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31 Appetizers You Can Easily Throw Together

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When I need something quick that still feels like I put in some effort, I turn to easy appetizers. They’re perfect for last-minute guests, casual get-togethers, or just when I want a little something before the main meal. These are the kinds of recipes that help me pull it all together without stress or a sink full of dishes.

A spoon holds a portion of baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and a sprig of rosemary, with more potatoes on a white plate in the background.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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 creamy, bacon-packed dip brings familiar flavors in a form that’s easy to serve at gatherings. It takes minimal prep and is ready in minutes, making it ideal when you need something quick. Pair it with crackers or veggies for a crowd-friendly snack. The simple ingredients and short list of steps help keep stress low before guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: BLT Dip

Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

A baking dish filled with meatballs covered in melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley on a white surface.
Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These small, cheesy sliders come together quickly and can feed a group without much effort. They bake up warm and gooey, using store-bought rolls and meatballs to keep things moving. They’re a good pick when you want something hearty that won’t keep you in the kitchen long. Serve them straight from the oven for maximum appeal.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

Beer Cheese

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

This cheesy dip is creamy and rich, perfect for pairing with pretzels or chips. It takes just a few ingredients and comes together on the stove in one pan. You can make it ahead and reheat when needed, saving time on busy hosting days. It’s the kind of recipe that’s both simple and filling.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

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

Salty and sweet with a crispy finish, these bites are easy to prepare and fast to cook. The air fryer keeps things efficient without losing flavor. They’re perfect when you want something that looks fun but doesn’t require much prep time. These go fast at gatherings thanks to their bold flavors and handy size.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

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.

These meaty bites are a classic party option that come together with just a few ingredients. Wrap and bake or air fry for a quick appetizer that works with any occasion. Their salty flavor and easy prep make them a reliable go-to when time is short. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

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.

With minimal prep and a quick cook time, this garlic bread is a solid choice when you need something ready fast. It’s crispy on the outside and buttery in the center, made even easier with the air fryer. The ingredients are pantry staples, so you can usually make this without a special grocery run. It’s a familiar favorite that’s easy to slice and serve.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

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 mini sandwiches are baked in one dish and can be customized with whatever fillings you have. They’re soft, melty, and ready to serve in under 30 minutes. Perfect for sharing, they require very little prep or cleanup. They work well for casual gatherings when you need something filling and fuss-free.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

These poppers are packed with creamy filling and wrapped for extra crispiness, all without deep frying. They cook fast and can be prepped ahead, making them a great fit for hosting. Their size makes them easy to grab and enjoy while standing or mingling. With minimal ingredients, they don’t require a lot of effort to make.
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.

This crispy finger food cooks in minutes and skips the need for deep frying. It’s a good option when you want something crunchy without spending much time on the stove. You can make them ahead and reheat easily, which cuts down on last-minute prep. They’re crowd-pleasers that come together with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These cheesy potatoes are crispy outside, soft inside, and ready in a flash with the help of an air fryer. They require only a few ingredients and a quick prep. They’re a smart option when you want something hearty that still feels like a snack. Serve them hot with dipping sauce or as-is.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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 cheesy, meaty wedges come together in one pan and are easy to slice and serve. They’re a practical option when time is short and you need something filling. You can prep the beef ahead or use leftovers, making them even more convenient. They’re easy to portion and work well warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

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.

These shrimp bites cook quickly in either the oven or air fryer, saving time and cleanup. Their rich flavor and simple prep make them an easy win for any gathering. They look great on a platter and can be served warm or room temp. They don’t need much more than a quick sauce to go with them.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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

Crunchy and fun to dip, these chips are made from cooked pasta and crisped up quickly in the air fryer. They’re a smart way to repurpose leftovers and are ready in under 15 minutes. Serve them with any dip for a snack that looks different without much work. They travel well, so they’re also handy for bringing to events.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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 fruity salsa comes together fast and uses fresh ingredients for a bright, balanced flavor. It’s great as a dip or spooned onto other dishes, depending on what’s needed. The prep is quick with just a little chopping involved. It’s a fresh option when you want something chilled and colorful.
Get the Recipe: Mango Salsa

Turkey Roll Ups

A close-up of a hand holding a turkey roll-up slice.
Turkey Roll Ups. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These are quick to assemble and don’t require cooking, which is perfect when you’re short on time. They pack easily and can be made ahead, making them ideal for casual snacking. Use deli ingredients to keep things simple. They’re easy to serve and even easier to grab and eat.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

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

These crunchy shrimp are quick to fry and offer a crispy texture that’s great for dipping. They’re best served fresh but can be kept warm in the oven if needed. They don’t require complex ingredients, so they’re simple to prepare. They work well when you want something with bite that still feels easy.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These crunchy bites combine two familiar favorites into one snackable ring. They bake or air fry quickly and hold together well for serving. Prep is straightforward and can be done ahead of time. They’re ideal for casual get-togethers when you want bold flavor without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

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

Starting from frozen, these wings require no thawing and cook up crispy in under 30 minutes. They’re great when you need something hearty with little prep involved. No fancy tools or ingredients are required, and cleanup is simple. They’re reliable, filling, and always go fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hand holding a tortilla chip dipped in creamy Buffalo chicken dip, garnished with slices of green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This warm, cheesy dip is easy to mix and bake, making it a smart choice for any casual gathering. It’s ready in one dish and can be served with chips, bread, or veggies. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when guests arrive. It’s hearty and always goes quickly once on the table.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Crab Melt

Two plates of crab melt with sliced tomatoes and melted cheese, garnished with lemon slices on a white wooden surface.
Crab Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These warm, cheesy melts are quick to prep and serve as individual portions. They’re great for when you want something hot without a long cook time. Using canned or fresh crab works, so it’s easy to adjust based on what you have. These work well served open-faced on bread or toast.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Three pieces of bacon-wrapped salmon bites garnished with parsley on a white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These bite-sized salmon pieces are wrapped and baked for a rich, smoky flavor. They cook in under 20 minutes and look great served on a tray. The prep is minimal and they hold together well for serving. They’re perfect when you want something that’s simple but not ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Jalapeño Popper Dip

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

This baked dip has all the flavor of the classic appetizer without the extra steps. Mix, bake, and serve it warm with chips or crackers. It comes together fast and uses ingredients you likely have. This is a good pick when you want something rich and filling without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Dip

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 seasoned and baked or air fried to keep things easy and cleanup light. They’re great for groups and don’t need a lot of ingredients or time. Prep is simple and they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Their bold seasoning makes them stand out without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

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 are baked and easy to make ahead for serving at room temp or reheating later. They’re great for dipping or skewering, depending on your setup. With only a few steps and ingredients, they’re simple to pull together fast. You can serve them alone or with a quick sauce.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

Chicken Lollipops

A close-up of a hand holding a crispy breaded chicken drumstick, with more drumsticks on a white plate in the background.
Chicken Lollipops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Lollipops are fun to eat and always a hit, whether you’re serving kids or grown-ups. They’re crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and great for dipping. You can prep them ahead and fry or bake when needed—perfect for casual parties or weeknight treats.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

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.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites give you smoky, salty, and juicy all in one bite. These cook up quickly and make a great appetizer for gatherings or a quick savory snack. They’re bite-sized and easy to grab, which makes them just right for sharing or serving on a platter.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crisp without the mess of deep frying and come together fast. They’re kid-friendly and easy to batch for weeknight meals or quick lunches. With just a handful of ingredients, these tenders are a go-to when you want something simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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.

Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites combine flakey pastry, melted cheese, and fruit for a quick and easy make-ahead appetizer. These are perfect for holiday gatherings or when you need something that looks put-together but doesn’t take much effort. You only need a few ingredients and about 20 minutes to bake. They’re great for times when you want a warm, cheesy snack that doesn’t take over the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Bang Bang Shrimp

Fried shrimp on a plate next to a bowl of sauce.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bang Bang Shrimp is a fast, flavorful pick when you want something crunchy with a creamy sauce that brings everything together. It cooks quickly and works well in small portions, making it useful for casual get-togethers or family nights. The shrimp get a crisp finish without needing much oil or time. It’s one of those choices that feels special but doesn’t ask much in return.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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.

Shrimp Cucumber Bites are ideal when you need something fresh and quick to prep with minimal cleanup. They’re cool, crisp, and balanced with shrimp on top, which gives them a nice mix of texture and flavor. No stove or oven is needed, so they’re great when you want to keep things simple. You can make them ahead of time and bring them out when guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Crab Rangoon Dip

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

Crab Rangoon Dip takes a party favorite and turns it into something easy to share. It bakes in under 30 minutes and is excellent with chips, crackers, or veggies on the side. If you like warm dips that come together quickly, this one works well for game day or last-minute visits. The creamy texture and crab flavor make it stand out without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

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