These Air Fryer Old Bay Saltine Crackers are a crunchy, flavorful snack that’s ready in minutes. Packed with savory, zesty seasoning, they’re perfect for snacking, appetizers, or adding a twist to soups and dips.

Crispy Old Bay-seasoned saltine crackers freshly cooked in an air fryer
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These crackers perfectly harmonize saltine crackers’ classic, crisp texture with the iconic blend of spices found in Old Bay seasoning.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for the perfect accompaniment to your soup or salad, or simply craving a snack with a kick, these Old Bay Saltine Crackers offer a delightful twist on a pantry staple.

The magic lies in their simplicity and the burst of flavor packed into each bite, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Get ready to transform ordinary saltines into a snack that’s anything but ordinary!

Crispy Old Bay saltine crackers cooked in the air fryer

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Ridiculously easy: Just season, air fry, and snack. No skills required.
  • Big flavor, minimal effort: Old Bay brings bold, crave-worthy seasoning fast.
  • Perfect crunch: The air fryer makes saltines extra crispy without burning.
  • Snack or topper: Great on their own or tossed into soups and salads.
  • Party-ready in minutes: Quick enough for last-minute guests or game day cravings.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Old Bay Saltine Crackers on kitchen table.
  • Saltine Crackers: Crisp, salty crackers perfect for quick air fryer snacks
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that adds gooey richness
  • Garlic Powder: Savory seasoning that boosts flavor without overpowering
  • Old Bay Seasoning: Classic bold blend with savory, zesty kick
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps seasoning stick evenly

How To Make Air Fryer Old Bay Saltine Crackers

Saltine crackers brushed with melted butter and seasoned with garlic powder and Old Bay

Step One: Lay the saltine crackers out on a flat surface. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder and Old Bay Seasoning. Lightly brush the Saltine crackers with melted butter.

Saltine crackers topped with shredded cheese and Old Bay seasoning before air frying

Step Two: Sprinkle cheese on top of the crackers and press lightly to have the cheese stick to the crackers. Then sprinkle the seasoning mix on top. This will help prevent the cheese from blowing away.

Cheesy saltine crackers arranged in air fryer basket cooking until melted and bubbly

Step Three: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F for 1-2 minutes. Carefully place the prepared crackers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set cook time for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch the crackers; as they air fry up, they can burn quickly.

Crispy cheesy Old Bay saltine crackers cooked in the air fryer

Air Fryer Old Bay Saltine Crackers Recipe Tips

  • Keep a close eye while cooking — saltines and cheese can brown fast in the air fryer.
  • Press the cheese lightly onto the crackers so it doesn’t fly around during cooking.
  • Use parchment with holes if your air fryer runs strong to prevent over-browning.
  • Adjust the Old Bay to taste if you like things extra bold or more mild.
  • Cook in batches so the crackers stay in a single layer for even melting.

Storing Instructions

  • Let the crackers cool completely before storing to keep them crispy.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • For best texture, reheat briefly in the air fryer at 300°F for 1–2 minutes to crisp them back up.
  • Freezing isn’t recommended since the crackers lose their crunch.
Cheesy Old Bay saltine crackers freshly cooked in the air fryer

Air Fryer Old Bay Saltine Crackers Recipe Faqs

Can I make these without cheese? Yes. Skip the cheese and brush the crackers with butter, then season and air fry for a lighter, extra-crispy snack.

How do I keep the cheese from blowing around? Press the cheese lightly onto the buttered crackers and sprinkle seasoning on top to weigh it down.

What air fryer works best for this recipe? Any basket-style or oven-style air fryer works. Just keep an eye on them since cooking times vary.

Can I use a different seasoning instead of Old Bay? Absolutely. Cajun seasoning, ranch seasoning, or garlic parmesan seasoning all work well.

Why did my crackers burn? Saltines cook fast, and cheese browns quickly. Lower the time and check after 2–3 minutes, especially if your air fryer runs hot.

Can I make these ahead of time? They’re best fresh, but you can store them briefly and reheat in the air fryer to bring back the crunch.

Crispy air fryer Old Bay-seasoned saltine crackers topped with melted cheese

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Air Fryer Old Bay Saltine Crackers

Air Fryer Old Bay Saltine Crackers

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Old Bay Saltine Crackers are crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold Old Bay flavor. Quick and easy, these snacks are perfect for parties, game day, or snacking anytime.
YouTube video

Ingredients 

  • 16 Saltine Crackers
  • 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted, melted

Instructions

  • Lay the 16 Saltine Crackers out on a flat surface. In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning. Lightly brush the Saltine crackers with melted 2 tablespoons butter..
  • Sprinkle 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese on top of the crackers and press lightly to have the cheese stick to the crackers. Then sprinkle the seasoning mix on top. This will help prevent the cheese from blowing away.
  • Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F for 1-2 minutes. Carefully place the prepared crackers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set cook time for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Note: Watch the crackers; as they air fry up, they can burn quickly.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 73kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 123mgPotassium: 19mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 141IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.5mg

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