Air Fryer Recipes Inspired by Mexican Appetizer Dishes

Written by: Caleb Aguilera & the COSORI Chefs and Staff

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Time to read 3 min

Air Fryer Fiesta: Discover Delicious Mexican Bites

Every fiesta needs mouthwatering flavors to keep things spicy. These appetizers combine fresh ingredients with exciting spices that are sure to have your guests asking for more. Each appetizer is quick and easy to cook in an air fryer, so you can enjoy the party without worrying about cooking. 

Flavorful Fiesta With Your Air Fryer

Cilantro-Lime Air Fryer Shrimp

Can you hear the ocean calling? Add a zesty, flavorful dish to the menu that brings a taste of the sea to your fiesta.



Yield: 2 servings 

Prep Time: 10 minutes 

Cook Time: 6 minutes


Ingredients: 

  • ½ cup cilantro 

  • 2 limes, juiced

  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 12 jumbo shrimp, tails on or off (6–8 count)


Items Needed

  • Food processor or personal blender


Directions: 

1. Blend the cilantro, lime juice, salt, garlic powder, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth and blended, then pour into a bowl.

2. Add the shrimp and mix until all the shrimp is well coated.

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

4. Select the Preheat function, adjust temperature to 450°F, then tap Start/Pause.

5. Place the shrimp onto the preheated crisper plate.

6. Select the Broil function, adjust time to 6 minutes, then tap Start/Pause. 

7. Remove the shrimp when done and serve. 

Carne Asada Air Fryer Nachos

Wow your party guests with cheesy nachos loaded with perfectly cooked carne asada, made simply in your air fryer. 



Yield: 5–6 servings 

Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes 


Ingredients:

  • 1 jalapeño, whole

  • 4 garlic cloves

  • ¼ bundle cilantro

  • 1 orange, juiced

  • 1 lime, juiced

  • 1 lemon, juiced

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1 tablespoon salt 

  • 2 pounds skirt steak 

  • 12 ounces tortilla chips

  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, for garnish

  • ½ cup pico de gallo

  • ½ cup sour cream


Item Needed

  • Blender or food processor

 

Directions:

1. Blend the whole jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, cumin, and salt in a blender or food processor until smooth.

2. Combine the steak and the marinade mixture. Submerge the steak and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.

3. Remove the steak from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for up to 30 minutes before cooking.

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

5. Select the Preheat function, adjust temperature to 450°F, then tap Start/Pause

6. Place the steak onto the preheated crisper plate.

7. Select the Broil function, adjust time to 12 minutes, then tap Start/Pause 

8. Flip the steak halfway through cooking.

9. Remove the steak when done and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting it into ½-inch cubes.

10. Remove the crisper plate from the basket carefully.

11. Layer the tortilla chips and cheese directly in the basket.

12. Select the Air Fry function, adjust time to 2 minutes, then tap Start/Pause

13. Remove the chips when done and top with the carne asada, sliced jalapeño, pico de gallo, and sour cream, then serve. 

Air Fryer Elote

Few appetizers can match the convenience of Mexican street corn that's bursting with flavor and easier than ever to prepare.



Yield: 4 servings 

Prep Time: 10 minutes 

Cook Time: 16 minutes 


Ingredients:

  • 4 ears of corn, shucked 

  • 1 tablespoon neutral-flavored oil 

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup Mexican crema

  • 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled 

  • 2 tablespoons Tajín

  • ¼ cup cilantro leaves, minced, for garnish


Directions: 

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

2. Select the Preheat function and tap Start/Pause

3. Brush the corn lightly with oil, then place the corn onto the preheated crisper plate. 

4. Select the Broil function, adjust time to 16 minutes, then tap Start/Pause. 

5. Flip the corn halfway through cooking.

6. Remove the corn when done and let it cool for 5 minutes.

7. Combine the mayonnaise and Mexican crema in a bowl until well combined.

8. Brush the corn evenly with the mayonnaise and Mexican crema mixture.

9. Sprinkle the cotija cheese then the Tajín over the corn until it is evenly coated. 

10. Garnish the corn with cilantro and serve.


Tips for Your Mexican Appetizer Night

Make your next fiesta one to remember by adding these tasty recipes to your cookbook and following some helpful tips. 


First, always add a garnish to your dishes to round out the meal. Pico de gallo is a classic garnish you can’t go wrong with. Guacamole is another Mexican staple that makes everything taste better. Second, don’t forget to serve the right drinks. Beloved drinks like horchata, agua de jamaica, and agua fresca add a refreshing twist that pairs well with our appetizers. With the right appetizers and drinks, you’re ready to get the party started!