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13 Appetizers So Good, Who Needs Dinner?

Appetizers often steal the show at any meal, and with a lineup of 13 diverse options, there’s no need to hold out for the main course. This approach allows diners to sample a variety of dishes, making every meal an opportunity to try something new and exciting.

Thai curry puffs filled with ground chicken, potatoes, peas, onions, garlic and spices are a mouthwatering snack.

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Thai Curry Puffs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Smoked Salmon Dip

Smoked salmon dip in a bowl with crackers and veggies for dipping.
Smoked Salmon Dip. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Hosting a casual get-together? Consider offering Smoked Salmon Dip, a versatile option that pairs well with a variety of dippers. Its creamy texture and rich profile make it a crowd favorite for any social event. The dip serves as an excellent conversation starter, often leading guests to request the recipe before they leave.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Stacked spring rolls on a white plate.
Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spring Rolls made in an air fryer are a lighter alternative that doesn’t sacrifice crunch. These rolls are perfect for guests who appreciate a crisp bite with less oil. Ideal for gatherings, they offer a hands-on eating experience that encourages sharing and interaction. Serve them fresh out of the air fryer for the best experience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Whipped Feta Spread

Overhead shot of a black platter with a bowl of whipped feta spread, sauteed chard, and grilled sourdough bread.
Whipped Feta Spread. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Upgrade your appetizer game with a bowl of Whipped Feta Spread. It’s creamy, smooth, and can be spread on crackers or sliced baguette. Ideal for a casual evening, it creates a focus point on your appetizer table, drawing guests in for a quick nibble or a lingering chat.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta Spread

Samosas

Low angle shot of a samosa cut in half so that you can see the potato filling inside.
Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Samosas are a fantastic choice for those seeking a heartier appetizer. With their crisp outer layer and rich filling, they are often enough to serve as a stand-alone meal. They are particularly popular at parties where guests are looking for something substantial to pair with lighter fare.
Get the Recipe: Samosas

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Hand dipping a fried pickle into dipping sauce with a platter of fried pickle slices.
Air Fryer Fried Pickles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a unique twist on a classic snack, try Air Fryer Fried Pickles. These are perfect for those who enjoy a crispy, tangy treat. Easy to pass around at any gathering, they often become the topic of conversation among guests intrigued by the unconventional choice.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Thai Chicken Satay

Overhead shot of thai chicken satay on a black plate with peanut sauce on the side.
Thai Chicken Satay. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Chicken Satay is a great option for adding a touch of international flair to your menu. The skewers are easy to handle and make mingling a breeze. They’re often a hit at parties, especially when paired with a complementary dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay

Air Fryer Empanadas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Consider serving Air Fryer Empanadas if you’re looking for a warm, inviting appetizer. These pockets of joy are not only easy to eat but also bring a comforting aroma that fills the room. They’re a sure hit for any gathering, combining convenience with the heartiness of a baked dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Thai Fish Cakes

Thai fish cakes on a black plate with prik nam pla.
Thai Fish Cakes. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Hosting friends for dinner often involves intricate dishes, but why not keep it simple with appetizers that stand alone? Thai Fish Cakes offer a refreshing start to any meal, merging subtle spices and textures that are a hit at any gathering. Perfect for nibbling over drinks, they are often hearty enough to cancel the need for a full dinner.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fish Cakes

Chicken 65

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken 65.
Chicken 65. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken 65 packs a punch with its rich, deep flavors that command attention from the first bite. Ideal for a lively party, it transforms the starter course into the star of the show. They’re so robust, in fact, that you might consider skipping the main course.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Bowl of jalapeno popper bites.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Who needs a complex meal when you can serve Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites? These small treats deliver a burst of heat and creaminess, proving that appetizers can indeed be the highlight of a meal. They are a great choice for those who prefer a bit of spice without overwhelming the palate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Instant Pot Hummus

Hummus in a black bowl garnished with whole chickpeas, olive oil, and paprika.
Instant Pot Hummus. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Hummus is a game-changer for any social event, offering a smooth, creamy dip that pairs well with a variety of dippables. It’s incredibly easy to whip up a large batch, which is perfect for serving a crowd. Often, it’s so fulfilling that it becomes a meal in itself.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hummus

Thai Curry Puffs

Thai curry puffs filled with ground chicken, potatoes, peas, onions, garlic and spices are a mouthwatering snack.
Thai Curry Puffs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

How about Thai Curry Puffs? They’re a versatile option that bridges the gap between snack and meal. Filled with a beautifully seasoned mixture, each puff is a pocket of joy that’s hard to stop eating. They are as suitable for a casual hangout as they are for a more formal reception.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs

Guacamole

Guacamole in a white bowl with limes, cilantro, and tortilla chips on the side.
Guacamole. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Guacamole is universally favorite and can single-handedly take center stage at any gathering. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also filling enough to serve as a stand-alone dish. Expect it to be one of the first dishes to run out at your next party.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

By on April 19th, 2024
Photo of Robin Donovan

About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind All Ways Delicious. She's a writer, recipe developer, photographer, and cookbook author with more than 40 books to her name, including the bestselling Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications, both print and digital, including MSN, Cooking Light, Fitness, Buzzfeed, and Eating Well. → More about Robin

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