21 Last-Minute Appetizers That Practically Make Themselves

When time’s running out and guests are on their way, I know the last thing anyone wants is to stress over complicated appetizers. That’s why I love having a few quick and easy options in my back pocket that practically make themselves. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute get-together or just need a quick bite, these appetizers are here to save the day—no hassle, just great flavor.

A bowl of fresh mango salsa with diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper, served with tortilla chips.

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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.

A quick and simple last-minute appetizer that combines savory bacon with tender shrimp. These bite-sized snacks cook fast, whether you use an air fryer or an oven. Perfect for when you need something impressive with minimal effort. Bacon adds a crispy contrast to the juicy shrimp, making this an easy go-to when time is tight. Great for feeding a crowd in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

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 smoky, bacon-wrapped bites are always a crowd favorite and make for the perfect last-minute appetizer. With just two ingredients, they’re simple to prepare and ideal for sudden gatherings. The smoky sausage pairs perfectly with crispy bacon, delivering a satisfying bite. Quick to throw together, they’re great for casual get-togethers or game days.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

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 combo is an effortless last-minute appetizer that adds a tropical touch to your spread. The air fryer makes it super quick, requiring minimal prep. Juicy pineapple wrapped in crispy bacon offers a perfect contrast of flavors, ready in no time. A fresh, flavorful twist for those looking to switch things up at the last minute.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

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

These panko-coated shrimp are a crunchy, satisfying last-minute appetizer with minimal prep. The crispy exterior contrasts with tender shrimp inside, and they cook fast, making them ideal for a quick fix. Serve them with your favorite dips for an easy, crowd-pleasing snack. Perfect for any gathering where time is tight but flavor is essential.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Jalapeño Popper Dip

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

This warm, cheesy jalapeño popper dip is a last-minute appetizer that packs a punch of flavor. The creamy base tempers the spice from the jalapeños, making it a hit for any occasion. With simple ingredients, it comes together fast for sudden gatherings. Pair it with chips or veggies for a no-fuss snack that delivers. Perfect when you need something quick but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Dip

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley. — Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These crispy potato wedges are a breeze to whip up in the air fryer, making them a perfect last-minute appetizer. They offer all the crunch of fried potatoes with less effort and cleanup. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re great when you need a quick snack or side. Seasoned simply, they’re a reliable choice for any gathering. A no-fuss option for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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.

Juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon makes for a flavorful last-minute appetizer that’s simple to throw together. With minimal ingredients, these hearty bites cook quickly, making them perfect for unexpected gatherings. Great for parties, they’re a reliable option when time is short. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a quick snack. A crowd-pleaser with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Popcorn Chicken

These bite-sized popcorn chicken pieces are a crispy, quick-to-make last-minute appetizer that’s perfect for sudden gatherings. They come together fast, whether baked or fried, and are always a hit. With minimal prep, they’re great for feeding a group on short notice. Serve with dipping sauces for a versatile snack. Ideal for busy weeknights or game-day spreads.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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

A fun twist on classic pasta, these air fryer pasta chips are the ultimate last-minute appetizer. They crisp up quickly in the air fryer, offering a crunchy snack with little effort. Serve them with your favorite dips for an easy crowd-pleaser. Perfect when you need a snack that’s ready fast but still unique. A creative option for sudden gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon-wrapped cabbage is a quick and easy last-minute appetizer with a unique flavor twist. The crispy bacon and tender cabbage make for a satisfying bite that’s ready in minutes. The air fryer simplifies the process, delivering great results without much effort. Perfect for busy days when you need something fresh and filling. A hassle-free snack for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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 Hawaiian roll sliders are a simple, flavorful last-minute appetizer that’s perfect for feeding a group. With soft rolls and customizable fillings, they come together fast with minimal effort. Great for casual gatherings or game-day snacks, they require little prep but deliver big flavor. Just pop them in the oven for a warm, comforting treat. Ideal for when time is tight but you need to impress.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

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.

Fresh and vibrant, this mango salsa is a refreshing last-minute appetizer that requires only a bit of chopping. The sweet mango pairs perfectly with the hint of spice, making it a flavorful snack or topping. Ready in no time, it’s perfect for serving with chips or alongside your favorite dishes. A quick and easy way to add a fresh twist to your snack table. Great for unexpected guests.
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 warm crab rangoon dip offers all the flavor of the classic snack, but without the frying, making it a perfect last-minute appetizer. Creamy and full of crab, it’s easy to throw together for unexpected guests. Serve with chips or crackers for a quick and satisfying option. Perfect for when you need something rich and indulgent but don’t have much time. A go-to for busy gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

These bacon-wrapped salmon bites are a quick and easy last-minute appetizer that’s as tasty as it is impressive. The air fryer or oven does most of the work, delivering crispy bacon and tender salmon in no time. A great choice when you want something elegant yet simple for your snack table. Ready in minutes, they’re perfect for any occasion where time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips

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

These homemade baked tortilla strips are a fast and crunchy last-minute appetizer that’s incredibly versatile. They bake quickly, making them perfect for serving alongside dips, soups, or salads. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can add a homemade touch to your gathering in no time. Ideal for casual get-togethers when you need something quick. A simple, go-to snack for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

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

These air fryer jalapeño poppers are a quick and easy last-minute appetizer with just the right amount of spice. The air fryer speeds up the process, delivering creamy, cheesy goodness in no time. Perfect for when you need a snack with a kick but don’t have much time. Serve these for game days or casual get-togethers. A crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and serve.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers make for an ideal last-minute appetizer that’s both quick and delicious. With shrimp that cook in minutes, they’re perfect for outdoor or indoor grilling. Simple yet flavorful, these skewers can be served with a light dipping sauce for added taste. Great for warm-weather gatherings when you need something fast. An easy crowd-pleaser that doesn’t take much time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Chicken Nuggets

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

Classic chicken nuggets are a fast and satisfying last-minute appetizer that’s always a hit. Whether baked or fried, these bite-sized pieces of crispy chicken are ready in no time. Perfect for feeding a group with minimal effort, they’re great for both kids and adults. Serve them with your favorite dips for a simple snack. Ideal for busy weeknights or sudden gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

These air fryer chicken tenders are a crispy, quick-cooking last-minute appetizer perfect for busy days. The tender chicken and crunchy coating make them a favorite snack for any crowd. With minimal prep and fast cooking time, they’re ideal for serving at a moment’s notice. Serve with dips for an easy, versatile option. Great for game-day snacks or casual parties.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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 a light and refreshing last-minute appetizer that’s ready in minutes. The cool cucumber pairs perfectly with tender shrimp, making these bites as pretty as they are tasty. Great for when you need a snack that’s both quick and elegant. Perfect for casual or formal gatherings. A simple, healthy option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or time.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon-wrapped onion rings are a crispy, savory last-minute appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser. The smoky bacon adds a rich flavor to the sweet, caramelized onions, making them a hit at any gathering. With minimal prep, they’re easy to make and cook quickly. Great for game days or casual get-togethers when time is tight but flavor is essential. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings