Picture this: it’s Christmas Eve, your house is packed with family, and you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer fast. That’s exactly how my famous air fryer salami & pepperoni cream cheese dip was born! Last year, I threw it together in 20 minutes flat when my in-laws showed up early—and now it’s the most requested dish at every holiday gathering. The best part? This creamy, meaty, cheesy wonder requires zero fancy skills. Just dump, mix, air fry, and watch it disappear faster than Santa’s cookies! Trust me, that festive red-and-white swirl of pepperoni and melty cheese will have everyone coming back for “just one more” scoop.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Air Fryer Salami & Pepperoni Cream Cheese Dip
Oh friends, let me count the ways this dip will save your holiday sanity:
- 20 minutes from fridge to table – No oven wrestling while the turkey roasts!
- The air fryer works magic – Crispy edges, gooey center without babysitting
- Kids and grandparents alike go wild – It’s basically pizza dip in disguise
- One bowl, one dish – My kind of cleanup during holiday chaos
- That festive red-and-white look – Fancy enough for your Christmas spread
Seriously, the way this dip makes your whole house smell like an Italian Christmas? *Chef’s kiss*.
Ingredients for Christmas Air Fryer Salami & Pepperoni Cream Cheese Dip
Now, let’s talk about what makes this dip so dang irresistible. You probably have most of these ingredients in your fridge already – that’s the beauty of it! But I’ve learned a few tricks about choosing the right components over my many (many) test batches.
The creamy foundation
Always use full-fat cream cheese – none of that low-fat stuff that separates when heated. I leave mine on the counter for a solid hour before mixing. Pro tip: if you forget to soften it (like I always do), just microwave for 15-second bursts until it’s spreadable but not melty.
Meaty magic
For the salami and pepperoni, I use the pre-sliced kind from the deli counter and chop it myself. Those little cubes get perfectly crisp in the air fryer! My secret? Mix two types of pepperoni – regular and the spicy Calabrese if you can find it – for extra flavor layers.
Cheese matters
That mozzarella needs to be freshly shredded – the pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that make it grainy. And don’t skip the Parmesan! The nuttiness cuts through all that richness. I keep a wedge in my freezer just for this recipe.
The seasonings are simple but mighty – that garlic powder and Italian seasoning combo makes your kitchen smell like Christmas in Naples. And if you’re feeling fancy? A swirl of warm marinara on top turns this into a full-on pizza dip experience!
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20-Minute Christmas Air Fryer Salami & Pepperoni Cream Cheese Dip Bliss
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and festive dip made with salami, pepperoni, and cream cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup diced salami
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Transfer the mixture to an air fryer-safe dish.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
- Top with marinara sauce if desired.
- Serve warm with crackers or bread.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American