After school, my kids basically storm the kitchen like they haven’t eaten in days. And honestly? I get it. They need something quick, easy, and actually tasty—none of that “just grab a banana” nonsense. That’s where my Air Fryer After-School Snacks save the day. With the best air fryer recipes out there, you get crispy, delicious bites without all the deep-frying mess.
Whether you need quick easy snacks for kids, picky eater air fryer recipes, or just some homemade snacks for kids that won’t break the bank (hello, cheap snacks for kids), this list has you covered.
From air fryer treats to finger foods for kids, these easy air fryer snacks will keep your little snack monsters happy—and give you a few minutes to breathe. Let’s get cooking!
1. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a total winner in our house. The kids love them, and I love how easy they are to make in the air fryer. They’re crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and perfect for after-school munching. Plus, no frying in a bunch of oil, which is always a win.
Servings: 4-5
Time: 10 minutes prep, 6-8 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 8 mozzarella sticks
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
- Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with the breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Let them cool for a minute, then serve with marinara sauce. Enjoy!
2. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These crispy chicken tenders are my go-to when I need something quick but filling. They’re crunchy, juicy, and totally kid-approved! Plus, they cook super fast in the air fryer—perfect for when you’re juggling school runs and snacks.
Servings: 4
Time: 15 minutes prep, 10-12 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip chicken tenders in the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with a side of ranch or honey mustard. Done!
3. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries in the air fryer are a total game changer. They’re crispy, healthy-ish, and my kids devour them like they’re candy. It’s one of those snacks that feels like a treat, but I don’t feel guilty serving it.
4. Air Fryer Apple Chips
These apple chips are so crunchy and satisfying! They make a great after-school snack that feels a little sweet and healthy. If your kids love apples, they’ll go wild for this one, and you can sneak in some extra fiber too!
Servings: 4
Time: 5 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 2 apples (any variety)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Slice apples thinly, removing the core.
- Toss apple slices with cinnamon, honey, and a little salt.
- Arrange apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Let cool and enjoy!
5. Air Fryer Veggie Samosas
These veggie samosas are packed with flavor, and they’re perfect for the kiddos (and you) after school. They’re crispy, savory, and have that spicy kick—just the right kind of snack to keep everyone satisfied.
Servings: 6-8
Time: 10 minutes prep, 12-15 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 8-10 samosa wrappers (or spring roll wrappers)
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, peas, onion, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and salt.
- Fill each samosa wrapper with the veggie mixture, folding them into triangles.
- Lightly spray with cooking spray and place in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with chutney or yogurt dip!
6. Air Fryer Mini Pizza Bagels
Mini pizza bagels are like the easiest snack ever, and the air fryer makes them extra crispy! My kids love pizza, so this is a win all around. Plus, they’re customizable with toppings—get creative!
Servings: 4
Time: 5 minutes prep, 5-7 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 4 mini bagels, sliced in half
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Toppings: pepperoni (halal), olives, mushrooms, etc.
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F.
- Spread pizza sauce on each bagel half.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and add desired toppings.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot—yum!
7. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries are a fantastic way to sneak some veggies into snack time. These turn out so crispy and flavorful, your kids won’t even notice they’re eating zucchini! Plus, they’re super easy and quick to make.
Servings: 4
Time: 10 minutes prep, 10-12 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Slice zucchinis into fry shapes.
- Beat egg in a bowl, and in another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Dip zucchini slices in egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping!
8. Air Fryer Mini Quesadillas
Quesadillas are such a quick and tasty snack. I love making mini ones for the kids because they’re the perfect size for little hands. Plus, you can fill them with whatever you’ve got in the fridge!
Servings: 4
Time: 5 minutes prep, 5 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 4 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked chicken or veggies
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Sprinkle cheese, chicken, and veggies on a tortilla, then top with another tortilla.
- Lightly spray both sides with cooking spray.
- Cook in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Slice into wedges and serve!
9. Air Fryer Banana Bites
These little banana bites are like a healthy, sweet treat that’s super easy to whip up. They’re fun to eat, and the air fryer gives them a crispy caramelized finish that’s just delicious!
Servings: 4
Time: 5 minutes prep, 5-7 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Slice bananas into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix oats, honey, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Coat banana slices with the oat mixture.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve warm!
10. Air Fryer Popcorn
Popcorn is such a classic snack, and the air fryer makes it so easy! You don’t need any extra butter or oil—just popcorn kernels, and you’re good to go. This is the perfect snack for a movie night or after school.
Servings: 4
Time: 3 minutes prep, 5 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Place popcorn kernels in a foil pouch or use a silicone basket.
- Cook for 5 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Remove from air fryer, season with salt, and drizzle with melted butter if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
11. Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels are one of those snacks that just make you feel cozy, right? And when made in the air fryer, they’re perfectly soft on the inside and a little crispy on the outside. These are great for an after-school snack or even a fun weekend treat!
Servings: 4
Time: 10 minutes prep, 8-10 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 1 package of pizza dough
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Roll the pizza dough into pretzel shapes.
- Boil water with baking soda, then dip the dough in for a few seconds.
- Brush pretzels with beaten egg and sprinkle with salt.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve with mustard or cheese dip!
12. Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Donut holes in the air fryer? Yes, please! These are like little bits of heaven, all soft and warm, with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating. It’s a great way to treat the kids after school without all the grease of deep-frying.
Servings: 4
Time: 10 minutes prep, 6-8 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 1 package biscuit dough
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F.
- Cut the biscuit dough into small pieces, forming little donut holes.
- Brush with melted butter, then toss in cinnamon sugar.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes.
- Serve warm with a glass of milk!
13. Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are like the best breakfast, but they’re perfect for an after-school snack too. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—just the way we love them. Plus, they’re super fun for dipping!
Servings: 4
Time: 5 minutes prep, 7-8 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- Maple syrup for dipping
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Cut bread into sticks.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Dip bread sticks in the egg mixture and place in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve with syrup!
14. Air Fryer Cheese Queso Dip
A cheesy dip always hits the spot. This queso dip is super creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of savory. Perfect for dipping tortilla chips, veggies, or even those mini quesadillas we just made!
Servings: 4
Time: 5 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Melt cheddar cheese and cream cheese together in a small dish.
- Stir in milk, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Heat in the air fryer for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Serve with chips or veggies for dipping!
15. Air Fryer Garlic Breadsticks
Garlic breadsticks are one of those snacks that everyone loves, especially when they come out crispy and flavorful from the air fryer. These are perfect for pairing with pasta or just as a side snack for the kids.
Servings: 4
Time: 5 minutes prep, 8-10 minutes cook
Ingredients:
- 1 package pizza dough
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp parsley
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Roll pizza dough into breadstick shapes.
- Mix melted butter with garlic, parsley, and salt.
- Brush garlic butter mixture on breadsticks.
- Cook in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping!
Alright, that’s a wrap on these air fryer after-school snacks—and let me tell ya, my kids are already asking for more. Whether you got a picky eater or one who eats literally everything in sight, these easy air fryer snacks got your back. Seriously, the best air fryer makes life so much easier when you need quick easy snacks for kids without the mess.
And let’s be real, we all need more cheap snacks for kids that don’t come from a bag, right? So fire up that Ninja air fryer (or whatever you got), try out these kid-friendly air fryer recipes, and let snack time be way less stressful.
And if you find a new fave, let me know—I’m always down for more new air fryer recipes!
