Air fryers are incredibly versatile, and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, from appetizers to main courses to desserts.
The air fryer is the perfect tool for making game day snacks that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The top 9 things you can make in an air fryer from mozerella sticks to fried pizza rolls that are perfect for game day ,these recipes are sure to be a hit with your guests
Delicious and easy-to-make snacks are essential for any game day gathering. No one wants to spend hours in the kitchen preparing snacks when they could be enjoying the game. Air fryers are the perfect solution for this, as they allow you to cook delicious snacks quickly and easily.
Top 9 Things You Can Make in an Air Fryer
Air fryers make cooking game day snacks a breeze. They’re easy to use, and they cook food quickly and evenly. Plus, they don’t require a lot of oil, so you can enjoy your snacks without feeling guilty.
The following ten recipes, which are ideal for game day, can be prepared in an air fryer:
Buffalo Chicken Wings
These wings are a game day classic. Air frying makes them quick and crispy, with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. Tossed in a tangy and spicy buffalo sauce, they’re the perfect blend of crunchy and saucy.
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Temperature: 400°F for 25-30 minutes
Instructions: Toss the chicken wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and baking powder. Place the wings in the air fryer and cook for 25-30 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. In a separate bowl, mix together buffalo sauce and melted butter. Toss the cooked wings in the sauce and serve hot
Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are all about the contrast between the crispy, golden exterior and the gooey, melted cheese inside. Air frying achieves this texture beautifully, and these sticks make for ideal finger food during the game.
Ingredients
Flour
Eggs
Panko Breadcrumbs
Italian seasoning
Salt
Marinara sauce
Temperature: 400°F for 6-8 minutes
Instructions:
- Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour and Italian seasoning.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and salt.
- Dip each cheese stick in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the cheese sticks in the air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Serve with marinara sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries offer a healthier alternative to regular fries. Air frying gives them a satisfying crunch, and they are seasoned to perfection, making them a delightful side or snack.
Temperature: 400°F for 15-20 minutes
Instructions: Cut the sweet potatoes into thin fries. Toss the fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the fries in the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Jalapeño Poppers
These spicy and cheesy poppers are a crowd-pleaser. Air frying ensures that the jalapeños become tender and the cheese inside is melted to perfection. They’re easy to prepare in the air fryer, giving you that delightful kick without the grease.
Temperature: 375°F for 8-10 minutes
Instructions: Cut the jalapeño peppers in half and remove the seeds. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Stuff the jalapeño halves with the cheese mixture. Roll the stuffed jalapeños in breadcrumbs. Place the jalapeño poppers in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes at 375°F. Serve hot.
Loaded Nachos
Loaded nachos are a game day essential. Layered with melted cheese and a variety of toppings, air frying crisps up the chips and perfectly melts the cheese. The quick assembly in the air fryer makes these nachos a breeze to prepare.
Ingredients
tortilla chips
ground beef
taco seasoning
black beans
corn
shredded cheese
jalapeño peppers
sour cream
salsa
Temperature: 375°F for 5-7 minutes
Instructions: Cook the ground beef with taco seasoning. Layer tortilla chips, ground beef, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and jalapeño peppers in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes at 375°F, until the cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Chicken Tenders
Crispy and delicious, these chicken tenders achieve that perfect coating without the need for deep frying. They’re an excellent canvas for various dipping sauces, enhancing your game day snacking experience.
Temperature: 400°F for 10-12 minutes
Instructions: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and salt. Dip each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Serve hot
Onion Rings
Crispy and flavorful onion rings are a beloved side. Air frying creates a satisfying crunch while using less oil compared to traditional deep frying. They’re the perfect accompaniment to your game day spread.
Temperature: 400°F for 10-12 minutes
Instructions: Cut the onion into rings. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and salt. Dip each onion ring in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Place the onion rings in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Serve hot.
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These drumsticks are all about the bold flavors of barbecue. Air frying ensures a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. The tangy and smoky flavor will have your guests coming back for more
Temperature: 375°F for 25-30 minutes
Instructions: Season the chicken drumsticks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Brush BBQ sauce on the drumsticks. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer and cook for 25-30 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway through and brushing with more BBQ sauce. Serve hot.
Mini Sliders
These bite-sized burgers are designed for easy snacking during the game. Air frying the patties keeps them juicy, and they require minimal effort to put together. Customize them with your favorite toppings.
Temperature: 375°F for 8-10 minutes
Instructions: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form the beef into small patties. Place the patties in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway through. Add cheese to the patties and cook for an additional minute. Assemble the sliders with the cooked patties, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, and mustard. Serve hot.
Air Fryer Game Day Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for using an air fryer for game day snacks:
Preheat your air fryer. This will help the food cook evenly and quickly.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will prevent the food from cooking evenly.
Coat the food with a light layer of oil. This will help the food crisp up.
Shake or flip the food halfway through cooking. This will help ensure that it cooks evenly.
Don’t overcook the food. Air fryers can cook food quickly, so it’s important to check it often to avoid overcooking.
Here are some additional tips for specific game day snacks:
- Buffalo chicken wings: For extra crispy wings, toss them in a small amount of cornstarch before air frying.
- Mozzarella sticks: Use a good quality mozzarella cheese for the best results.
- Sweet potato fries: Cut the sweet potatoes into thin strips for even cooking.
- Jalapeño poppers: Remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños before stuffing them to reduce the heat.
- Loaded nachos: Use your favorite toppings and cheese for the nachos.
- Chicken tenders: Bread the chicken tenders in your favorite breading before air frying.
- Onion rings: Cut the onions into thick rings to prevent them from falling apart.
- BBQ chicken drumsticks: Brush the chicken drumsticks with your favorite BBQ sauce before air frying.
- Mini sliders: Use your favorite burger recipe for the mini sliders.
- Air-fried pizza rolls: Use good quality pizza dough for the air-fried pizza rolls.
- Air fryer pickles: Slice the pickles into thin spears before air frying.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make delicious and crowd-pleasing game day snacks in your air fryer!
Questions you Might Have
Can I make healthy game day snacks in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make healthy game day snacks in an air fryer. For example, you can make cauliflower bites instead of traditional buffalo wings or sweet potato fries instead of traditional French fries. The air fryer allows you to make these snacks with little to no oil, making them a healthier option.
The cooking time for food in an air fryer will vary depending on the type and quantity of food, as well as the temperature you are cooking at. It’s always a good idea to check the food periodically and use a thermometer to ensure that it has reached the appropriate temperature. Most air fryers have a built-in timer, so you can set the time you want the food to be cooked, and it will beep or turn off when the time is up.
Can I make multiple items at once in an air fryer?
It depends on the size of your air fryer and the quantity of food you’re cooking. It’s best to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, as this can affect the cooking time and result. If you have a large air fryer, you can cook multiple items at once, but it’s recommended to cook similar items together that have similar cooking time and temperature.
It depends on the recipe you’re using. Some recipes may require preheating, while others may not. It’s always a good idea to refer to the recipe or the manual of your air fryer for specific instructions.
Conclusion
From crispy wings to gooey mozzarella sticks and customizable pizza rolls, the air fryer ensures that your game day snacks are quick, delicious, and hassle-free.
Embracing air fryer cooking not only enhances the quality of your snacks but also allows you to explore a wide range of recipes for various occasions. So, whether it’s game day or any other celebration, the air fryer is your ticket to guilt-free, mouthwatering treats. Get ready to impress your guests and elevate your snacking experience!
