Easy Appetizers for Holiday Hosting

November 2, 2023

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Ingredients

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 pound large tail-on shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon Thai sweet chili sauce

Time + Servings

  • Prep time: 5 minutes 
  • Total time: 25 minutes 
  • Yield: 4 servings

Directions

  • In a bowl, lightly season flour with salt and black pepper. In another bowl, combine panko and shredded coconut. In a third bowl, beat two eggs to blend.
  • Dip shrimp gently and one at a time into seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into eggs, then into panko mixture.
  • In an air-fryer basket, arrange shrimp in a single layer; cook at 400°F until shrimp is cooked through, about 7 to 9 minutes. Depending on the size of your air-fryer basket, you may have to cook the shrimp in separate batches.
  • In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha and chili sauce.
  • When ready to serve, arrange shrimp on a platter. Include dipping sauce alongside or drizzle on top of the shrimp.

Sweet Potato Bites

Ingredients

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼" thick rounds
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 bag marshmallows (10 oz.)
  • ½ cup pecan halves

Time + Servings

  • Prep time: 10 minutes 
  • Total time: 40 minutes 
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. On a large baking sheet, toss sweet potatoes with melted butter and maple syrup. Arrange potatoes in an even layer and season with salt. 
  • Bake until potatoes are tender, flipping halfway through, about 20 minutes. Remove baking sheet from oven. Switch oven to broil. 
  • Top each sweet potato with a marshmallow and broil until puffed and golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes; remove from broiler.
  • Top each marshmallow with a pecan half. Sprinkle with cinnamon or brown sugar for additional flavor and serve.

Whipped Ricotta Toast

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 slices thick-cut bread, such as sourdough, toasted

Time + Servings

  • Total time: 15 minutes 
  • Yield: 2 servings

Directions

  • In a food processor or blender, combine the ricotta and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Blend briefly to combine; with the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and continue processing on high speed until the ricotta is smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Spread or pipe whipped ricotta onto toast and season with pepper.
  • Top with honey, lemon zest or fresh herbs, such as thyme, for added flavor. 

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