Planning a summer cookout or barbecue? Look no further! Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard party or an all-day grilling session, having the right mix of appetizers, side dishes, and desserts is key to keeping your guests satisfied and coming back for more. From savory starters to refreshing sides and sweet treats, here are the best summer barbecue food ideas to elevate your cookout and make it unforgettable.

Caprese Salad

What-To-Serve-With-Caprese-Salad
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

This classic Italian salad, with its simple yet exquisite combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, complements a wide range of dishes.

Get the recipe: Caprese Salad

Deviled Eggs

Million-Dollar-Deviled-
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

The best thing about deviled eggs is the filling. The worst part of making them is peeling the boiled eggs, but you can’t make a yummy stuffed egg without it. With an air fryer, there’s no boiling necessary, and these deviled eggs are ready in less than 10 minutes! All you need to do is combine all your ingredients in a mixing bowl and scoop out some of the egg white from one end of the cooked egg with a spoon. Easy-peasy!

Get the recipe: Deviled Eggs

Blackstone Nachos

Cooking Green Bean Chicken in an Air Fryer is a simple and efficient way to create a delicious and healthy meal. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Today, I will give you my recipe for Blackstone Nachos. They are amazing! And they were all done on the Blackstone Grill, Air Fryer, and Flat-Top Griddle.

Get the recipe: Blackstone Nachos

Stuffed Jalapeños

"Embracing a healthier lifestyle doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor or the joy of crispy, golden treats. With the rise of air fryers, you can now enjoy delectable dishes without the excess oil and calories. Dive into our collection of the best Weight Watchers Air Fryer recipes, specially curated for those who love good food but are also mindful of their points. Whether you're a Weight Watchers veteran or just starting out, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds without tipping the scales!"
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Air Fryer Weight Watchers Stuffed Jalapenos are amazing! They make for such a great snack or appetizer. They are so easy to make with the help of the air fryer, and they are delicious and healthy.

Get the recipe: Stuffed Jalapeños

Blackstone Chex Party Mix

Blackstone Chex Party Mix
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Have you been looking for the perfect snack to serve at your next cookout? Blackstone Griddle Chex Mix is here to save the day!

Get the recipe: Blackstone Chex Party Mix

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

cropped-Instant-Pot-Spinach-and-Artichoke-Dip-1.jpg
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

A perfect dip for any party. It comes together easily in the Instant Pot, and it’s so good you’ll want to keep this recipe handy.

Get the recipe: Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Mini Pulled Pork Sliders

Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Air Fryer Cheesy BBQ Pork Sliders are easy, and they made a mean lunch for my kids. These easy Pork Sliders were a perfect combination of the Instant Pot and Air Fryer.

Get the recipe: Cheesy BBQ Pork Sliders

Blackstone Popcorn

Blackstone Popcorn
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

If you love the smell and taste of freshly made popcorn, get ready to be spellbound with Blackstone Popcorn.

Get the recipe: Blackstone Popcorn

Smoked Cream Cheese

Air Fryer Smoked Cream Cheese
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Get ready to wow your guests with this irresistible Smoked Cream Cheese! Packed with smoky flavor and an ultra-creamy texture, it’s the ultimate appetizer for any occasion.

Get the recipe: Smoked Cream Cheese

Blackstone Potato Chips

Blackstone Potato Chips
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious! These homemade Blackstone Potato Chips are the perfect snack to satisfy your cravings—made right on your griddle for that perfect golden crunch!

Get the recipe: Blackstone Potato Chips

Craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven? These Simple Blackstone Dessert Recipes are the perfect solution! From s’mores to fruity treats, the Blackstone griddle makes it easy to whip up delicious desserts with minimal effort. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these quick and tasty dessert ideas!

Blackstone Pineapple

Blackstone Pineapple
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

If you have been looking for the perfect way to cook fresh pineapple on the Blackstone, this recipe will amaze you! It’s the ideal Blackstone Grill pineapple recipe!

Get the recipe: Blackstone Pineapple

Bruschetta

Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

This Copycat Olive Garden Bruschetta recipe brings the restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen! Made with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this simple yet flavorful appetizer is perfect for any occasion. Serve it on crispy toasted baguette slices for an irresistible bite every time.

Get the recipe: Bruschetta

Coleslaw

Copycat KFC Coleslaw
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Elevate your summer meals with this Copycat KFC Coleslaw recipe! This quick and easy side dish captures the beloved flavor of KFC’s original coleslaw in just five minutes. Perfect for pairing with fried chicken or as a refreshing addition to any barbecue spread, this recipe will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Discover how to recreate this classic favorite at home!

Get the recipe: Coleslaw

Corn on the Cob

How-to-Reheat-Corn-on-the-Cob
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Get ready to bring the bold, smoky flavors of Chili’s Roasted Street Corn to your table! This irresistible side dish features sweet corn charred to perfection, then slathered in a creamy, zesty sauce and topped with savory seasonings. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with any meal!

Get the recipe: Corn on the Cob

Potato Salad

Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Discover the delightful twist on a classic favorite with our Air Fryer Potato Salad! This easy recipe combines tender, perfectly roasted potatoes with fresh herbs and creamy dressing, making it a deliciously side dish for any meal.

Get the recipe: Potato Salad

Macaroni and Cheese

Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Craving that creamy, cheesy side dish from KFC? Now you can enjoy it at home with this Copycat KFC Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Packed with rich, cheesy goodness and the perfect creamy texture, this homemade version is just as indulgent as the original—if not better. Ready to dive into the comfort of this classic side dish? Let’s get cooking!

Get the recipe: Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Beans

Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Perfect as a quick and easy side for your summer BBQ party. 

Get the recipe: Baked Beans

Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Pasta Salad
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Do you ever find yourself craving a dish that is both comforting and healthy? If so, then you have to try this amazing air fryer pasta salad!

Get the recipe: Pasta Salad

Queso

Air-Fryer-Queso
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Meaty, cheesy and full of deliciousness, this Air Fryer queso is one of the easiest, most indulgent party dips you’ll ever make. 

Get the recipe: Queso

Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips

The Best Air Fryer Sour Cream Onion Potato Chips
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Who doesn’t love a good potato chip? But, who wants the extra calories and fat that come with them? You can make delicious and healthy potato chips right at home if you have an air fryer. These Air Fryer Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips are perfect example. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a tasty snack that everyone will love. Plus, they’re much healthier than traditional potato chips. So go ahead and give them a try!

Get the recipe: Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips

Baked Potatoes

How To Make Loaded Baked Potatoes In Air Fryer
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Salty and crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside- these Air Fryer steakhouse potatoes tick both those boxes. 

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Steakhouse Potatoes

Garlic Bread

Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Craving that irresistible combination of crispy, garlicky goodness without the wait or mess? Prepare to have your world rocked because the air fryer is here to revolutionize your comfort food dreams!!

Get the recipe: Garlic Bread

S’mores Tartlets

Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

 Looking for the perfect summer desert, look no further than these mini s’mores tarts! They are the perfect summer dessert!

Get the recipe: S’mores Tartlets

Blueberry Pie

Air Fryer Blueberry Pie
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Are you looking for a delicious dessert that you can whip up in no time? Well, we’ve got just the recipe for you – air fryer blueberry pie! This delectable treat is full of sweet and tart flavors and requires minimal effort.

Get the recipe: Blueberry Pie

S’mores Cookie Cups

air fryer s’mores cookie cups
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

 Summertime is the perfect time for cookouts and s’mores, and what’s better than combining the two? These Air Fryer S’mores Cookie Cups are ideal for enjoying a classic summer treat. They’re easy to make and taste amazing! They’re a fun way to get your kids involved in the kitchen. So grab your air fryer, and let’s get started!

Get the recipe: S’mores Cookie Cups

Chocolate Chip Cookie in A Cup

Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

If you love chocolate chip cookies, you’ll love this recipe for an Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Cup. It’s simple to make and cooks up quickly, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those leftover chocolate chips! Give this recipe a try today and enjoy the sweet taste of chocolate chip cookies without having to worry about all the cleanup.

Get the recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie in A Cup

Blackstone Apple Cobbler

Blackstone-Apple-Cobbler-6
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

 Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that’s bursting with fall flavor? If so, Blackstone Apple Cobbler is the ultimate comfort food for this time of year.

Get the recipe: Blackstone Apple Cobbler

Copycat Wingstop Fries

Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Recreate the perfect crispy and flavorful fries just like Wingstop using your air fryer! This easy recipe brings restaurant-style fries straight to your home with minimal effort.

Get the recipe: Copycat Wingstop Fries

Spinach Strawberry Salad

Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Enjoy a light and healthy Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad, featuring crisp spinach, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy air-fried topping for a flavorful and nutritious meal.

Get the recipe: Spinach Strawberry Salad

Air Fryer Crispy Cheese Twist

Air Fryer Cheese Straws
Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so-savory – the air fryer cheese twist is a crowd favorite! Not only is it delicious, but you can whip up this scrumptious snack in no time. It’s even better when served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Cheese Twist