No Grill? No Problem! Easy Memorial Day Air Fryer Appetizers

It’s Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial kickoff to summer—cue the sunshine, backyard vibes, and all the food! But what if you don’t have a grill? Or maybe your grill’s acting shady, you forgot to grab propane (again), or it’s just way too hot out there to play grill master. Don’t sweat it—literally. Because guess what? The air fryer is here to save your snack-loving soul!

That’s right, friends. We’re talking crispy, golden, flavor-packed appetizers without stepping foot outside or lighting a single flame. No grill? No biggie. The air fryer is your new summer BFF, ready to deliver sizzling bites with zero fuss and allll the crunch. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, planning a chill patio picnic, or just vibing solo with a sparkler in one hand and a mocktail in the other—these apps are the perfect way to feed your crowd without breaking a sweat.

Let’s be real: Memorial Day food doesn’t have to mean burgers and hot dogs (though we love 'em too!). It’s about fun, flavor, and keeping things easy. And what could be easier than tossing some snacks into your air fryer and letting it do its crispy magic?

Ready to snack smarter? Let’s gooo!

1. Air fryer BBQ chicken wings

Crispy wings meet smoky BBQ bliss! These air fryer BBQ chicken wings are saucy, sticky, and totally irresistible—perfect for cookouts, game day, or anytime snacking.

Tips: Pat wings dry for extra crunch. Flip halfway for even crisping. Sauce them after air frying to keep that skin snappy.
Make Ahead: Cook and chill the wings, then reheat and toss in BBQ sauce just before serving.

2. Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Crispy wings meet sweet heat! Tossed in a sticky hot honey glaze, these wings are finger-lickin' perfect for game night or lazy weekends.

Tips: Pat wings dry for max crisp. Flip halfway. Drizzle glaze after cooking. Make Ahead: Cook wings, refrigerate, and reheat before glazing.

3. Popcorn Shrimp

Golden, poppable, and so addictive! These air-fried shrimp are perfectly seasoned and delicious with tangy dipping sauce.

Tips: Use panko for crunch. Spray lightly with oil. Don't overcrowd the basket. Make Ahead: Bread and freeze shrimp. Air fry straight from frozen.

4. Garlic Bread

Crispy outside, buttery-garlicky inside! This air fryer garlic bread is your carb-loving dream come true.

Tips: Use thick-cut bread. Add fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper. Make Ahead: Mix garlic butter and store. Assemble and toast when needed.

5. Crab Rangoon

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon is the crispy, golden bite you didn’t know you needed this summer!

Tip: Lightly brush or spray the wonton wrappers with oil before air frying to get that perfectly golden, crunchy finish.

6. Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket are the nostalgic, bite-sized crowd-pleasers every summer spread needs!
Tip: Brush the tops with a little egg wash before air frying for that irresistible, glossy, bakery-style finish.

7. Stuffed Mushrooms

Juicy mushrooms packed with herby, cheesy goodness. These are elegant yet super easy.

Tips: Use baby bellas. Pre-bake caps for less sogginess. Make Ahead: Stuff ahead and refrigerate. Air fry just before serving.

8. Rosemary Smashed Potatoes

Crispy, garlicky baby potatoes with rosemary flavor in every bite.

Tips: Boil and smash first. Brush with oil and rosemary before air frying. Make Ahead: Boil and smash potatoes, refrigerate, then air fry when ready.

9. Stuffed Mini Peppers

Colorful peppers filled with creamy, cheesy stuffing—so good and so simple.

Tips: Use a mix of cream cheese, cheddar, and herbs. Air fry until bubbly. Make Ahead: Stuff peppers and chill. Air fry when needed.

10. Pita Chips

Crispy, salty pita chips ready for all your dips.

Tips: Use whole pita, slice into triangles, toss in olive oil and season. Make Ahead: Store in an airtight container for 5–7 days.

11. Mozzarella Sticks

Cheesy, gooey, and crunch-tastic. A party must-have.

Tips: Double bread and freeze before air frying. Make Ahead: Bread and freeze up to 1 month. Air fry straight from frozen.

12. Air Fryer Meatballs

Air Fryer Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and ready in a flash—perfect for summer appetizers or sliders!

Tip: Lightly spray the meatballs with oil before air frying to help them brown evenly and stay extra juicy inside.

13. Air Fryer Pickles

Crunchy, tangy, and totally dippable!

Tips: Pat dry. Use seasoned panko. Add paprika or Cajun spice. Make Ahead: Bread and freeze. Cook straight from frozen.

14. Sweet Potato Wedges

Naturally sweet with crispy edges and a soft center. Perfect with a smoky dip!

Tips: Cut evenly. Season with paprika and garlic powder. Don't skip the oil spray! Make Ahead: Cut and store in water. Air fry when ready.

Bonus Air Fryer Tips for Appetizer Success

Don't overcrowd the basket. It’s tempting, but give those bites some space! Airflow is the key to crispiness.
Preheat the air fryer. Just like an oven, it makes a difference. A 2-3 minute preheat goes a long way.
Use oil spray (sparingly). It helps things brown without adding heaviness. Opt for avocado or olive oil spray.
Shake it up. For anything breaded or bite-sized, shake halfway through to keep the crisp even.