🦃 15 Air Fryer Thanksgiving Appetizers to Kick Off the Feast

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Key Takeaway: Skip the oven this year and start your Thanksgiving feast the easy way! These 15 air fryer appetizers are crispy, golden, and stress-free — perfect for impressing guests while keeping your kitchen cool and your oven free for the main event.

Thanksgiving appetizers don’t have to be complicated — they just need to taste amazing and come together fast. That’s where your air fryer shines. Whether you’re going for classic bites like stuffed mushrooms or fun finger foods like sweet potato fritters, this collection has you covered.

I’ve tested these recipes during real family gatherings (yes, even the chaotic ones), and they’re all easy, crowd-pleasing, and pair beautifully with any Thanksgiving menu.

Planning your whole feast around the air fryer this year? You’ll love my Complete Thanksgiving Menu — Cooked 100% in the Air Fryer — it shows how to coordinate everything from turkey to dessert without touching the oven.

Let’s dig into the crispy, cheesy, festive goodness!

🧀 1. Air Fryer Brie Bites with Cranberry Sauce

Creamy, gooey brie wrapped in flaky dough with a touch of tart cranberry — these are bite-sized holiday heaven.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz brie cheese, cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp cranberry sauce
• 1 egg (for brushing)

Steps:

1. Cut puff pastry into squares and place a cube of brie in each.
2. Top with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce.
3. Fold corners and seal edges.
4. Brush with beaten egg and air fry at 350°F for 7–9 minutes until golden.

Tip: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Brie Bites with Cranberry Sauce

🥓 2. Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Crispy, salty, and slightly sweet — these never last more than a few minutes on the plate.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed
• 10 strips bacon, halved
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Black pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Wrap each sprout with half a bacon slice.
2. Brush with maple syrup and sprinkle with pepper.
3. Air fry at 380°F for 12–15 minutes until bacon is crisp.

Tip: Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flair.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

🍠 3. Sweet Potato Fritters

A Southern-inspired bite that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside — perfect with sour cream or maple dip.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded sweet potato
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Mix everything in a bowl to form a thick batter.
2. Shape into small patties.
3. Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Tip: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet version!
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fritters

🍄 4. Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms

These bite-sized beauties bring all the Thanksgiving flavor — garlic, herbs, and crispy tops.

Ingredients:

• 12 cremini mushrooms, stems removed
• 3 tbsp cream cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp breadcrumbs

Steps:

1. Mix cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and crumbs.
2. Stuff mushroom caps generously.
3. Air fry at 370°F for 8–10 minutes until golden.

Tip: Add chopped spinach or crab for a fun twist.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms

🧄 5. Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges

Crispy edges, tender centers, and that irresistible garlic-butter flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 large russet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• Salt and parsley

Steps:

1. Toss wedges with oil and seasonings.
2. Air fry at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway.
3. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

Tip: Serve with garlic aioli or sour cream dip.
👉 Get the full recipe → Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Potato Wedges

🥬 6. Crispy Green Bean Fries

Crispy, snackable, and surprisingly addictive — a fun veggie side or starter.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Dip beans in egg, then breadcrumb mix.
2. Air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway.

Tip: Serve with a quick ranch or sriracha mayo dip.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

🧅 7. Mini Onion Rings

Tiny, golden, and perfect for nibbling while the turkey rests.

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, sliced into rings
• ½ cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko crumbs
• Salt, paprika

Steps:

1. Coat rings in flour, dip in egg, then panko.
2. Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes until crisp.

Tip: Dust with smoked paprika for extra flavor.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Mini Onion Rings

🍗 8. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Tender inside, crunchy outside — a hit for both adults and kids.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup Parmesan
• 1 egg
• Salt, pepper

Steps:

1. Coat chicken cubes in egg, then breadcrumb mix.
2. Air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking once.

Tip: Toss in buffalo sauce or honey glaze for variety.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Chicken Bites

🍞 9. Cheesy Stuffing Balls

All the stuffing flavor you love — in crispy, bite-sized form.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover stuffing
• ¼ cup shredded cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs

Steps:

1. Combine everything and roll into balls.
2. Air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes, turning halfway.

Tip: Serve with cranberry sauce for dipping!
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Stuffing Balls

🥧 10. Mini Cranberry Hand Pies

Sweet, tart, and totally adorable — perfect as a dessert appetizer crossover.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 egg (for brushing)

Steps:

1. Cut crust into circles, add filling, fold, and crimp edges.
2. Brush with egg and sprinkle sugar.
3. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

Tip: Serve warm with a little vanilla glaze.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Cranberry Hand Pies

🧀 11. Spinach and Artichoke Cups

All the creamy dip flavor — without the mess!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped spinach
• ½ cup cream cheese
• ¼ cup artichoke hearts, chopped
• ¼ cup mozzarella
• Mini tortilla cups

Steps:

1. Mix all filling ingredients.
2. Spoon into tortilla cups.
3. Air fry at 360°F for 5–7 minutes until bubbly.

Tip: Add crushed red pepper for heat.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Spinach Artichoke Cups

🧄 12. Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites

These come out buttery, crisp, and loaded with flavor — great warm or room temp.

Ingredients:

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Lemon wedge, parsley

Steps:

1. Toss shrimp with butter and garlic.
2. Air fry at 370°F for 6–8 minutes.

Tip: Finish with lemon juice and parsley for freshness.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites

🥔 13. Air Fryer Potato Croquettes

Creamy mashed potatoes transformed into crispy, golden bites.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• ½ cup cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Form potato balls and coat in breadcrumbs.
2. Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, turning once.

Tip: Serve with sour cream and chives dip.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Potato Croquettes

🥬 14. Zucchini Chips

Light, crunchy, and guilt-free — perfect for grazing before dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• ½ cup panko crumbs
• 2 tbsp Parmesan
• 1 egg, beaten

Steps:

1. Dip zucchini in egg, then breadcrumb mix.
2. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Tip: Add Italian seasoning for flavor boost.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

🧄 15. Garlic Knots

Soft, buttery, and garlicky — the perfect warm-up before the main event.

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp parsley
• Parmesan for topping

Steps:

1. Cut dough into strips, tie knots.
2. Brush with butter and garlic.
3. Air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until golden.

Tip: Sprinkle with Parmesan right out of the basket.
👉 Get the full recipe → Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Once you’ve got your appetizers handled, it’s time for the main event! Don’t miss my guide on How to Cook the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey in an Air Fryer — juicy, crispy, and foolproof every time.

🧡 Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving appetizers set the tone for the whole feast — and with an air fryer, you can make them all crispy, quick, and oven-free.

Whether you start with brie bites or end with garlic knots, these recipes prove that holiday hosting doesn’t have to be stressful — just delicious.

🧡 Love these starters? Don’t miss my Air Fryer Thanksgiving Sides That Steal the Show and 12 Air Fryer Thanksgiving Desserts That Impress Without the Oven for your full holiday menu!

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