13 Seafood Appetizers That Bring the Ocean Straight to Your Plate

Fresh, flavorful, and easy to love—these seafood apps are the next best thing to dining beachside. From garlic butter shrimp to creamy crab-stuffed peppers, every bite is a little wave of deliciousness. Ideal for sharing, snacking, or building the perfect appetizer platter.

Tortillitas de Camarones (Shrimp Fritters)

Light and crispy, these Tortillitas de Camarones are a perfect tapas for date night. These Shrimp fritters are topped with a homemade aioli.
Get the Recipe: Tortillitas de Camarones (Shrimp Fritters)

Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

A plate of breaded, fried shrimp garnished with cilantro, served with a small bowl of green dipping sauce and a lime wedge. — Air Fryer Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

If you're looking for a tasty and healthy appetizer or main course that can be prepared in a matter of minutes, air fryer panko shrimp is a great option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

Crab Cream Cheese Wontons

A plate of crab wontons garnished with green onions. — Crab Cream Cheese Wontons. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Super crispy wontons stuffed with a juicy and flavorful crab filling. This delicious appetizer is cheaper and faster than takeout!
Get the Recipe: Crab Cream Cheese Wontons

Air Fryer Calamari

Air-fried calamari rings garnished with parsley and lemon wedges on a white plate. — Air Fryer Calamari. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Air Fryer Calamari is a game-changer! Enjoy the same crispy crunch you love, but without all the deep-fried guilt. This recipe is easy too. Simply coat the calamari in breadcrumbs and pop them in the air fryer for a quick, delicious appetizer. Enjoy a healthier, lighter recipe that's ready in under 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Calamari

Creamy Coconut Shrimp Buffet Style- Quick and Easy

Juicy shrimp cooked in creamy coconut sauce, just like buffet-style on a black plate. — Creamy Coconut Shrimp Buffet Style- Quick and Easy. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Creamy coconut Shrimp buffet style is a popular Chinese appetizer that has been adapted to American tastes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Shrimp Buffet Style- Quick and Easy

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

Bacon wrapped shrimp on a white plate with dipping sauce. — Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Upgrade your appetizer game with a bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe. The recipe is perfect for the air fryer or oven. You'll enjoy a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

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

Tuna Stuffed Avocados

A glass bowl of tuna salad with pickles and multiple avocados stuffed with the salad around it. — Tuna Stuffed Avocados. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Stay full longer with these tuna stuffed avocados! A flavorful combo, tuna and avocado make the perfect high-protein snack or tasty app!
Get the Recipe: Tuna Stuffed Avocados

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Bacon wrapped shrimp are a crispy delicious way to enjoy shrimp. Crispy smokey bacon gives the shrimp a hearty flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Refreshing Colombian Ceviche with Pear, Fennel, and Mango

A bowl of Colombian ceviche with pear, fennel, and mango. — Refreshing Colombian Ceviche with Pear, Fennel, and Mango. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Experience the flavors of Colombia with this refreshing ceviche. Fresh fish marinated in lime juice, combined with sweet mango, crisp pear, and aromatic fennel. Perfect for summer gatherings and outdoor parties.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Colombian Ceviche with Pear, Fennel, and Mango

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Panko shrimp with dipping sauce. — Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy and delicious fried panko shrimp will satisfy any seafood lover. Enjoy this tasty dish with your favorite sides or dipping sauce!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Thai Fish Cakes

Thai Fish Cakes or Tod Mun Pla are loaded with layers of intense flavors from Thai curry paste, cilantro, and fish sauce.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fish Cakes

Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer

A person holding a cucumber with shrimp and guacamole. — Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer is an easy option that comes together in 30 minutes. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t need a lot of prep or cooking time, so it’s perfect for making for last-minute guests and casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer