Bad at Party Planning? Start with These 23 Appetizers

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Bad at Party Planning? Start with These 23 Appetizers

Ever had that last-minute panic about what to serve when friends drop by? You’re definitely not the only one. Dive into these 23 appetizer recipes that’ll not only save your day but also make you look like a pro, even if party planning is not really your thing.

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Air fried tortilla chips stacked on a plate around a bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ever tried making your own chips? It’s honestly easier than you’d think. These are perfectly crunchy and way less greasy than store-bought ones. Plus, they’ll be the talk of the party. Who doesn’t love a good homemade touch?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Baked Brie

A baked brie with walnuts and thyme, with a jar of honey next to it.
Baked Brie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Let’s talk melted cheese, shall we? Just pop in some Brie, bake it until it’s gooey, and try to keep everyone from devouring it all at once. It’s like a little cheese dream come true at every gathering.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The store ones are okay, but homemade? That’s next level. They come out crispy on the outside, all gooey on the inside, and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bonus: no messy frying involved at all!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Caprese Bites

Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board.
Caprese Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

They’re fresh, they’re fancy, but without all the fuss. Imagine a mini salad on a toothpick. They’re so easy to make and even easier to munch on. Plus, they add a dash of elegance to any snack lineup.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Bites

Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic Pizza Rolls, a true lifesaver of every last-minute host. They’re quick to heat, loaded with flavor, and honestly? They never stick around for long. Everyone loves a good pizza bite!
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Cranberry Brie Bites

A tray of cranberry brie bites with walnut topping.
Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Picture this: sweet cranberries paired with creamy Brie. It’s a delightful little match made in heaven. Whip up a batch, and watch as these little bites become the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who needs deep frying when air frying exists? These sticks are the ultimate ooey-gooey cheesy wonders. They’re the perfect finger food with all that golden crunch and way less mess. Who could resist?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These are a colorful and healthier twist to your usual appetizer game. They’re not just any cubes; they’ve got that hint of sweetness and are so darn tasty. Guests will be coming back for seconds, or thirds…
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Packed with veggies and full of flavor, these fritters are a delightful snack. They’re light, crispy, and make you feel a bit better about snacking non-stop. Who said veggies had to be boring?
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Mozzarella Sticks

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Good ol’ classic Mozzarella Sticks. Seriously, serve these bad boys hot, maybe with a side of marinara, and just watch as they disappear. They’re everyone’s favorite for a reason!
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Freshly made jalapeño poppers on a plate.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking to spice things up a bit? These poppers are spicy, cheesy, and come with that irresistible crunch from the air fryer. They’re just the right amount of kick for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Pineapple Cheese Ball

A cheese ball topped with crackers and grapes.
Pineapple Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A sweet and savory mashup that’s bound to get attention. The pineapple gives it that unique twist, making your cheese ball stand out. It’s easy to put together but tastes like you’ve spent ages on it.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Ball

Air Fryer Potato Skins

Potato skins with sour cream and sliced scallions.
Air Fryer Potato Skins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Why wait for a restaurant trip? Whip up these loaded potato skins at home. They’re crispy, packed with your favorite fillings, and are a surefire way to impress any guest. Plus, way easier than you think with the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Skins

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Air fryer zucchini fries on a wooden board.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Giving regular fries some competition! These zucchini fries are a tasty alternative that’s slightly healthier. They’re crispy, flavorful, and you might just find yourself favoring them over potatoes. Shocking, right?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes on a white plate.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These are just comfort food at its finest. Imagine potatoes, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and seasoned to perfection. An easy-to-make snack that feels like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers on a serving dish with balsamic glaze drizzled over.
Caprese Skewers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

It’s the same fresh and fancy Caprese, but on a skewer. They’re easy to grab, a delight to eat, and honestly, they just look pretty on any appetizer table.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers

Cheese Ball

A cheese ball on a cutting board with crackers.
Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The good ol’ cheese ball – a timeless classic. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and made for sharing. Just roll it, maybe sprinkle some nuts or herbs, serve, and watch as everyone gathers around for a bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet potato wedges in a bowl.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re in for a slightly sweet, perfectly crispy snack, these wedges are it. They bring a unique flavor to the table and are an instant hit. Plus, that air fryer magic makes them so easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Potato Skins

Potato skins with sour cream and sliced scallions.
Potato Skins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Overflowing with toppings and baked to perfection, these potato skins are what snack dreams are made of. They’re a perfect combo of crunchy skin and flavorful filling. Best served with a side of fun chatter!
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes on parchment paper, with dollops of sauce and sprigs of dill.
Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Think of these as the fun cousin of regular baked potatoes. They’ve got that lovely crispiness on the outside but remain fluffy inside. A dash of seasoning and you’ve got a winner.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters in a stack.
Zucchini Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Zucchini in a fun avatar! These fritters are a delicious way to sneak in veggies. They’re light, crispy, and even the most dedicated veggie-avoiders might be tempted to try.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

Sweet Potato Soup

A bowl of sweet potato soup with bread next to it.
Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s something cozy about a bowl of this soup. It’s creamy, velvety, with a hint of sweetness. It’s not just an appetizer; it’s an experience that warms you from the inside.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Soup

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

A plate of cauliflower wings with dipping sauce and celery.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

It’s spicy, it’s tangy, and oh, it’s cauliflower! The perfect treat for those who want that buffalo kick but with a veggie twist. Plus, the air fryer gives it that perfect crunch!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

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