New Year’s Eve is all about celebration, but nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen when there’s champagne to drink and midnight to count down to. Enter your air fryer: the ultimate party-prep sidekick that delivers crispy, golden perfection without the mess and stress of deep frying. So, if you’re hosting a last-minute party, don’t panic. Try these easy air fryer snack recipes that will save you the hassle and leave your guests coming back for seconds.

1. Masala corn ribs recipe

Ingredients:

3 corn on the cob, cut lengthwise into quarters

1 tsp red chilli powder

2 tbsp butter, melted

1 tsp chaat masala

1/2  tsp amchur powder

1/2 tsp black salt

Fresh coriander, chopped

Lemon juice

Method: 

Cut each corn cob lengthwise into 4 pieces (they’ll naturally curl when cooked) and brush with melted butter and sprinkle with chilli powder and salt. Air fry them at 200°C for 12-15 minutes until the edges are charred. Then toss with chaat masala, amchur, black salt, coriander and lemon juice and serve hot. 

2. Cheese chilli toast recipe

Ingredients:

6 bread slices

100g processed cheese, grated

1 capsicum, finely chopped

2 green chillies, finely chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped

2 tsp red chilli sauce

1 tsp soy sauce

Room-temperature butter 

Method:

Mix the cheese, capsicum, green chillies, onion, coriander, chilli sauce and soy sauce in a bowl. Spread the room-temperature butter on bread slices and top generously with the cheese mixture. Air fry the slices at 180°C for 6-8 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges are crispy. Cut into triangles and serve this easy air fryer recipe that’ll leave your guests craving more.

3. Tandoori aloo tikki recipe

Ingredients:

4 large potatoes, boiled and mashed

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 green chillies, finely chopped

1 tsp ginger, grated

1 tsp chaat masala

2 tbsp cornflour

1 tsp red chilli powder

2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped

Breadcrumbs for coating

Oil for spray

Method:

Mix mashed potatoes with onion, green chillies, ginger, spices, coriander and cornflour. Shape them into flat, round patties. Next, coat them with breadcrumbs and spray with oil. Air fry at 180°C for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Serve with tamarind and mint chutney.

4. Makhana chaat recipe

Ingredients:

1 tbsp ghee

2 cups makhana (fox nuts)

1 tsp chaat masala

For filling:

1 small onion, finely chopped

Boiled moong sprouts

1 small diced tomato

Sev

Tamarind chutney

Mint chutney

2 tbsp pomegranate seeds

Method:

Toss the makhanas with ghee and air fry at 160°C for 8-10 minutes, shaking occasionally until crispy. Let it cool and then sprinkle some chaat masala and toss again. Top the makhanas with mixed sprouts, vegetables, and chutneys, and garnish with sev and pomegranate seeds just before serving.

5. Stuffed bread pakora bombs recipe

Ingredients:

8 bread slices, crusts removed

100g processed cheese, cut into cubes

Green chutney

For coating:

1 cup besan or gram flour

A dash of salt

1/2 cup rice flour

1 tsp ajwain

1/2 tsp turmeric

A dash of red chilli powder

Water

Oil for spraying

Method:

Flatten the bread slices with a rolling pin. Spread a thin layer of green chutney, place a cheese cube in the centre and gather edges to form a sealed ball. Next, make a thick batter with besan, rice flour, spices and water. Dip bread balls in the batter until well coated and spray with oil and air fry at 180°C for 12-14 minutes until golden and crispy. Now, serve this easy air fryer recipe and enjoy some cheesy goodness.

6. Lotus root chips recipe

Ingredients:

1 large lotus root, peeled and sliced paper-thin

2 tbsp sesame oil

1 tsp kashmiri chilli powder

1/2 tsp black salt

2 tbsp white sesame seeds, toasted

1/2 tsp regular salt

1/2 tsp sugar

Method:

Pat the lotus root slices completely dry with paper towels and toss them lightly with sesame oil. Air fry them at 180°C for 12-15 minutes, shaking every 3-4 minutes, until crispy and golden. Grind toasted sesame seeds coarsely with chilli powder, both salts and sugar and toss hot chips in this seasoning. 

7. Hariyali mushroom kebabs recipe

Ingredients:

300g button mushrooms

1 cup fresh coriander

1/2 cup fresh mint

2 green chillies

1 tbsp besan

2 tbsp yoghurt

1 tsp chaat masala

2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

Salt to taste

Oil for brushing

Method:

Blend coriander, mint, green chillies, yoghurt, besan, ginger-garlic paste and salt into a smooth paste. Then marinate the mushrooms in this paste for 30 minutes. Once done, thread them onto skewers and brush with oil. Air fry the mushrooms at 180°C for 10-12 minutes, turning once. Garnish with chaat masala and serve with mint chutney for a quick and delicious party snack.

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FAQs

Q1. Can I prepare these air fryer snacks in advance?

Most snacks can be assembled and refrigerated a few hours ahead, then air-fried just before serving for maximum crispiness.

Q2. What temperature should I set my air fryer to for these recipes?

Most recipes work best between 160 and 200°C, with delicate items like chips needing lower temperatures and dense items like kebabs requiring higher heat.

Q3. How do I prevent snacks from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the basket with oil or use parchment paper designed for air fryers, and avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation.

Q4. Can I make these recipes without an air fryer?

Yes, most can be baked in a conventional oven at similar temperatures, though cooking times may need adjustment, and results might be less crispy.

Q5. How do I keep air fryer snacks warm while cooking multiple batches?

Place cooked snacks in a preheated oven at 100°C to keep them warm and crispy while you finish the remaining batches.

Q6. Are air fryer snacks really healthier than deep-fried versions?

Yes, air frying uses significantly less oil (up to 80 per cent less) while achieving similar crispiness, making these snacks lighter and lower in calories.