17 Surprising Ways To Turn Leftovers Into Tasty Snacks

Leftovers do not have to go to waste. With a little mix and match, new snacks can come together fast. These 17 surprising ways show how simple bits from yesterday can become tasty bites today.

The Best Baked Feta Recipe

Combine leftover feta with a quick bake and toppings to make it shine. The Best Baked Feta Recipe creates a warm, satisfying dish perfect for pairing with bread or crackers. Easy to whip up and serve to guests.
Get the Recipe: The Best Baked Feta Recipe

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.

Use up leftover cheese to make these iconic golden corn cakes. Arepas con Queso bring a soft-centered, crispy-edged treat to your table. Pair them with spreads or fillings for ultimate versatility.
Get the Recipe: Arepas con Queso

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

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

Leftover shrimp turn irresistible coated in panko crumbs and fried to perfection. Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp delivers crunch with every bite, making it great for dipping into sauces. Serve it as a quick appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

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.

Fold leftover meat, veggies, or beans into a crispy pocket for quick satisfaction. Air Fryer Empanadas bring flaky goodness with hearty fillings. Great for a snackable, grab-and-go option for you or the family.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Turn leftover chicken into a creamy, spicy spread everyone will love. Buffalo Chicken Dip works beautifully with chips, crackers, or veggies for a snack that’s ready in minutes. Perfect for game nights or casual hosting.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Beef Quesadillas

Transform leftover beef into melty, handheld snacks in no time. Beef Quesadillas combine savory fillings with golden tortillas for something quick and mess-free. Perfect for a lunch break or an easy snack.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Chicken wings on a plate with lemon wedges. — Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken wings take on a bright and bold flavor profile with lemon and pepper seasoning. Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings offer a fresh twist to your usual leftover wings approach. Serve them hot for a crowd-pleasing option at the table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Leftover chicken wings get an upgrade with a quick toss in BBQ sauce and air-fried perfection. Air Fryer BBQ Wings bring bold flavor with crispy skin and juicy meat. Ideal for a snack you can whip up in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Turkey Roll Ups

A plate of turkey wraps with tomatoes and lettuce. — Turkey Roll Ups. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Thin slices of leftover turkey turn into quick wraps filled with simple ingredients. Turkey Roll Ups make snacking easy and portable for on-the-go eating. Perfect for turning holiday leftovers into something fun and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

A plate of jalapeño poppers on a table. — Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Take jalapeños from the fridge and fill them for a snack you’ll keep coming back for. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers balance a spicy kick with creamy textures in every bite. Quick to make and overwhelmingly fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Leftover wrappers combined with veggies or proteins create crunchy rolls in under 10 minutes. Air Fryer Lumpia deliver addictive crispiness with smooth fillings inside. Serve these with dipping sauces for the ultimate snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Crispy Hot Sauce Smashed Potato Bites

Transform leftover potatoes into bite-sized snacks with a quick smash and a bold touch of heat. Crispy Hot Sauce Smashed Potato Bites pack crunch and flavor into every bite. Perfect for dipping and sharing during casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Hot Sauce Smashed Potato Bites

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

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

Leftover chicken pieces turn incredibly crispy and juicy with a quick air fry. Air Fryer Fried Chicken brings golden crust and tender meat to your plate. Perfect for satisfying a quick craving without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Leftover onions become extraordinary when wrapped with crispy bacon. Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings bring a salty, smoky punch that's hard to resist. Serve them as a snack or a fun appetizer for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

Bacon wrapped pineapple on a white plate. — Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fresh pineapple chunks meet salty bacon for a snack that's the perfect balance of flavor. Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer blends sweet and savory in bite-sized portions. Great as finger food for gatherings or movie nights.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Turn cucumbers into a refreshing, spicy side dish that pairs perfectly with rice or grilled meat. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is great for adding a kick of flavor while using up extras in the fridge. Light, quick, and full of crunch.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

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

Leftover veggies and proteins find a new purpose tucked into crispy rolls. Air Fryer Spring Rolls deliver satisfying crunch with minimal oil. Great for dipping into your favorite sauces while enjoying something light and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls