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Air fryer pig shots bring a unique combination of flavors and textures, offering a crispy, smoky, and savory bite that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. This method turns a classic favorite into a healthier option without sacrificing taste.

Have you ever tried pig shots? They’re basically little bites of heaven. Imagine smoky sausage, wrapped in crispy bacon, filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture.

Now, think about making them in an air fryer. The air fryer gives you that perfect crunch with less oil, making it a tad healthier without losing any of the taste.

Why go for Air Fryer Pig Shots, you ask? Let me lay it out for you

First off, these little guys cook up fast in the air fryer. You’re looking at a snack that’s ready in no time. Plus, cutting down on oil doesn’t just make them a bit better for you; it also makes cleanup a breeze.

And the best part? They’re incredibly versatile. You can mix up the filling to suit your taste or whatever you’ve got in the fridge.

The air fryer ensures they come out perfectly crispy every single time. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them for every occasion. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Cooking Time: Air frying significantly reduces cooking time, providing a quick and efficient way to enjoy this delicious appetizer.
Nutritional Benefits: Using an air fryer cuts down on oil, making these pig shots a lighter option without losing the richness of flavor.
Ideal for Air Frying: The design of pig shots is perfect for the air fryer, ensuring even cooking and a perfectly crispy bacon wrap.
Versatile and Flavorful: This recipe is adaptable, allowing for various fillings and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Compatibility with Air Frying: The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures that each pig shot is evenly cooked, with a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.

Air Fryer Pig Shots Recipe

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Print Recipe

Air Fryer Pig Shots offer a crispy, indulgent twist on your favorite appetizers, combining smoky bacon, savory sausage, and creamy cheese. It’s a simple, irresistible recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your snack lineup.

Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6

Ingredients

Thick-cut bacon, because everything’s better with bacon.
Small smoked sausages or slices of kielbasa, for that meaty center.
Cream cheese, softened to mix easily with the cheddar.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
Your favorite seasonings to spice up the cream cheese mixture.
Toothpicks, to keep everything together while it cooks.

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Instructions

1. Preparation of Ingredients:

Start by slicing your thick-cut bacon in half, creating shorter strips to wrap around your small smoked sausages or kielbasa slices. This size is perfect for bite-sized appetizers.
Mix the softened cream cheese with shredded sharp cheddar cheese in a bowl. Feel free to add your chosen seasonings here to customize the flavor.

2. Selecting the Right Ingredients:

The key to perfect pig shots is using quality bacon that’s thick enough to hold up during cooking and sausages that are flavorful and smoky.

3. Seasoning:

For the seasoning, you can start simple with salt and pepper mixed into the cheese or go elaborate with garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite BBQ seasoning for a kick.
Different seasonings can bring out the natural flavors of the bacon and sausage, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

4. Preparing for the Air Fryer:

Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around a sausage slice, securing it with a toothpick. Fill the center with the cheese mixture, making sure it’s not overflowing.

5. Air Fryer Settings:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the bacon gets crispy without burning, and the cheese melts perfectly.

6. Arranging in the Basket:

Place the prepared pig shots in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not touching. Proper spacing is crucial for optimal air circulation, leading to even cooking and crisping.

7. Cooking Time:

Cook for about 10-12 minutes. The exact time might vary depending on your air fryer model, so it’s a good idea to check halfway through. You’re looking for crispy bacon and bubbling cheese.

8. Why Temperature and Time Matter:

Cooking at the right temperature for the correct duration is key to achieving that desirable texture. Too hot and your bacon could burn; too little time and it won’t crisp up nicely.

9. Serving Ideas:

Serve your pig shots hot from the air fryer. They’re great on their own or with a side of your favorite dipping sauce. BBQ sauce, ranch, or a spicy aioli complement them well.

Notes

Remember to let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving; the cheese can be very hot.
If you have leftovers, they reheat well in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes.

