If you love crispy chickpeas, this snack is for you!
We Can’t Get Enough of This Crispy Air Fryer Edamame Snack
Updated on Feb. 07, 2024
When you need to make a quick and healthy snack, nothing can beat the air fryer. This handy kitchen appliance takes the hassle—and fat!—out of frying, so you can enjoy your favorite appetizers whenever the craving strikes. Moreover, a quick stint in the air fryer can turn almost any vegetable into a delectable treat, from zucchini fritters to cauliflower buffalo bites.
Our latest obsession? Crispy, spicy air fryer edamame, courtesy of TikTok food influencer CalorieChat (@caloriechat). Check out their video below, so you can start munching on your own air fryer edamame ASAP!
What Is Crispy Air Fryer Edamame?
Crispy air fryer edamame is a snack or appetizer, similar to crispy chickpeas or even air fryer corn. As with these snacks, air fryer edamame transforms a small, starchy vegetable into an irresistible, poppable snack with the help of some oil and seasonings. And at only 189 calories per cup, edamame can aid weight loss, while still filling you up with its punch of protein and fiber.
@caloriechat Crispy edamame ✨: @avocado_skillet This edamame is the best healthy snack or salad topper. So yummy! INGREDIENTS SCALE 1 16 oz pack edamame – thawed* and shelled 1 tablespoon sesame oil ¼-½ teaspoon salt pinch black pepper ½ teaspoon garlic powder pinch red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon miso dressing (optional, I used Haven’s Kitchen) INSTRUCTIONS Add edamame to a bowl and mix together with all ingredients until all of the beans are coated Transfer edamame to air fryer in an even and flat layer. Air fry at 400 degrees for 8-12 minutes, until crisp. Alternatively you can bake at 425 on a lined sheet pan for 20-30 minutes. Serve edamame and enjoy. I topped mine with chili oil. NOTES *To thaw the edamame let the edamame sit out for 3-4 hours or let the bag sit in a bowl of warm water for about 1 hour. You can use preshelled edamame or edamame in it’s shell. Alternatively you can use already cooked/thawed edamame for this recipe. #fyp #foryoupage #easyrecipes #healthyrecipes #lunchideas #dinnerideas #crispy #edamame ♬ original sound – CalorieChat
How to Cook Edamame in an Air Fryer
In their video, CalorieChat starts by pouring thawed, shelled raw edamame into a bowl. Then, she drizzles sesame oil over the edamame, followed by a seasoning mix of black pepper, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Finally, she squeezes a packet of Heaven’s Kitchen Gingery Miso sauce over the beans, places a lid on the bowl and shakes it all up to evenly coat the edamame with flavor. If you don’t have a Ginger-Miso sauce on hand, you could also use a sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or make your own using this Miso Dressing recipe.
To cook the edamame, CalorieChat pours the seasoned edamame into their air fryer in an even layer. Then, they fry at 400 degrees for 8 to 12 minutes, or until crisp. Enjoy the air-fried edamame on its own as a snack or as a crunchy topping for salads, such as this Crunchy Asian-style Chicken Salad, or Buddha bowls.
Addicting Air-Fryer Appetizers You'll Love
Air-Fryer French FriesDo not want the fuss of deep-frying? Here is how to make air-fryer french fries. The whole process, from peeling to seasoning, takes just 30 minutes.
You're only 40 minutes away from homemade fries. Sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley for an extra-fancy touch.
Air-Fryer Chicken WingsYou can't go wrong with air-fryer chicken wings. Our spice rub has a nice kick from the cayenne seasoning. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Fresh chicken wings work best for this recipe. If you have frozen chicken wings, we recommend thawing them in the fridge overnight instead of cooking them from frozen.
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato FriesThese air-fryer sweet potato fries are ready in a snap!
You don't need to visit your local bistro to get crispy, caramelized sweet potato fries. If you like them spicy, add extra cayenne pepper. For an extra sweet treat, dust them with cinnamon and brown sugar before air frying.
