Some would say appetizers are the best part of a meal, and to those we say, why not make your appetizers the main course? We have three family favourite appetizers/side dishes that are perfect for game day, binge watching the newest true crime documentary, or just to switch things up for your weeknight.
If 3 recipes for one night seems daunting, trust us, all you need is an airfryer and you’ll have healthy snacks without compromising on time or flavour!

Here is what we’re making:
French Fries:
Ingredients:
2 russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder or to taste
½ teaspoon seasoned salt or to taste
Instructions:
Scrub potatoes and peel if desired. Cut into ¼” fries.
Place fries in a large bowl and fill with cold water. Soak at least 30 minutes.
Drain well and dab fries dry with a kitchen towel.
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
Toss potatoes with oil, garlic powder, and seasoned salt to taste.
Place the potatoes in the basket and cook for 10 minutes. Shake/flip the potatoes and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes or until crisp. Add additional salt to taste.
Mozzarella Sticks
Use home-made or store bought mozzarella sticks – just make sure they’re seasoned and frozen!
Instructions:
Set your air fryer to 390°F. Spray the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with a nonstick cooking spray. Air fry the mozzarella sticks (in batches if desired or necessary, as space permits) for 6 to 8 minutes until the exterior is golden and crispy.
Chicken Wings:
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken wings split into flats and drumettes
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp lemon pepper
Instructions:
Thoroughly pat dry chicken wings with paper towels and place in a mixing bowl.
Coat in 1 Tbsp oil then sprinkle on 2 tsp garlic salt and 1 tsp lemon pepper. Toss to evenly coat with seasoning.
Place in your air frying basket, spacing evenly and air fry at 400˚F for 8 minutes per side, or a total of 16 minutes, or until chicken wings are crisp and golden brown on the outside.
Just like that, you’ve prepared 3 different appetizers, super quick and easy – and so rewarding! For a fun twist, we thought it would be nice to use shot glasses to present them in. Fill the bottom with your favourite dips or sauces, even guacamole, and dunk in a few fries, a mozzarella stick or two and wings, and you have yourself a beautiful display of delicious food!
If you make this recipe and want to share it with us, please tag us on Instagram @stokesstores and use the hashtag #StokesMoments.
