Holiday hosting can be daunting. No matter how many people you have coming over, a little pre-planning can ensure you’re the life of the party, and not stressing over serving food. Hectic is not demure, or mindful, thank you very much. If you go to all this trouble, of inviting, planning, cleaning and prepping, you should be able to enjoy the party too.
Cooking a fancy dinner party, or snacks for a casual games night with friends, plan ahead to keep your fun momentum going. No hiding out in the kitchen, okay?
Holiday Hosting- Five Easy Dishes with T-Fal Infrared Air Fryer
Aside from having your mise en place, have a plan of action. One must-have kitchen gear that’s only gaining popularity is the almighty air fryer. It’s hard to imagine cooking before this appliance was invented in 2010. And now, T-Fal has made the air fryer even better with new infrared technology.
Set out a spread and let guests serve themselves- Everything is made in the T-Fal Air Fryer
This is like the Ferrari of air fryers. This super-light countertop cutie heats up to an astonishing 400 °C in forty-five seconds! Slash cooking times with no pre-heating required. The Infra-Heat™ technology is only the start. This nifty air fryer also features a generous viewing window so you can keep an eye on your food. An innovative reservoir for adding water prevents food from drying out. It also boasts a light, which gives it a nostalgic Easy-Bake oven vibe. Delight isn’t a word I toss around lightly, but that’s exactly what this beauty brings.
Holiday Hosting 101: Save Time and Cook Smart! Easy Snacks Everyone Loves
Falafel + hummus, Turkey meatballs + Patatas Bravas
Adapting menus to please everyone means including plant-forward dishes, veggie-friendly finds and hearty carbs. Parties tend to go along with over-indulging in things other than just food, so plan accordingly with tempting foods that promise to satiate.
Patatas Bravas
For the Potatoes
2 pounds mini potatoes cut into 1½-inch chunks
Kosher salt
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Boil water and add potatoes, cooking until softened up (10 minutes or so). Drain the water and shake the potatoes in the pot with a lid until they get shaggy. Those shaggy smashy potatoes net amazing crunchiness! Toss potatoes with salt and olive oil, in batches to ensure potatoes are coated.
Set the T-Fal Infrared Air Fryer to 375°F. Add potatoes evenly, ensuring not to overcrowd. Bake for 10 minutes, turn and bake for 10 more, or until golden. Arrange on a platter.
Make it! Mediterranean Inspired Sweet Potatoes!
For the Salsa Brava
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon pimentón dulce, or use sweet paprika
1 teaspoon pimentón picante or ¼ teaspoon cayenne
3/4 cup chicken or veggie broth
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Kosher salt
While the potatoes are cooking, make the salsa brava. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Chop garlic and cook for two minutes. Add flour and stir, coating garlic. Add spices and tomato paste. Stir until well blended and you end up with a paste. Add broth and bring to a low boil. Add vinegar and salt. Stir until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Place sauce in a blender and blitz until smooth. Drizzle on potatoes and finish with your favourite aioli and herbs.
Five More Easy Snacks You Can Make in a Snap with the T-Fal Infrared Air Fryer
Store-bought snacks are always a safe bet. Round out your buffet with air fryer friendly:
Falafel + Hummus- Bake falafels at 350°C for 5 minutes, or until perfectly crispy.
Turkey Meatballs + Cranberry Sauce- Add 1/2 cup of water to the air fryer reservoir. Bake frozen turkey meatballs at 375°C for 8 minutes or until they reach an internal temp of 74°C or 165°F.
Mac n’ Cheese Balls- Place cheese balls with space to allow maximum crispiness. Bake at 325°C for 6-10 minutes, depending on size.
Baked Brie- Cut brie in half, add basil, sundried tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Brush with olive oil and sea salt. Bake for 4 minutes at 350°C. Top with more basil, sundried tomatoes and vinegar.
Coconut Shrimp- Cook coconut shrimp from frozen at 350°C for 10 minutes, or until perfectly crispy.
All images by Libby Roach.