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Hey there, air-fryer friend! 🎄
When the holiday rush hits, pulling out the oven for every single appetizer can feel… well, like a full-on kitchen takeover. But you’ve got the magic tool: the air fryer. Crisp, quick, and often less mess—perfect for keeping your hands free for mulled wine (or hot cocoa) and that extra cookie. So we’re diving into 20 crowd-pleasing air fryer appetizers you’ll feel proud to serve, whether it’s for family or guests. I’ll share tips so they turn out just right (because yes—I’ve had a batch of soggy dates once, true story).
Ready? Let’s go!
1. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Sweet, salty, smoky—those little parcels are pure festive indulgence. Use pitted dates, wrap them snugly in bacon (half a strip works) and secure with a toothpick. Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until bacon is crisp. Don’t overcrowd the basket or the bacon won’t crisp.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates
2. Cranberry Brie Bites
Elegant yet easy—gooey brie + tart cranberry sauce in mini cups = holiday vibes. Use mini phyllo or puff pastry cups, add a cube of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Air fry at 350°F for 5–6 minutes. Don’t overcook or the cups will collapse.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
3. Mini Meatballs
Little savory bites = everyone’s favorite. Use frozen or homemade mini meatballs and air fry at 400°F for 7–8 minutes. Serve with toothpicks and dips like BBQ or marinara. Always have extra sauce on the side—it feels more festive!
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Mini Meatballs
4. Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushroom caps filled with flavor = classy appetizer without too much fuss. Stuff with garlic, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. Spray with oil and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until golden. Use smaller mushrooms for bite-sized perfection.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
5. Pigs in a Blanket
Retro party classic upgraded in your air fryer. Wrap cocktail sausages in crescent dough, air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes. Serve with honey mustard or ketchup. Leave space between each roll to let the pastry puff up.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Bites
6. Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bites
A veggie option that still feels festive and crunchy. Toss broccoli florets with oil, garlic powder, and Parmesan. Air fry at 355°F for 7–9 minutes until crispy. Don’t overload the basket—they’ll steam instead of crisp.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Broccoli Bites
7. Sweet Potato Wedges with Dip
Comfort food that doubles as a healthy-ish bite. Toss sweet potato wedges with oil and seasonings, air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve with garlic yogurt or chipotle mayo. Cut evenly for best results.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges with Dip
8. Coconut Shrimp
Crispy shrimp with a sweet coconut coating—so fun and festive. Coat shrimp in flour, egg, and shredded coconut. Air fry at 400°F for 6–7 minutes. Serve with sweet chili or mango dip. Medium shrimp work best.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
9. Parmesan Polenta Bites
A different texture and flavor that stands out. Use cooked polenta, cut into cubes, brush with oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Air fry at 375°F for 7–8 minutes. Serve with pesto or marinara.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Parmesan Polenta Bites
10. Mini Quiches in Muffin Cups
Classic, bite-sized savory quiches—party friendly. Fill mini muffin cups with egg, cheese, and add-ins like spinach or ham. Air fry at 340°F for 10–12 minutes. Don’t overfill or they’ll puff and spill.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Mini Quiches in Muffin Cups
11. Cranberry-Pecan Goat Cheese Balls
Cheese ball, but mini! Mix goat cheese, chopped pecans, cranberries, and honey. Chill, roll into balls. Air fry at 320°F for 4–5 minutes if you want them warm. Serve with crackers or as-is.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Cranberry-Pecan Goat Cheese Balls
12. Jalapeño Popper Rolls
Slight heat, cheesy gooeyness, crispy pastry—what more could you want? Mix cream cheese, cheddar, diced jalapeños, wrap in pastry. Air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes. Seal edges well or cheese will ooze.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Rolls
13. Brie & Fig Jam Tartlets
Sweet fig jam + mellow brie = pure elegance. Use puff pastry or tartlet shells, add brie, jam, and a walnut. Air fry at 350°F for 5–6 minutes. Don’t overdo it or the jam will bubble over.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Brie & Fig Jam Tartlets
14. Spinach & Feta Stuffed Phyllo Cups
Herby, cheesy, crispy and light. Fill phyllo cups with sautéed spinach, feta, garlic and herbs. Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes. Make sure the filling isn’t too wet.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Spinach & Feta Stuffed Phyllo Cups
15. Honey-Mustard Chicken Tenders
Comforting and kid-approved. Marinate strips in honey-mustard sauce, coat in breadcrumbs if desired. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. Serve with extra dip!
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Honey-Mustard Tenders
16. Parmesan Crispy Zucchini Sticks
Crispy and veggie-friendly. Cut zucchini into sticks, dip in egg, then breadcrumbs + Parmesan. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve with marinara.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Parmesan Crispy Zucchini Sticks
17. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Savory + sweet = holiday win. Halve sprouts, toss in oil and seasoning. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. Toss with bacon bits and maple syrup, fry another 2 minutes.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
18. Sweet Chili Almond Tuile Cups with Cream Cheese
Crunchy, sweet, and spicy—so unique! Fill tuile cups with whipped cream cheese and sweet chili sauce. Air fry at 340°F for 3–4 minutes or serve chilled. Don’t overfill.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Sweet Chili Almond Tuile Cups with Cream Cheese
19. Cranberry-Waldorf Chicken Salad Phyllo Shells
Bright, fresh and crunchy. Mix cooked chicken with cranberries, apples, celery, and mayo. Fill phyllo shells just before serving. Crisp shells in air fryer for 3 minutes at 350°F.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Cranberry-Waldorf Chicken Salad Phyllo Shells
20. Mini Chocolate Lavender Bites
A sweet little surprise. Mix melted dark chocolate with dried lavender, set in molds. Chill until firm. Optional: warm in air fryer for 2 minutes at 320°F to serve slightly melted.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Mini Chocolate Lavender Bites
✅ Pro Tips for Success
- Preheat your air fryer if needed to ensure even crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—airflow = crispiness.
- Use light oil spray on veggies or pastries for that perfect golden texture.
📥 Downloadable Resource
Holiday Air Fryer Appetizer Checklist & Time Chart – includes recipe, prep/cook times, and guest count notes. Super handy during party prep!
📌 Save it for Later on Pinterest
Love these ideas? Pin it to your “Holiday Air Fryer Recipes” board so it’s ready when you need it!
