27 Appetizers for People Who Hate Complicated Recipes

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I love a good appetizer, but I’m not about to spend all day making one. The best appetizers are the ones that come together fast, use simple ingredients, and don’t leave the kitchen a mess. Whether you’re hosting or just need a quick snack, these recipes keep things easy without sacrificing flavor.

BLT Dip

A hand holding a loaded potato skin topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and a slice of tomato. — BLT Dip. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This dip brings all the best parts of a BLT sandwich into a simple, crowd-friendly dish. It comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients, making it great for anyone who doesn’t want to spend extra time in the kitchen. It works well with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies, so there’s no need for anything fancy. Serve it chilled for a refreshing and easy appetizer that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: BLT Dip

Beer Cheese

A pretzel bite is being dipped into a bowl of cheese sauce. — Beer Cheese. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This cheese dip is thick, creamy, and loaded with bold flavor without requiring complicated steps. It’s a go-to for game days, casual gatherings, or anytime you need something that pairs well with pretzels and veggies. The beer adds depth, but it’s easy to customize depending on what you have on hand. Serve it warm for the best texture and enjoy a no-fuss appetizer that’s always gone fast.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese

Turkey Roll Ups

These roll-ups are a quick, no-cook option that works for both snacks and party platters. They require minimal prep and use ingredients that are easy to find, making them a simple choice when you need something fast. The combination of turkey, cheese, and a flavorful spread makes them light but still satisfying. Slice them up and serve for an effortless appetizer with almost no cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These chicken tenders come out crispy without the hassle of deep frying. They use simple ingredients and cook quickly in the air fryer, making them perfect for busy nights or last-minute appetizers. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a meal that feels homemade without the extra work. They’re a great option when you want something fresh but don’t want to deal with complicated prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Close-up of a hand holding a seasoned chicken wing garnished with fresh herbs, with more pieces on a plate in the background. — Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These wings are packed with flavor while keeping things simple in the kitchen. The lemon pepper seasoning does all the work, so there’s no need for a long ingredient list or extra steps. Whether baked or air-fried, they turn out crispy on the outside and tender inside. Serve them hot with a side of ranch or blue cheese for an easy crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

A hand holding a bacon-wrapped shrimp dipped in a small bowl of sauce, with a green leaf garnish on the side. — Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This appetizer looks fancy but requires almost no effort to make. The bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp, and both the air fryer and oven make it easy to get crispy results. It’s a great option for entertaining because it cooks fast and doesn’t need much prep. Serve it with a simple dipping sauce, and it’s ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

Mango Salsa

A white bowl filled with diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper salsa is surrounded by tortilla chips. — Mango Salsa. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This fresh salsa is a great way to add something light and refreshing to the table. It comes together quickly with just a few ingredients and works well with chips, grilled meats, or seafood. The combination of sweet mango and a little spice makes it a standout without needing any complicated steps. Serve it chilled for a bright and easy appetizer that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Mango Salsa

Crab Rangoon Dip

A person dipping a piece of bread into a skillet of cheesy dip. — Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dip takes the flavors of classic crab rangoon and turns it into an easy-to-make appetizer. It’s creamy, loaded with crab, and pairs well with crispy wonton chips or crackers. Everything comes together in one dish, making it a simple option for entertaining. Serve it warm for the best texture and a restaurant-style snack at home.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

These poppers have a crispy coating with a creamy, cheesy filling that’s hard to beat. The air fryer makes them simple to prepare without the mess of deep frying. They’re the perfect mix of heat and crunch, making them a great snack or appetizer for any occasion. Serve them hot with a side of ranch or sour cream for a quick and easy dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Pasta chips in a white bowl. — Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These crispy pasta chips are a fun twist on a classic snack, and they take almost no effort to make. The air fryer gives them a crunchy texture without needing extra oil. They pair well with different dips, making them a great choice for serving a crowd. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this is an easy appetizer that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

A bowl of bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages served on a bed of fresh green herbs. — Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This classic party appetizer is a must when you need something simple but full of flavor. The bacon crisps up beautifully, and the little smokies bring a rich, savory bite without any complicated steps. They cook up quickly in the oven or air fryer, so you can focus on other things while they bake. Serve them with a toothpick for an easy grab-and-go appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

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

These shrimp are coated in a crispy panko crust that gives them the perfect crunch without requiring a complicated batter. They cook quickly, whether fried or baked, making them great for last-minute appetizers. With minimal ingredients and an easy prep process, they come together without hassle. Serve them with cocktail sauce or a simple aioli for an effortless dish.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

