Appetizers – FoodWatcher

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Chimichurri Cheese Fries with Chipotle Bacon.

These chimichurri cheese fries are the ultimate game day snack or party food. Crispy french fries, melty cheddar sauce, herby chimichurri and chipotle bacon for crunch. Delicious! I’m here with your game day food. Sheet pan cheese fries. Chimichurri cheese fries, to be exact. Sprinkled with crispy chipotle bacon for an extra pop of flavor. […]

The post Chimichurri Cheese Fries with Chipotle Bacon. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

These chimichurri cheese fries are the ultimate game day snack or party food. Crispy french fries, melty cheddar sauce, herby chimichurri and chipotle bacon for crunch. Delicious!

I’m here with your game day food.

Sheet pan cheese fries. Chimichurri cheese fries, to be exact. Sprinkled with crispy chipotle bacon for an extra pop of flavor.

I wish I could eat these every single day!

chipotle bacon

Ever since making my smashburger fries, we’ve been loving sheet pan fries of every variety. Some have cheese. Some don’t! I love a good salt and malt vinegar fry.

These are clearly cheese-loaded fries. With a few other good things.

I’ve learned a lesson over the last few years of having kids: just buy frozen fries. I have countless recipes on this blog where I make a homemade version of french fries.

But!

You can get such excellent, crispy and delicious fries in the freezer section these days – and they are your best bet. You can fancy them up like this.

P.S. you can also put them on salad for a huge win.

chimichurri cheese fries with chipotle bacon

I mean, think about it. You buy tortilla chips to make sheet pan nachos. So why not buy fries to make sheet pan fries?!

The best idea I ever had.

Now let’s talk about how incredibly wonderful these are. Perfect for a party, game day snack, appetizer or late night treat.

And I’ve even made chimichurri fries before. It’s one of my favorite condiments to put on fries and, frankly, potatoes in general.

chimichurri cheese fries with chipotle bacon

But these chimichurri cheese fries are legit.

I make a cheese sauce.

And I make my chimichurri too! Unless I already have it made in the fridge. Which in most cases, I do. Because I make it frequently.

Then I also make some chipotle bacon! Yes, this is a little high maintenance. My chipotle bacon is just diced bacon sprinkled with chipotle chili powder and cooked until super crispy and crunchy. You want to eat it on everything.

Next, I make a batch of frozen fries. Yes. You could use the air fryer, but I don’t like that because it can usually only handle one small batch at a time. So instead, I spread the fries on a sheet pan and roast them at 450 degrees (at least! Even if the directions specify a lower temp!) until crispy. You know, like it’s 1997 again. Before air fryers existed.

chimichurri cheese fries with chipotle bacon

And that’s it!

I don’t think I need to go on and on and on about the amount of flavor these fries have – you can see it right on the plate. Cheesy sauce, chimi drizzle, crunchy bacon sprinkle. (more…)

The post Chimichurri Cheese Fries with Chipotle Bacon. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Succulent and flavorful, Air Fryer Salmon Bites are served with a miso ginger dipping sauce and ready in about 15 minutes! Perfect for appetizers, bowls, salads, and snacks! Gluten-free.

Succulent and flavorful, Air Fryer Salmon Bites are served with a miso ginger dipping sauce and ready in about 15 minutes! Perfect for appetizers, bowls, salads, and snacks! Gluten-free.

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Want to please a crowd with an appetizer that will fly off the plate as fast as you can serve them? These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp take less than 30 minutes from start to finish and are sure to please any crowd. The air fryer helps keep the shrimp succulent and tender while crisping up the thin-sliced bacon to absolute perfection. And if you’re worried about time, these are incredibly easy to prep ahead,…

The post Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp appeared first on Spoon Fork Bacon.

Air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp on a platter with honey mustard.

Serve these bacon-wrapped shrimp bites on a platter with a dish of our sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, and maybe a dish of homemade BBQ sauce or Chick-fil-A Sauce for variety!

Why We Love Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Easy to prep ahead of time and cook just before serving.

They take only 10 minutes to cook!

The air fryer gets the bacon extra crispy in less time than the oven.

Using the air fryer for these bacon-wrapped shrimp keeps the oven open for other foods you may be cooking when hosting a party.

