Summer’s the perfect time to gather around the grill and enjoy the freshest seasonal flavors with family and friends. These 19 summer appetizers are simple to make and use quick cooking methods like air frying, so you can skip the oven and keep the house cool. From tasty dips to crispy air-fried bites, there’s a little something here for everyone to snack on.
Cottage Cheese Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Pops
Now that summer is here you may be looking for some refreshing, frozen treats to cool down with or easy ways to get the kids to eat some protein. These Cottage Cheese Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Pops definitely fit the bill.
Get the recipe: Cottage Cheese Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Pops
Pan Fried Chickpeas
These easy pan-fried chickpeas are crispy, seasoned, and slightly spicy, perfect as a protein-rich snack or to add crunch to grain bowls and salads. Cheap and versatile, chickpeas make an ideal snacking option.
Get the recipe: Pan Fried Chickpeas
Summer Charcuterie Board
A summer charcuterie board is an easy appetizer that has something for everyone! Filled with favorite charcuterie meats, cheeses, summer fruits & vegetables, nuts, crackers, and more, it’s the perfect appetizer platter for summer parties, backyard barbecues, and easy weeknight dinners.
Get the recipe: Summer Charcuterie Board
Baked Tortilla Chips
Create your own crispy homemade tortilla chips by cutting flour tortillas into triangles and baking them. Try three flavor variations or keep it simple with salt and pepper.
Get the recipe: Baked Tortilla Chips
Honey Garlic Cauliflower
Craving some sweet garlicky bites? Breaded cauliflower florets are air fried to crispy golden perfection and coated in a quick homemade honey garlic sauce.
Get the recipe: Honey Garlic Cauliflower
Parmesan Garlic Fries
These Parmesan Garlic French Fries are the ultimate cheesy, garlicky treat. Bake homemade or frozen fries with minced garlic, then top with freshly grated Parmesan, sliced green onions, and cracked black pepper for a delicious snack, lunch, or side dish.
Get the recipe: Parmesan Garlic Fries
Ceviche
This Ceviche recipe features fresh snapper and halibut cubes marinated in lime juice, which effectively “cooks” the fish. The marinated fish is then mixed with shallots, chili peppers, bell peppers, and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Perfect as a summer appetizer or a light meal, serve it with fresh corn tortillas, avocado slices, or crunchy plantain chips.
Get the recipe: Ceviche
Cheeseburger Spring Rolls
Try your favorite cheeseburger flavors in a new and unique way with crispy cheeseburger spring rolls. Packed with beef, onion, pickles, cheese, and even ketchup, and mustard, these easy-to-make snacks are a fun twist on classic flavors.
Get the recipe: Cheeseburger Spring Rolls
Old Bay Crab Cakes
This Old Bay Crab Cakes recipe has everything you could ever want in this classic seafood appetizer. The crab cakes are plump, flavorful, and full of succulent crab meat and seasoned to perfection. Serve them with a dollop of lively Cajun aioli, recipe included.
Get the recipe: Old Bay Crab Cakes
BBQ Chicken Bites
Try these easy homemade, battered and fried chicken bites smothered in Maple Chipotle BBQ Sauce. Makes a delicious appetizer or snack or part of a meal.
Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Bites
Garlic Bread Bruschetta
This bruschetta recipe features toasty garlic bread topped with a vibrant balsamic tomato salad. This fresh summer appetizer is delicious and easy to make!
Get the recipe: Garlic Bread Bruschetta
Portobello Fries
Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms make a quick and easy appetizer. Breaded with Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, these delicious bites can be air-fried or baked for a cheesy, crispy snack, side dish, or appetizer.
Get the recipe: Portobello Fries
Layered Pesto Dip
Featuring summer-y basil pesto and lots of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this is a delightful summer dip that’s unique and special enough to serve at parties. But don’t worry – it’s super easy to make in less than 10 minutes!
Get the recipe: Layered Pesto Dip
Beyond Beef Meatballs with Greek Seasoning
Spice up your dinner routine with these irresistible Greek-inspired “meatballs“! Using just five ingredients, including protein-packed Beyond Meat and a zesty blend of Mediterranean herbs, this recipe delivers big flavor without the fuss.
Get the recipe: Beyond Beef Meatballs with Greek Seasoning
Sweet Potato Wedges
Enjoy crispy sweet potato wedges made in the air fryer, seasoned with Italian spices and served with hot honey sriracha sauce and crumbled feta cheese for a delicious combination of flavors.
Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges
Vegan Lumpia
This vegan take on Filipino lumpia features a savory filling of plant-based ground, shredded carrots, onions, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil, all wrapped in spring roll wrappers and fried to golden-brown, crispy perfection.
Get the recipe: Vegan Lumpia
Halloumi Bites
Craving crispy, salty halloumi? Take it up a notch with air fryer bites! Cube halloumi, coat it in a flavorful panko mixture, and air-fry to golden perfection. Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or even add them to your salad for a fun pop of flavor and texture.
Get the recipe: Halloumi Bites
Pineapple Mango Salsa
This fruity and spicy fresh fruit salsa combines sweet mango and pineapple with spicy jalapeños and fresh mint and basil. Quick to prepare, it’s great with chips, grilled chicken, or fish tacos.
Get the recipe: Pineapple Mango Salsa
Cheesy Zucchini and Corn Fritters
These cheesy, crispy fritters combine the best of summer flavors with zucchini and corn, pan-fried to perfection. Quick to make, they’re ideal for weekend brunch, an appetizer, or a light weeknight dinner with a side salad.
Get the recipe: Cheesy Zucchini and Corn Fritters
