Super Bowl 2026 Air Fryer Guide: 10 Wings Nachos and More

The Super Bowl may be about football, but the food is what brings everyone to the couch. In 2026, the air fryer is your MVP. It delivers golden, crispy wings, gooey nachos, and perfectly toasted snacks without the mess or grease of deep frying. The best part? Everything cooks faster, freeing you up to actually enjoy the game. Whether you’re after spicy, cheesy, or something lighter for balance, these air fried favorites hit every craving and keep cleanup easy. Think big flavor, minimal effort, and crowd-pleasing bites all night long.

1. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Here’s the simple appeal: garlic and Parmesan turn air fried wings into something that feels both upscale and totally snackable. The air fryer renders skin crisp without a vat of oil, locking in juices while the heat caramelizes the garlic and browns the cheese. Use finely grated Parm for even adhesion and toss the wings in the cheese and garlic immediately after they come out so the residual heat melts flavors together. Finish with chopped parsley or lemon zest to cut the richness. These wings travel well, re-crisp under a hot broiler if needed, and feed a crowd without complicated prep.

2. Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Lemon pepper wings are a game-day masterclass in contrast: citrus lift meets sharp cracked pepper, and the air fryer delivers the crisp texture that makes that combo sing. Zest the lemon into the seasoning mix to get essential oils distributed across the skin rather than only acidic juice, and use coarse cracked pepper to provide bold aromatic hits in every bite. Because lemon can dry proteins if used too early, add any fresh citrus squeezed after cooking, then toss. These wings are refreshingly less greasy than fried versions and pair especially well with ranch or a light yogurt dip.

3. Air Fryer Nachos

Nachos in the air fryer mean you can get evenly warmed chips and perfectly melted cheese without drowning a pan in grease. Layer chips in a shallow tray so air flows, add pre-cooked seasoned meat or beans, then scatter cheese and quick-cook toppings like sliced jalapenos or corn. Cook just long enough to melt, then finish with cold toppings salsa, guacamole, sour cream – so you get contrast in temperature and texture. For large crowds, make multiple shallow batches rather than one deep pile; it keeps chips crisp and flavors balanced.

4. Kielbasa Bites

Sliced kielbasa is an air-fryer dream because its casing crisps while the interior stays moist and flavorful. Toss slices with a tiny amount of oil and a seasoning rub or a brush of maple or mustard glaze, then space them so hot air hits every piece. The result is quick, portable finger food you can skewer or serve with dips like honey mustard or horseradish cream. Kielbasa’s built-in fat means you need less added oil, and it holds up well on a buffet because the exterior texture keeps it appealing after a short rest.

5. Cheesy Garlic Bread

Air-fried cheesy garlic bread takes minutes yet delivers the crunch to crumb ratio you want alongside wings and nachos. Brush bread slices lightly with garlic butter, top with a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan, and air fry until cheese bubbles and edges brown. The concentrated heat crisps the outer crumb while leaving the inside tender. For variety, add herbs, a swipe of pesto under the cheese, or thin slices of tomato to change flavor profiles. This bread pairs well with saucy dishes and gives your spread a shareable, comforting element.

6. Blooming Onion

A blooming onion is a theater for the snack table, and the air fryer makes it manageable without a deep fryer. Cut the onion into even petals, toss with a light coating of seasoned flour or panko, and air fry at a high setting to get a crisp exterior that stays tender inside. Serve with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce to balance the onion’s sweetness. Use large sweet onions so the petals open fully, and pat them dry before breading to ensure crisping. It’s a dramatic centerpiece that brings theater to a casual game day spread.

7. Deviled Eggs, Air-Fried

Turning deviled eggs into an air-fryer-friendly bite adds texture to a classic. Hard-boil eggs first, or use the air fryer to hard-cook them for a hands off method; halve and prepare a seasoned yolk filling, then pipe back into whites. For a finishing touch, place eggs under the air fryer briefly to add a light browned top or to crisp a panko crumb coating for contrast. Add flavors like smoked paprika, pickled jalapeno, or bacon bits to modernize them. The air fryer step is optional but gives a slightly toasted note that changes the mouthfeel in a pleasing way.

8. Buffalo Wings, Lighter Version

If you want the authentic buffalo experience without frying, the air fryer is the go-to. Pat the wings dry so the skin crisps, cook at a high temperature to render fat, then toss in a simple sauce of hot sauce and melted butter or a butter substitute. For crispier skin, return them to the fryer for a quick finish after saucing; it caramelizes the sauce and tightens the skin. Serve with celery and a cooling dip like blue cheese or a yogurt-based ranch so guests have both heat and relief. You get the bite and tang without the oil bath.

9. Loaded Nachos Bar

A loaded nachos bar lets guests customize and keeps the heavy work in the kitchen. Air-fry components like chorizo crumbles, roasted peppers, and seasoned black beans ahead of time, then assemble shallow trays of chips, toppings, and cheese right before serving for a quick melt. Offer fresh accoutrements such as pico de gallo, pickled onions, crema, and sliced avocado, so each person can dial their own heat and richness. This approach keeps chips crisp by avoiding soggy massing and encourages social interaction as people build their plates.

10. Plant-Based Bites and Veg Options

Not everyone wants wings, and the air fryer shines for plant-based snacks like buffalo cauliflower, chickpea croquettes, and stuffed zucchini boats. Lightly coat cauliflower in a seasoned batter or dry rub, air fry until golden, then toss in buffalo or barbecue sauce. Chickpeas crisp beautifully when tossed with spices and a small amount of oil, becoming addictive little bites. These options deliver crunch and substance while easing the pressure on meat-centric plates, and they help ensure all guests find something satisfying on the spread.