While this is the perfect appetizer, you can also serve it over salads or as an entree.

How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Ingredients

Process

In a mixing bowl, toss shrimp, garlic powder, oil, and pepper together.

Shrimp seasoned and mixed with oil in a glass bowl.

Wrap each shrimp in 1/2 slice of bacon. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and add the shrimp with the bacon seam side down.

Shrimp wrapped in bacon and in an air fryer ready to be cooked.

Air fry the bacon-wrapped shrimp at 400˚F, for 10 minutes.

Air fryer shrimp wrapped in bacon cooked in an air fryer basket.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose “large” shrimp, or ones that include 21-25 per pound. If you use smaller or bigger, the shrimp and bacon may not be done at similar times, causing one to become overcooked. If you use larger shrimp, you may be able to use a whole slice of bacon instead of a half, but the cooking time will be longer.

Use only thin-sliced bacon.

There’s no need for toothpicks if you air fry them with the bacon seam down.

We like to leave the tail on the shrimp so that we have something to hold while dipping it into the honey mustard sauce, but feel free to remove the tail first if serving these with a fork.

If you’re making an extra large batch of these, you can bake them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400˚F, line and baking sheet with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

Air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp on a platter.

Best Type of Bacon to Use for Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

When wrapping shrimp, the type of bacon you use matters. We recommend choosing regular or thin-sliced bacon that has the least amount of fat per strip as possible.

Choosing thick-cut or turkey bacon leads to the shrimp overcooking while the bacon is still undercooked.

Prep Ahead and Storing Instructions

You can prepare these bacon-wrapped shrimp up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just follow all of the steps until they’re ready to go into the air fryer, place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.

If you want to make them further in advance, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to use, take them out of the freezer, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and continue to cook in the air fryer as directed.

Storing Leftovers and Reheating

Once cooked, store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. These can also be frozen when fully cooked. Just add them to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

To reheat, we recommend popping them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 400˚F.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

There are so many ways to enjoy this recipe, whether it’s as an appetizer, side, or main course. Try some of these pairings:

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes You Will Love

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

The perfect 30-minute appetizer, this Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp has tender bites of shrimp wrapped in salty, crispy bacon, all slathered in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce.

Course Appetizer, Snack

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings

Calories 173kcal

Author Teri & Jenny

Equipment

1 air fryer

Ingredients

honey mustard

1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
3 tablespoons honey

shrimp

12 (21-25 count) shrimp peeled, deveined with tails intact
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 slices bacon cut in half crosswise (with some of the fat trimmed)

Instructions

honey mustard

Combine honey mustard ingredients into a bowl and whisk together. Set aside.

shrimp

In a mixing bowl toss together shrimp, garlic powder, oil, and pepper.
Wrap each shrimp in 1/2 slice bacon.
Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray and add shrimp, bacon seam side down.
Air fry bacon wrapped shrimp at 400˚F, for 10 minutes.
Remove from air fryer and serve with honey mustard

Notes

**Recipe Makes 12***

***1 Serving is 3 pieces (Nutritional Information Does Not Include Honey Mustard)***

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

- Choose “large” shrimp, or ones that include 21-25 per pound. If you use smaller or bigger, the shrimp and bacon may not be done at similar times, causing one to become overcooked. If you use larger shrimp, you may be able to use a whole slice of bacon instead of a half, but the cooking time will be longer.

- Use only thin-sliced bacon.

- There’s no need for toothpicks if you air fry them with the bacon seam down.

- We like to leave the tail on the shrimp so that we have something to hold while dipping it into the honey mustard sauce, but feel free to remove the tail first if serving these with a fork.

- If you’re making an extra large batch of these, you can bake them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400˚F, line and baking sheet with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

Nutrition

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Chipotle Salsa

Brighten your day with this chipotle salsa recipe! Make it for an afternoon snack with tortilla chips, or serve it alongside your favorite Mexican recipes. This chipotle…

The post Chipotle Salsa appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

chipotle salsa recipe

Brighten your day with this chipotle salsa recipe! Make it for an afternoon snack with tortilla chips, or serve it alongside your favorite Mexican recipes. This chipotle salsa is a little smoky, somewhat spicy (or downright spicy, if you wish), and totally irresistible.