Air-Fryer Mozzarella SticksDeep-fried mozzarella sticks are one of our favorite appetizers. I figured out how to make them at home without having to haul out the deep fryer. Make sure to double-bread each one so these air-fryer mozzarella sticks get nice and crunchy, and to keep the cheese from oozing out as they get warm. —Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont
The secret ingredient to these irresistible appetizers is…string cheese! Your kid's favorite snack is dredged in flour and egg, then coated with bread crumbs. Don't skip the step of freezing the sticks, or they'll get soggy and fall apart during the air-frying process.
Chili-Lime Air-Fried ChickpeasLooking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd-pleaser? You've found it! These air-fried chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Transform the can of chickpeas hanging out in your pantry into a party-worthy appetizer with this easy chickpea recipe. With a dash of lime and some flavorful spices, your guests will think you picked them up at a specialty store.
Zucchini FriesFor zucchini fries that crisp to perfection in the air fryer, we coat them with a cheesy, herby panko coating. Dunk in warm marinara sauce for a full-flavored bite.
Coating zucchini strips in panko turns a soft vegetable into a crispy treat. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch is always a good choice!).
Buffalo BitesLow-carb cauliflower Buffalo bites cook up fast in the air fryer, making them an easy snack or side dish. I serve them with a flavorful dip made with cottage cheese that's packed with protein compared to most dips. My teenagers happily eat their veggies with this recipe. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
These buffalo bites are a four-ingredient showstopper that's sure to be a winner on game day. The recipe makes six servings, but you might be surprised at how quickly they disappear.
Air-Fryer Egg RollsMy mom taught me how to make egg rolls, and since she passed away I think of her every time I make them. These air-fryer egg rolls taste so good, you'll never want a fast-food egg roll again. —Jenniffer Love, South Waltham, Massachusetts
It's possible to make restaurant-quality egg rolls at home. And thanks to bagged coleslaw mix, frozen chopped spinach and a bottle of Chinese barbecue sauce, they're not that tricky to pull off.
Air-Fryer Avocado FriesAvocados just got even more exciting! These juicy, flavorful, easy and healthy air-fryer avocado fries are for those who are huge fans of avocado. They even go well on tacos! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Step aside, French fries. Avocado fries are tasty, filling and loaded with healthy fats. Serve with salsa, pico de gallo or spicy ranch dressing for dipping.
Air-Fryer RavioliWhile visiting a friend in St. Louis, Missouri, I tried fried ravioli at almost every restaurant we visited. When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and I think this air-fryer ravioli recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Fried ravioli is one of our favorite appetizers, but we're not fans of the oil and saturated fat. When you cook them in the air fryer, you'll get a lighter snack with the same great flavors.
Air-Fryer Potato ChipsFor Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York
While it's easy to pick up a bag of potato chips at the grocery store, there's simply nothing like eating a warm, crispy chip baked from scratch. To make them extra crunchy, slice them as thinly as possible using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, then pat them dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
Air-Fryer PlantainsHaving grown up in Puerto Rico, I've had so much amazing Caribbean food, but tostones have always been a favorite of mine. Traditionally they are deep fried, but this version of air-fryer plantains gives me the same fabulous taste without some of the calories. —Leah Martin, Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania
If you've never dared to make fried plantains at home, now is your chance. Both yellow plantains and black plantains, which are more ripe, are fine for this recipe. For best results, use plantains that have patches of both black and yellow. Next, try your hand at plantain fritters.
Air-Fryer TaquitosI love these any-occasion air-fryer taquitos. Spice them up by adding sliced jalapenos if desired. —Mark Webber, Valdez, Alaska
To keep the corn tortillas from cracking when you roll them, be sure to warm them in the microwave first. Stack 10 tortillas and wrap them in a damp paper towel, then microwave for 30 seconds to one minute. Fill the tortillas with seasoned ground beef and serve with salsa for a simple air-fryer snack.
