Simplest, cheapest, fast and minimum footprint current limiting circuit with low resistance in normal state
Your typical double transistor current limiter may be your best bet. Shown below is the top-side and bottom side versions.







simulate this circuit &ndash; Schematic created using CircuitLab

Note there is a penalty of about a volt drop with this circuit.

Buy dual transistors in a single 6 pin package.

The small resistor will cause the current to fold back when it reaches Vbe. The other resistor sets the base current and needs to be calculated to produce sufficient collector current taking into account Hfe.

HOWEVER: Be aware that transistor needs to handle a few watts for the duration of the short since it only limits the current to your threshold value.