This salsa is based on my go-to red salsa recipe, with the addition of smoky chipotle peppers. Chipotle peppers are vine-ripened jalapeños that are smoked and dried, so they offer great depth of flavor. For this recipe, we’ll use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, so they’re ready to blend into the salsa.

chipotle salsa ingredients

This chipotle salsa requires only seven basic ingredients, and the end result tastes so fresh. You’ll need canned tomatoes, onion and garlic, fresh cilantro, jalapeño and chipotle peppers, and fresh lime.

This chipotle salsa is easy to make and comes together in about 10 minutes. Keep reading for a few more tips and the full recipe. I hope you love this one as much as I do.

Continue to the recipe...

The post Chipotle Salsa appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Tomato Bruschetta (Elevated)

Are you looking for the perfect recipe for Tomato Bruschetta? Here are a few tips to elevate this classic summer appetizer!

Are you looking for the perfect recipe for Tomato Bruschetta? Here are a few tips to elevate this classic summer appetizer!

Air Fryer French Fries

We’re pretty in love with this Air Fryer French Fries recipe. It’s no secret that we love the air fryer and these homemade french fries are PERFECT for making in the air fryer. You get high quality french fries without the mess of the oil, plus they’re way better for you! Not only are these french fries delicious, but they’re also so easy to make and only require a few ingredients. You can also customize…

The post Air Fryer French Fries appeared first on Spoon Fork Bacon.

Air fryer french fries on a platter with ketchup and mayo.

Not only are these french fries delicious, but they’re also so easy to make and only require a few ingredients. You can also customize them and flavor them to your exact liking, which is a huge plus!

How to Make Our Air Fryer French Fries

Ingredients

Process

Garlic Butter

Combine the melted butter, minced garlic and parsley. Set aside.

Fries

Cut potatoes into 1/4 inch thick sticks. Submerge potatoes into cold water and soak for 1 hour. Drain fries and thoroughly dry between two clean towels.
Transfer fries to a clean, dry bowl and toss together with olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

French fries seasoned in a bowl with salt and pepper.

Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray and line with a single layer of fries.
Air fry French fries at 400˚F for 8 minutes (preheating air fryer prior to using, if needed). Gently toss fries and continue to air fry for an additional 5 to 6 minutes.

Remove from air fryer basket and transfer to a clean bowl. Top fries with garlic butter and toss together. Season with parmesan and salt and toss together.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer French Fries

Allowing the cut potato to soak in water and then drying well will remove some of the starch from the potatoes, allowing them to crisp up better.
Tossing the uncooked fries in a bit of cornstarch will also help to create a crispy exterior.
Try to cut the potato sticks into even sizes to ensure even air frying.
Give the air fryer basket a good shake while air frying to ensure the french fries don’t stick together and get crispy.

Variations and Substitutions

We made our fries into air fryer garlic (and parmesan) fries bc we love the flavors, but you can definitely keep them plain as well! We also love them with:

cajun seasoning (or try our fajita seasoning!)
tossed with some crumbled feta and minced oregano
loaded and turned into our Carne Asada Fries OR our Copycat Animal Style Fries

Condiments for Dipping

What to Serve with Our Air Fryer French Fries

French fries obviously go well with a ton of different dishes, but some of our favorites are:

Air fryer french fries with garlic butter.

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes You Will Love

Air Fryer French Fries

Super crispy and delicious Air Fryer French Fries are here and absolutely glorious! It's so satisfying making your own homemade french fries, and the air fryer makes it so easy without all the greasy mess! We promise you will never make french fries another way!

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine French

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

soak time 1

Total Time 1 27

Servings

Calories 313kcal

Author Teri & Jenny

Ingredients

garlic butter

3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
2 minced garlic cloves
1 teaspoons minced parsley

air fryer fries

1 pound (scrubbed clean and dried) russet potatoes (about 2 potatoes)
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt plus more for sprinkling
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan plus more for sprinkling

Instructions

garlic butter

Combine the melted butter, minced garlic and parsley. Set aside.

fries

Cut potatoes into 1/4 inch thick sticks.
Submerge potatoes into cold water and soak for 1 hour.
Drain fries and thoroughly dry between two clean towels.
Transfer fries to a clean, dry bowl and toss together with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray and line with a single layer of fries.
Air fry French fries at 400˚F for 8 minutes (preheating air fryer prior to using, if needed). Gently toss fries and continue to air fry for an additional 5 to 6 minutes.
Remove from air fryer basket and transfer to a clean bowl.
Top fries with garlic butter and toss together. Season with parmesan and salt and toss together.
Transfer fries to a plate and top with more grated parmesan. Serve.

