chicken Meatballs

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

Air-Fryer Fiesta Chicken Fingers

Parents of picky eaters, rejoice. These chicken fingers are every bit as good as the ones from a fast food restaurant, and you can serve them with whatever dipping sauce your kids—and you—like best.

Chicken fingers have long been a favorite of mine. Actually, almost any finger-shaped deep-fried goodie seldom escapes my reach. These air-fryer chicken fingers have taken a lot of the guilt out of my guilty pleasure. —Recipe contributor Dianne DeGarmo-Carr, Alexander, Arkansas

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Sweet and Spicy Air-Fryer Meatballs

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

Air-Fryer Pickles Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Air-Fryer Pickles

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

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

Air-Fryer Cinnamon Almonds

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

Air-Fryer Wasabi Crab Cakes

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

Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp

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

Samosas

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

Air-Fryer Herb and Lemon Cauliflower

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

Air-Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

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

Air-Fryer Roasted Green Beans

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

Air-Fryer Pepper Poppers

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.