21 Starters That Should Be Hard But Are Shockingly Simple

Ever think some starters seem too fancy or complex to make at home? Well, think again. There are at least 21 of these seemingly daunting dishes that are actually a breeze to prepare. Next time, surprise guests or treat yourself with these surprisingly simple yet impressive starters; cooking like a pro has never been this easy.

Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Stacked spring rolls on a white plate. — Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crisp on the outside and filled with tasty goodness on the inside, Air Fryer Spring Rolls make you wonder why you ever ordered out. This appetizer gets everyone talking. Plus, they're a cinch to prepare and even easier to enjoy. A festive texture treat without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls

The Best Baked Feta Recipe

You won't believe how easy it is to create a cheesy masterpiece right in your oven. With Mediterranean vibes, The Best Baked Feta Recipe ecomes the star of any starter lineup. Golden brown and brimming with flavor, it pairs perfectly with crusty bread. Just pop it in the oven and watch the magic happen.
Get the Recipe: The Best Baked Feta Recipe

Chicken Pakora

Bite into the crispy charm of Indian cuisine with Chicken Pakora. These fritters are not only mouthwatering but also whip up faster than your average snack. Perfect for those times when you want something quick yet delicious. They pack a punch of flavor in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Thai Chicken Satay

Fire up the grill or your stovetop for a Thai treat that's unexpectedly straightforward. Skewered and soaked in a marinade, Thai Chicken Satay is all about the flavor. Every bite brings you closer to the streets of Bangkok. Keep it chill with a no-sweat prep.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

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

Imagine crunchy little bites that you just can't stop popping into your mouth. Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp brings you that without the mess of a deep fryer. Serve them up and watch them disappear at any gathering. They're simplicity coated in crunch.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Get your napkins ready for a finger-licking favorite. Air Fryer BBQ Wings come out sticky and ready to devour. They're a game-changer for easy, mess-free preparation. Throw them in, and let the air fryer do the heavy lifting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Wings

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 meets salty in a combo that's bound to be a hit. With your air fryer, Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple comes out perfect every time. Juicy pineapple hugged by crispy bacon – it's a simple luxury. And yep, it's as easy as wrap, set, and forget!
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Empanadas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling. — Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Who can resist the allure of crispy, stuffed pastries? Air Fryer Empanadas make it a breeze to enjoy gourmet-like starters right at home. Fill them with anything that tickles your fancy. It's a fun and quick way to curb those snack cravings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Need a side that's quick but packs a punch? Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad got you covered. It brings a crisp, refreshing kick to your starter game. Let those cucumber slices take a dip in flavor town – no sweat required.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Change up your appetizer game with a twist on a classic. Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings are the perfect blend of sweet onion and smoky bacon. These little rings of joy are as fun to make as they are to eat. And they come together faster than you might think!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Air Fryer Zucchini

Craving something crispy but not the calories? Enter the handy air fryer and some fresh zucchini. Air Fryer Zucchini turns out golden and delicious every time. All it takes is a quick toss, air fry magic, and boom – an appetizer everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini

Beef Quesadillas

Melty cheese and succulent beef tucked into a toasted tortilla can only mean one thing: Beef Quesadillas are on the menu. Turning out this crowd-pleaser is simpler than you might guess. Whip them up for a quick snack or a casual meal. They offer the comfort of home cooking without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Turkey Roll Ups

A plate of turkey wraps with tomatoes and lettuce. — Turkey Roll Ups. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Light but flavourful, these make-ahead wonders are clutch for fuss-free hosting. Think juicy turkey and your favorite fillings rolled up into perfect little bites. Turkey Roll Ups are like mini flavor-packed pinwheels. They're a snack that proves simplicity can be surprisingly special.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Char Siu

Transform your kitchen into a Chinese barbecue joint with minimal fuss. Char Siu is all about that sweet, sticky glaze on tender pork. Whip it up with just a handful of pantry staples. It's a surefire hit for an appetizer that's deceptively simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Crab Rangoon Dip

A person dipping a piece of bread into a skillet of cheesy dip. — Crab Rangoon Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bringing the fun and flavors of your favorite takeout item, but in dip form! Crab Rangoon Dip is creamy, dreamy and utterly dip-worthy. It's surprisingly simple to whip up for a last-minute party snack. Just keep the chips coming, because no one can say no to just one dip.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Gone are the days of soggy green beans. Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans come out crispy and are a no-brainer. Pop 'em in, let the air fryer do its thing, and out come perfect starters. It's healthy snacking made quick and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

Who knew you could get that perfect crispy lumpia without a deep fryer? With Air Fryer Lumpia, you have a crowd-pleaser that's just so simple. Think crunchy, meaty, and utterly irresistible. Whip them up for a bite-sized treat that skips the oil splatter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Stacked taquitos on a plate. — Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Everyone loves a good crunch, especially when it's wrapped around juicy chicken. Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos roll all that goodness into a snack you won't want to share. With simple prep and quick cooking time, they're ready before you know it. Perfect for when hunger strikes hard and fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

Bacon wrapped shrimp on a white plate with dipping sauce. — Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Combining shrimp and bacon brings a duo everyone cheers for. Whether in the air fryer or oven, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp crisp up beautifully. They require just a couple of easy steps to prepare. Serve them and watch them disappear in moments!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air Fryer or Oven

Chicken Karaage

Overhead shot of karaage chicken with noodles on the side. — Chicken Karaage. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Japanese-style fried chicken, anyone? Chicken Karaage is your ticket to crispy, golden bites of heaven. It's easier to make than expected, only requiring a few pantry items. Serve it up and watch it vanish; yes, it's that irresistible!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Chicken wings on a plate with lemon wedges. — Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Zing meets zest with a peppery punch in every bite. Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are the ultimate snack for those who love a tangy twist. Whip up a batch in no time for a hangout—it's easy like Sunday morning. They're proof that great flavors can come with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings