28 Appetizers You’ll Never Believe Were This Easy to Make

Appetizers set the tone for any gathering but let’s be honest, nobody wants to spend hours prepping them. That’s why I’ve rounded up some of the easiest, most impressive starters that will have everyone thinking you spent way more time than you did. Whether you’re hosting friends or just need a quick snack, these recipes prove that great appetizers don’t have to be complicated.

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.

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A bowl of meat and green peppers with a spoon. — Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These tender, flavorful steak bites are an excellent choice for an appetizer that feels indulgent without being complicated. Coated in a rich garlic butter glaze, they’re ready in no time and perfect for sharing at any gathering. Their bite-sized format ensures everyone gets a satisfying taste.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Zucchini Bruschetta

A lighter twist on the classic bruschetta, this recipe swaps bread for zucchini rounds while keeping all the bold flavors. It’s a smart choice when you need something quick yet eye-catching for your appetizer spread. The best part? It takes no time to prepare and looks effortlessly elegant.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

This appetizer combines crispy bacon and tender cabbage for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make. Using an air fryer cuts down on prep time while ensuring great texture. It’s a unique option that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bang Bang Shrimp

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

With its creamy, slightly spicy sauce and crispy coating, this shrimp dish is a standout appetizer that’s shockingly simple to prepare. The balance of bold flavors makes it a hit at any gathering. It’s proof that impressive dishes don’t need to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer

These sweet, chewy strawberry snacks are an effortless way to bring something unique to your appetizer lineup. Using an air fryer makes the process fast and hassle-free. They’re a fresh and naturally sweet option that’s great for a variety of occasions.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Strawberries in an Air Fryer

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

A basket of crispy roasted pork belly chunks garnished with parsley, served in a white paper-lined wicker basket. — Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali). Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These pork belly bites deliver crispy perfection with minimal effort, thanks to the air fryer. They’re packed with rich flavor and ideal for those who want a hearty appetizer. You’ll love how quickly they come together while still feeling indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites (Lechon Kawali)

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 mango salsa is a fresh and vibrant addition to any appetizer spread. With its simple ingredients and no-cook preparation, it’s a stress-free choice for hosting. Its bright flavors make it a refreshing option that pairs well with chips or other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mango Salsa

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.

Roasting Roma tomatoes in an air fryer brings out their natural sweetness in a fraction of the time. They make an easy yet flavorful appetizer that’s as versatile as it is quick to prepare. These tomatoes work well alone or as part of a larger spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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 creamy, crab-filled dip turns a takeout favorite into a shareable, easy-to-make appetizer. It’s perfect for when you want something rich and comforting without a lot of work. Serve it with crackers or chips for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Chicken Nuggets

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

These classic chicken nuggets are a quick and easy appetizer that everyone loves. Their crispy coating and juicy interior make them a crowd-pleaser, whether for kids or adults. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a stress-free addition to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

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.

Crispy on the outside and cheesy on top, these smashed potatoes are a fun and easy appetizer. The air fryer takes care of the hard work, so you get maximum flavor with minimal effort. They’re the perfect finger food for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Crab Melt

These creamy, cheesy crab melts are a fast and flavorful way to impress your guests. They require just a handful of ingredients and come together in minutes. Perfect for appetizers, they’re a great balance of convenience and taste.
Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

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.

These chicken lollipops are both fun to eat and simple to prepare, making them ideal for casual gatherings. Their bold seasoning and crispy coating make them a crowd favorite. You’ll love how effortlessly they elevate your appetizer table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lollipops

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 turkey meatballs are a versatile option that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor. Made with pantry staples, they’re perfect for serving as a standalone appetizer or pairing with a dipping sauce. They’re a no-stress way to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

This sweet and crispy lumpia is a unique option for any appetizer spread. With a caramelized banana filling wrapped in a crunchy shell, it’s a fun way to mix things up. They’re surprisingly simple to make and offer a little something different for your guests.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Banana Turon Lumpia

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.

Flaky puff pastry, creamy Brie, and a tangy cranberry topping come together for an appetizer that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to prepare. These bites are great for entertaining because they’re quick to assemble and always a hit. They strike the perfect balance of flavor and ease.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Bites

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 a simple yet crowd-pleasing addition to any appetizer table. Using soft Hawaiian rolls as the base makes them easy to prepare and serve. They’re versatile, delicious, and perfect for sharing without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

Lumpia is always a hit, and this air fryer version makes it even easier to whip up a batch for your next appetizer lineup. The crispy wrapper and savory filling come together with less oil but all the crunch you’d expect. They’re ideal for feeding a hungry crowd with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

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.

These chicken skewers are an easy way to add a flavorful appetizer to your lineup. Cooking them in an air fryer keeps things quick and simple while delivering great results. They’re a convenient option that’s perfect for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This creamy, cheesy dip packs all the flavor of Buffalo wings without the mess. It’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that’s ready in minutes and perfect for sharing. The rich and spicy flavors make it a must-have for any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken 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 lemon pepper chicken wings are a flavorful appetizer that balances a citrusy zing with a peppery kick. Perfect for casual get-togethers, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist. Their bold seasoning and crispy skin ensure they’ll disappear fast from any table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

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 are crispy, golden, and easy to prepare in an air fryer. They’re perfect for gatherings where you need something quick and reliable. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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 are a quick and hearty appetizer that’s easy to whip up. With melted cheese and flavorful beef, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd without much effort. Cut them into slices for a shareable, no-mess option.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

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

These shrimp have a crunchy coating that makes them a standout appetizer. They’re quick to fry up and packed with flavor, making them perfect for parties. Serve them with a dipping sauce for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips

Tortilla strips in wooden bowl. — Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These tortilla strips are a simple and versatile addition to your appetizer spread. They’re baked to crispy perfection and ready in no time. Pair them with dips or soups for an easy, shareable option.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

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

When time is short, these air fryer chicken wings are the ultimate appetizer solution, straight from the freezer to your table. They crisp up beautifully with little prep, making them a lifesaver for last-minute gatherings. Toss them in your favorite sauce, and they’re ready to impress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (from Frozen)

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken is a bite-sized appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to game days. The crunchy coating and tender chicken make it a versatile option for dipping or snacking. Quick to prepare, it’s a stress-free way to keep everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

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

Sweet pineapple wrapped in salty, crispy bacon creates a perfect balance of flavors in this easy appetizer. The air fryer simplifies the process, making it a quick option for entertaining. They’re an effortless way to serve something unique and tasty.
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 an effortless crowd-pleaser with its crispy edges and soft, buttery center. The air fryer keeps things simple while delivering great results in just minutes. It’s a reliable choice for any appetizer table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

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 bacon-wrapped shrimp are the perfect mix of smoky and savory. They’re easy to prepare in either an air fryer or oven, making them a versatile option for any occasion. Their quick prep time means you’ll have a standout appetizer ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven