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    Home / Collections

    19 Last-Minute Appetizer Recipes You Can Rely On

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Apr 6, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Are you often finding yourself in need of quick and easy appetizer ideas, especially when unexpected guests drop by or when you're hosting a spontaneous gathering? Well, fret no more because I've got you covered with a fantastic collection of last-minute appetizer recipes that you can always rely on. Imagine savory bacon-wrapped pineapple bites, crispy fried panko shrimp, and juicy grilled shrimp skewers, all ready to serve in a jiffy. These appetizers are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual get-together with friends or a family movie night at home.

    Let's face it, life can get hectic, and sometimes we just don't have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen preparing elaborate appetizers. That's where these recipes come in handy. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation steps, you can whip up a spread of mouthwatering appetizers in no time. Whether you're a busy parent looking for quick snacks for the kids or a party host in need of crowd-pleasing nibbles, these recipes are sure to be a lifesaver. Plus, they're so delicious that your guests will never guess they were made on the fly!

    Not only are these last-minute appetizer recipes convenient and tasty, but they also offer endless possibilities for customization. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients and flavors, adapting the recipes to suit your personal preferences or whatever you happen to have on hand. From classic favorites like chicken nuggets and bacon-wrapped goodies to innovative twists like air fryer creations and grilled skewers, there's something for everyone in this collection. So why stress about appetizers when you can rely on these quick and easy recipes to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings? Let's dive in and discover the joy of effortless entertaining with these last-minute appetizer recipes!

    Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    These bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage wedges are a lifesaver for last-minute appetizers, offering a crispy and savory option that's quick to prepare. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, they're a reliable choice for any gathering or snack time. Enjoy the combination of crispy bacon and tender cabbage for a flavorful appetizer that's sure to please everyone.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Hawaiian Roll Sliders

    Hawaiian roll sliders are the perfect last-minute appetizer recipe you can rely on, providing a delicious and portable option for any occasion. With layers of meat, cheese, and savory sauce sandwiched between sweet Hawaiian rolls, they're a crowd-pleaser that's easy to assemble. Whether you're hosting a party or need a quick snack, these sliders are sure to satisfy your cravings in no time.
    Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Make your appetizers a breeze with these chicken skewers kabobs made in the air fryer, offering juicy and flavorful bites that are ready in no time. With tender chicken and colorful vegetables, they're a convenient option for last-minute gatherings or snacks. Simply skewer the ingredients and let the air fryer do the work for you, resulting in tasty kabobs that are perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Two open-faced crab melt sandwiches garnished with herbs on a white plate, accompanied by lemon slices.
    Crab Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crab Melt

    Crab melt sandwiches are a reliable choice for last-minute appetizers, providing a warm and cheesy option that's quick to prepare and delicious to eat. With creamy crab filling and melted cheese on toasted bread, they're a comforting and satisfying option for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or craving a quick snack, these crab melts are sure to hit the spot and leave everyone wanting more.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

    Jalapeño Popper Dip

    Jalapeño popper dip is a go-to recipe for last-minute appetizers, offering a creamy and spicy option that's easy to make and always a hit with guests. With a blend of cream cheese, jalapeños, and crispy bacon, it's a flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with chips or crackers. Whether you're entertaining friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this jalapeño popper dip is sure to add a kick to your appetizer spread.
    Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Dip

    Zucchini Bruschetta

    Zucchini bruschetta is a quick and flavorful appetizer you can rely on, offering a fresh and vibrant option for any occasion. With grilled zucchini slices topped with tangy tomato and herb mixture, it's a delicious twist on traditional bruschetta. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or snacks, these zucchini bruschetta bites are sure to impress your guests with their simplicity and taste.
    Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

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

    Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    Bacon-wrapped little smokies are a surefire hit for last-minute appetizers, providing a savory and addictive option that's quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. With crispy bacon wrapped around juicy cocktail sausages, they're a delicious bite-sized snack that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or craving a savory treat, these bacon-wrapped little smokies are guaranteed to be a hit.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

