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Custom requests allow you to connect to any REST or GraphQL API directly in Airtable without writing code. You can configure the request URL, method, headers, body, authorization, pagination, and more using an interface similar to popular API clients like Postman or Insomnia.

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How to create a custom request

  1. On the create request screen, under Application, select Custom.
  2. Enter the complete request URL in the URL input field. You can find this in your target API’s documentation - it consists of a base URL plus the specific endpoint path.
For example, use this URL to fetch CoinGecko crypto prices: 
https://api.coingecko.com/api/v3/coins/markets?vs_currency=usd
You can paste a cURL command directly into the URL input field, and Data Fetcher will automatically import all the request settings.

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Configure request options

Set up any additional options your API requires:
  • Method - Choose GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, or HEAD
  • Parameters - Add query parameters to modify the API response
  • Authorization - Configure authentication (Bearer token, Basic auth, OAuth, etc.)
  • Headers - Add custom headers required by your API
  • Body - Include request body data for POST, PUT, or PATCH requests
  • Pagination - Set up automatic handling of paginated responses

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Complete the setup

  1. Enter a descriptive name for your request in the input field at the top of the screen.
  2. Select your Output Table and View where the imported data should go. By default, this uses your current table and view.
  3. Click Save & Run in the bottom right corner.

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Configure field mapping and run

When you first run a request, the Response Field Mapping window opens. This is where you tell Data Fetcher how to match API response fields with your Airtable fields. Field selection:
  • Click field names to select or deselect them for import
  • Only selected fields will be imported when the request runs
Field mapping:
  • Map each selected field to either an Existing field in your table or create a New field
  • Choose the appropriate field types for new fields
Once you’re satisfied with the mapping, click Save & Run in the bottom right corner. Your request will execute and import data into your Airtable base according to your configuration. You can click Run anytime to import the latest data.

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Next steps

Now that you have created a request, explore these key features:

Schedule requests

Run automatically at intervals, even where you’re not using Airtable

Add trigger

Run requests instantly when your base data changes

Write modes

Learn how to update or add to existing records

Update based on field(s)

Use unique fields to merge with existing records