Air-Fryer CalamariYou can make crispy calamari just like your favorite Italian restaurant does thanks to the air fryer! A quick coat in crunchy panko bread crumbs and a few minutes in the air fryer are all it takes to make this special appetizer. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Like shrimp, calamari can get tough and rubbery if cooked too long. To make sure it's tender, cook the calamari quickly at high heat, and check frequently to make sure it doesn't overcook.
Air-Fryer Sausage Bacon BitesTry surprising your family on Sunday morning by pulling these bites out of the air fryer as they head to breakfast, and get ready for the oohs and aahs of delight. They're equally delicious as a party appetizer. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
This irresistible appetizer requires only three ingredients to pull off. If you're looking to reduce your sugar content, simply omit the sprinkle of brown sugar on top.
Air-Fryer SamosasThese samosas are so easy; they can be frozen and reheated! Depending on the size of your air-fryer, cook them in batches. There are several Indian dipping sauces that are delicious with these—I also like them with ranch dressing. — Barbara Banski, Fenton, MI
This takeout favorite is surprisingly easy to whip up at home—with the help of your air fryer, of course. Add fennel seeds, crushed coriander seeds, caraway seeds or amchur for an authentic depth of flavor in these air-fryer appetizers.
Air-Fryer Crab RangoonI always order crab rangoon at restaurants that serve it; it's one of my favorite appetizers. I created this air-fryer crab rangoon to make a healthier version at home. —Emily Higgins, Wingdale, New York
Wait! Don't order takeout just yet. You can make crab rangoon at home with fresh crabmeat and store-bought wonton wrappers. If you're not a spicy food fan, go easy on the Chinese-style mustard.
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato ChipsThis air-fryer sweet potato chips recipe is so quick and easy. Be sure to give the sweet potato slices a quick soak in cold water to help remove some of the excess starch. —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
The best part about making your own potato chips is that you can customize the spices to give them a sweet, salty or spicy kick. We love ours with taco seasoning and ground cumin.
Nashville Hot ChickenI live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee
Your game day friends will be so impressed that you whipped up these chicken tenders from scratch. Fresh chicken tenders work best for this recipe. If you have frozen chicken wings, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, then remove them from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Air Fryer Tortellini with ProsciuttoThis recipe is my take on Italian street food, and these tortellini are crunchy and gooey. Use the best-quality tomatoes you can find for the sauce—it's so good that you'll want to double it and serve it over pasta. If you don't have an air fryer, you can make these in a deep fryer, an electric skillet or on the stovetop. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
Sorry, calamari, we found another bite-sized app to munch on. These crunchy little tortellini are just begging to be dipped into garlicky marinara sauce. Serve with a jar of toothpicks to make for easy dipping during cocktail hour.
Beef Wellington Fried WontonsThese tasty appetizers scale down classic beef Wellington to an ideal party size. They feel fancy and fun! —Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia
A package of store-bought wonton wrappers makes these air-fryer appetizers quick and easy, even on a weeknight. A combination of shiitake mushrooms, baby portobellos and white mushrooms make it extra special.
Air-Fryer Quinoa AranciniWe love arancini, but they're not the healthiest option! I wanted to make a version that we could enjoy guilt-free. I substituted quinoa for rice and tried baking instead of frying. Now we can have these air-fryer arancini anytime. —Sabrina Ovadia, New York, New York
If you've ever had arancini balls at an Italian restaurant, you know they're usually fried and made with rice. This healthier choice uses quinoa instead and, thanks to the air fryer, only requires a fraction of the oil.
Air-Fryer Mini ChimichangasMy family raves about these Mexican-inspired bites. Infused with the flavor of green chiles, these tasty snacks are guaranteed to liven up the party! —Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio
This recipe feeds a crowd; one batch makes 14 servings. If you have any leftovers, cool them completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Transfer to an airtight container, then reheat in a single layer on a greased air-fryer tray at 375°F for six to eight minutes on each side.
