19 Appetizers That Always Disappear Before I Even Sit Down

Sometimes the best measure of a good appetizer is how fast it disappears. These 19 small bites have a habit of vanishing long before the main course gets a chance. From crunchy fried favorites to fresh rolls you barely have time to grab, every dish proves why no one waits politely when snacks are on the table.

A hand holds a spoon with a breaded, fried deviled egg topped with creamy, orange filling and chopped green onions; several more fried deviled eggs rest on a pink plate below. — Fried Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Okonomiyaki

This is what happens when a savory pancake takes the fridge clean-out plan and turns it into dinner. Okonomiyaki brings together cabbage, shrimp, squid, and egg in one crisp-edged, soft-centered round that somehow feels both snacky and substantial. It’s messy in all the right ways, especially once you add Kewpie mayo, okonomiyaki sauce, and a shower of bonito flakes. The name literally means “grilled how you like it,” and once you make it, you’ll get why that’s the whole point. If you’ve got eggs and a few odds and ends, you’re halfway there.
Get the Recipe: Okonomiyaki

Air Fryer Wontons

Air Fryer Wontons are crispy, delicious, and totally addictive. They’re filled with a savory mix of shrimp and pork that is perfectly seasoned.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wontons

Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Grilled chicken skewers with sauce and garnished with chopped herbs, served on a rectangular white plate. — Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These chicken skewers are marinated in a blend of soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and ginger, giving them a bold and tangy flavor. The creamy peanut sauce adds a nutty richness, making this dish perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizer. Serve with rice or fresh veggies for balance.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Kwek Kwek

A plate with several orange-colored, bite-sized snacks on toothpicks, some cut open to reveal an egg inside, topped with a red sauce and garnished with herbs. — Kwek Kwek. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

These golden, crunchy bites are everything you want from a street snack—simple, salty, and just a little outrageous. Kwek Kwek takes soft, creamy quail eggs and wraps them in a neon-orange batter that crisps up beautifully when fried. The annatto gives them that signature glow, but it’s the contrast between the crisp shell and tender egg that makes them so addictive. Serve them with a spicy vinegar dip or sweet chili sauce and don’t be surprised if they disappear before they hit the plate. This is one of those recipes that proves snack food doesn’t have to be complicated to be great.
Get the Recipe: Kwek Kwek

Rice Paper Dumplings

A pair of chopsticks holding a dumpling dipped in soy sauce, with a slice of lime and sesame seeds in the background. — Rice Paper Dumplings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These Rice Paper Dumplings are what happens when you want something crispy, savory, and fun—but don’t feel like folding fancy dumplings or dealing with dough. The pan-fried rice paper gets crackly and golden, with just enough chew to keep it interesting. Inside, you’ve got a simple, adaptable filling that works whether you’re using tofu, pork, chicken, or shrimp. I started making these as a way to use up leftover wrappers, but now I buy rice paper just for this. They’re low-effort, high-reward, and surprisingly easy once you’ve rolled a couple.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Dumplings

Fried Deviled Eggs

This is what happens when deviled eggs stop trying to be polite. You take the creamy, tangy yolks everyone already loves and drop them into something louder—golden-fried whites that bring serious crunch. It’s hot, cold, rich, crispy, and just the right amount of over-the-top. They don’t last long on a plate, and you’ll be lucky if any make it to the table. It’s basically bar food in brunch disguise, and that’s exactly why it works.
Get the Recipe: Fried Deviled Eggs

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 caters to seafood enthusiasts and global cuisine lovers alike. Enjoy succulent shrimp prepared to perfection, versatile enough to elevate any meal into an international culinary adventure.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

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.

This arepas recipe is easy to make and turns out arepas con queso that are moist-inside, crispy outside and loaded with melty cheese!
Get the Recipe: Arepas con Queso

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

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

Air fryer fried chicken is easy to make and so good. It’s crispy on the outside and tender and flavorful on the inside. These step-by-step instructions show you how.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

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Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

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

I made these Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings with Szechuan peppercorns and stir-fried hot chile peppers and garlic and I couldn’t stop eating them! They are so crunchy, spicy, and addictive.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Mochiko Chicken

Chicken Mochiko is delicious bite-size pieces of tender chicken thighs dredged in mochiko flour (sweet rice flour) and deep fried. So crunchy and irresistible!
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

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.

Bang Bang Shrimp delivers crispy, golden shrimp tossed in a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce that’s as addictive as it is easy to make. Perfect as an appetizer or served over rice, this dish combines contrasting textures and bold flavors for a crowd-pleasing meal you can whip up in no time.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Onion Rings

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

Air Fryer Onion Rings are a great way to feed your junk food cravings. These onion rings turn out crispy, crunchy, and golden brown without all the fat and mess of deep frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

These Vietnamese Summer Rolls filled with rice noodles, quick pickled carrots, crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and edible flowers are tasty, nutritious, and beautiful, too.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

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

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are delicious, easy to make, and a great healthy snack alternative to French fries or potato chips. These are loaded with flavor and take almost no time to make!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Char Siu Bao

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

I love Char Siu Bao so much! These are easier to make than I expected and the foldover buns are fluffy and perfect for filling with whatever you like!
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Bao

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

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

These Air Fryer Taquitos are loaded with shredded chicken, refried beans, cheddar cheese, and green chile salsa. With salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping, they make a great light dinner or hearty appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Har Gow

Har Gow is my favorite dim sum dish. These plump Chinese shrimp dumplings have a delicate flavor and equally delicate translucent wrapper. They’re surprisingly easy to make, too, with an easy-to-work-with dough and a simple seasoned shrimp filling.
Get the Recipe: Har Gow

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang bang shrimp on a black plate with a bowl of sriracha ranch and lemon wedges. — Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp is as crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spicy as the original but it’s easier to make and healthier, too.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp