Crispy Air Fryer Pig Shots Recipe: Sizzling Snack Magic

Crispy bacon-wrapped sausage medallions in an air fryer promise a mouthwatering twist on classic appetizers.

Pork lovers crave these bite-sized delights that combine smoky and savory flavors.

Layers of crisp bacon encase juicy sausage chunks for an irresistible snack.

Southern tailgate fans will adore this crowd-pleasing finger food that packs serious flavor punch.

Cheese and seasoning blend seamlessly to create a rich, indulgent experience.

Quick preparation makes these pig shots perfect for spontaneous gatherings or game day celebrations.

Each morsel delivers a perfect balance of textures that’ll have everyone reaching for more.

How to Reheat Air Fryer Pig Shots

• Store leftover pig shots in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm pig shots at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy, restoring their original texture and flavor.
• Quickly zap pig shots for 30-45 seconds, but note they might lose some crispiness compared to air frying.
• Consume within 2 days for optimal taste and texture, enjoying the same delicious smoky and creamy qualities as when first prepared.

Fun Sides for Air Fryer Pig Shots

• Flavor Fusion Pals: Craft a bold craft beer or hoppy IPA to cut through the richness of the bacon and creamy cheese.
• Spicy Sidekick Sippers: Choose a crisp hard cider or light wheat beer that complements the jalapeño heat without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
• Cool Down Companions: Pair with a zesty ranch dressing or tangy blue cheese dip to balance the smoky, spicy pig shots and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Palate Cleansing Partners: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the appetizer's complex taste profile.

Air Fryer Pig Shots Recipe Twists

• Keto-Friendly Pig Shots: Replace regular sausage with low-carb sausage, use full-fat cream cheese, and omit BBQ sauce for a carb-conscious version.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap sausage for roasted bell pepper cups, use plant-based bacon substitute, and incorporate vegan cream cheese for a meat-free option.
• Spice Lover's Edition: Add extra diced habaneros or ghost pepper powder to the cheese mixture for an intense heat kick, and garnish with hot sauce.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use cashew cream cheese, nutritional yeast instead of cheddar, and coconut bacon strips for a lactose-intolerant friendly recipe.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Pig Shots?

The key ingredients are bacon, sausage, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, jalapeño brine, onion, and BBQ seasoning. These components create a rich, spicy, and savory appetizer that combines smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors.

• Can I make Pig Shots without an air fryer?

Yes, you can use a conventional oven. Preheat to 375°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

• How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling?

Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the sausage, and make sure to wrap tightly. When placing in the air fryer, position them so they don’t touch, which helps maintain their shape during cooking.

• Are Pig Shots spicy?

The spice level depends on the jalapeños and BBQ seasoning used. You can adjust the heat by using fewer jalapeños or choosing a milder seasoning. For less heat, remove the jalapeño seeds before dicing.

Pig Shots That Are Smoky, Cheesy, and Air Fried

• Quickest Party Snack: Whip up these irresistible pig shots in under 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous gatherings and game day celebrations.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Combine simple ingredients with an air fryer for a hassle-free appetizer that delivers bold, smoky-spicy taste without complex cooking techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Customization: Easily adjust heat levels by modifying jalapeño quantities or switching cheeses, making these pig shots adaptable for various taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Healthier Indulgence: Air frying reduces oil usage compared to traditional deep-frying, creating crispy bacon cups with less guilt and maintaining delicious texture and flavor.

Pig Shots (Air Fryer) Ingredients

• Bacon: Crispy wrapper that provides smoky flavor and structural support for the appetizer.
• Sausage: Solid base that creates the cup shape and adds hearty meat texture.

Notes: Choose thick-cut bacon and breakfast sausage links for best results.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth base that binds ingredients and creates creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds rich flavor and melts beautifully.
• Jalapeños: Spicy peppers that introduce heat and zesty kick.
• Jalapeño Brine: Tangy liquid that enhances overall flavor profile.
• Onion: Adds sharp, aromatic undertone to the filling.

