Even on an ordinary weeknight, it feels good to open the door and share something homemade. These 17 low-effort appetizers help you bake or air fry quick bites without adding stress to the day. I reach for recipes like these when I want reliable results and easy cleanup. You get simple, family-friendly snacks that let you focus on the conversation instead of the kitchen.
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Garlic and Parmesan Cheese Breadsticks
Garlic and Parmesan Cheese Breadsticks are baked until lightly crisp on the outside and soft inside. Made with refrigerated pizza dough, they come together fast with simple pantry ingredients. I often serve these alongside a dip when we host on a weeknight. Slice them before baking so they’re easy to pull apart and serve.
Get the Recipe: Garlic and Parmesan Cheese Breadsticks
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls with Cheese
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls with Cheese are baked until golden with melted cheese layered inside. With just a few ingredients and about 20 minutes in the oven, they’re easy to make any night of the week. I keep this recipe in mind when I need a quick appetizer that everyone recognizes. Serve them warm so the cheese stays soft and melty.
Get the Recipe: Pillsbury Crescent Rolls with Cheese
Tomato Puff Pastry Appetizer
Tomato Puff Pastry Appetizer is baked until flaky and golden with melted mozzarella and sliced tomatoes on top. The puff pastry base keeps it simple while still looking polished for guests. It’s an easy way to serve a homemade appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil after baking for a fresh finish.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Puff Pastry Appetizer
Air Fryer Mini Ravioli Appetizer
Air Fryer Mini Ravioli Appetizer is air fried until lightly crisp on the outside and tender inside. The ravioli cook in minutes, making this a practical choice for last-minute hosting. It’s an easy way to serve a familiar comfort food in appetizer form. Serve with warm marinara on the side for simple dipping.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mini Ravioli Appetizer
Tomato Tarts Puff Pastry Appetizer
Tomato Tarts Puff Pastry Appetizer are baked on flaky puff pastry until golden with melted mozzarella and fresh tomato on top. Store-bought pastry keeps this recipe simple and manageable on a weeknight. They feel special enough for guests but require very little prep time. Pat the tomatoes dry before baking so the pastry stays crisp.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Tarts Puff Pastry Appetizer
Air Fryer Wontons
Air Fryer Wontons are air fried until golden and crisp with either a savory or creamy filling inside. They cook quickly in batches, which makes them manageable for weeknight gatherings. I like that they feel homemade without requiring deep frying. Seal the edges well before cooking so the filling stays tucked inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wontons
Air Fryer Cream Cheese Wontons
Air Fryer Cream Cheese Wontons are air fried until crisp and golden with a creamy center. They cook quickly in batches, making them a great option for easy hosting. This simple appetizer brings a familiar takeout-style snack to your own kitchen. Lightly spray the wontons before air frying so they brown evenly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cream Cheese Wontons
Cheese Puff Pastry Bites with Spinach
Cheese Puff Pastry Bites with Spinach are baked until golden and lightly crisp with cheese, spinach, and bacon in every bite. Store-bought pastry makes this appetizer easy to assemble on a busy day. It’s a comforting option that feels homemade without a lot of prep. Chop the spinach finely so the filling bakes evenly.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Puff Pastry Bites with Spinach
Air Fryer Potato Skins
Air Fryer Potato Skins are air fried until crisp on the outside and tender inside, then topped with cheese and bacon. They come together faster than oven-baked versions and keep cleanup minimal. This is one of those comfort food appetizers that works for game night or a casual visit from friends. Bake the potatoes ahead of time so you can assemble and cook them quickly before guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Skins
Crescent Rolls with Mozzarella Cheese
Crescent Rolls with Mozzarella Cheese are baked until flaky and lightly crisp with melted cheese in every bite. Made with store-bought crescent dough, they’re quick to assemble and ready in about 20 minutes. I like serving these as an easy appetizer when we have neighbors stop by after dinner. Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning on top before baking for a simple upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Rolls with Mozzarella Cheese
Air Fryer Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Air Fryer Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe is air fried in a small pan until golden with melted cheese and pepperoni tucked into biscuit dough. Using refrigerated biscuits keeps this recipe simple and quick to assemble. It’s a fun pull-apart option that works well for family movie nights or casual guests. Let it cool for a few minutes before turning it out so it holds its shape.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Monkey Bread Recipe
Puff Pastry Bites Appetizer with Cranberries
Puff Pastry Bites Appetizer with Cranberries are baked until golden with melted brie and sweet cranberry sauce tucked inside. Using frozen puff pastry keeps preparation simple and stress-free. They look impressive on a platter but require minimal hands-on time. Let them cool slightly before serving so the filling sets and stays in place.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Bites Appetizer with Cranberries
Air Fryer Wonton Chips
Air Fryer Wonton Chips are air fried until lightly crisp and golden, creating a simple homemade snack in minutes. They use just a few ingredients and cook quickly, which makes them perfect for easy weeknight hosting. I love setting them out with salsa or a creamy dip for a family favorite appetizer. Try seasoning them before cooking so every batch feels a little different without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wonton Chips
Pillsbury Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza
Pillsbury Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza is baked until the crust is golden, then topped with a creamy ranch layer and fresh chopped vegetables. The shortcut dough keeps it quick and easy for busy families. It’s a refreshing option when you want something homemade but not heavy. Chill it briefly before slicing so the layers hold together neatly.
Get the Recipe: Pillsbury Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza
Air Fryer Crispy Pickles
Air Fryer Crispy Pickles are coated and air fried until crisp and golden without deep frying. They cook quickly and keep cleanup simple, which makes hosting easier. This easy appetizer pairs well with ranch or a simple dipping sauce. Spray the coating lightly with oil before cooking for even browning.
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Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini Fritters are pan fried until golden and lightly crisp on the outside. They use grated zucchini, eggs, and flour to create a simple batter that cooks quickly. This is a practical way to use extra zucchini while offering a homemade appetizer. Squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini so the fritters stay crisp.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters
Pillsbury Pizza Dough Cheese Sticks
Pillsbury Pizza Dough Cheese Sticks are baked until golden with melted cheese tucked inside soft pizza dough. Using refrigerated dough keeps prep easy and makes this a reliable family favorite. They work well for busy evenings when you want something homemade without starting from scratch. Brush the tops with garlic butter before baking for extra flavor with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Pillsbury Pizza Dough Cheese Sticks
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