Who Needs Plates When You Have These 21 Finger Foods?

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Who Needs Plates When You Have These 21 Finger Foods?

Have you ever thought about the freedom of enjoying delicious food without the hassle of juggling plates or cutlery? That’s exactly what portable finger foods offer. Think about it, no more precariously balancing your plate while you’re trying to have a conversation, which really does make it a much more relaxed and sociable experience—don’t you think?

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.

Paneer Pakora

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

How about this: a plate-free, tasty snack that you can eat while moving around and socializing. That’s Paneer Pakora for you! These delicious little deep-fried morsels, made from Indian cottage cheese, are the ultimate bite-sized delight. They’re crispy, flavorful, and give the palate a delightful treat without needing any cutlery whatsoever.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Pakora

Onion Samosas

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

Now imagine a snack that’s so easy to carry, it fits right in the palm of your hand. That’s exactly what Onion Samosas offer! This Indian delicacy, filled with perfectly seasoned onions, is a favorite at gatherings for a reason. Not to mention, its uniquely triangular, handheld design makes it an ideal portable finger food.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas

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.

Let’s talk about Air Fryer Fried Pickles. Sound intriguing? They should! With a tangy kick wrapped up in a crispy exterior, there’s no denying their appeal. And when you consider the fact that they are made in an air fryer, they become a healthier alternative that can be enjoyed anywhere without the need for a plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Fried Green Tomato Fritters

Fried green tomato fritters on a sheet of parchment.
Fried Green Tomato Fritters. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Fried Green Tomato Fritters may be a mouthful to say, but they’re also a mouthful of flavor! These bite-sized treats are lightly battered and full of Southern charm. They can be easily carried in your hand, enjoyed on the go, and promise to add some flavorful spark to any event or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Fried Green Tomato Fritters

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.

If you’re a seafood fan, you’ll love Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. These luscious, handheld bites are made in an air fryer, which means they’re both scrumptious and on the healthier side. An ideal portable finger food, they provide seafood lovers a tasty option that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Chicken Pakora

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Next let’s explore Chicken Pakora. This Indian snack is always a crowd-pleaser, delivering a tickle of spice and a satisfying crunch in every bite. Conveniently sized and mess-free, it fits into the palm of your hand, offering a fantastic portable option for any social get-together.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Air Fryer Samosas

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

Ever struggled to balance your plate at a party? Air Fryer Samosas have got your back. With a crispy crust encasing a savory filling, these Indian pastries are not just utterly delicious, but also incredibly easy to enjoy — all you need is your fingers to dig in!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Samosas

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 delivers a punch of flavor with the convenience of being on-the-go friendly. Whether you’re at a cocktail party or a casual gathering, these shrimp can be enjoyed wherever you are, no plates needed. A great choice for seafood lovers, don’t you think?
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

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

Fancy something spicy? Try Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites! They’re small, they’re fiery, and they’re made without any oil, thanks to the air fryer. And the best part is, they make for an incredibly tasty, portable finger food that packs a pleasing punch of heat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Bites

Crystal Dumplings

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

Crystal Dumplings are the epitome of a convenient, bite-sized snack. These translucent beauties boast a tasty filling that is revealed through their clear wrapper, adding a touch of elegance. Being both delicious and handheld, they are an ideal finger food option for your next get-together.
Get the Recipe: Crystal Dumplings

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

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

If you love BBQ, then Air Fryer BBQ Wings have got your name all over them. These are not just lip-smacking good, but also a perfect example of a portable finger food delight. Not to mention, they are made using an air fryer, which cuts down on the fat content without compromising on the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

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

Vietnamese Summer Rolls offer a fresh, vibrant, and healthful option. The rolls are bursting with an array of flavors, and are effortlessly portable, making a perfect dish for those health-conscious foodies. You can easily mingle around while enjoying these tasty morsels.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

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

Air Fryer Spring Rolls are testament to the versatility of air fryer cooking. They’re crunchy, tasty and offer a mouthful of flavor with each bite. Plus, they’re perfectly sized for hand-held consumption, making them an excellent, mess-free option for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Mochiko Chicken

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

Let’s talk about Mochiko Chicken. These Japanese-style chicken bites offer a delectable taste that’s hard to resist. They’ve got a nice crunch on the outside and a juicy, tender inside, and are perfect to be enjoyed as a portable finger food, don’t you agree?
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

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 offer crunch, flavor, and that beloved onion kick—all without needing a plate. They are made in an air fryer, offering a healthier alternative without skimping on flavor. Easy to carry and enjoyable to eat, they definitely make a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

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.

Whether you’re at a cocktail party or a family gathering, Samosas always hit the spot. The beautiful triangular pastries are filled with a variety of savory fillings and offer a tasty, hand-held snack that is perfect for any social event. Talk about a snack that can be enjoyed on the move!
Get the Recipe: Samosas

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.

When mouthwatering filling pairs up with a deliciously crispy exterior, you get Air Fryer Empanadas. They are so portable, they’ll have you wondering why you ever needed plates in the first place. Perfectly sized and full of flavor, they’re a surefire hit at any event.
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.

Now consider Chicken Potstickers, they’re like a meal packed into one tiny, delicious package. They make socializing and eating simpler by being easy to pick and carry. Plus, they offer a tasty blend of flavors that always leaves you wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

Let’s not forget about Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Spicy, cheesy, and enveloped in a crispy layer—all of this without the need for a single plate. They serve as a delightful handheld snack and a perfect conversation starter.
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.

Char Siu Bao, anyone? These fluffy, portable delights contain a generous serving of tasty barbecue pork, making each bite an experience to savor. Their unique, tactile quality provides a fun departure from traditional plate-bound meals and enhances any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Bao

Thai Fish Cakes

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

Lastly, we have Thai Fish Cakes. Tender, flavorful, and packed with authentic Thai flavor, these bite-sized snacks make the perfect handheld treat. Easy to enjoy and even easier to carry, they offer a delicious alternative to your conventional plated food.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fish Cakes

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