Boxing Day at our house means two things: leftovers from Christmas dinner and everyone lounging around in pajamas until noon. While I love the relaxed vibe, I also know hungry family members will start rummaging through the fridge by midday. That’s where these lifesaving Air Fryer Boxing Day Snacks come in! They’re my go-to solution – crispy on the outside, cheesy and tender inside, and ready in just 20 minutes flat. Best part? You can whip them up using leftover chicken from yesterday’s feast. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps – just delicious little bites that disappear faster than wrapping paper on Christmas morning.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Boxing Day Snacks
Trust me, these little bites will become your Boxing Day tradition too! Here’s why:
- Quick magic: From fridge to table in 20 minutes—perfect when hungry relatives start hovering
- Crispy perfection: That golden crunch you get from the air fryer? Absolute game-changer
- Leftover superhero: Turns yesterday’s dry chicken into today’s star snack (my grandma would be proud)
- No-fuss cleanup: One bowl, one air fryer basket—more time for napping on the couch
- Crowd pleaser: Kids go crazy for the cheesy centers while adults appreciate the subtle seasoning
The best part? You probably have everything you need already sitting in your fridge. Now that’s what I call a Boxing Day miracle!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Boxing Day Snacks
Here’s what you’ll need to make these addictive little bites (measurements matter – I learned that the hard way after a salty disaster in 2018!):
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I use cheddar, but Gruyère makes it fancy)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced small (leftover roast chicken works beautifully)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs, packed (Panko gives extra crunch)
- 1 large egg, beaten (room temp blends better)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust if your chicken was pre-seasoned)
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing (or use that bacon grease you saved – no judgment!)
Equipment You’ll Need
Grab these trusty tools (you likely have them already):
- Your air fryer (obviously!)
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- Parchment paper or air fryer liner (saves so much scrubbing later)
- Small brush for oil (or just use your fingers like I sometimes do)
How to Make Air Fryer Boxing Day Snacks
Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this is so simple you could do it half-asleep (and let’s be honest, we’re all a bit sleepy on Boxing Day). Follow these steps and you’ll have perfect snacks in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – set your air fryer to 375°F and let it heat up while you mix everything. Trust me, this makes all the difference for that perfect golden crust. In your mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, diced chicken, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (clean ones, please!) to mix it all together until it holds its shape when pressed. The mixture should feel moist but not sticky – if it’s too wet, add a sprinkle more breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Shape and Coat
Now for the fun part! Scoop up about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a nice little ball. I usually make them about the size of a ping pong ball – big enough to be satisfying but small enough to pop in your mouth. Line them up on a plate as you go. Once they’re all shaped, lightly brush each one with olive oil. This step gives them that gorgeous crispy exterior we all love.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Carefully place your snacks in the air fryer basket – don’t crowd them! They need space for proper air circulation. Cook for 5 minutes, then open the basket and give them a gentle flip with tongs (they should be starting to brown). Cook another 5 minutes until they’re evenly golden and crispy. Do the toothpick test – it should come out clean when they’re done. Let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue (though I never wait long enough myself) and serve warm!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Boxing Day Snacks
After burning more batches than I’d care to admit, here are my hard-earned secrets for snack success:
- Season smart: Taste your chicken first – if it’s already salty, go easy on the added salt
- Parchment is your friend: Saves cleanup time and prevents sticking (I learned this after scraping cheese off the basket for an hour)
- Space them out: Overcrowding = steamed snacks instead of crispy ones (ask me how I know)
- Check early: All air fryers run differently – peek at 8 minutes just in case
- Let them rest: 2 minutes out of the fryer makes them hold together better
Follow these, and you’ll be the Boxing Day snack hero every year!
Variations for Air Fryer Boxing Day Snacks
The beauty of these snacks? You can tweak them based on what’s in your fridge! Here are my favorite twists:
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for spice or smoked gouda for depth
- Meat magic: Leftover ham or turkey works beautifully instead of chicken
- Flavor boost: Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the mix
- Veggie version: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms (my vegetarian sister’s favorite)
Honestly? The possibilities are endless – just don’t tell my family I’m messing with “the original!”
Serving Suggestions
Oh, these little golden beauties shine brightest when served warm right from the air fryer! I always set them out with:
- A trio of dips – ranch, honey mustard, and spicy mayo (my nephew’s obsession)
- A simple green salad to balance the richness
- Or just pile them high on a platter and watch them disappear!
Pro tip: Keep the air fryer warm for quick batches as hungry guests arrive!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the good news – these snacks actually keep beautifully! Store any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have some) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When snack cravings strike again, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back that perfect crispiness. No soggy snacks allowed!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – these numbers are estimates since ingredients vary (especially with Boxing Day leftovers!). Each snack clocks in at about:
- 120 calories
- 7g fat (3g saturated)
- 5g carbs
- 8g protein
Not bad for such tasty little bites, right? But let’s be real – nobody counts calories on Boxing Day! For more information on general healthy eating habits, check out resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many questions about these Boxing Day snacks over the years—here are the ones that pop up most often (along with my very honest answers!):
Can I freeze these air fryer snacks?
Absolutely! Freeze them after shaping but before cooking. Just pop the raw balls on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a bag. When snack cravings hit, air fry straight from frozen—just add 2-3 extra minutes. Life-changing for last-minute guests!
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Oh, please do! Leftover Christmas turkey works beautifully. The flavor’s slightly richer, which I actually prefer. Just make sure it’s diced small—big chunks make the balls fall apart. (Learned that the messy way in 2019.) If you are looking for other ways to use up that leftover bird, check out these ideas for air fryer Thanksgiving leftover egg rolls.
Why do mine sometimes stick to the basket?
Three words: parchment paper liner. Or give that basket a quick spritz of oil first. If they’re sticking, they probably needed another minute—that golden crust releases easier. And whatever you do, don’t try to move them too soon! (My mangled first batch can attest.)
Can I make these ahead?
You bet! Mix everything up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. The flavors actually get better! Just let the dough sit at room temp for 10 minutes before shaping—cold dough is harder to work with. For other make-ahead appetizer ideas, consider these easy air fryer protein balls.
More questions? Just ask in the comments—I’ve probably made every mistake so you don’t have to!
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your Boxing Day snacks turned out! Did you try any fun variations? Any family members particularly obsessed? Drop me a note below—your stories always make my day!
Print
20-Minute Air Fryer Boxing Day Snacks That Wow Guests
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 12 snacks
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Delicious and easy snacks made in an air fryer for Boxing Day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Mix cheese, chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Brush with olive oil.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: International