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    Home » Appetizers

    32 Appetizers So Simple You’ll Actually Want to Make Them

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 2, 2025 · Published December 2, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 32 appetizers are quick and easy to make, perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up delicious bites that everyone will enjoy. Whether you're looking for something savory, cheesy or a bit spicy, there's something here for every occasion.

    Caprese Salad

    Caprese Salad.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    A Caprese salad is quick to prepare with just a handful of fresh ingredients. It's a perfect choice when you want a simple and delicious appetizer.

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    Tomato Bruschetta

    Tomato Bruschetta.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Bruschetta is a tasty choice that works well as a snack, appetizer, or even a light dinner. It's full of flavor and easy to whip up in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Pickles

    Fried pickles.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Air fryer fried pickles are a quick and easy snack that you can prepare in just a few minutes. They're great for when you're craving something crunchy and flavorful. This snack is perfect for casual gatherings or just a little treat for yourself.

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    Cheesy Garlic Bread

    cheesy garlic bread
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Garlic bread with cream cheese is a simple appetizer that anyone can put together in no time. It's tasty and budget-friendly, making it a great choice for gatherings or just a snack at home.

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    Smoked Salmon Pâté

    Smoked salmon pâté.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Smoked salmon is a great choice for a quick and tasty appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with butter-fried bread, making it a simple yet satisfying option. This spread is easy to prepare and perfect for any gathering.

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    Smoked Salmon Sandwich

    Smoked Salmon Sandwich.
    Photo credit: Tia Clara.

    This smoked salmon appetizer combines the rich flavors of smoked salmon with creamy avocado mayo. It's a quick and easy option that fits perfectly into a busy evening. Enjoy this tasty treat that requires minimal effort and is sure to impress.

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    Twice-Baked Potatoes

    Twice-baked potatoes.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Twice-baked potatoes are an easy and delicious choice that you can prepare in no time. These potatoes are baked rather than fried, which keeps them light and flavorful, using just a few simple ingredients. They make a great appetizer that everyone will enjoy.

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    Salmon Tartare

    Salmon tartare.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon tartares are easy to whip up and can be prepped ahead of time, making them perfect for a relaxed dinner with friends. They provide a fresh and flavorful choice that won't take much of your time.

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    Boiled Artichokes

    Boiled artichoke.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Artichokes are a simple appetizer that fits perfectly with any dinner. While they do take some time to cook, you can use that time to get everything else ready. Enjoy them with a bit of whipped butter for an extra touch!

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    Air Fryer Dumplings

    A dumpling picked up with chop sticks.

    Learn how to cook Air Fryer Dumplings and have a delicious snack or meal on the table in just 10 minutes. With a tiny bit of oil they come out perfectly cooked and slightly crispy at the edges - ready to dip in your favorite sauce. Can be made with any type of dumplings, pot stickers or gyoza!

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    Shrimp Scampi

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp scampi is a tasty appetizer that pairs wonderfully with bread. This dish is easy to prepare and is perfect for any get-together. It's a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

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    Texas Toast

    Air fryer texas toast.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Garlic bread is coated with garlic butter on both sides and becomes wonderfully crispy in the air fryer. This is a quick and easy appetizer that you can prepare in just a few minutes. It's perfect for starting off a meal or enjoying as a snack.

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    Classic Guacamole

    Guacamole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Guacamole is a favorite that many people love. It pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, making it an easy and enjoyable appetizer to share with friends and family.

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    Feta Stuffed Dates

    Feta stuffed dates.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Stuffed dates are always a crowd-pleaser and disappear quickly at parties. They're easy to make, which is great for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Bacon Wrapped Dates

    Bacon wrapped dates.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These dates are super simple to make and are great for a quick snack or appetizer. They come together in no time and are perfect for any gathering or just when you're feeling a bit hungry. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up something delicious that everyone will enjoy.

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    Spicy Garlic Edamame

    Spicy garlic edamame.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Spicy Garlic Edamame is an easy appetizer that you can whip up in just 10 minutes. With just four ingredients, this snack is perfect for busy nights and is sure to please everyone. It's a quick and tasty way to start any meal.

