19 Summer Appetizers for Outdoor Entertaining

Summer is all about firing up the grill with your favorite people and enjoyed the freshest flavors of the season. These 19 amazing summer appetizers are easy to make, with cooking methods like air frying to help you keep your oven off and your house cool. From dips to air fried bites and everything in between, there's something here to keep everyone happy.

Cottage Cheese Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Pops

Dessert pops on stick with strawberries and graham and crumbs on top. — Image Credit: Garden in the Kitchen

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

Cheesy Zucchini and Corn Fritters

Stacked vegetable fritters topped with a dollop of yogurt. — Image Credit: PiperCooks

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

Pan Fried Chickpeas

Crispy fried chickpeas in a bowl. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

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 board full of fruit, vegetables, meat, nuts, and crackers. — Image Credit: Urban Bliss Life

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

Tortilla chips on a platter beside a bowl of green dip and lime slices. — Image Credit: PiperCooks

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

Breaded sauced cauliflower on a plate beside a bowl of dip. — Image Credit: PiperCooks

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

Fries and a bowl of dip on a plate with Parmesan and parsley. — Image Credit: PiperCooks

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

A bowl with shrimp and vegetables beside tortilla chips and lime slices. — Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

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

Rolled pastries beside a bowl of dip with one cut in half. — Image Credit: PiperCooks

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

Crab cakes on a plate with dip and lemon slices. — Image Credit: Dish ‘n’ the Kitchen

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

Sauced chicken bites on a plate. — Image Credit: PiperCooks

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

Toast topped with chopped tomatoes. — Image Credit: Easy Weeknight Recipes

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

Breaded mushroom spread on a plate beside a bowl of dip. — Image Credit: PiperCooks

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

Dip on a plate topped with chopped artichokes, tomato, and feta cheese. — Image Credit: Two Healthy Kitchens

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

Meatballs and a bowl of dip on a plate. — Image Credit: My Plant Based Bowl

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

Sweet potatoes on a slate platter topped with cheese and herbs beside lime and a bowl of dip. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

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

Rolled pastries beside a bowl of dip. — Image Credit: The Veggie Yaya

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

Breaded cubes in a bowl with dip. — Image Credit: PiperCooks

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

Fruit salsa in a bowl with a hand to the left holding a chip with salsa. — Image Credit: Pipercooks

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