Notes

Tips for the Best Air Fryer French Fries

Allowing the cut potato to soak in water and then drying well will remove some of the starch from the potatoes, allowing them to crisp up better.

Tossing the uncooked fries in a bit of cornstarch will also help to create a crispy exterior.

Try to cut the potato sticks into even sizes to ensure even air frying.

Give the air fryer basket a good shake while air frying to ensure the french fries don’t stick together and get crispy.

Nutrition

The post Air Fryer French Fries appeared first on Spoon Fork Bacon.

Tomato Tart

Elegant and savory, this fresh Tomato Tart is made with a flaky olive oil crust, juicy summer heirloom tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, and fresh basil. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish or light meal.

Vegetable Charcuterie Board

Move over meat and cheese because veggie boards are healthy, impressive and easy-to-make for your next party! Vegetarian Charcuterie Board I love charcuterie boards and the idea of sitting around with family and friends and nibbling while chatting. When you want a healthier board, these veggie boards are the perfect snack for get-togethers. Much of what goes onto the

Garlic Butter Grilled Breadsticks.

This grilled bread is a favorite of ours. Garlic butter grilled breadsticks are such a hit – like a toasty pizza dough doused in garlicky herb butter and lots of parmesan cheese. Always a winner! Oh hello! This is where I grill pizza dough, smother it with melted butter, tons of garlic and fresh herbs, […]

The post Garlic Butter Grilled Breadsticks. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

This grilled bread is a favorite of ours. Garlic butter grilled breadsticks are such a hit – like a toasty pizza dough doused in garlicky herb butter and lots of parmesan cheese. Always a winner!

Oh hello!

garlic butter grilled breadsticks

This is where I grill pizza dough, smother it with melted butter, tons of garlic and fresh herbs, then slice it into strips and call it breadsticks.

My kind of breadsticks.

garlic herb butter

I debated on calling them… pizza sticks? Grilled dough sticks? Grilled pizza bites? I had no idea what to call them for you. But we call them grilled breadsticks. Even if they are just grilled pizza dough. Sliced into strips. Doused in garlicky butter.

I just can’t get enough of the butter part. I mean you can straight up SEE the butter here, right?

garlic herb butter

So here’s how I do it!

I like to use my pizza dough recipe. Usually half of the recipe. But you can use any pizza dough that you like! One from Trader Joe’s, one from your favorite pizza joint – anything.

While the dough rises, I make the most delicious garlic butter. Butter, garlic, salt, fresh herbs like parsley and basil. Any herbs work! I melt this all together in a saucepan and let it sit and marry together.

garlic butter grilled breadsticks

The grill is preheated to the highest setting. I roll out the dough like I’m going to make a pizza – but that’s it! The dough itself goes right on the grill, just plain. I grill it until it’s puffy and cooked and charred in a few places.

The minute it comes off the grill, I brush the garlic butter over every.single.inch. Don’t miss a spot! Then give it a big sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

garlic butter grilled breadsticks

I let this sit for a few minutes and slightly cool. Then I slice it into strips.

THAT IS IT. (more…)

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Grilled Carrots

Why aren’t we all making grilled carrots more often? That’s what I asked myself after I tried this grilled carrots recipe for the first time. Because friends, it is delicious. Carrots have a wonderful natural sweetness, which intensifies when you cook them on the grill. At the same time, they caramelize and char, creating a mouthwatering mix of sweet and smoky flavors. And texturally, they come out perfectly tender all the way through. Sorry, grilled asparagus and grilled eggplant—I’m making these grilled carrots for my next cookout. Steps to Make Grilled Carrots Like most grilled vegetables, grilled carrots are easy to […]