Game-Day Thai Chicken MeatballsThese Thai chicken meatballs make a great game-day snack. We also like to serve them as a main dish over stir-fried veggies. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
If you think this lightning-fast meatball recipe is fast, just wait until you see how quickly they get eaten. Plus, they use mostly pantry ingredients and are healthy to boot!
Air-Fryer Chicken TendersWhen we crave crispy chicken tenders but don't want to deep fry at home, there's only one method that can compare (and cut out a lot of grease!): air-fryer chicken tenders.
When we crave crispy chicken tenders but don't want to deep fry at home, there's only one method that can compare (and cut out a lot of grease!): air-fryer chicken tenders.
Sweet and Spicy Air-Fryer MeatballsI am always on a quest for meatballs that pack a sweet and savory punch. These air-fryer meatballs are a snap to pull together and can be served over rice or buttered noodles.—Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
Ritz crackers and quick-cooking oats are the secret ingredients in this irresistible appetizer. To keep the meatballs light and tender, mix gently and use a scoop rather than your hands to form the balls. You could also try grinding your own ground beef with a food processor.
Air-Fryer PicklesThese air-fried pickles are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Zesty, salty and perfectly seasoned, they make a great snack for fish fries, burger nights and game-day parties.
Fried pickles aren't just for the state fair anymore. For extra-crispy pickles, drain off any excess liquid, pat the pickles dry, then cook immediately after dredging them. This way, the moisture won't soak into the breading. For maximum crunch, toast the breadcrumbs before coating the pickles.
Air-Fryer Crab au Gratin SpreadI love to serve this warm, comforting appetizer any time we have a get-together with family or friends. It's easy to whip up with convenient canned crab. —Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
It's magic: Just set this cheesy, warm dip on the table and watch it vanish before your eyes. Place the entire baking dish in the air fryer, then serve it in the same dish to keep things simple.
Air-Fryer Wasabi Crab Cakes With wasabi in both the crab cakes and the dipping sauce, this festive appetizer brings its own heat to the holiday party. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Classic crab cakes are delicious, but sometimes you want to make a recipe that will have the whole table raving. Enter wasabi crab cakes, which includes the popular—and spicy!—Japanese condiment for an added kick.
Air-Fryer Coconut ShrimpCoconut and panko crumbs give this spicy air-fryer shrimp its crunch. It’s perfect for an appetizer or for your main meal. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Shredded coconut and panko bread crumbs make this flavorful recipe irresistible. The addictive dipping sauce made with apricot preserves, cider vinegar and crushed red pepper flakes makes this one of those air-fryer appetizers that disappear in minutes.
Air-Fryer Pepper PoppersThese creamy stuffed jalapenos have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. —Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York
We love making restaurant-quality game day snacks in the air fryer, and these spicy homemade poppers top of the list. Serve them with sour cream, ranch dressing or French onion dip to cut the heat.
Air-Fryer Appetizers FAQ
What are the best foods to put in the air fryer?
The best foods for the air fryer are chicken, veggies and seafood. An air fryer works like a small convection oven, keeping foods crispy, moist and juicy as it circulates air around the food. The only foods that don't work well are ones with a wet batter, like onion rings or fried chicken. The batter might be so soft that it will drip off the food before it crisps up. Additionally, it's best to air fry food in smaller volumes because it won't cook properly if the tray is too crowded.
Do you have to use parchment paper when cooking air-fryer appetizers?
Air fryer pans and baskets are designed to be easy to clean, so you don't have to line them with anything to make air-fryer appetizers. If you'd prefer to use a liner for even easier clean-up, use vented parchment paper air-fryer liners to allow air to pass through the basket. You can make your own by cutting a piece of parchment paper to the size of your air fryer pan or basket, then poking holes in it with a hole punch or straw.
Can you cook frozen appetizers in the air fryer?
You can cook frozen appetizers in the air fryer, and they usually don't need to be defrosted. Precooked items like frozen egg rolls or mini pizza bites can be cooked from frozen, but we recommend thawing raw items (like chicken wings) before popping them in the air fryer. Note that it might take longer to cook items straight from the freezer, and cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
