21 recipes for when you really just want snacks for dinner

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There are those times when you’re craving something tasty but don’t feel like going all-out with a full-blown dinner, right? You know those moments when you just want to graze and nibble on some delicious bites? Well, fret not because these recipes got you covered with not one, not two, but 21 amazing snack ideas perfect for those snack-for-dinner moods.

First up, let’s keep it simple with some classic finger foods. Think crispy, crunchy goodness like air-fried treats. It’s all about that wholesome crunch that’ll make you happy and feel satisfied. And hey, why not throw in some savory bites for that extra oomph?

Now, let’s talk about relieving those savory cravings. How about whipping up a batch of savory dishes or trying some new flavors with air-fried creations? These savory treats are perfect for dinner because they’re hearty enough to fill you up but still pack a flavorful punch. And if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, the possibilities are endless!

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

Chicken Pakora

Satisfy your cravings when you really just want snacks for dinner with these delicious Chicken Pakora. Made with tender pieces of chicken coated in a flavorful batter, they’re sure to be a hit. Whether you dip them in your favorite sauce or enjoy them on their own, Chicken Pakora is a snack that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Samosas

For a crispy and wholesome snack option for dinner, try making Samosas. These golden parcels of goodness are packed with a flavorful filling of spiced potatoes and peas. Whether you bake or fry them, samosas are the perfect snack for when you’re craving something savory and delicious. Plus, you can customize the filling to suit your taste preferences.
Get the Recipe: Samosas

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

Chicken Potstickers

Bursting with flavor and perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce when you really just want snacks for dinner, these Chicken Potstickers are a delicious treat. Made with juicy chicken and aromatic spices, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer or a main course, you won’t be able to get enough of these tasty treats.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

A crowd-pleaser when you really just want snacks for dinner, our Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are spicy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. Stuffed with creamy cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon, they’re the ultimate indulgence for when you’re craving something savory.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

Har Gow

A classic dim sum favorite and perfect for when you’re craving something light yet wholesome when you really just want snacks for dinner, Har Gow is a delicious treat. Filled with succulent shrimp and wrapped in a delicate translucent skin, they’re sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Har Gow

Char Siu Bao

Soft and fluffy steamed buns filled with sweet and savory BBQ pork, are a beloved snack in Chinese cuisine when you really just want snacks for dinner. Whether you enjoy them as a quick bite on the go or as part of a larger meal, these delicious buns are sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Bao

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

Thai Fish Cakes

Fragrant and flavorful, our Thai Fish Cakes are a delicious snack that’s bursting with aromatic herbs and spices when you really just want snacks for dinner. Made with fresh fish and Thai curry paste, they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you serve them with a sweet chili dipping sauce or a tangy lime mayo, these fish cakes are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fish Cakes

Air Fryer Empanadas

Perfect for any occasion when you really just want snacks for dinner, our Air Fryer Empanadas are a delicious treat. Crispy, golden-brown pastry filled with a savory filling, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, they’re so easy to make in the air fryer, making them a quick and convenient snack option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

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

Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Crispy, bite-sized snacks filled with a savory mixture of pork and shrimp, are perfect for when you really just want snacks for dinner. Whether you enjoy them on their own or dipped in your favorite sauce, they’re sure to hit the spot. Plus, they’re easy to make at home, so you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Thai Curry Puffs

Flaky pastry pockets filled with a fragrant mixture of curry-spiced potatoes and meat, our Thai Curry Puffs are perfect for when you really just want snacks for dinner. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer or a main course, they’re sure to please. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time and reheat for a quick and convenient meal.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs

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

Air Fryer Onion Rings

A healthier take on a classic snack when you really just want snacks for dinner, our Air Fryer Onion Rings are crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for relieving your cravings without guilt, they’re so easy to make in the air fryer, making them a perfect snack for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

Crystal Dumplings

If you’re in the mood for a light and chewy snack, try making our Crystal Dumplings. These dumplings are like little pockets of heaven filled with a savory or sweet filling. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory snack or a sweet treat, crystal dumplings are sure to hit the spot when you really just want snacks for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crystal Dumplings

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

Instant Pot Shrimp

When you’re craving something quick and tasty for dinner, our Instant Pot Shrimp is the way to go. With just a few simple ingredients and a fraction of the time, you can have perfectly cooked shrimp that’s tender and flavorful. Whether you enjoy them on your own or as part of a larger meal, instant pot shrimp is a delicious and wholesome option.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Air Fryer Wontons

Crispy on the outside and filled with savory goodness on the inside, our Air Fryer Wontons are a must-try for when you really just want snacks for dinner. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pork filling or prefer a vegetarian option, these little pockets of joy are sure to please. Plus, they’re so easy to make in the air fryer, making them a perfect snack for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wontons

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

Paneer Pakora

If you’re a fan of cheese and fried foods, then you’ll love our Paneer Pakora. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with a side of chutney, paneer pakora is sure to satisfy your cravings for something crunchy and flavorful when you really just want snacks for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Pakora

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Looking for a flavor explosion for dinner? Try our Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. These crispy shrimp are coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that’s sure to leave you satisfied. Plus, since they’re cooked in the air fryer, they’re healthier than traditional fried shrimp but just as delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

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

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

When you’re craving something light and refreshing for dinner, our Vietnamese Summer Rolls are the way to go. They’re easy to make and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or a light meal, Vietnamese summer rolls are sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Fried Green Tomato Fritters

If you’re a fan of fried foods, then you’ll love our Fried Green Tomato Fritters. These crispy fritters are made with thinly sliced green tomatoes coated in a seasoned cornmeal batter and fried until golden brown. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with a side of dipping sauce, fried green tomato fritters are a delicious and worthwhile snack option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Green Tomato Fritters

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

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

For a crunchy and wholesome snack option for dinner, try making our Air Fryer Spring Rolls. These crunchy delights are filled with a flavorful mixture of veggies and protein, then wrapped in a thin pastry wrapper and cooked until golden brown in the air fryer. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or a light meal, air fryer spring rolls are sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Mochiko Chicken

Craving something crispy and tender for dinner? Try making our Mochiko Chicken. Mochiko chicken is a delicious Japanese-inspired snack that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you enjoy them on your own or with a side of rice, mochiko chicken is a tasty and wholesome option.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

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

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Tangy, crunchy, and oh-so-wholesome, our Air Fryer Fried Pickles are the perfect snack for pickle lovers. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with a side of ranch dressing, air fryer fried pickles are sure to hit the spot for when you really just want snacks for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Pickles

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