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

This sweet and savory appetizer is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. The air fryer helps the bacon crisp up while keeping the pineapple warm and juicy. It’s a great option when you want something that feels a little special but doesn’t take much effort. Serve them on skewers or toothpicks for a mess-free snack.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Close-up of a garlic bread slice topped with melted cheese and herbs held over a plate. — Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This garlic bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with no need to turn on the oven. The air fryer speeds up the process while keeping things simple, making it perfect for quick appetizers. With just a few ingredients, it’s an easy side dish that works with pasta, soups, or as a standalone snack. Serve it warm for the best flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Close-up of a pastry topped with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. — Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These bite-sized appetizers come together quickly with just a few ingredients. The puff pastry bakes up light and flaky, while the cranberry and brie add a rich, sweet-savory contrast. They look impressive but require very little effort, making them great for gatherings. Serve them warm for a simple, elegant addition to your appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

These onion rings are coated in crispy bacon for a smoky, crunchy appetizer that doesn’t need extra seasoning. They cook up quickly in the oven or air fryer, keeping prep time minimal. They work great as a snack or a side dish, making them a versatile choice for any occasion. Serve them with a simple dipping sauce for an easy, flavorful bite.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate. — Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These quesadillas come together fast with simple ingredients, making them a great go-to for an easy appetizer. The crispy tortilla pairs well with the melty cheese and seasoned beef, creating a filling snack that works for any occasion. They’re easy to slice into small portions, perfect for sharing. Serve them with salsa or sour cream for a quick and flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Crab Melt

This appetizer combines creamy crab with melted cheese for a warm, flavorful bite. It’s simple to put together, making it great for anyone who doesn’t want to spend extra time in the kitchen. Whether served on toast or crackers, it’s a no-fuss option that feels a little special. Serve it hot for the best texture and taste.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Three grilled shrimp atop cucumber slices garnished with herbs on a white plate with a red checkered napkin partially in view. — Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These shrimp bites are fresh, light, and require almost no prep work. The crisp cucumber slices act as a base, making this an easy, no-cook appetizer. The combination of shrimp and a creamy topping makes them feel just fancy enough without adding extra steps. Serve them chilled for a refreshing and quick snack.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Ground Turkey Meatballs

Three glazed meatballs are arranged in a row on a white plate, each garnished with a stick and a small sprig of parsley. A red checkered cloth and some fresh parsley are in the background. — Ground Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These meatballs come together quickly with simple ingredients and don’t require complicated techniques. They can be baked or air-fried, making them a hands-off option while you prep other dishes. They work as an appetizer with dipping sauces or as a main dish with pasta. Serve them warm for an easy and filling option.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

These bite-sized salmon pieces are wrapped in crispy bacon for a simple but flavorful appetizer. The salmon stays tender while the bacon adds a smoky, crispy contrast. They cook quickly in the oven or air fryer, making them an easy option when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Serve them with a light sauce for a no-fuss, flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

These crispy spring rolls cook up fast in the air fryer without needing extra oil. The filling is simple but full of flavor, and they make a great handheld snack. They’re a great choice when you need something that feels a little special but doesn’t require much effort. Serve them with a dipping sauce for an easy and mess-free appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Jalapeño Popper Dip

A cast iron skillet filled with a cheesy dip. — Jalapeño Popper Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dip has all the flavors of classic jalapeño poppers without the extra work. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of heat, making it a crowd-friendly option. It comes together in one dish and bakes quickly, so there’s no need for complicated prep. Serve it with chips or crackers for a quick and easy appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Dip

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

Air Fryer Chicken Wings on white plate. — Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These wings go straight from the freezer to the air fryer, making them one of the easiest appetizers you can make. There’s no need to plan ahead or deal with messy oil, and they still come out crispy. They’re perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or whenever you need something quick. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an easy, no-hassle snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Three bacon-wrapped pieces of chicken on a white plate with a sprig of parsley and a red and white checkered cloth on the side. — Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These bite-sized chicken pieces are wrapped in crispy bacon for a simple but flavorful appetizer. They bake quickly in the oven or air fryer, keeping things hands-off and easy. The bacon adds plenty of flavor, so there’s no need for complicated seasoning. Serve them warm with a dipping sauce for an effortless crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This dip brings the bold flavors of buffalo wings without the mess. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of spice, making it perfect for dipping chips, crackers, or veggies. Everything comes together in one dish, so there’s little cleanup involved. Serve it warm for a quick, easy appetizer that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Hawaiian Roll Sliders

A close-up image of a platter of ham and cheese slider sandwiches sprinkled with poppy seeds and garnished with chopped herbs. — Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These sliders are packed with flavor and require almost no prep work. The soft rolls hold up well with the filling, making them a great choice for easy, mess-free servings. They bake together in one pan, so they’re simple to make for a group. Serve them warm for a quick and filling appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders