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Close-up of several bacon-wrapped scallops, browned and seasoned, each secured with a toothpick and placed on a piece of parchment paper.

Crispy Air Fryer Pig Shots Appetizer

Air Fryer Pig Shots combine smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and a cheesy filling in a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re quick to make, thanks to the air fryer, and bring together all the flavors you crave in one easy snack. Whether for game day or family gatherings, these tasty bites are always a hit. With minimal prep, you get a crowd-pleasing snack that’s fun to make and even better to share!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pig Shots
Servings: 6
Calories: 515kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

Ingredients

  • 12 bacon slices
  • 1 cup cream cheese softened
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ spice mix
  • 8 ounces Cheddar cheese cut into ½ inch cubes
  • 1 link smoked sausage kielbasa, etc., cut in ½ inch pieces
  • ¼ onion minced
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the BBQ spice mix until smooth. Set the mixture aside.
    1 cup cream cheese, 2 tablespoons BBQ spice mix
  • Cut each bacon slice in half. Wrap each bacon half around a piece of smoked sausage, creating a small cup shape, and secure it with a toothpick.
    12 bacon slices, 1 link smoked sausage
  • Fill each bacon-wrapped sausage with the cream cheese mixture, then top with a sprinkle of minced onion and a cheddar cube. Add a pinch of BBQ spice mix on top for extra flavor.
    8 ounces Cheddar cheese, ¼ onion
  • Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Arrange the filled Pig Shots on air fryer parchment paper in the air fryer basket, and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Soft Cream Cheese: Starting with softened cream cheese helps everything mix smoothly, giving you that creamy texture in every bite.
  • Uniform Pieces: Cutting the sausage and cheese cubes to a similar size helps them cook evenly, so every Pig Shot has that balanced bite of smoky, creamy, and cheesy goodness.
  • Toothpick Tip: Make sure the toothpick is secure so the bacon doesn’t unravel while cooking.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to play around with the BBQ spice to make it as smoky or spicy as you like.
  • Single Layer for Best Results: Don’t overcrowd – leave space between the Pig Shots for even cooking.
  • Watch the Time: Keep an eye on these around the 8-minute mark, as air fryers can vary. You want the bacon crispy but not overdone, so checking early helps avoid overcooking.
  • Garnish Option: After they’re cooked, add a sprinkle of fresh green onion for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 515kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 811mg | Potassium: 207mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 916IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 310mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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