Happy Hour Bites: 17 Savory Snack Sensations That Aren’t Dips for After-Work Mingling

This selection of happy hour appetizers is your secret to wowing guests with chic and elegant finger foods. With the help of an air fryer, you can quickly prepare a variety of treats that are sure to be both crunchy and delightful. Imagine offering your friends bite-sized delights that combine sophistication and deep, satisfying flavors. These easy-to-make, irresistible snacks are perfect for any game day gathering or casual get-together, promising to impress your guests with their simplicity and taste.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

A white plate with crispy chicken wings on it
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

If you have an air fryer, you can whip up these delicious chicken wings in under 30 minutes. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor and that irresistible crispy skin everyone adores. Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Lobster Appetizer

a green plate with phyllo cups filled with a lobster dip
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This tasty appetizer has a lobster cream cheese mixture baked in a phyllo cup! They are bite-sized morsels of deliciousness that will disappear right before your eyes. Get the Recipe: Lobster Appetizer

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

bacon and shrimp with toothpicks piled on a plate
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This bacon-wrapped shrimp dish reaches its peak as a delectable, crunchy appetizer baked to perfection. You’ll be amazed at how rapidly it vanishes when you present it at your upcoming family gathering or game day event! Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Mushroom Bruschetta with Bacon

a wooden board with slices of toasted bread with sauteed mushrooms on it
Photo Credit: Your Guardian Chef.

The traditional ingredients in this Italian-style mushroom bruschetta are sourdough bread, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. I’ve swapped out the cheese for crispy bacon to enhance its hearty appeal as a winter appetizer. You can turn it into a fine dining experience by selecting regular or wild mushrooms. Get the Recipe: Mushroom Bruschetta with Bacon

Scallop Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms piled on a white plate
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

These delectable stuffed mushrooms are far from typical! What distinguishes this appetizer is the inclusion of scallops in the filling. Get the Recipe: Scallop Stuffed Mushrooms

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites

a white plate with three chicken bites on it. One with a bite taken out of it and sauce off to the side
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

These air fryer buffalo chicken bites make for the perfect game-day appetizer or snack. They’re delightfully crispy on the exterior and tender and bursting with flavor inside. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re both simple and delicious! Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites 

Sausage Balls

A square white plate with cheesy sausage meatballs on it
Photo Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen

Sausage balls, a beloved Southern classic, can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes using only three fundamental ingredients. Yes, you read that right—just three! These bite-sized delights are a must-have for any holiday gathering or lively tailgate party. They’re the talk of the town, you know! Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Pork Belly Bites

Close up of crunch pork bites
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

With their crispy exterior and succulent tenderness inside, air fryer pork belly bites are a culinary delight. You’ll find yourself wanting more after the first bite. Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Bites

Beet Chips

A white oval plate with beet chips on it
Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

Introducing tasty, low-carb, and vegan beet chips! They’re wonderfully crisp, sweet, and packed with nutrition. Even those who aren’t fans of vegetables will adore these delectable treats. Plus, they’re a breeze to prepare using an air fryer! Get the Recipe: Beet Chips

French Dip Sliders

a white plate with a slice of flakey slider with a bite taken out of it
Photo Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

For your game day get-together, the perfect sweet treat comes in the form of French Dip Sliders! Opt for crescent roll sheets instead of Hawaiian rolls to achieve a flaky crust enveloping juicy roast beef and melty provolone. Get the Recipe: French Dip Sliders 

Baked Coconut Shrimp

A pink platter with coconut shrimp on a blue board with dip next to it
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Light and crunchy, these crispy baked coconut shrimp are served with an apricot dipping sauce for the perfect appetizer. This appetizer will satisfy your cravings as it is flavorful and healthier than fried shrimp! Get the Recipe: Baked Coconut Shrimp

Bourbon Meatballs

A white dish filled with meatballs with a sauce on them with toothpicks in them
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Whipping up a cherished and delightful appetizer like these bourbon meatballs is a breeze. The fantastic flavor pairing of the bourbon sauce and succulent meatballs creates a winning combination that’s sure to please. Get the Recipe: Bourbon Meatballs

