26 Air Fryer Appetizers That Taste Like Restaurant Favorites

There’s something about restaurant appetizers that always hits the spot, but making them at home is easier than you think. With an air fryer, you can get that crispy, golden texture without the hassle of deep frying. These easy appetizers bring the flavors you love straight to your kitchen—no reservations required.

A bowl of sliced dried strawberries on a table, with fresh whole strawberries scattered around it. — Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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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 air fryer chicken nuggets are a quick way to get that crispy coating without deep frying. They cook up fast, making them a great option for a snack or an easy appetizer. The air fryer gives them that restaurant-style crunch without the extra oil.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

These bacon-wrapped salmon bites bring together crispy bacon and flaky salmon in a way that feels straight off a restaurant menu. The air fryer makes them cook evenly while keeping the bacon crisp. They work well as a starter for seafood lovers or as a quick party bite.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer

Dehydrated strawberries make a great snack or a light appetizer with a natural sweetness. The air fryer speeds up the process, giving you a chewy texture that works well for toppings or snacking. They’re a simple way to add a fruit option to your appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

These bacon-wrapped onion rings bring a bold flavor combination that’s just like something you’d find at a pub. The air fryer keeps them crispy while cutting down on the mess of deep frying. They’re a fun twist on a classic appetizer that’s easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air fryer chicken tenders are perfect for getting that golden crust without the extra oil. They’re easy to pair with dipping sauces for a restaurant-style appetizer at home. The air fryer keeps them juicy inside and crisp on the outside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Close-up of a pastry topped with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. — Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These cranberry and brie puff pastry bites come out of the air fryer with a flaky texture and a creamy, rich filling. The combination of sweet and savory makes them a standout appetizer. They’re easy to prepare, making them great for a quick get-together.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

Lumpia gets that classic crisp texture in the air fryer without needing a deep fryer. The wrapper stays golden brown while keeping the filling warm and flavorful. They’re a go-to choice when you want an easy handheld appetizer that feels restaurant-quality.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

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 chicken skewers cook quickly and stay tender thanks to the air fryer. They bring that grilled taste without needing an outdoor grill. The bite-sized portions make them great for sharing or serving at a gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Pasta chips in a white bowl. — Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These pasta chips come out of the air fryer crispy and perfect for dipping. They offer a crunch similar to restaurant-style chips but with a twist. They pair well with a variety of dips, making them a great snackable appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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 crab rangoon dip gives you the creamy, savory flavor of the classic appetizer without the need for deep frying. The air fryer heats everything evenly, making it easy to serve hot and bubbly. It pairs well with crackers or crispy wonton chips for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

This bacon-wrapped cabbage takes a simple ingredient and turns it into something crispy and flavorful. The air fryer helps render the bacon while keeping the cabbage slightly tender inside. It’s a unique appetizer that brings a mix of textures to the table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Chicken Lollipops

A close-up of a hand holding a crispy breaded chicken drumstick, with more drumsticks on a white plate in the background. — Chicken Lollipops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken lollipops are a fun, restaurant-style appetizer that crisps up nicely in the air fryer. The bone-in presentation makes them easy to grab and dip. They cook quickly while staying juicy inside, making them a crowd-pleasing option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

This sweet and crunchy snack gets its signature crispiness in the air fryer without needing oil. The caramelized banana filling stays warm while the wrapper turns golden brown. It’s a great handheld option for a dessert-style appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

These air fryer potato wedges come out golden and crisp with a soft inside. They have that restaurant-style texture without needing deep frying. Perfect for dipping, they work well as a casual appetizer or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

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

The mix of sweet pineapple and crispy bacon makes this a bold appetizer choice. The air fryer ensures the bacon gets crispy while the pineapple stays juicy. These bite-sized pieces are easy to serve and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

Crab Melt

This crab melt brings a creamy seafood option to the appetizer table. The air fryer helps toast the bread while warming up the filling evenly. It’s an easy way to get a warm, cheesy seafood dish without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

These jalapeño poppers come out crispy with a hot, melty center. The air fryer makes them just as crunchy as the deep-fried version. They’re a great way to bring a restaurant-style favorite to your home kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

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

These air fryer chicken wings cook straight from frozen, making them a convenient option. They get crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. It’s a great way to enjoy a bar-style appetizer without needing extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

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 crisp up in the air fryer for that classic crunchy texture. The air fryer helps render the fat, creating a crispy outside with a tender bite. They’re a simple way to get a restaurant-style appetizer without deep frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

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.

These bacon-wrapped shrimp cook quickly in the air fryer, keeping the bacon crisp and the shrimp tender. They work well as an easy seafood appetizer with a balance of smoky and fresh flavors. They’re a great choice for a quick, protein-packed bite.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer

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 air fryer lemon pepper wings get a crispy coating while keeping the meat tender. The seasoning brings a bold kick without needing extra sauces. They’re a quick and easy way to get that classic restaurant wing experience at home. They make for a flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

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 bacon-wrapped chicken bites are easy to make and come out crispy in the air fryer. The bite-sized portions make them perfect for dipping. They bring a mix of smoky and savory flavors without the mess of frying.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

These shrimp skewers cook quickly in the air fryer while keeping the shrimp juicy. The air fryer gives them a slight char, like they just came off a grill. They’re great for a light and easy seafood appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background. — Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These smashed potatoes come out crispy on the edges with melted cheese on top. The air fryer helps them cook evenly while keeping them soft inside. They’re an easy way to get a restaurant-style appetizer without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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 ground turkey meatballs cook up juicy in the air fryer with a crisp outer layer. They’re easy to serve on their own or with dipping sauces. The air fryer makes them a quick, simple appetizer without needing extra oil.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

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 bacon-wrapped little smokies cook up crisp and caramelized in the air fryer. The bite-sized portions make them an easy appetizer for any gathering. The air fryer keeps the bacon crispy without needing extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies