Buzz
The time we’ve all been waiting for every four years is here. The feel-good moments of the Olympics and Paralympics have wrapped up, and now it’s presidential debate season. Tonight features the only planned debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, and though it may seem like it lasts forever, it’s important to keep your focus. Whether you’re multitasking while the debate plays in the background or trying to calm your nerves during the intense 90-minute faceoff, it’s essential to have a selection of comforting snacks prepared.
When putting together this list, I prioritized comfort food. I included a variety of air fryer treats that can be easily plated in small batches so you can stay tuned without missing any dramatic moments. Also, I picked some effortless, low-maintenance dishes in case your energy runs low. I made sure to avoid anything too messy or drenched in sauce, so you can easily clean up and send those all-caps, anger-fueled texts to friends. Oh, and don’t worry—dessert is included for when you need to fully indulge in your emotions.
Frozen snacks
The frozen snacks you find in the freezer aisle are designed for moments like these. They’re salty, crunchy, and incredibly comforting, not to mention quick and easy to prepare. For this occasion, I recommend using an air fryer over a conventional oven—you’ll need something fast. Stock up on tater tots, French fries, pierogies, mozzarella sticks, chicken nuggets, mini samosas, pizza rolls, and any other favorites you love. Set the air fryer to 375°F and adjust the time anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on what you're making and how crispy you want it.
Dumplings
I love chicken or pork dumplings because, although they’re small, they are filling. I typically buy bags of gyoza from Trader Joe’s because they’re affordable and taste amazing. If you want an extra-crisp experience, you can air fry frozen dumplings, but I prefer to steam them for the juiciest result. To do so, simply add about half an inch of water to a pot, place a steamer basket inside, and drop the dumplings in. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 10 minutes.
Pigs (or pickles) in a blanket
Cuddling up in a blanket for the debate might not be such a bad idea. But if that feels a bit too dramatic, try enjoying some pigs in a blanket or pickles wrapped in pastry for a tangy twist. They’re a fan favorite, especially when you have company, but wrapping mini hot dogs in pastry is also a great way to keep your hands busy with something simple and repetitive.
Do mushrooms
I enjoy mushrooms in two ways: dried or stuffed. Both methods are made easy with the air fryer. For crispy dried mushrooms, take a can of drained, sliced mushrooms and air fry them until they turn into crispy chips. For a heartier option, try sausage-stuffed mushrooms.
Egg roll your leftovers
Egg rolls are one of my go-to deep-fried comfort foods. While you could easily order a bunch from your favorite Chinese restaurant and snack away, why not use the opportunity to clear out your fridge by egg rolling your leftovers? Grab a pack of fresh egg roll wrappers, stuff them with whatever ingredients you have available, give them a quick spritz of oil, and air fry them for a crispy treat.
Cheeseboard sandwich
If you’re not in the mood for hot food, keep it simple by assembling a cheeseboard with essentials. Grab a wheel of cheese, bread, meats, some dried fruit, nuts, and a little salty butter. Skip the fancy slicing—just cut generous pieces of everything and throw together a hearty baguette cheeseboard sandwich.
Comfort Meats
Sometimes, a plate of bite-sized pieces of simple protein is the perfect stress dinner. You can nibble on a few steak bites while you grumble at the TV. Wave a forkful of crispy air fryer kielbasa at the screen, or munch on savory slices of marinated air fryer pork tenderloin as you pace around your living room.
Three-ingredient dinners
I get it, snack supper isn’t for everyone. If you’re more in the mood for a proper meal but want to keep things simple, try these three-ingredient meals. These recipes require minimal prep and can be cooked in about 20 minutes or less. Think easy mac and cheese, savory tomato-cheese toast, or a quick and tasty teriyaki chicken.
Ice cream
I don’t do this often, but once a year, the time comes when I’ll eat an entire pint of ice cream. I’d say that or November 5th definitely deserve your favorite ice creams. Sure, you could make your own pints, or even whip up a no-churn Pop-Tart ice cream, but be sure to factor in the freezing time and make it earlier in the day.
Emergency Rice Krispies Treats
For those moments when you need a comforting, low-effort dessert, Rice Krispies Treats are always a reliable choice. Keep some marshmallows and cereal on hand for just such an occasion. In this version, I skip the messy marshmallow pot and simply melt the butter and marshmallows together in a microwave-safe bowl. It’s quicker, and cleanup is a breeze.
With this full snack lineup, you should be feeling more confident heading into the big night. At the very least, you’ll have something to keep you distracted when you need it. Oh, and I just remembered—I need to buy some marshmallows. Godspeed.
