17 effortless starters for all your holiday gatherings

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Are you looking for some easy ways to kick off your holiday gatherings with a bang? Well, you’re in luck! Here are 17 effortless starters that will make your get-togethers unforgettable. The result? a cozy room filled with laughter, friends, and delicious food. The goal is to keep it easy and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories instead of spending too much time in the kitchen.

Air fryer garlic bread on white platter.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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

These chicken tenders are a game-changer for your gatherings. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they’re a crowd-pleaser without the hassle. Just pop them in the air fryer, and you’ve got a delicious snack that disappears faster than you can say, “More please!”
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Stack of bacon wrapped onion rings.
Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your appetizer game with these bacon-wrapped onion rings. The savory crunch of bacon complements the sweetness of the onion, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Easy to grab and enjoy, they’re the perfect finger food for a relaxed holiday get-together. Get ready for your guests to ask for the secret behind these irresistible bites.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Beef Quesadillas

Stack of beef quesadillas on a plate.
Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Keep it simple yet pleasing with beef quesadillas. Packed with savory goodness, these bites are a hit for any gathering. The melted cheese and seasoned beef bring a burst of flavor that will have your guests reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive party, these quesadillas are sure to disappear quickly, leaving everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Air Fryer Lumpia

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

Crispy and flavorful, air fryer lumpia adds an amazing twist to your holiday spread. These bite-sized treats are filled with a tasty mixture, delivering a perfect blend of textures. Forget the grease – the air fryer does the magic, giving you a guilt-free snack that’s both crunchy and satisfying. Your guests will be reaching for more of these Filipino-inspired treats.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Turkey Roll Ups

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

Turkey roll-ups are the definition of simplicity meeting deliciousness. Rolled with care, these bites feature turkey slices filled with a combination of flavors. Easy to handle and mess-free, they’re the ideal snack for a laid-back holiday gathering. With a perfect balance of protein and taste, these roll-ups make mingling with loved ones even more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Ups

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A bowl of meat and green peppers with a spoon.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Level up your appetizer game with these garlic butter steak bites. Succulent pieces of steak are seared to perfection and then coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. These bites are a carnivore’s dream, combining rich flavors with a tender texture. Perfect for a holiday celebration, these steak bites will have your guests savoring every mouthful and asking for your kitchen secrets.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – that’s the magic of air fryer potato wedges. These simple yet delicious wedges are a versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish. Seasoned just right, they’re the ideal complement to any holiday meal. Forget the oven – the air fryer ensures these potato wedges come out perfectly golden and ready to be dipped into your favorite sauces. Get ready for a side dish that steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Ham and cheese sliders on a plate.
Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Take yourself on a tropical trip with Hawaiian roll sliders. These mini sandwiches feature an amazing combination of flavors, from sweet Hawaiian rolls to savory fillings. Perfectly portioned, they’re an easy grab-and-go option for your holiday gathering. Forget the fuss of assembling large sandwiches – these sliders bring the taste of the islands to your guests in a bite-sized, mess-free package. Get ready to add a touch of aloha to your festivities.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Bowl of bacon wrapped cocktail sausages.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a savory twist to your holiday spread with bacon-wrapped little smokies. These bite-sized wonders are small in size but big on flavor. The combination of smoky bacon and juicy little sausages creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Whether served on toothpicks or as part of a grazing board, these bacon-wrapped delights are sure to disappear quickly, making them a must-have for your festive gathering. Get ready for a flavor-packed experience that keeps your guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Air fryer garlic bread on white platter.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your gathering with Air Fryer Garlic Bread – golden, crispy slices with a perfect garlic kick. It’s the ideal crowd-pleaser, effortlessly bringing people together with the aroma of freshly baked goodness. A simple yet delicious start to your holiday festivities.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta on parchment paper.
Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Introduce a fresh twist with Zucchini Bruschetta. Delicate zucchini slices replace the traditional bread, topped with a flavorful medley. This starter adds a light, vegetable-forward touch to your holiday spread, inviting guests to savor a burst of vibrant, uncomplicated flavors.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken in bowl with one piece cut to show inside.
Popcorn Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

For a snack that’s both familiar and delicious, serve up some Popcorn Chicken. These bite-sized delights are perfect for munching and mingling. With their crispy exterior and juicy interior, they’re an easy win that effortlessly appeals to a variety of taste preferences at your holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Pork belly bites on a plate and cutting board with a knife.
Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Get ready for a flavor explosion with Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites. A crispy exterior gives way to a succulent pork belly, creating an irresistibly delicious treat. This Filipino-inspired dish, Lechon Kawali, offers a unique and flavorful start to your festivities that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

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

Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp is a crowd-pleaser that brings the taste of the sea to your holiday table. The golden, crunchy coating complements the tender shrimp inside. These delectable bites are a simple yet impressive way to kick off your gathering with a burst of seaside flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

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

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings are an essential addition to any holiday gathering. The blend of zesty citrus and a robust pepper kick forms a flavor combination that effortlessly delights those who enjoy a touch of zest in their appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Pumpkin deviled eggs on a white plate.
Pumpkin Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Put a seasonal twist on a classic with Pumpkin Deviled Eggs. The subtle pumpkin flavor adds a touch of warmth and earthiness to the familiar appetizer. These deviled eggs offer a lovely fusion of traditional comfort and seasonal charm, making them a perfect addition to your holiday lineup.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Cheesy smashed potatoes on a plate next to Christmas decor.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Take your spuds to the next level with Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. These crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside bites are loaded with savory goodness. A hassle-free yet impressive option, these potatoes with a cheesy finish are bound to be a hit at your holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

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