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    Home / Roundups

    21 Air Fryer Appetizers That Go From Nothing to Fantastic

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Jun 1, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    A basket of air fryer spring rolls with dipping sauce, bacon-wrapped asparagus on a plate, and glazed chicken drumsticks on a white dish—air fryer appetizers that go from nothing to fantastic in minutes.

    I love hosting friends and family, and air fryer appetizers are my go-to for whipping up quick, crowd-pleasing bites that spark conversation. These recipes transform simple ingredients into fantastic flavors, perfect for game nights, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home. With minimal effort and maximum crunch, they’re a stress-free way to impress your guests and keep everyone coming back for more!

    Three pieces of bacon-wrapped salmon bites garnished with parsley on a white plate.
    Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Crab Rangoon Dip

    A person dipping a piece of bread into a skillet of cheesy dip.
    Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This creamy, crab-packed dip works especially well in the air fryer, giving it a hot, bubbly finish without heating up the whole kitchen. It’s easy to prep ahead, then pop in for a quick warm-up just before guests arrive. Pair it with crackers, wonton chips, or veggies for a no-fuss starter that disappears fast. The air fryer brings it from fridge to ready in under 10 minutes, making it a smart choice for busy nights or last-minute hosting.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket.
    Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These pork belly bites turn out crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside without needing a deep fryer. The air fryer handles the rendering and crisping quickly, keeping your cleanup simple. They’re a great choice when you want something bold and satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or over rice for a shareable, finger-friendly option.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

    Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley.
    Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Thick-cut potato wedges crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, giving you that just-right texture without soaking in oil. They cook fast, making them a reliable go-to when you need something hearty and easy. You can season them however you like, and they’ll still deliver on flavor. This recipe is a reliable way to turn a basic ingredient into a crowd-pleasing side or snack.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer

    A hand holding a bacon-wrapped shrimp dipped in a small bowl of sauce, with a green leaf garnish on the side.
    Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    With a short cooking time and simple prep, these bacon-wrapped shrimp are an easy win. The air fryer crisps the bacon and cooks the shrimp evenly without flipping or fuss. You can make a batch in under 15 minutes and serve them hot with minimal cleanup. It’s a reliable pick for when you want something that looks and tastes like more effort than it is.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Three pieces of bacon-wrapped salmon bites garnished with parsley on a white plate.
    Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These salmon bites come out crisp on the edges and tender inside thanks to the quick, even heat of the air fryer. They’re easy to prep in advance and cook fast when you’re ready. Wrapped in bacon, they feel a little indulgent but take under 20 minutes start to finish. It’s a solid choice when you want something with a little flair that still fits a weeknight schedule.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    A bowl of bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages served on a bed of fresh green herbs.
    Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These bite-sized smokies wrapped in bacon are an easy crowd favorite that cook up crisp in the air fryer with hardly any cleanup. They’re fast to assemble and can be ready in about 10 minutes. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or just when you want something warm and hearty. It’s a dependable option that turns a few ingredients into something everyone grabs for.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers.
    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These quick-cooking chicken skewers are a great way to turn simple ingredients into a handheld snack or meal starter. The air fryer keeps the chicken juicy while adding a little char without needing the grill. You can prep them earlier in the day and have them ready in 15 minutes. They’re a good option when you want something flexible and easy to customize.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

    Air Fryer Chicken Wings on white plate.
    Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    No need to thaw anything—these wings go straight from the freezer to the air fryer and still come out crisp and ready in about 25 minutes. It’s a great way to get something hot and shareable without planning ahead. You can toss them in whatever sauce you like or keep them plain. This is the kind of shortcut that makes game day or family night a little easier.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

    Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

    Close-up of a hand holding a seasoned chicken wing garnished with fresh herbs, with more pieces on a plate in the background.
    Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These lemon pepper wings are quick to make in the air fryer and come out with a crisp finish and punchy flavor. You don’t need much prep, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Great for feeding a crowd or making something easy for dinner with leftovers to spare. They’re a strong choice when you want something that cooks fast and disappears even faster.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

    Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

    A plate of freshly cooked Filipino banana turon lumpia spring rolls.
    Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These sweet, crispy rolls use ripe bananas and brown sugar wrapped in lumpia wrappers and air-fried for a golden finish. They come together quickly and are easy to batch cook for a group. The air fryer takes out the mess of pan frying and still delivers that crisp crunch. It’s a warm snack that works well for dessert or something a little different during the day.
    Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

    Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

    A plate of jalapeño poppers on a table.
    Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These poppers come out crisp and melty in the air fryer without needing oil or flipping. They’re easy to prep ahead and take just a few minutes to cook. You can adjust the filling to your taste, making them great for parties or a snack tray. It’s a simple way to get something warm and shareable on the table fast.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

    Chicken Nuggets

    Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background.
    Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These nuggets cook fast in the air fryer and come out with a crisp exterior and juicy center. They’re a familiar option that works well for kids and adults alike. You can keep a batch in the freezer and cook as needed with no thawing. It’s a go-to option for quick bites that feel freshly made.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

    Ground Turkey Meatballs

    Three glazed meatballs are arranged in a row on a white plate, each garnished with a stick and a small sprig of parsley. A red checkered cloth and some fresh parsley are in the background.
    Ground Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These meatballs cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer, saving time and cleanup. You can make a big batch ahead of time and reheat in minutes. Great as an appetizer with dipping sauces or turned into a meal later. The air fryer helps keep them juicy while cutting down on cook time.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These onion rings come out with a crisp, savory coating that’s quick to cook in the air fryer. The bacon crisps up without making a mess, and the onions soften just right. They’re great for sharing and don’t need a lot of prep. It’s a fun option when you want something bold that doesn’t take much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard

    Three glazed chicken wing pieces garnished with parsley are arranged on a white plate. A red and white checkered cloth is visible beside the plate.
    Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These wings get their flavor from a combo of spicy honey and mustard and cook up fast in the air fryer. They crisp nicely without drying out and are ready in under 30 minutes. They’re a strong pick for when you want something with a little heat and bold flavor. Perfect for game nights, gatherings, or just something new.
    Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Wings with Mustard

    Crab Melt

    Two plates of crab melt with sliced tomatoes and melted cheese, garnished with lemon slices on a white wooden surface.
    Crab Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This warm, cheesy crab melt works great in the air fryer and turns out golden in under 10 minutes. It’s easy to assemble and serves well as finger food or a starter. You can make them on small bread slices or crackers for bite-sized portions. It’s a handy choice when you want something hot and shareable that feels a little more special.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These shrimp skewers get a nice char in the air fryer without needing an outdoor grill. They cook fast and are easy to prep with your favorite seasonings. You can serve them with dipping sauce or over salad as a light starter. It’s a great option for when you want something fresh and fast with minimal cleanup.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Air Fryer Lumpia

    Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce.
    Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These lumpia cook crisp in the air fryer without needing a pan full of oil. They reheat well and are great for prepping in advance. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, they’re easy to grab and dip. It’s a smart way to serve something crunchy and satisfying without the mess.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These cabbage bites come out with crispy edges and smoky flavor, thanks to a quick spin in the air fryer. They’re simple to prep and make a good option for something a little different. The bacon adds enough flavor that you don’t need much else. It’s a no-fuss recipe that works for both snacks and sides.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Bacon wrapped pineapple on a white plate.
    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Sweet pineapple and savory bacon make a strong pair that cooks quickly in the air fryer. These bites are easy to prep ahead and only take a few minutes to crisp up. They’re great for casual parties, game nights, or just when you want something fun. It’s a dependable appetizer that turns a few ingredients into something people grab first.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

    Three bacon-wrapped pieces of chicken on a white plate with a sprig of parsley and a red and white checkered cloth on the side.
    Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These chicken bites are wrapped in bacon and cook up in under 20 minutes in the air fryer. They’re juicy inside, crisp outside, and require minimal prep. You can batch cook them and serve them with your favorite sauce for dipping. This is a straightforward option that works well for busy days or when the company’s coming.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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