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Elevate Your Starters with These 15 Fun and Flavorful Ideas

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Need starters that grab attention? These 15 ideas aren’t just starters; they’re fun and flavorful conversation starters! With a mix of classic and creative, they make it easy to impress without hours in the kitchen. No need for fancy techniques; they’re easy to whip up, and they’ll leave everyone reaching for seconds.

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

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

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

Air Fryer Spring Rolls offer a perfect crunch with every bite, making your starting lineup memorable. They cook up quick, leaving you with more time to enjoy yourself. No oil splatter hassle here, just a crispy texture that everyone craves. It turns out, the air fryer is a game changer for getting that perfect golden exterior.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Arepas con Queso

Close up shot of an arepa con queso split open to show the cheesy filling.
Arepas con Queso. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With Arepas con Queso, you're in for a cheesy, comforting treat that hits all the right notes. They're a go-to for something hearty yet simple. Pair them with your favorite dip, or enjoy them as is – you can't go wrong. This dish proves that sometimes, the best things in life are indeed cheese-filled.
Get the Recipe: Arepas con Queso

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.

Making Air Fryer Empanadas could be your new favorite kitchen activity. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside and hot on the inside. What's not to love about a dish that's both convenient and packed with flavor? Plus, cleaning up is a breeze, which is always a bonus.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Chicken Pakora

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Pakora is your ticket to crunch town with a side of juicy chicken. This dish is all about that crispy coating that makes you go back for seconds. Perfect for when you want something a bit different from the usual. They're incredibly more-ish, warning: they tend to disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Char Siu Bao

Low angle shot of two mantou buns filled with char siu filling.
Char Siu Bao. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you're after something sweet and savory, Char Siu Bao hits the spot. Its fluffy bun encasing a rich filling is comfort food at its best. Everyone enjoys pulling apart their own bun to reveal the steamy, succulent center. It's the kind of starter that makes you wish for more.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Bao

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Fried chicken in a basket lined with parchment paper.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken brings the classic everyone loves without the mess of traditional frying. It's all about achieving that crispy skin and tender meat inside. Who knew you could get such results without a deep fryer? It's a solid choice for a laid-back feast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Paneer Rolls

Hand holding paneer roll.
Paneer Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you're into vegetarian options, Paneer Rolls are a must-try. They're packed with flavor and have a satisfying texture that even meat lovers admire. It's a smart way to kick off any meal, proving that veggie options are far from boring. Really, it's all about giving those paneer rolls the spotlight they deserve.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Rolls

Instant Pot Shrimp

Cooked shrimp in a green and white striped bowl, garnished with parsley.
Instant Pot Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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Cook up some Instant Pot Shrimp in no time for a quick appetizer. This dish pairs well with dipping sauces or as a delicious add-on to salads. Ideal for those busy evenings when you want something simple yet fulfilling. It's all about making meal prep easier and faster.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Har Gow

4 har gow shrimp dumplings in a bamboo steamer basket.
Har Gow. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Get the party started with some Har Gow. These are a hit at any gathering, bringing a touch of traditional dim sum right to your home. Each bite is a pleasant treat, wrapped in a translucent dough. They are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Har Gow

Guacamole

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

Whip up some Guacamole as a versatile dip or spread. This is a must-have on your snack table, always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it with chips or as a fresh addition to tacos. It's both healthy and filling, keeping your guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon wrapped jalapenos on a white plate.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are a sizzling treat that spice up any meal. They come out perfectly crispy without needing a drop of oil. It’s a fantastic way to kick off an evening with friends. You'll have everyone asking how you made them so tasty and crisp.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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.

For a smooth and creamy starter, try this Whipped Feta Spread. It’s great on crusty bread or paired with fresh veggies. This spread brings a tangy twist to your appetizer lineup. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta Spread

Air Fryer Onion Rings

Pile of onion rings on a white plate.
Air Fryer Onion Rings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This recipe offer a crunchy side without the mess of deep-frying. Air Fryer Onion Rings are perfect for a casual snack or as a side dish with burgers. They turn out crispy on the outside and tender inside every time. Who knew your air fryer could do all that?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

Smoked Salmon Dip

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

Smoked Salmon Dip is a sophisticated option that's surprisingly easy to make. It's rich, creamy, and full of flavor, suitable for elegant crackers or simple breadsticks. With its smooth texture, it tends to disappear quickly from the appetizer table. Perfect for when you want to impress without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip

Thai Fish Cakes

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

Spice things up with Thai Fish Cakes. These are packed with flavor and have just the right kick to them. Serve them as a unique starter to get your guests talking. They're bound to be a unique highlight of any meal.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fish Cakes

By on November 5th, 2024
Photo of Robin Donovan

About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind All Ways Delicious. She’s an Associated Press syndicated food and travel writer and the bestselling author of more than 40 cookbooks, including Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications including Chicago Sun-Times, Huffington Post, MSN, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle Times, Food & Wine, Cooking Light, PopSugar, Fitness, Mercury News, and many others. More about Robin

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