Oh my goodness, you have to try these Air Fryer Ambrosia Bites! I stumbled upon this recipe last summer when I needed a last-minute appetizer for a backyard barbecue. The crispy golden edges with that sweet, creamy center had everyone asking for seconds – even my picky nephew who usually turns his nose up at anything with fruit!
What I love most is how these little bites capture all the nostalgic flavors of classic ambrosia salad, but with that irresistible air fryer crunch. And the best part? They come together in under 20 minutes from start to finish. Trust me, once you taste that perfect combination of toasted coconut, juicy pineapple, and fluffy marshmallows, you’ll be making these on repeat for every potluck, game night, or just because it’s Tuesday.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Ambrosia Bites
Let me tell you why these little bites have become my go-to recipe for practically every occasion:
- That magical crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside texture you can only get from the air fryer
- Ready in less than 20 minutes – perfect for last-minute guests or sudden snack attacks
- The flavor combo hits all the right notes – sweet, tropical, and just a tiny bit tangy
- Always disappears first at parties (I’ve seen grown adults fight over the last one!)
Seriously, once you try them, you’ll understand why I keep the ingredients stocked at all times.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Ambrosia Bites
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible bites – I swear by these exact ingredients for the perfect texture and flavor:
- 1 cup shredded coconut (the sweetened kind works best!)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (trust me, the mini ones distribute better)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained really well (press it in a sieve)
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped small (about 8-10 cherries)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (full-fat gives the creamiest results)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the real stuff makes all the difference)
That’s it! Simple pantry ingredients that come together into something magical.
Equipment You’ll Need
You probably have most of this in your kitchen already! Here’s what I grab every time I make these ambrosia bites:
- Your trusty air fryer (of course!)
- A couple of mixing bowls – one for dry, one for wet ingredients
- Parchment paper or silicone liner (helps prevent sticking)
- Spoon or cookie scoop for portioning
That’s seriously all you need – no fancy gadgets required!
How to Make Air Fryer Ambrosia Bites
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these little bites of heaven! I promise it’s easier than you think, and the results will blow you away.
Mixing the Ingredients
First, grab your biggest mixing bowl and toss in the coconut, pineapple, oranges, and cherries. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Now here’s the key – gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix! Finally, add those mini marshmallows last so they stay nice and fluffy.
Air Frying to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F while you scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto parchment paper. Pop them in for 5-7 minutes – you’ll know they’re ready when the coconut turns golden brown and crispy around the edges. Oh, that smell! Let them cool just 2 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long).
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Ambrosia Bites
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve learned a few tricks for perfect bites every time:
- Drain, drain, drain! Press fruits in a sieve until no liquid remains – soggy bites are sad bites.
- Serve immediately for that irresistible contrast of crispy outside and creamy center.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – give them space to crisp up properly.
- Watch closely after 5 minutes – coconut burns fast once it starts browning!
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be the ambrosia bite hero at your next gathering!
Variations for Air Fryer Ambrosia Bites
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried:
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if you want a tangier bite
- Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
- Try crushed graham ers instead of coconut for a s’mores vibe
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice notes
The possibilities are endless – have fun experimenting with your own creations!
Serving Suggestions
These ambrosia bites shine brightest served warm with coffee or tea – the perfect afternoon pick-me-up! For parties, arrange them on a platter with extra toasted coconut sprinkled on top. They disappear fast, so make extra!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the truth – these ambrosia bites are best eaten fresh! But if you must store them, pop them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The coconut loses its crispness, but they’re still tasty. To revive them, give them a quick 2-minute blast in the air fryer to bring back some crunch.
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates – your actual bites might vary depending on exactly how much pineapple juice you squeeze out or whether you use light sour cream. But here’s the general breakdown per 2-bite serving:
- 120 calories
- 5g fat (3g saturated)
- 18g carbs
- 10g sugar
- 1g protein
Not bad for such a decadent-tasting treat! The natural sugars from the fruit do most of the sweet work here. For more information on general fruit nutrition, check out resources like the USDA’s nutrition database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just chop it super fine and press out every drop of juice – fresh pineapple tends to be juicier than canned. I’ve done it both ways, and while canned is more convenient, fresh gives a brighter flavor.
Why do my bites keep falling apart?
Ah, the dreaded crumble! Usually means you didn’t drain the fruits well enough or packed them too loosely. Really press that mixture together when forming bites – it should hold its shape when you squeeze it gently. If you are looking for other great appetizer ideas, check out these Air Fryer Crab Rangoon.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Honestly? They’re best fresh. But if you must prep ahead, mix everything except the marshmallows, then fold those in right before air frying. The coconut will lose some crispness, but a quick reheat helps!
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these at 375°F for about 10 minutes, but they won’t get quite as crispy. The air fryer’s magic is that quick blast of heat that toasts the coconut perfectly! If you are interested in learning more about the science behind air frying technology, you can look up FDA guidelines on air fryer safety and cooking.
Magical 20-Minute Air Fryer Ambrosia Bites You Need to Try
- Total Time: 17 mins
- Yield: 12 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and delicious air fryer ambrosia bites, perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries.
- In a separate bowl, whisk sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing gently.
- Scoop small spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Drain fruits well to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 7 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American