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

A little green rectangular plate with five bacon wrapped scallops with toothpicks out of it
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Craving seafood? Good news! Our recipe for bacon-wrapped scallops will please even the most selective seafood enthusiasts. Marinated and baked to perfection, these succulent scallops are wrapped in smoky bacon. Prepare to dazzle your guests with this delectable seafood dish’s harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavors. Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Scallops 

Garlic Flatbread

a small basket with a white napkin in it along with garlic bread
Photo Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Garlic is a flavor that complements the flavors of a charcuterie board, and these flatbreads are crunchy and delicious. With only 30 minutes of preparation time, they’re ideal as an afterthought for any celebration. Get the Recipe: Garlic Flatbread

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Livers

a white beaded plate with four chicken livers wrapped with bacon and toothpicks through them
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

One of my favorite appetizers ever is these bacon-wrapped chicken livers. While your guests wait for dinner, this mouthwatering combination of rich, juicy chicken livers and salty bacon makes the ideal indulgence. Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Livers 

Beef Phyllo Appetizers

a green plate with phyllo cups filled with saucy beef and a pearl mozzarella ball
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

With this incredibly simple recipe for the saucy beef appetizer, you’ll have your ravenous crowd gorging away in no time. These appetizers for game day are ideal because they feature mini mozzarella cheese pearls on top of saucy beef nestled inside phyllo cups. Get the Recipe: Beef Phyllo Appetizers

Air Fryer Pickles

A deep white plate with fried pickles on it along with a sauce in a small cup
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

With no oil or mess associated with deep-frying, these air fryer pickles have all the delicious flavors and crunch of traditional fried pickles. Pair it with your preferred dipping sauce for the perfect appetizer or snack! Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pickles 

33 Fall Soup That Will Warm You Up

A grey napkin with a crock of soup on it. there are shrimp on top with chorizo on top
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

As the chill of autumn arrives, cozying up with hearty bowls of soup becomes the ultimate comfort. Whether you favor the timeless Italian wedding soup or prefer the zest of a spicy cabbage soup, there’s a variety to cater to all palates. In the following article, I’ll reveal a selection of cherished soup recipes and their preparation methods. Designed for novices and experienced cooks, these soups will surely delight and provide that much-needed inner warmth. GET THE RECIPES

25 Sunday Football Appetizers That Score Big

A black bowl filled with a dip with corn, sprinkled on top is bacon and sliced jalapeno
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Football Sundays are all about camaraderie, cheering, and great eats. Nothing complements the excitement of the game like a spread of tasty starters. Whether you’re throwing a game day bash or kicking back at home, a variety of simple yet scrumptious appetizers are at your fingertips. Opt for traditional favorites like wings, or try something new with bacon-wrapped mushrooms. There’s a delectable bite to please every fan. GET THE RECIPES

27 Air Fryer Recipes That Will Make You Want More

A metal round tray with two chicken breasts on it - with crispy skin
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

The air fryer has revolutionized the kitchen appliance scene, becoming the new staple for easy and mess-free cooking. Forget about splattering pans and oily ovens. The air fryer uses a whirlwind of hot air and a bit of culinary wizardry to turn well-loved recipes into golden, crispy delights. This 27 Air Fryer Recipes collection will take you on a flavorful adventure where convenience meets deliciousness. GET THE RECIPES

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From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

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4 Comments

  1. Yay. Perfect timing since I was looking at appetizers to make for tomorrow. I bought everything for the scalloped stuffed mushrooms. I can’t wait to try it. Thanks, Elaine!

    1. You are awesome, Joyce. Thanks for commenting on as many posts as you do! I do appreciate it. And you’re going to love the scallop mushrooms.

  2. I just ran across your article. Hubs and I just bought a new house with a beautiful backyard view of the woods. We have started having “happy hour” when he gets home from work. I’m trying to be more creative than just ‘cheese and crackers’. Your recipes fit the bill. Can’t wait to try some of them. Thank you!

    1. How fun. Congratulations on your new house, Em. I hope you find a few keepers in the bunch. I do like a good happy hour. Thank you for your comment.

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