21 quick fixes for hungry football fans

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Football season means hungry crowds, and keeping everyone fed shouldn’t mean you miss out on the excitement. These quick-fix recipes are designed with the hungry football fan in mind, blending minimal prep time with maximum flavor. It’s all about ensuring the food is as thrilling as the game without requiring a timeout to prepare.

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.

Thai Fish Cakes

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

These Thai fish cakes are a tangy treat packed with flavors of lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, making them a hit for any game day. They’re easy to whip up and fry, offering a crispy outside with a tender, flavorful inside. Perfect for dipping into sweet chili sauce, they’re a surefire way to kick the excitement up a notch when the game is on.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fish Cakes

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 game-changer for spicy food lovers, combining the heat of jalapeños with creamy cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy coating. They’re quick to make and disappear from the plate, making them a must-have for any football gathering. Plus, the air fryer keeps things a little healthier, so you can indulge without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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 want a delicious and easy-to-prepare snack during game day, consider trying Chinese Char Siu Bao. These steamed buns are filled with barbecue pork’s sweet and savory flavors and wrapped in soft and fluffy dough. You’ll be surprised at how easy they are to make, and they’re sure to transport your taste buds directly to the streets of Hong Kong.
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.

Crispy, golden, and utterly addictive, these Air Fryer Onion Rings are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy on the cook and even easier to devour. They offer all the crunch and flavor of their deep-fried counterparts but with a fraction of the oil, making them a smart choice for feeding a hungry crowd. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a snack that scores big on taste and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

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 the crispy, spiced delight that will cheer everyone, regardless of the score. These bite-sized chicken pieces are marinated in spices and fried perfectly, making them an irresistible addition to your game-day spread. Serve them hot with a side of mint chutney for an authentic taste sensation that’s as thrilling as the game itself.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Onion Samosas

Low angle shot of fried onion samosas ready to serve.
Onion Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These mini onion samosas are the perfect spicy, crunchy snack to accompany the highs and lows of the game. Packed with a flavorful mixture of onions and spices, they’re a great way to bring a bit of Indian street food flair to your football festivities. Easy to make and even more straightforward to enjoy, everyone will reach for more.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas

Air Fryer Wontons

Air fryer wontons on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Wontons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Looking for a quick and delicious snack to serve on game day? Try these irresistible wontons made in an air fryer! With a crispy shell and savory filling, you can choose from classic pork and shrimp or a vegetarian option. These bite-sized treats are sure to please any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wontons

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.

Thai Curry Puffs are a fantastic way to spice up your football viewing, filled with a fragrant mixture of chicken and potatoes, all encased in a flaky pastry. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can pop them in the oven and get back to cheering on your team. Every bite delivers a flavor that’s as exciting as the game itself.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs

Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Fried wontons on a black plate with dipping sauce.
Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Dig into the delicious world of Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons, a snack guaranteed to make any football party better. These wontons are a delightful mix of pork and shrimp, wrapped up and fried until golden brown. They’re the perfect finger food, ready to dip into your favorite sauce and enjoy between plays.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

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.

With Air Fryer Empanadas, you’re just a few simple steps away from a flaky, meaty treat that will score points with your guests. Fill them with spiced beef, chicken, or even a cheese and vegetable mix for a variety that keeps everyone happy. The air fryer cooks them perfectly, offering a less greasy way to enjoy this classic snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Chicken Potstickers

Overhead shot of chicken potstickers with chile paste on plates.
Chicken Potstickers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When it comes to game-day snacking, chicken potstickers are a fantastic choice as they offer the perfect balance between convenience and gourmet taste. These dumplings are pan-fried to achieve a crispy bottom and then steamed to perfection, resulting in a juicy and delicious bite every time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers

Har Gow

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

Har Gow, with its translucent wrappers and succulent shrimp filling, is a dim sum classic that’s sure to impress your football crew. Despite their gourmet appearance, they’re surprisingly straightforward to make at home. They’re a light yet satisfying option that offers a break from the usual heavy game day fare.
Get the Recipe: Har Gow

Air Fryer Samosas

Plate of samosaas with tamarind chutney and cilantro mint chutney.
Air Fryer Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy appetizer to serve at your next football gathering, look no further than these samosas. Filled with a spicy mixture of potato and pea, these samosas are a fantastic vegetarian option that packs a flavor punch. Best of all, they’re ready in minutes to keep up with the game day hunger.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Samosas

Crystal Dumplings

Low angle shot of dumplings with a steamer basket in the background.
Crystal Dumplings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These translucent dumplings are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, with a delicate wrapper encasing a vibrant, tasty filling. They’re a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, offering a sophisticated addition to any dinner. They’re a light, refreshing alternative to the usual game day snacks, proving that quick and easy can also be sophisticated and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Crystal Dumplings

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.

Pickle lovers will rejoice at these air fryer-fried pickles, offering all the tangy crunch without the grease. They’re a novel snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for a laid-back dinner or appetizer. Serve them with ranch dressing for dipping, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “touchdown.”
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

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

Fresh, light, and packed with herbs and vegetables, Vietnamese summer rolls are a refreshing change from the usual dinner fare. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, they’re a healthy, no-cook option that’s as satisfying as it is simple. They’re a cool, crisp antidote to the usual hot and heavy snacks, perfect for those looking for something different.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Instant Pot Shrimp

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

Instant Pot Shrimp is a foolproof way to enjoy perfectly cooked shrimp in a fraction of the time it usually takes. Whether you’re serving them chilled with cocktail sauce or tossing them in pasta, they’re a versatile option that’s sure to please. It’s an effortless way to add some seafood flair to your game day spread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

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

These spring rolls are a lighter, crispier version of the favorite, filled with fresh vegetables and possibly shrimp or chicken. The air fryer makes them wonderfully crunchy without the heaviness of oil. They’re quick to make and disappear, especially when served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Paneer Pakora

Low angle shot of a pile of paneer pakora.
Paneer Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These fried paneer fritters are a crunchy, savory delight, perfect for craving something indulgent yet straightforward. Coated in a spiced gram flour batter and fried to golden perfection, they’re a delicious way to enjoy the popular Indian cheese. Dip them in mint chutney for a snack that’s as satisfying as any touchdown.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Pakora

Mochiko Chicken

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

Mochiko Chicken, with its sweet and savory marinade, brings a taste of Hawaii to your football festivities. The unique coating makes the chicken pieces crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, ideal for snacking. It’s a delightful twist on the usual chicken wings, offering a flavor-packed bite that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

A pile of air fryer BBQ wings on a white platter.
Air Fryer BBQ Wings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

No football game is complete without wings, and these Air Fryer BBQ Wings are a game changer. They’re smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, giving you all the flavor without the mess of traditional frying. Quick, delicious, and hassle-free, they’re the ultimate snack for feeding a crowd of hungry fans.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings

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