The phrase "mere minutes" means a very short period of time, often less than 10 or 15 minutes. It can also imply that something happened quickly and with little effort, as if it were easy to accomplish in such a brief amount of time.
Sentences with «mere minutes»
We create stories about ourselves in mere minutes online in social profiles or blog «about» pages. (mashable.com)
It's especially easy to wake up to a delicious pudding for breakfast after taking mere minutes to put it together the night before. (veganyackattack.com)
I was worried I wouldn't know when it was time, even though I was living mere minutes from the hospital. (romper.com)