Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try this air fryer holiday appetizer platter—it’s my secret weapon for effortless entertaining! Picture this: one appliance, zero stress, and a gorgeous spread of crispy spring rolls, melty mozzarella sticks, golden coconut shrimp, and perfectly crunchy wings. I swear by this method when I’m hosting (or honestly, when I just want a fun snack night!). The air fryer works its magic so everything comes out restaurant-quality without the oil splatters or constant babysitting. Plus, that “wow” factor when you bring out a loaded platter? Priceless. Best part? You’re just minutes away from the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Holiday Appetizer Platter
- Quick prep: Just toss everything in the air fryer—no thawing or complicated steps.
- Minimal cleanup: One appliance does all the work, so you’re left with more time to enjoy the party.
- Crowd-pleasing variety: A mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy bites that everyone will devour.
- Perfectly crispy results: The air fryer gives you that golden, restaurant-quality crunch without the oil mess.
Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Holiday Appetizer Platter
Here’s the beauty of this platter – you can mix and match based on what your crowd loves! My go-to combo includes:
- 12 oz frozen mini spring rolls (Trader Joe’s chicken or veggie work great – thaw 5 minutes for extra crispiness)
- 10 oz frozen mozzarella sticks (I’m partial to the breadcrumb-coated ones that get super golden)
- 8 oz frozen coconut shrimp (the sweet coconut flakes caramelize beautifully in the air fryer)
- 12 oz frozen chicken wings (naked or lightly sauced – your choice!)
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (my secret? Add a squeeze of lime to brighten it up)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese if you’re feeling fancy)
Pro tip: Keep extras of everything in your freezer – you’ll be the hero when unexpected guests drop by!
Equipment You’ll Need
You probably already have everything! Just grab your air fryer (a 6-quart basket fits everything nicely), some trusty tongs for flipping, and a large serving platter to show off your crispy creations.
How to Make an Air Fryer Holiday Appetizer Platter
Trust me, this is SO easy—you’ll be shocked how quickly everything comes together! The key is letting your air fryer do all the heavy lifting while you look like a kitchen rockstar.
Step 1: Preheat and Arrange
First things first: crank that air fryer to 380°F (190°C)—this gives you that perfect golden crunch. While it heats, arrange your frozen goodies in a single layer (I know it’s tempting to pile them high, but resist! Overcrowding = sad, soggy appetizers). Alternate different items so flavors mingle—maybe shrimp by the wings, spring rolls nestled next to mozzarella sticks.
Step 2: Air Fry in Batches
Now for the magic! Cook everything for 8-10 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through. Peek at the 8-minute mark—spring rolls should be blistering golden, shrimp crispy, and cheese oozing when pierced. Wings might need an extra minute or two depending on size. Work in batches if needed (I tuck finished ones in a 200°F (95°C) oven to stay warm).
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
Pile everything onto your prettiest platter—I love the rustic-chic look of a wooden board. Scatter with chopped parsley or toasted sesame seeds for festive flair. Don’t forget those dipping sauces! Pro presentation tip: use small ramekins so guests can dunk easily without double-dipping drama.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Holiday Appetizer Platter
Here’s how to make your platter shine like a pro:
- Spray for crispiness: Lightly mist your appetizers with cooking oil before air frying—it gives that extra golden crunch without the grease.
- Keep it warm: Tuck finished batches in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you fry the rest—nothing beats a steaming-hot platter!
- Check those wings: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken wings hit 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy perfection.
- Shake it up: Don’t skip shaking the basket halfway—it’s the secret to even, crispy results every time.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Don’t stress if you’re missing something—this platter is crazy flexible! For vegetarians, swap in cauliflower wings or frozen veggie spring rolls (just add 1-2 minutes cook time). Not a coconut fan? Try beer-battered shrimp instead. Dipping sauce game weak? Mix it up with sriracha mayo or garlic aioli. Pro tip: Fresh appetizers work too—just reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes since they’re not starting frozen!
Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Holiday Appetizer Platter
Go all out with presentation—I love pairing this platter with sparkling cider or prosecco for festive cheer. Add mini chalkboard labels to identify each appetizer, and scatter some cranberries or rosemary sprigs around the platter for holiday vibes. Bonus points for offering extra dips like spicy mustard or garlic yogurt sauce in colorful bowls!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but just in case!) Store any uneaten appetizers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When those cravings hit again, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes—they’ll come out nearly as crispy as when they were first made. Pro tip: For mozzarella sticks, add a quick spritz of oil before reheating to bring back that perfect golden crunch.
Air Fryer Holiday Appetizer Platter FAQs
Can I use fresh ingredients instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh spring rolls or wings work great—just reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes since they don’t need to thaw in the air fryer. Watch them closely so they don’t overcook!
How do I prevent sticking? A quick spray of cooking oil on both the basket and appetizers does wonders. If your air fryer has a perforated parchment liner, use it—especially for melty cheeses!
Can I prep anything ahead? You bet! Arrange all your frozen items on trays the night before so they’re ready to air fry. Even better? Make extra dips ahead—they’ll taste richer after flavors meld!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up—these estimates vary based on brands and portion sizes. For one serving (about 1/6 of the platter), you’re looking at roughly 320 calories, 18g fat, and 28g carbs. Not bad for such a satisfying snack spread!
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Air Fryer Holiday Appetizer Platter: 10-Minute Party Savior
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and easy holiday appetizer platter made in the air fryer. Perfect for entertaining with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 oz) frozen mini spring rolls
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen mozzarella sticks
- 1 package (8 oz) frozen coconut shrimp
- 1 package (12 oz) frozen chicken wings
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Arrange the frozen mini spring rolls, mozzarella sticks, coconut shrimp, and chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked appetizers to a serving platter.
- Serve with sweet chili sauce and ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust cooking times based on your air fryer model.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray appetizers with cooking oil before air frying.
- Keep cooked appetizers warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while frying remaining batches.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American