Appetizers That’ll Score Big Before Kickoff

Appetizers set the stage for any party, offering a great way to start a gathering or enjoy a quick bite before the main course. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a small snack, having a few go-to recipes can make entertaining and meal planning much easier. With so many options to choose from, you can find something for every occasion, from light and fresh to rich and indulgent.

Simple ingredients and easy steps can lead to big flavors, making homemade appetizers a great alternative to store-bought options. Whether you prefer something warm and crispy, cool and refreshing, or a bit of both, there’s no shortage of creative ways to mix and match flavors. The best part is that many recipes can be prepared in advance, saving time when you need it most.

From classic favorites to new ideas, appetizers offer endless variety to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for something quick and effortless or a dish with a little extra effort, there are plenty of choices to explore. No matter the occasion, the right appetizer can bring people together and start any meal on a great note.

Buffalo Chicken Air Fryer Egg Rolls

These crispy egg rolls are packed with shredded buffalo chicken and a creamy cheese filling. The air fryer gives them a golden crunch without the need for deep frying. They make a great appetizer or snack, especially when served with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Quick to prepare and easy to eat, they’re a crowd-pleaser for game days or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Tender pulled pork is piled onto soft slider buns and topped with coleslaw for a balanced mix of flavors and textures. Whether using leftover pork or making it fresh, these mini sandwiches are easy to assemble and great for feeding a group. Serve them with barbecue sauce for an extra kick. Perfect for parties, tailgates, or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Crispy potato skins filled with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions make for a perfect appetizer or side. The air fryer creates a crunchy shell while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing for extra flavor. Great for game nights or as a fun snack to share.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

Cold Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese

This creamy, flavorful dip combines shrimp, cream cheese, and a blend of seasonings for a rich and refreshing appetizer. Served chilled, it pairs well with crackers, toasted bread, or veggies. It’s an easy make-ahead dish for parties or gatherings. A little lemon juice or fresh herbs can add a nice finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp Dip with Cream Cheese

Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp

Shrimp seasoned with bold Cajun spices cooks quickly in the air fryer, creating a juicy and flavorful dish. The light crisp on the outside adds great texture without making them heavy. Serve as an appetizer, over rice, or in tacos for a simple yet bold meal. A squeeze of lemon or a creamy dip on the side makes it even better.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp

Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

This rich and cheesy dip brings all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger into a creamy, scoopable dish. Ground beef, bacon, and melted cheese come together perfectly, making it great for serving with chips, crackers, or toasted bread. It’s a warm, comforting option for game day spreads or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

Zucchini Fries

Lightly coated and crisped to perfection, these zucchini fries offer a great alternative to traditional fries. The air fryer or oven helps achieve a golden crunch while keeping the inside tender. Serve them with a garlic aioli or marinara sauce for extra flavor. A great way to enjoy a vegetable-forward snack or side.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fries

Queso Blanco

This creamy, melty cheese dip is packed with mild spice and rich flavor. It’s smooth, perfect for dipping chips, and pairs well with tacos or burritos. Serve warm for the best texture, and customize with jalapeños, tomatoes, or extra seasonings. Ideal for game nights, parties, or just a casual snack.
Get the Recipe: Queso Blanco

Bacon Wrapped Pickles in the Air Fryer

Crunchy pickles wrapped in crispy bacon offer a mix of salty, tangy, and smoky flavors in every bite. The air fryer makes them extra crispy without the need for deep frying. They work well as an appetizer or snack, especially when served with ranch or a spicy dip. Simple to prepare and fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pickles in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Lumpia

These golden, crispy Filipino spring rolls are packed with a savory filling and air-fried to perfection. The thin, crunchy wrapper gives way to a flavorful mix of ground meat and vegetables. Serve them hot with a sweet chili sauce for dipping. A great appetizer or snack that’s easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Bacon Wrapped Crackers

A simple combination of crispy crackers and smoky bacon makes for an irresistible appetizer. The bacon bakes until golden, infusing the crackers with flavor while keeping a crunchy bite. These are easy to prepare and work well for holiday spreads, parties, or casual snacking. Serve warm and watch them disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Crackers

Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Classic cheesesteak flavors wrapped in a crispy egg roll shell make for a delicious handheld snack. Tender beef, melty cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions come together inside a crunchy wrapper. Perfect for dipping in cheese sauce or spicy mayo. A fun fusion of two favorite comfort foods.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Crispy Air Fryer Mushrooms

These mushrooms cook up golden and crisp in the air fryer, with a light coating that adds just the right amount of crunch. The inside stays tender and juicy, making them a great appetizer or side dish. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce for extra flavor. A simple way to enjoy mushrooms in a new way.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Mushrooms

Rattlesnake Bites

These bite-sized snacks bring a little heat with a mix of jalapeños, cheese, and seasoned filling inside a crispy coating. Fried or air-fried, they offer the perfect mix of spice and creaminess. Serve with ranch or a zesty dipping sauce to balance out the flavors. Great for parties or game-day spreads.
Get the Recipe: Rattlesnake Bites

Roasted Eggplant Baba Ganoush Dip

This creamy eggplant dip is packed with smoky, garlicky flavors and a smooth texture. Perfect for spreading on pita or dipping with fresh vegetables, it’s a great alternative to hummus. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs add a nice finishing touch. Best served chilled or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Baba Ganoush Dip

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs

These air-fried chicken legs come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a bold barbecue glaze. Cooking them in the air fryer keeps them quick and mess-free while still packing in plenty of flavor. Great for a casual dinner or backyard-style meal. Pair with coleslaw or corn on the cob for a complete dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Legs

Spicy Barbecue Wings

These wings are coated in a bold, smoky barbecue sauce with just the right amount of heat. Whether baked, grilled, or air-fried, they come out crispy and packed with flavor. Serve with celery, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing. Perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Barbecue Wings

Southwest Egg Rolls

A crispy wrapper holds a flavorful mix of chicken, black beans, corn, and spices in these Southwest-inspired egg rolls. The combination of textures and bold flavors makes them a great party appetizer. Serve with avocado ranch or salsa for dipping. A fun and tasty twist on traditional egg rolls.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Egg Rolls

Candied Bacon

Thick-cut bacon is coated in a sweet and slightly spicy glaze, then baked until crisp. The combination of salty, sweet, and smoky flavors makes it an irresistible snack or addition to breakfast dishes. Serve it as a side, crumble it over salads, or enjoy it on its own. A simple but flavorful treat.
Get the Recipe: Candied Bacon

Crab Pinwheels Recipe

Flaky puff pastry or tortillas are filled with a creamy crab mixture, then rolled and sliced for an easy appetizer. These pinwheels are perfect for parties, offering a mix of seafood flavor and rich, cheesy goodness. Serve chilled or baked for a warm, crispy option. A great make-ahead dish for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pinwheels Recipe

Jalapeno Cheese Dip Recipe

This creamy dip brings together melted cheese with just the right amount of heat from jalapeños. It’s smooth, rich, and perfect for dipping chips, pretzels, or fresh veggies. Serve warm for the best texture, and add extra spice or mix-ins for a personal touch. A must-have for any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Cheese Dip Recipe