Notes: Use fresh jalapeños for maximum heat and flavor.

• BBQ Seasoning: Complex spice blend that provides deep, smoky undertones.
• BBQ Sauce: Optional finishing sauce that adds sweet and tangy layer.

Notes: Choose smoky or spicy BBQ sauce to complement the appetizer.

Pig Shots Air Fryer Crisping Method

Step 1: Slice and Wrap Bacon Around Sausage

Take your bacon and cut each slice precisely in half.

Carefully wrap these half slices around bite-sized sausage pieces, creating little circular cups.

Use toothpicks to secure the bacon ends, ensuring they hold their shape during cooking.

Step 2: Create Zesty Cheese Blend

• Softened cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced jalapeños
• Jalapeño brine
• Finely chopped onion
• BBQ seasoning

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 3: Fill Bacon Cups

Generously spoon the cheese mixture into each bacon-wrapped sausage cup.

Pack the filling slightly above the rim, creating a delightful mounded effect.

Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Warm up your air fryer to 350°F for three minutes.

Carefully arrange the pig shots in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching each other.

Cook for 12-15 minutes until the bacon turns gorgeously crisp and the cheese starts bubbling.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the pig shots to cool for a brief moment.

Remove the toothpicks and add an optional drizzle of BBQ sauce.

Serve immediately while they’re hot and irresistibly delicious.

Air Fryer Pig Shots – Appetizer Tricks

• Stretch bacon slightly before wrapping to ensure a tight, even coverage around sausage pieces.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and easier filling of bacon cups.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity based on personal spice preference, removing seeds for milder flavor.
• Soak wooden toothpicks in water before using to prevent burning during air frying.
• Pat bacon and sausage dry before assembling to achieve maximum crispiness in air fryer.

Air Fryer Pig Shots Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Savory air fryer pig shots blend crispy bacon with zesty cream cheese and jalapeño kick. Hungry souls will discover a party-perfect appetizer that delivers maximum flavor in one irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 12 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 pound (454 grams) smoked sausage (e.g., kielbasa), cut into 24 pieces about 1/2 inch thick

Cheese and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Additions:

• 2 tablespoons finely diced jalapenos
• 1 tablespoon jalapeno brine (juice from the jar)
• 2 teaspoons BBQ seasoning
• 1/4 cup finely minced onion
• BBQ sauce for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft bacon vessels by halving bacon slices and wrapping each around sausage segments, creating compact circular cups secured with toothpicks.
2. Blend cream cheese with shredded cheddar, incorporating diced jalapeños, jalapeño brine, minced onion, and BBQ seasoning into a smooth, zesty filling.
3. Generously load each bacon-wrapped sausage cup with the cheese mixture, allowing a slight dome-like elevation for visual appeal and flavor intensity.
4. Dust the filled cups with additional cheddar cheese, ensuring comprehensive cheese coverage.
5. Warm the air fryer to 350°F, preparing a cooking environment that promotes crispy exterior and melted interior.
6. Arrange the pig shots inside the air fryer basket with strategic spacing, preventing contact between individual pieces to guarantee even cooking.
7. Execute air frying for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until bacon achieves a deep golden crispness and cheese transforms into a bubbling, molten state.
8. Extract the pig shots and permit brief cooling to stabilize their structural integrity.
9. Carefully extract toothpicks to enhance presentation and edibility.
10. Optional: Enhance flavor profile by delicately drizzling BBQ sauce across the surface for an extra layer of smoky sweetness.

Notes

• Bacon Wrapping Trick: Use partially cooked bacon strips to ensure a crispier exterior without burning when air frying, creating perfect texture and preventing soggy bottoms.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on heat preference, substituting with milder peppers or removing seeds for a gentler kick.
• Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, smoked gouda, or blue cheese to customize flavor profiles and add unique taste dimensions.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pig shots in advance and refrigerate, then air fry directly from cold for a convenient party appetizer or game day snack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 293
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg