You can make 13 crispy, crowd-pleasing holiday snacks in your air fryer with little fuss. Start with bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts, Parmesan garlic knots, and maple-glazed sweet potato rounds, then move to stuffed mushrooms, cranberry Brie bites, and spiced apple hand pies. Each recipe uses simple steps, short cook times, and common ingredients, so you’ll prep fast and serve warm appetizers and desserts that hold up on a buffet—here’s how to get started.
Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts — crispy, smoky bites that disappear fast!
Ingredients:
- 16 small Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved if large
- 8 strips of bacon, cut in half crosswise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks, for securing
How to Make:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Wrap each sprout (or sprout half) with a half strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Brush or drizzle the maple syrup over the bacon-wrapped sprouts.
- Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding—work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 12–16 minutes, turning once halfway, until bacon is crispy and sprouts are tender.
- Let them rest a couple of minutes to set, then remove toothpicks before serving.
Serve warm and watch these irresistible bites vanish—perfect for holiday snacking!
Crispy Parmesan Garlic Knots
Crispy Parmesan Garlic Knots — golden, cheesy, and perfect straight from the air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or biscuit dough
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
How to Make:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Open the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces; roll each into a 6–7 inch rope.
- Tie each rope into a loose knot and tuck the ends under to keep shape.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Brush each knot lightly with the garlic butter mixture, reserving a little for after cooking.
- Place knots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space — you may need two batches.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway through for even color.
- Remove knots and immediately brush with the remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan (and red pepper flakes if using).
- Let cool a minute, then serve warm with extra Parmesan for dipping.
These crispy Parmesan garlic knots are irresistible — soft inside, golden outside, and perfect for sharing!
Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Rounds
Sweet, caramelized maple-glazed sweet potato rounds with a crispy edge—holiday comfort in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, about 1.5–2 lb total
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for extra richness)
- Fresh chopped parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How to Make:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then slice them into 1/4-inch rounds.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and melted butter if using.
- Add the sweet potato rounds to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
- Arrange the rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until edges are crispy and centers are tender.
- Remove the rounds to a serving plate and brush with a little extra maple syrup if you like them sweeter.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley or thyme for a fresh touch and serve warm.
Enjoy these maple-glazed sweet potato rounds as a cozy holiday side or snack—crispy, sweet, and impossible to resist.
Mini Cheddar and Chive Stuffed Mushrooms
Mini Cheddar and Chive Stuffed Mushrooms — bite-sized, cheesy holiday pops with a crispy air-fried finish.
Ingredients:
- 16 large white or cremini mushroom caps, stems removed and reserved
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a little heat
How to Make:
- Wipe mushrooms clean and remove stems; finely chop the reserved stems.
- In a bowl, mix shredded cheddar, chopped stems, cream cheese, chives, minced garlic, panko, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into each mushroom cap, packing gently and mounding slightly.
- Lightly brush or spray the stuffed caps with a bit of olive oil for browning.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place stuffed mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them; you may need two batches.
- Air-fry for 8–10 minutes, until the tops are golden and the mushrooms are tender.
- If you like a crispier top, air-fry an additional 1–2 minutes and watch closely.
- Remove carefully and let cool for a minute before transferring to a serving plate.
- Garnish with extra chopped chives and a light sprinkle of smoked paprika, if using.
Serve warm and enjoy these cheesy, crispy little bites — perfect for passing around at any holiday gathering!
Panko-Crusted Cranberry Brie Bites
Panko-Crusted Cranberry Brie Bites — crunchy, gooey, and festive little bites perfect for holiday snacking.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (or small wonton wrappers)
- 8 oz wheel of brie, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole-berry or chopped)
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (egg wash)
- Nonstick spray or a little oil for the air fryer basket
How to Make:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut puff pastry into roughly 2.5-inch squares (or prepare wonton wrappers).
- Toss panko with melted butter and chopped herbs; set aside.
- Place a pastry square in your hand or on a work surface, add a brie cube in the center and a small spoonful (about 1/2 tsp) of cranberry sauce on top.
- Fold pastry around the filling, pinching edges to seal; brush the outside lightly with egg wash.
- Roll or press the sealed bite into the panko mixture to coat the outside evenly.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange bites in a single layer, seam-side down, not touching.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until pastry is golden and panko is crisp.
- Remove carefully and let cool for 2 minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly.
Enjoy these crunchy, melty bites warm — they’re irresistible at any holiday party!
Air-Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Bites
Crispy, sticky little bites that pair sweet honey with tangy mustard — perfect for snacking or party plates.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra crisp)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- Nonstick cooking spray or a little oil for brushing
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard if you prefer milder)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for depth)
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How to Make:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl combine panko, Parmesan (if using), paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl whisk the eggs with the milk until smooth.
- Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture, then press into the panko mixture to coat well. Set coated pieces on a plate.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil so pieces won’t stick.
- Arrange chicken bites in a single layer in the basket, leaving small gaps; cook in batches if needed.
- Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken cooks, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce in a small bowl to make the glaze.
- When bites are done, transfer to a bowl and toss with the honey-mustard glaze until evenly coated.
- Return glazed bites to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes if you want the glaze to set and get slightly sticky.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve immediately.
Enjoy these sweet-and-tangy crispy bites hot — they disappear fast at any holiday gathering!
Festive Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Bright, buttery shortbread kissed with cool peppermint — perfect for holiday sharing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting (optional)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (plus a few larger pieces for topping)
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed to bind)
- Optional: green and red sugar sprinkles for decoration
How to Make:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
- In a bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Stir in the flour and salt until the dough just comes together. If it seems too dry, add up to 1 tablespoon milk.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies, saving a few larger pieces to press on top.
