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Revamp Your Appetizer Game With These 17 Crowd-Pleasers

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Ever noticed how the first bite can make or break the mood? That’s the secret power of these crowd-pleasing appetizers. Serve up something sensational and watch as your living room turns into the hottest spot in town. Just a heads up, your cooking game might get a revamp after this.

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

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.

Who doesn’t love a good cheesy treat? Arepas con Queso combines a crispy corn exterior with melty cheese – they’re like little hugs for your palate. Perfect for when you want to add a Latin touch to your lineup. Trust me, these will disappear before you even get a chance to tell everyone what they are.
Get the Recipe: Arepas con Queso

Chicken Pakora

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

If you’re after something that crunches and packs a punch, Chicken Pakora is your go-to. These are deep-fried treats popular in South Asian cuisine, addictive enough to keep hands reaching for more. Serve them up, watch them go, and enjoy the nods of approval.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

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.

For a joy that’s both delicious and less greasy, whip up some Air Fryer Empanadas. Stuffed with your choice of fillings, they make a snack everyone loves digging into. They're easy to make in bulk, ensuring all your guests get a taste. Plus, the air fryer means less mess and more munching!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Smoked Salmon Dip

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

Nothing says sophisticated snacking like a good Smoked Salmon Dip. It's creamy, it's smoky, and it has that ‘more-ish' quality that will have everyone crowding around the bowl. Perfect for pairing with crackers or crisp veggies. It’s the kind of dip that makes you go back for “just one more dip.”
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip

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 – it’s skewered, it’s seasoned, and best of all, it's served with a killer peanut sauce. These are great for guests who like a little Thai twist. Easy to hold and even easier to eat, they're great for mingling. Watch those skewers; they tend to vanish fast!
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay

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.

Want something sour and crunchy? Air Fryer Fried Pickles are your ticket. These are tangy, crunchy, and totally delicious, amazing alongside a mellow dip. Just pop them in the air fryer and let them work their magic to impress your pickle-loving pals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Chicken 65

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

Spice lovers, meet your match with Chicken 65. This South Indian star is vibrant and packs a heat that’s countered just right by its seasoning. It’s terrific as a fiery starter. Serve these and watch the room heat up in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

Guacamole

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

Guacamole is a no-brainer when you want to please a crowd. Fresh, zingy, and perfect for dipping or spreading – it’s versatile. Keep the chips coming because this bowl gets more attention than the latest gossip. It’s everybody's avocado dream.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Chicken Karaage

Overhead shot of karaage chicken with noodles on the side.
Chicken Karaage. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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Need a Japanese twist Why not try some Chicken Karaage? This fried chicken is marinated to perfection, offering a golden crispy texture that’s hard to resist. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon or a dash of mayo. It’s simple but spectacular at winning over a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Low angle, closeup shot of spare ribs with hoisin glaze.
Instant Pot Spare Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Spare Ribs might just be your new best friend for a hearty starter. They come out wonderfully tender and are a meat lover’s dream. No more waiting hours for that slow-cooked flavor. These ribs make you the rib master with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Rolled, stuffed, and ready to be devoured are Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. They’re crispy on the outside with a spicy chicken filling that keeps things interesting. Fantastic for grabbing off a napkin-lined plate during game time or at a casual gathering. Probably, you'll need to make more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Char Siu Bao

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

Searching for a little Chinese flair? Char Siu Bao brings sweet barbecued pork encased in fluffy dough. These steamed buns are a comforting grab during any get-together. Soft, sweet, and deliciously meaty, they’re a dim sum staple turned party favorite.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Bao

Air Fryer Onion Rings

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

Onion lovers, unite! Air Fryer Onion Rings are here to cure those cravings. Crispy, golden, and just the right amount of sweetness, they're a fantastic sidekick to burgers or a standalone champion at your snack table. Try them today if you want to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

Paneer Rolls

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

Do you have vegetarian guests? Surprise them with Paneer Rolls. Paneer gets a fun makeover in these crispy, golden rolls. Packed with flavor and perfect for dipping, they cater to everyone’s palate. They’re a fantastic way to introduce something a little different to the table.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Rolls

Har Gow

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

Speaking of dim sum, don’t forget about Har Gow. These shrimp dumplings are all about their chewy, tender wrapper and the juicy, flavorful filling. They're a classy appetizer that's always a hit at parties. Pop one in your mouth and understand why they’re a dim sum must.
Get the Recipe: Har Gow

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

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

Are you aiming for a lighter fare? Air Fryer Spring Rolls are a must. They're crispy, stuffed with veggies (or your choice of fillings), and surprisingly hearty. Perfect for a crowd that likes to keep things moving. Grab one (or three), and keep the conversation going.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Instant Pot Shrimp

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

Last but not least, the mouthwatering Instant Pot Shrimp is here for you. Fast, easy, and downright delicious, these juicy shrimps are a simple solution to your appetizer needs, allowing you more time to mingle. Just set it, forget it, and prepare for compliments!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

By on September 15th, 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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