The cardinal rule of every party is that delicious appetizers must be on the menu. We've all been to that party where the only snack is a vegetable tray, and disappointment inevitably follows. 

Sure, we all want to eat well, but the most coveted snacks usually don’t exactly scream healthy. If only there was a way to cook healthier appetizers that taste just as good as deep-fried food. You might not think that healthier and delicious go hand in hand, but an air fryer can make the impossible possible. 

Air fryers redefine fried food, helping make that crispy, golden goodness guilt-free. Unlike a traditional deep fryer that submerges your food in oil, air fryers require little to no oil to give your food the same crispy flavor without leaving you feeling guilty. 

Yield: 4–6 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• Oil spray

• 1 cup BBQ sauce, divided 

1. Place the crisper plate into the COSORI Air Fryer basket.

2. Select the Preheat function, adjust temperature to 385°F, then tap Start/Pause.

3. Combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. 

4. Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with the spice mixture.

5. Spray both sides of the chicken thighs lightly with oil spray.

6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up onto the preheated crisper plate.

7. Select the Air Fry function, adjust time to 16 minutes, then tap Start/Pause.

8. Brush some of the BBQ sauce over both sides of the chicken thighs when 4 minutes remain on the cook time.

9. Remove the chicken when golden brown and caramelized, then brush more BBQ sauce on the chicken and serve.

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

• 4 salmon fillets (5–6 ounces) 

• Oil spray

• ½ of a lime

1. Place the crisper plate into the COSORI Air Fryer basket.

2. Select the Preheat function, adjust temperature to 350°F, then tap Start/Pause.

3. Combine the dark brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne, and maple syrup in a small bowl. 

4. Rub the mixture over the tops of the salmon fillets, using your hands to spread the mixture in an even thin layer.

5. Spray the salmon lightly with oil spray.

6. Place the salmon fillets onto the preheated crisper plate.

7. Select the Air Fry function, adjust temperature to 350°F and time to 8 minutes, then tap Start/Pause.

8. Remove the salmon when the salmon flakes apart easily and the top is caramelized. If you prefer your salmon more well done, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

9. Squeeze the ½ lime over the tops of the salmon, then serve.

Yield: 4–5 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

• 16 jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 8 strips bacon, halved lengthwise

Items Needed

• Toothpicks

1. Place the crisper plate into the COSORI Air Fryer basket.

2. Select the Preheat function, then tap Start/Pause.

3. Place the jumbo shrimp and spices in a bowl and toss to combine.

4. Wrap the bacon around the shrimp, starting at the top and finishing at the tail, then secure the bacon with toothpicks.

5. Place the shrimp onto the preheated crisper plate, you may need to work in batches.

6. Select the Air Fry function, adjust time to 8 minutes, then tap Start/Pause.

7. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining shrimp.

8. Remove the shrimp when done and serve.

Yield: 4–5 servings 

Prep Time: 5 minutes 

Cook Time: 22 minutes 

Ingredients

• 1 pound potatoes, cut in half

• 3 tablespoons olive oil 

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt, divided 

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

• ½ cup olives, sliced

• ½ cup fresh dill, roughly chopped

• ½ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

• ¼ cup pepperoncini, sliced

• 4 ounces feta, crumbled

• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Place the crisper plate into the COSORI Air Fryer basket. 

2. Combine the potatoes, oil, pepper, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix until evenly combined.

3. Select the Preheat function, adjust temperature to 385°F, then tap Start/Pause. 

4. Place the potatoes onto the preheated crisper plate. 

5. Select the Air Fry function, adjust time to 22 minutes, then tap Start/Pause. 

6. Shake halfway through the cooking process.

7. Transfer the potatoes into the bowl when done.

8. Combine the remaining ingredients with the potatoes, mix until evenly distributed, then serve.

Yield: 2 servings 

Prep Time: 10 minutes 

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Quick Chimichurri

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ cup parsley, chopped

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• ¼ cup parsley, chopped

Cauliflower

• 1 whole cauliflower, sliced into 1½-inch-thick slices

Items Needed

• Food processor or personal blender

Instructions

1. Blend the chimichurri ingredients in a food processor or blender until thoroughly mixed and slightly chunky. 

2. Place the cauliflower slices in a shallow dish, then pour half of the chimichurri on top and mix until evenly coated. Set the remaining chimichurri aside.

3. Place the crisper plate into the COSORI Air Fryer basket. 

4. Select the Preheat function, adjust temperature to 300°F, then tap Start/Pause.

5. Place the cauliflower steaks onto the preheated crisper plate.

6. Select the Air Fry function, adjust temperature to 300°F and time to 15 minutes, then tap Start/Pause. 

7. Remove the cauliflower steaks when done and place onto a plate.

8. Brush with the remaining chimichurri and serve.

Worried about mastering these mouthwatering recipes in time for your party? Your new sous chef is here to help. Meet the COSORI  TurboBlaze™ 6.0-Quart Air Fryer.  It’s packed with convenient features that make cooking faster and easier. Built with DC Motor Technology, it cooks your food 46% faster*, so you can spend less time waiting and more time feasting. Choose from 9 cooking functions that make cooking any meal a breeze. The TurboBlaze™ uses precise temperatures to cook your food, so everything comes out perfectly cooked and ready to serve. 

*Compared to COSORI's CP168 (or Pro Gen 2) air fryer