- Roll the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter, or press into a disk and chill for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Slice the log into 1/4‑inch thick rounds (or cut shapes if you chilled a disk).
- Place cookies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each (work in batches).
- Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden — watch closely so they don’t brown too much.
- Remove cookies and immediately press a larger peppermint piece on top if desired. Let cool on a wire rack; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar or sprinkle with festive sugars once cooled.
Enjoy these crisp, minty shortbread cookies with a mug of cocoa — holiday happiness in every bite!
Rosemary Sea Salt Roast Potatoes
Crispy rosemary and sea-salt roast potatoes — simple, golden, and utterly addictive.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lb (700 g) baby potatoes or Yukon Gold, halved or quartered to uniform pieces
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt (plus extra to taste)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic, minced)
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for finishing
How to Make:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Pat the potatoes dry with a towel so they crisp nicely.
- Toss the potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, sea salt, pepper, rosemary, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket — don’t overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the potatoes.
- Continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes until potatoes are golden and crisp and a fork slides in easily.
- Taste and season with extra sea salt or a squeeze of lemon, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using.
- Serve hot and enjoy the crunch and herby aroma.
Grab a napkin — these will disappear fast!
Sweet Chili Glazed Shrimp Skewers
Sweet Chili Glazed Shrimp Skewers — sticky, spicy, and crisp in the air fryer for a festive bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8–10 wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water 20 minutes)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How to Make:
- Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the sauce for finishing.
- Toss shrimp in the remaining sauce to coat evenly; let marinate 10–15 minutes while you prepare skewers.
- Thread shrimp onto skewers, 4–5 per skewer, leaving a little space between each.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, turning once halfway, until shrimp are pink and just opaque.
- In the last minute of cooking, brush reserved sauce over the shrimp for a glossy glaze.
- Remove skewers, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve with lime wedges.
Enjoy these sweet chili glazed shrimp skewers — crisp, saucy, and perfect for holiday snacking!
Spiced Apple Hand Pies
A cozy, flaky hand pie bursting with warm spiced apple filling — perfect for holiday snacking from the air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced small
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust (or 2 small sheets), thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or a simple glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 teaspoons milk)
How to Make:
- In a bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
- Unroll the pie crust on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4–6 circles or squares large enough to hold about 2 tablespoons of filling.
- Place a spoonful (about 2 Tbsp) of the spiced apple mixture in the center of each dough piece, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Brush the edges with a little beaten egg wash, fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket, and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops of each hand pie with the remaining egg wash and poke a small vent hole or two in the top with a fork for steam to escape.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Arrange the hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Check at 8 minutes to avoid overbrowning.
- Transfer the pies to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. If using, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle the simple glaze while warm.
- Serve warm and enjoy the spicy apple aroma and flaky crust.
These little hand pies are perfect for gifting or sneaking straight from the air fryer — enjoy every warm, spiced bite!
Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Crescent Rolls
A gooey, spicy twist on a party classic — crispy crescent rolls stuffed with cheesy jalapeño popper goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for the air fryer basket
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
How to Make:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and crumbled bacon until well combined.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. Gently press seams together to avoid leaks.
- Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the jalapeño-cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll each triangle up from the wide end to the point, tucking the filling slightly as you roll.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil. Place rolls seam-side down in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Air fry for 7–9 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Rotate the basket halfway through if your air fryer cooks unevenly.
- Remove carefully and let cool for a minute or two — the filling will be hot.
- Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired and serve warm.
Enjoy these melty, spicy popper crescent rolls hot — perfect for snacking, dipping, and sharing!
Orange Zest Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
A bright, citrus-kissed donut hole rolled in cinnamon sugar — crispy outside, tender inside, and perfect for holiday snacking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange (about 1 tbsp)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for batter)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for the air fryer basket
How to Make:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, 2 tbsp sugar, baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- In another bowl, beat the egg then stir in milk, melted butter, vanilla, orange zest, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
- Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just combined — don’t overmix.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of batter and roll loosely into balls; wet hands slightly if sticking.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes and lightly spray the basket.
- Place donut holes in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between; work in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and set.
- Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Brush or lightly coat hot donut holes with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar until evenly covered.
- Let cool a minute — they’re best warm and slightly crisp outside with a soft, zesty center.
Enjoy these orange-zest cinnamon sugar donut holes with a cup of cocoa or coffee for a cozy holiday treat!
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti — crisp, zesty twice-baked cookies perfect for dunking in coffee or cocoa.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 small orange)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 3/4 cup shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- Optional: 4 oz white chocolate, melted for drizzling
How to Make:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for a few minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with vanilla and orange zest, then stir in the melted butter.
- Fold the wet mix into the dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
- Stir in the cranberries and chopped pistachios until evenly distributed.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide.
- Place the logs on a piece of parchment or directly on the air fryer basket tray, leaving space between them.
- Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 18–22 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
- Remove logs and let cool for 10 minutes so they firm up slightly.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the logs diagonally into 1/2-inch thick biscotti.
- Arrange the slices cut-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry the slices at 320°F (160°C) for 6–8 minutes, flip them, then air fry another 4–6 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Let the biscotti cool completely on a rack; if desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate and let it set.
- Store in an airtight container — they keep wonderfully crisp for days.
Enjoy dunking these crunchy, citrusy cranberry pistachio biscotti with your favorite holiday drink!
Conclusion
You’ve got a batch of crisp, festive bites ready to impress. Like Santa’s list, pick what fits your crowd, prep ingredients, and air fry in small batches for even browning. Turn Brussels sprouts, garlic knots, and sweet potato rounds once, check doneness, and rest briefly before serving. Use a thermometer for stuffed items, and keep sauces warm. Clean the basket after cooling. Repeat for each recipe and enjoy steady, tasty results.