19 appetizers everyone will be talking about all night long

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When the party kicks off, you’ll want a spread that keeps guests lingering near the table like it’s the best seat in the house. These bite-sized wonders walk the line between playful and impressive, making them impossible to ignore without being over the top. Let’s just say you’ll overhear folks plotting their next move to grab another without drawing too much attention to themselves.

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.

Smoked Salmon Dip

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

Guests will flock to the table once they spot this creamy Smoked Salmon Dip being served. It combines a perfect balance of rich, smoky flavors that feel like a treat for any occasion. Expect people to sneak extra servings, even when they think no one’s looking. It’s one of those dishes that disappears faster than you can say “refill the crackers.”
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.

Crisp on the outside and packed with flavor inside, Air Fryer Spring Rolls are impossible to ignore. They’re just light enough to keep people reaching for more, even after the main course. The crunch is so rewarding it might become the soundtrack of your party. You’ll quickly learn why these rolls are the VIP of finger foods.
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.

There’s something irresistible about the mix of crispy and melty that makes Arepas Con Queso a star. These little pockets of joy are endlessly snackable and perfect for every kind of eater. They have a way of making guests forget there’s an actual dinner to follow. If you don’t double the batch, you’ll probably regret it.
Get the Recipe: Arepas Con Queso

Thai Fish Cakes

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

Bold, flavorful, and bite-sized, Thai Fish Cakes are like little flavor bombs at your gathering. They’re the kind of dish that makes guests wonder why they’ve been settling for plain appetizers all these years. Between conversations, you’ll hear plenty of compliments about how unexpectedly good they are. Don’t count on leftovers because these will vanish fast.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fish Cakes

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.

Crispy and tangy, Air Fryer Fried Pickles bring just the right amount of bite to your appetizer spread. They’re one of those snacks that feels like a guilty pleasure but is too good to care about. Once someone takes the first crunch, it’s a chain reaction of everyone reaching for more. Don’t be surprised if they become a new party staple.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Pickles

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.

Creamy, smooth, and perfect with anything crunchy, Whipped Feta Spread is guaranteed to upgrade your appetizer game. It’s the kind of dish that makes people stop and ask, “What is this, and where has it been all my life?” You’ll watch guests linger near the plate as they try to sneak one more scoop. If there’s one dip everyone will be talking about, it’s this one.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta Spread

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.

Tender, flavorful skewers like Thai Chicken Satay are an absolute crowd favorite. They’re packed with flavor that’s both exciting and familiar, making them a conversation starter at any table. Guests might try to sneak a few onto their plate when no one’s looking. This appetizer has a way of disappearing before the party even really gets going.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay

Bang Bang Shrimp

Plate of rice topped with shrimp in sauce, garnished with chopped tomatoes and green onions, with chopsticks on the side. Another similar plate and vegetables in the background.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Lightly crispy with a kick of flavor, Bang Bang Shrimp knows how to steal the spotlight. It’s one of those dishes where one bite leads to a full plate, and no one’s complaining. Guests will crowd the table, debating if this is their favorite snack of the night. By the end, you’ll wish you’d made a second batch.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

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

Crispy, golden rolls like Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are exactly what makes appetizers exciting. They’re small enough to snack on guilt-free but packed with enough flavor to keep everyone talking. Expect guests to hover near the tray, waiting for their turn to grab another. These are destined to be a go-to favorite for every gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

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

Tender and packed with bold flavors, Instant Pot Spare Ribs are the kind of dish people talk about long after the party ends. They’re messy enough to feel indulgent but easy enough to keep everyone reaching for more. Watching guests lick their fingers while sneaking seconds is all the proof you need that this dish is a hit. Trust me, no one will forget these ribs anytime soon.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

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

Snack-sized and perfectly crispy, Air Fryer Fried Chicken is comfort food done right. It’s a little nostalgic, a little unexpected, and totally irresistible for partygoers. Guests will hover near the platter, sneaking extra bites without shame. If you want to see empty plates and happy faces, this is the one to serve.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Char Siu Bao

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

Soft, pillowy buns like Char Siu Bao are a surefire way to impress your guests. The savory filling inside is just the right balance of indulgent and rewarding, leaving everyone wanting more. You might catch guests sneaking seconds while raving about how unique and delicious they are. Be ready for plenty of questions about where you found these gems.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Bao

Salt And Pepper Chicken Wings

Basket of fried chicken with chilies and garlic.
Salt And Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Perfectly crispy and packed with flavor, Salt And Pepper Chicken Wings are what finger food dreams are made of. They’re impossible to eat just one, and the seasoning keeps everyone coming back for more. You’ll see people chatting about these between bites, trying to decide if it’s the best dish of the night. Either way, this platter will be empty before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Salt And Pepper Chicken Wings

Har Gow

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

Elegant yet approachable, Har Gow brings a touch of sophistication to any appetizer spread. The delicate wrapping and flavorful filling are impressive enough to get people talking but comforting enough to feel familiar. They’re the kind of dish that keeps everyone guessing how you pulled it off. Don’t expect these dumplings to stick around long.
Get the Recipe: Har Gow

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Zucchini fries on a plate with spicy ketchup for dipping.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Light and crispy, Air Fryer Zucchini Fries somehow feel like a healthy option while still being completely addictive. They’re crunchy, rewarding, and the kind of snack that’s easy to share without feeling too indulgent. Guests will keep grabbing these without hesitation, making them one of the evening’s surprises. Don’t be shocked if someone asks for the recipe before the party’s over.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Low angle shot of vietnamese summer rolls with edible flowers.
Vietnamese Summer Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Fresh, vibrant, and a little show-stopping, Vietnamese Summer Rolls balance the heavy snacks on any table. They’re as visually stunning as they are delicious, making them an instant conversation piece. Guests will rave about how light and refreshing they are while grabbing another. If you want something that stands out, this is the perfect pick.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Mochiko Chicken

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crispy and full of flavor, Mochiko Chicken turns heads with its perfect combination of texture and taste. It’s one of those dishes that feels familiar yet exciting enough to grab everyone’s attention. Guests will crowd around the tray, happily munching on each bite-sized piece. Once these hit the table, they’re gone in no time.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

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.

Warm, flaky, and packed with flavor, Air Fryer Empanadas are a must-have for any appetizer spread. They’re the kind of dish that sparks immediate conversations about how perfect they are. People will grab one, then sneak back for another, claiming it’s “just one more.” This recipe is guaranteed to become a party favorite every single time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Chicken 65

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

Packed with bold, spicy flavor, Chicken 65 delivers a kick that keeps people reaching for more. It’s just the right amount of heat to get guests talking and maybe even fanning themselves a little. Each bite is exciting enough to turn heads and keep the party buzzing. If you want an appetizer that leaves an impression, this is the one to serve.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 65

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