    Bacon-wrapped shrimp is a reliable choice for last-minute appetizers, offering a tasty and elegant option that's easy to make in the air fryer or oven. With succulent shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon, they're a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply enjoying a snack, these bacon-wrapped shrimp are sure to impress with their simplicity and taste.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

    Garlic Butter Steak Bites

    Garlic butter steak bites are a flavorful and satisfying option for last-minute appetizers, providing juicy bites of steak seasoned with garlic and herbs. With tender meat and rich flavors, they're a delicious choice for any occasion. Quick to prepare and easy to cook, these steak bites are perfect for serving as finger food at parties or enjoying as a hearty snack. Whether you're hosting guests or craving a savory treat, these steak bites are sure to please.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

    A person dips a crispy pasta chip into a bowl of marinara, with more chips visible in the background.
    Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air Fryer Pasta Chips

    Air fryer pasta chips are a reliable choice for last-minute appetizers, offering a crispy and addictive option that's quick to make and perfect for snacking. With just a few simple ingredients, including cooked pasta and seasoning, they're a crunchy treat that's sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a quick snack, these air fryer pasta chips are a delicious and convenient option.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

    Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Air fryer potato wedges are a quick and tasty option for last-minute appetizers, providing crispy and flavorful wedges that are ready in no time. With golden-brown exteriors and tender interiors, they're a satisfying snack that's perfect for sharing. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, including potatoes and seasoning, these potato wedges are sure to be a hit at any gathering or party.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Beef Quesadillas

    Beef quesadillas are a reliable choice for last-minute appetizers, offering a delicious and versatile option that's easy to prepare and customize. With savory beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas, they're a satisfying snack that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or craving a quick bite, these beef quesadillas are sure to please with their simplicity and flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

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

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Bacon-wrapped salmon bites are a flavorful and elegant option for last-minute appetizers, providing a delicious combination of savory bacon and tender salmon. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, they're a convenient choice for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these salmon bites are sure to impress your guests with their taste and presentation.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

    Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

    Air fryer jalapeño poppers are a delicious and easy-to-make option for last-minute appetizers, offering a spicy and cheesy snack that's ready in minutes. With crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapeños, they're a flavorful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a casual night in, these jalapeño poppers are sure to be a hit with their bold flavors and satisfying crunch.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

    Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

    Bacon-wrapped onion rings are a tasty and satisfying option for last-minute appetizers, providing a delicious combination of crispy bacon and tender onions. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, they're a convenient choice for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a snack, these bacon-wrapped onion rings are sure to please with their savory flavor and irresistible crunch.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

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

    Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Elevate your appetizer game with these bacon-wrapped pineapple bites made in the air fryer, perfect for last-minute gatherings or snacks. With the sweetness of pineapple wrapped in savory bacon, they're a crowd-pleasing option that's quick and easy to prepare. Simply pop them in the air fryer for a crispy and irresistible treat that's sure to be a hit with guests. Whether you're hosting a party or need a quick snack, these appetizers are a reliable choice that you can rely on for any occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers are a delicious and versatile option for last-minute appetizers, providing succulent shrimp with a smoky flavor that's perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time on the grill, they're a convenient choice for entertaining guests or enjoying a snack. Simply marinate the shrimp, thread them onto skewers, and grill for a tasty appetizer that's sure to please. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or a casual get-together, these skewers are a reliable option.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Crab Rangoon Dip

    Crab Rangoon dip is a delicious and easy-to-make option for last-minute appetizers, providing a creamy and flavorful dip that's perfect for dipping chips or crackers. With creamy cheese, sweet crab meat, and savory seasonings, it's a crowd-pleaser that's ready in minutes. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, this Crab Rangoon dip is sure to be a hit with its rich flavor and satisfying texture.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

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

    Turkey Roll Ups

    Turkey roll-ups are a versatile and tasty option for last-minute appetizers, providing a satisfying combination of turkey, cheese, and veggies wrapped in a tortilla. With just a few ingredients and a short preparation time, they're a convenient choice for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or packing a snack for on-the-go, these turkey roll-ups are sure to please with their simplicity and delicious flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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