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    Air Fryer Spring Rolls

    a stack of spring rolls.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Frozen spring rolls are a quick and easy snack that you can whip up in under 10 minutes with an air fryer. They turn out nice and crispy with just a bit of oil, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce. This is a great option when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Vegan Tapenade

    Tapenade.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This tapenade is a delicious spread that skips the anchovies but still packs a punch. It pairs perfectly with bread or crackers, making it a great choice for snacking or as a starter. This is a nice addition to any meal, adding a burst of flavor to your table.

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    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Frozen shrimp is a great option when you need a quick appetizer for dinner. It's an easy and tasty way to kick off your meal.

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    Tuna Cucumber Bites

    Tuna Cucumber Bites.
    Photo credit: Low Carb Africa.

    Keto cucumber bites with tuna are perfect for a quick snack or appetizer any day. They're easy to put together and full of flavor, making them a great option when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Pico de Gallo

    Pico de gallo.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pico de Gallo Salsa is a bright and tangy blend of tomatoes, cilantro, lime, and a touch of spice. It adds a delicious kick to tacos, fish, meat, chips, or salads. This salsa is perfect as an appetizer when served with tortilla chips.

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    Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Salsa

    Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Salsa.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    Pineapple salsa brings together the sweetness of fresh pineapples and the heat of gochujang paste, along with juicy tomatoes. It's quick to whip up, taking just around 15 minutes, making it a great snack to enjoy with tortilla chips.

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    French Bread Pizza

    French bread pizza.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Air fryer French bread pizza is a quick and easy choice for busy weeknights or a tasty snack. It's straightforward enough that kids can whip it up by themselves. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious meal in no time.

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    Ezme

    Acili ezme.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Turkish sauce is perfect for a meze platter or just to dip some bread in. It's an easy dish that you can whip up in no time, making it a great choice for a tasty appetizer any night of the week.

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    Buffalo Shrimp

    Buffalo shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo shrimp bites are packed with flavor and pair perfectly with bread to soak up the tasty sauce. They're a great option for a quick appetizer that everyone will enjoy.

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    Baked Taco Dip

    Baked taco dip.
    Photo credit: Homemade Hooplah.

    This baked taco dip is a tasty mix of seasoned beef, creamy beans, melted cheese, and a kick of spices. It's a great choice for gatherings and is sure to please a crowd. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it's a snack everyone will enjoy.

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    Blistered Shishito Peppers

    Blistered Shishito Peppers.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Roasted shishito peppers are easy to make and packed with a nice salty taste. They work well as a quick snack or a tasty appetizer. These little peppers are not only simple to prepare, but they also add a fun twist to your gatherings.

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    Buffalo Hummus

    Buffalo Hummus.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Vegan buffalo hummus is a quick and delicious snack that fits perfectly into busy weeknight dinners. It requires only a handful of ingredients, making it simple to prepare and enjoy. This flavorful dip is great for sharing or just for a little something to munch on.

    Get the recipe

    Whipped Feta

    Tyrosalata.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Whipped feta cheese is a quick and tasty appetizer that brings together Greek yogurt, garlic, and fresh basil. In just 5 minutes and with only 5 simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling over your favorite snacks. It's an easy way to impress your guests or enjoy a flavorful treat at home.

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    Halloumi

    Air fried halloumi on a blue plate with lemon wedges and chili flakes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi cheese has a nice crispy texture on the outside while being soft and chewy on the inside. This appetizer is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion. Just toss it on a fresh green salad, and you have a delicious dish ready to enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Baked Brie

    Baked brie.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This cheesy appetizer is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. It brings together a mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and cheesy flavors, allowing you to choose your favorite nuts and berries to make it your own. It's simple to prepare and sure to please everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Wonton Chips

    Crispy Wonton Chips.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    Crispy fried wonton strips are a breeze to make at home with wonton wrappers. They taste just like the ones you get with sweet and sour sauce from your favorite Chinese restaurant. These strips are perfect for snacking or as a crunchy addition to your meals.

    Get the recipe

    More Appetizer Recipes

    • Shrimp scampi in a pan.
      7 Appetizers I Always Have to Make a Double Batch Of
    • Jalapeno popper wontons.
      18 Easy Appetizers You'll Want to Make Every Day
    • Air fryer fried chicken tenders.
      Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Tenders
    • Air fryer nachos.
      Air Fryer Nachos With Tajin

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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