12 Air Fryer Snacks and Sides for Entertaining

Are you in the mood for some scrumptious snacks but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? You're in the right place!

With the help of an air fryer, you can satisfy those cravings in no time. From crispy fries to cheesy delights, we've got a variety of quick and easy options that are perfect for any occasion.

So grab your air fryer and let's get cooking!

Table of Contents

• French Fries
• Tater Tots
• Jalapeno Poppers
• Popcorn
• Quesadilla
• Plantains
• Mozzarella Sticks
• Nachos
• Onion Rings
• Garlic Bread
• Egg Rolls
• Dumplings
• Tips and Tricks
  • General Tips
  • Seasoning Tips
  • Cooking Tips
  • Health Tips
• Recipe Exploration

1. Air Fryer French Fries

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Optional: paprika, garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into even-sized fries.
2. Soaking: Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for crispy fries.
3. Seasoning: Drain and dry the fries. Toss them in olive oil and your choice of seasonings.
4. Cooking: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
5. Serving: Serve immediately with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

Variations:

• Sweet Potato Fries: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes and add a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Cheesy Fries: After cooking, sprinkle some grated Parmesan and pop them back into the air fryer for another 2 minutes.

2. Air Fryer Tater Tots

Ingredients:

• 4 largepotatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Boil the potatoes until they are just tender but not fully cooked. Allow them to cool.
2. Grating: Grate the potatoes into a large bowl.
3. Seasoning: Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the grated potatoes. Mix well.
4. Forming Tots: Take small amounts of the mixture and form them into tot shapes (ball-shaped is perfect!).
5. Cooking: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the tater tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
6. Serving: Serve hot with a side of sour cream or ketchup.

3. Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients:

• 6 large jalapenos
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
2. Filling: In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Assembly: Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture.
4. Coating: Roll the filled jalapenos in breadcrumbs.
5. Cooking: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the jalapeno poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Serving: Serve immediately with a side of ranch dressing.

4. Air Fryer Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Mix the popcorn kernels with olive oil and salt in a bowl.
2. Cooking: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the popcorn kernels in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket every 2 minutes.
3. Serving: Serve immediately. Add additional salt or melted butter if desired.

5. Air Fryer Quesadilla

Ingredients:

• 2 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice)
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken, diced (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, etc., optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface.
2. Filling: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on one half of each tortilla. If using, add the cooked chicken and diced vegetables over the cheese.
3. Folding: Carefully fold the tortilla over the fillings, pressing down slightly to make it compact.
4. Cooking: Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Place the folded tortillas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
5. Timing: Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Serving: Remove from the air fryer and cut into wedges. Serve immediately with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

6. Air Fryer Plantains

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Peel the plantains and slice them into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
2. Seasoning: Toss the plantain slices with olive oil and salt in a bowl.
3. Cooking: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the seasoned plantain slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Timing: Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. Serving: Serve immediately as a snack or a side dish.

7. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients:

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Place the cheese sticks in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
2. Coating: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Assembly: Coat each frozen cheese stick in flour, dip in egg, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Cooking: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the coated cheese sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serving: Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

8. Air Fryer Nachos

Ingredients:

• Tortilla chips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• Jalapenos, sliced
• Sour cream and salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
2. Layer tortilla chips in the air fryer basket.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheddar, black beans, diced tomatoes, and jalapenos over the chips.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
5. Serve immediately with sour cream and salsa.

9. Air Fryer Onion Rings

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, sliced into rings
• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
2. Dredge onion rings in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and then coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Place the coated onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
5. Season with salt and pepper, serve immediately.

10. Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
2. Mix minced garlic, melted butter, and chopped parsley.
3. Brush the garlic butter mixture onto the sliced baguette.
4. Place the slices in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 5 minutes or until crispy.
6. Serve warm.

11. Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup minced pork or chicken
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• Egg roll wrappers
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. In a pan, sauté cabbage, carrots, meat, and green onions with soy sauce and sesame oil.
2. Place a spoonful of the mixture in the center of each egg roll wrapper.
3. Roll and seal the edges with a little water.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
5. Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. Serve with dipping sauce.

12. Air Fryer Dumplings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup minced pork
• 1/2 cup chopped cabbage
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Dumpling wrappers
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Instructions:

1. Mix minced pork, chopped cabbage, green onions, soy sauce, and ginger.
2. Place a small amount of the mixture in the center of each dumpling wrapper.
3. Fold and seal the edges.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
5. Place the dumplings in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

Tips and Tricks

General Tips

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes for even cooking.
2. Don't Overcrowd: Place items in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
3. Shake or Flip: For items like fries or tater tots, shake the basket halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
4. Temperature Check: For items like jalapeno poppers, make sure the internal temperature reaches a safe level (especially if you're using meat).

Seasoning Tips

1. Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to add other seasonings or spices to make the recipes your own. Have fun experimenting!
2. Marinate Ahead: For items like chicken in quesadillas, consider marinating the meat for added flavor.
3. Fresh vs Dried Herbs: If you're using fresh herbs, remember that they are less potent than dried ones, so you may need to adjust quantities.

Cooking Tips

1. Adjust Cooking Time: Different air fryers may require slightly different cooking times. Always check for doneness before serving.
2. Use Cooking Spray: A light spray can help achieve a crispier texture for items like popcorn or mozzarella sticks.

Health Tips

1. Go Light on Oil: Air fryers require less oil than traditional frying methods. A light coating is usually sufficient.
2. Choose Healthy Dips: Opt for yogurt-based dips or homemade salsas to keep the snack healthier.

Recipe Exploration

• Try the Easiest Air Fryer Chicken Recipes for a flavorful meal.
• Venture into our 10 Must-Try Air Fryer Pork Recipes.
• Relish in the savory collection of 11 Air Fryer Beef Recipes.
• Add a healthy twist with our 5 Healthy Vegetable Recipes for the Air Fryer.
• Explore 43 irresistibly addicting air-fryer appetizers curated by Taste of Home.

Further Reading

• Improve frying potential in your oven using the Best Air Fryer Basket for Convection Ovens.