Author: Suborna Tanchangya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2-3 pig shots per person
Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: pig shots in air fryer

Thinking about swaps? If cream cheese isn’t your thing, goat cheese has a nice tang. And for a lighter take, turkey bacon works wonders.

Now, essential gear:

You’ll need your air fryer, of course.

Grab a mixing bowl for the cheese mix, measuring spoons and cups for all your ingredients, toothpicks, and a knife with a cutting board for prep. That’s it. Simple, right?

Let’s get cooking. Just wrap, fill, and air fry. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying pig shots that are so good, they’ll disappear faster than you can make them. Trust me on this one.

How to Reheat Air Fryer Pig Shots

Air Fryer Pig Shots are a crowd-pleasing appetizer, combining crispy bacon, smoky sausage, and creamy cheese.

Reheating Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This temperature ensures the pig shots warm through without burning the bacon.
Place the pig shots in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching for optimal air circulation.
Heat for about 3-4 minutes. If they were stored in the refrigerator, you might need an extra minute.
Check to see if they’re heated through. If not, heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Serve immediately once they’re warmed to your satisfaction.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Suggestions for Pairings:

Pair these delicious bites with a light salad for contrast, or serve them alongside a creamy potato salad for a more indulgent meal.
For drinks, a cold beer or a crisp white wine complements the smokiness of the pig shots perfectly.

Creative Serving Ideas:

Serve on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces, like BBQ, ranch, or honey mustard, to add another layer of flavor.
Arrange them as part of a charcuterie board for an inventive twist, alongside cheeses, fruits, and crackers.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pig Shots

Air frying offers a crispy finish that’s hard to achieve with traditional frying, without all the oil. Here are some tips to ensure your pig shots are consistently delicious:

Preheat your air fryer to ensure a crispy exterior from the start.
Don’t overcrowd the basket; air circulation is key to even cooking and crispiness.
Check halfway through cooking to ensure they’re cooking evenly. Adjust as necessary.
Experiment with seasoning blends to coat the bacon or mix into the cheese for varied flavors.
To avoid common mistakes, make sure your bacon is wrapped tightly and secured with a toothpick.
Troubleshoot air frying issues like uneven cooking by shaking the basket halfway through or adjusting the temperature if things are cooking too quickly or slowly.
Best practices include using an oil sprayer for a light coat on the bacon, enhancing crispiness without adding excess fat.
Time and temperature settings are crucial; 375°F for about 10-12 minutes works well, but adjust based on your air fryer model.

See more: Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp

FAQs

Can I make pig shots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare pig shots ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just ensure they’re wrapped tightly and stored in an airtight container.

What are the best types of bacon to use for pig shots?

Thick-cut bacon is ideal for pig shots because it holds up well during cooking and provides a sturdy wrap for the fillings.

How can I make my pig shots spicy?

To add spice to your pig shots, mix in some jalapeño slices or a dash of cayenne pepper into the cheese filling, or use a spicy seasoning blend on the bacon.

Are air fryer pig shots keto-friendly?

Yes, air fryer pig shots can be keto-friendly, as they primarily consist of low-carb ingredients like bacon, sausage, and cheese. Just be mindful of any added seasonings or fillings that may contain carbs.

Can I reuse the air fryer basket without washing for a second batch?

Yes, you can reuse the air fryer basket for a second batch immediately after cooking the first, as long as there are no burnt residues. However, for best results and hygiene, a quick wipe down is recommended if possible.

Final Words

Making Air Fryer Pig Shots revolutionizes how we think about appetizers—offering a crispy, flavorful bite without the heaviness of traditional frying. This method not only simplifies cooking but also opens up a world of flavor possibilities.

Feel free to experiment with different fillings and seasonings to make each batch uniquely yours. Remember, the key to perfect pig shots is in the details: temperature control, seasoning, and timing.

Embrace the process and let your culinary creativity shine. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delightful batches of Air Fryer Pig Shots!

See all in at KitGiz for Air Fryer recipes.