20 Appetizers to Keep Your Guests Happy If You're Not Ready

When guests arrive early or dinner is running behind, having a few quick appetizers on hand is a lifesaver. I always make sure to have a few easy-to-make options that keep everyone happy and satisfied while the main course finishes up. These appetizers are not only simple to prepare, but they also make sure no one is left hungry.

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

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Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken skewers kabobs are a perfect appetizer when you need something quick to keep your guests happy. They cook quickly in the air fryer, saving you precious time while offering a flavorful bite that everyone will love. Ideal for any gathering, these skewers are versatile and easy to prepare, ensuring that you're ready no matter how early your guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

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 light and refreshing, perfect for when you need an easy appetizer to keep your guests satisfied while they wait. These bites are quick to assemble and offer a balanced mix of textures and flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more. They're an excellent choice for a summer get-together or any time you need something quick and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

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

Bacon-wrapped pineapple offers a sweet and savory option that your guests will enjoy while waiting for the main course. The combination of crispy bacon and juicy pineapple is easy to prepare and sure to be a hit. This appetizer is perfect for gatherings where you need something quick and satisfying to keep everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon wrapped onion rings are an excellent choice when you need an appetizer to keep your guests content while the main meal finishes up. The crispy bacon and tender onion create a satisfying bite that's hard to resist. They’re quick to prepare and perfect for adding a little something extra to your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background. — Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken nuggets are a crowd-pleaser that will keep your guests happy while they wait for the main course. These nuggets are easy to make and offer a familiar, comforting taste that everyone enjoys. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they're a reliable option for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

Air fryer jalapeño poppers are the perfect way to keep your guests happy while the main course is still cooking. These poppers are easy to make and pack a little kick that will keep everyone coming back for more. They’re a great choice for any occasion where you need a quick and flavorful appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Bacon wrapped little smokies are a classic appetizer that will keep your guests content while they wait for the main course. These bite-sized treats are quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any gathering, they offer a savory option that's hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage is a unique and flavorful option that will keep your guests content while the main meal is still cooking. The crispy bacon and tender cabbage create a satisfying bite that’s quick to prepare and sure to be a hit. It’s a great choice when you need something a little different to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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 a reliable option that will keep your guests happy even if dinner isn’t quite ready. These tenders are quick to prepare and offer a familiar, comforting taste that everyone enjoys. Perfect for any occasion, they’re an easy go-to appetizer that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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 is a flavorful choice that will keep your guests happy while they wait for the main course. This dip is quick to prepare and pairs perfectly with crackers or bread, offering a rich and satisfying bite. It’s a great option for any gathering where you need something a little more substantial.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

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.

Air fryer garlic bread is a quick and easy appetizer that will keep your guests content while they wait for the main course. The crispy bread and rich garlic flavor make this a go-to option that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a simple way to add a little something extra to your gathering.
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.

Hawaiian roll sliders are a tasty option that will keep your guests happy even if you're not quite ready with the main course. These sliders are quick to assemble and offer a sweet and savory bite that's hard to resist. They're a great choice for any gathering where you need something reliable and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes seasoned with herbs and spices, served on a white plate garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer roasted Roma tomatoes are a simple and flavorful appetizer that will keep your guests happy while they wait for the main course. These tomatoes are quick to prepare and offer a fresh and tangy bite that pairs well with a variety of dishes. They’re a great choice for any gathering where you need something light and easy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Bacon wrapped salmon bites are a rich and satisfying option that will keep your guests content while they wait for the main meal. These bites are quick to prepare and offer a perfect balance of crispy bacon and tender salmon. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a great way to impress your guests without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

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 are a savory option that will keep your guests happy even if you're not ready to serve the main course. These bites are quick to prepare and offer a satisfying mix of flavors that everyone will enjoy. They’re a reliable choice for any gathering where you need something easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers are a light and flavorful appetizer that will keep your guests content while they wait for the main course. These skewers are quick to prepare and offer a satisfying bite that's perfect for any occasion. They’re a great option for summer gatherings or any time you need something quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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 offer a rich and flavorful option that will keep your guests happy while they wait for the main course. These bites are quick to prepare and bring together the tartness of cranberries with the creaminess of brie in a flaky pastry. They’re a great choice for any gathering where you need something a little more substantial.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

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.

Beef quesadillas are a hearty option that will keep your guests content while they wait for the main course. These quesadillas are quick to prepare and offer a satisfying mix of flavors that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for any gathering, they’re a reliable choice when you need something easy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Turkey Roll Ups

Turkey roll ups are a simple and quick appetizer that will keep your guests happy while they wait for the main course. These roll ups are easy to assemble and offer a light and fresh bite that's perfect for any occasion. They’re a great option for any gathering where you need something reliable and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Jalapeño Popper Dip

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

Jalapeño popper dip is a flavorful choice that will keep your guests happy while they wait for the main course. This dip is quick to prepare and packs a little kick that everyone will enjoy. It’s a great option for any gathering where you need something a little more substantial.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Dip