These 10 easy Christmas appetizers are the bite-size crowd-pleasers that disappear first at every holiday party. Every one of them cooks in the air fryer, so your oven stays free for the ham, the turkey, or the cookies.
The best holiday appetizer spread mixes cheesy, meaty, and festive bites. This list has all three: melty brie with cranberry, smoky bacon-wrapped favorites, and hearty meatballs and sausage balls. Pick four or five, and you’ve got a party.
10 Easy Christmas Appetizers
1. Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
Creamy brie and sweet cranberry sauce baked into flaky little cups until golden. The red and white colors look made for a Christmas table, and leftovers keep in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites
2. Air Fryer Pepper Jelly Brie Bites
Brie tucked into phyllo shells and topped with red pepper jelly. They warm at a low 250°F for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the brie starts to melt. The sweet heat of the jelly balances the rich cheese.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Pepper Jelly Brie Bites
3. Air Fryer Baked Brie
A whole wheel of warm, gooey brie, plain or wrapped in pastry, that bakes at 350°F. For a festive version, top it with cranberry sauce, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Serve it with crackers and sliced apples.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Baked Brie
4. Air Fryer Cranberry Meatballs
Frozen meatballs and jellied cranberry sauce are all you need. Air fry the meatballs, then toss them in the sauce for a sweet, tangy holiday classic that’s ready in minutes.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Cranberry Meatballs
5. Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
Mini smoked sausages wrapped in crescent dough and air fried until golden. You can wrap them ahead of time, so they’re ready to cook when guests walk in. Serve with mustard and ketchup for dipping.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
6. Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sweet dates stuffed with creamy cheese and wrapped in smoky bacon. With just three ingredients, they air fry at 375°F into the perfect sweet-and-salty bite.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates
7. Air Fryer Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Button mushrooms packed with a rich, creamy crab filling and air fried at 375°F until golden. They feel fancy but take very little work.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
8. Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Balls
The classic Southern party favorite, made in the air fryer. A quick chill in the freezer helps them hold their shape before they air fry at 370°F.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Balls
9. Air Fryer Fried Goat Cheese Balls
Creamy goat cheese rolled in seasoned breadcrumbs, frozen so the centers stay intact, then air fried at 370°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Serve with marinara, honey, or balsamic glaze.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Fried Goat Cheese Balls
10. Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Crackers
Crackers topped with cheese and wrapped in bacon, then air fried at 400°F for 8 to 12 minutes. Use regular-cut bacon, since thick-cut takes too long to crisp.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Crackers
Tips for Planning a Holiday Appetizer Spread
- Plan on 4 to 6 pieces per guest if dinner follows, or 10 to 12 per guest if appetizers are the whole meal.
- Mix your textures and flavors. Pair something cheesy (brie bites), something meaty (meatballs or sausage balls), and something sweet-and-salty (bacon-wrapped dates).
- Prep ahead. Wrap the pigs in a blanket, roll the sausage balls, and freeze the goat cheese balls the day before. Then they’re ready to air fry when guests arrive.
- Cook in small batches. Keep a single layer in the basket so everything crisps evenly, and send out each batch hot.
- Use the slow cooker for meatballs. Keep the cranberry meatballs warm on the low or warm setting so guests can serve themselves all night.
Christmas Appetizer FAQs
What are the easiest Christmas appetizers to make? The cranberry meatballs and cranberry brie bites are the easiest. Each takes just a few ingredients and very little hands-on time.
Can I make Christmas appetizers ahead of time? Yes. You can wrap pigs in a blanket ahead of time, and the sausage balls and goat cheese balls get a stint in the freezer before cooking anyway. Air fry them right before serving so they’re hot and crisp.
How do I keep appetizers warm at a party? Cook them in small batches in the air fryer and bring out fresh trays throughout the party. A slow cooker on the warm setting is perfect for meatballs.
Why make appetizers in the air fryer? The air fryer cooks small batches fast, gets things crispy without deep frying, and keeps your oven free for the main course.
Merry Christmas, and happy hosting!
