Skip the Main Course—These 17 Appetizers Are All You’ll Need

Why bother with a main course when these appetizers steal the show? From crispy bites to creamy dips, these small plates are big on flavor. Perfect for when you just want to snack your way through dinner. Each one is satisfying enough to stand on its own. Get ready to fill up on the good stuff.

Har Gow

These delicate shrimp dumplings are packed with juicy shrimp and wrapped in a soft, chewy dough. They’re light but flavorful, making them the perfect bite-sized appetizer when you want something satisfying without a heavy main dish.
Get the Recipe: Har Gow

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

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

Crispy on the outside and filled with seasoned chicken, these air fryer taquitos are perfect for a snack that feels like a meal. You won’t need anything else once you start dipping them into your favorite salsa or guacamole.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Chicken Pakora

Chicken pakoras are bite-sized, crispy, and full of flavor. These Indian-spiced fritters are so good, you won’t miss the main course. They’re perfect for munching on while you enjoy the spices and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Bowl of jalapeno popper bites. — Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These air fryer jalapeno popper bites combine spicy jalapenos and creamy cheese in a crispy shell. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will leave you wondering why you even considered making anything else.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Whipped Feta Spread

Creamy and tangy, whipped feta spread is a simple but delicious appetizer that pairs perfectly with crackers or veggies. It’s rich enough to satisfy, making it all you need for a light snack or starter.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Feta Spread

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

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

These tender, fall-off-the-bone spare ribs are cooked in the Instant Pot for maximum flavor in minimal time. They’re so flavorful and filling, you’ll forget about the main dish entirely.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

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.

These crispy air fryer empanadas are filled with seasoned meat and veggies, making them hearty enough to skip the main course. The flaky pastry and savory filling will keep you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Thai Fish Cakes

Thai fish cakes are packed with bold flavors from herbs, spices, and fish. They’re light, flavorful, and filling enough to be the main event of your meal without needing anything else.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fish Cakes

Chicken Karaage

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

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Japanese fried chicken that’s crispy, juicy, and incredibly flavorful. Chicken karaage is so addictive, it can easily replace a main dish. A few bites of this, and you won’t be thinking about anything else.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage

Char Siu Bao

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

Soft, fluffy buns filled with sweet, savory barbecued pork. Char Siu Bao are so satisfying and flavorful that they could be a meal on their own, making them the perfect appetizer to fill you up.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Bao

Thai Curry Puffs

These flaky Thai curry puffs are stuffed with a rich, spiced filling. They’re so satisfying and flavorful that you won’t need a main course to follow them up.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs

Samosas

Low angle shot of a samosa cut in half so that you can see the potato filling inside. — Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crisp on the outside and filled with spiced potatoes and peas, samosas are the perfect appetizer. They’re so hearty and flavorful that they’ll be all you need to fill up and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Samosas

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

Creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy, these air fryer jalapeño poppers are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. They’re satisfying enough that you won’t miss the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Onion Rings

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

Crispy, crunchy, and golden, these air fryer onion rings are so good, they can easily replace a main course. Dip them in your favorite sauce and call it a meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

Guacamole

Creamy, fresh, and full of flavor, guacamole is the perfect appetizer that stands on its own. Scoop it up with chips, and you’ll find yourself not even thinking about what’s coming next.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Smoked Salmon Dip

Creamy and rich, this smoked salmon dip is a flavorful, satisfying appetizer. Pair it with crackers or veggies, and you’ll have everything you need for a light but filling starter.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip

Instant Pot Hummus

Hummus in a black bowl garnished with whole chickpeas, olive oil, and paprika. — Instant Pot Hummus. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Smooth and creamy, this Instant Pot hummus is so flavorful, it can easily be the main part of your meal. Scoop it up with pita or veggies for a simple but filling appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hummus