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Air Fryer Pig Shots: Smoky Bacon, Creamy Cheese, and a Touch of Heat

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 27-30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 25 pig shots (serves 6-8) 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These bite-sized delights feature crispy bacon wrapped around smoky sausage, filled with a creamy cheese and jalapeño mixture. Perfect for gatherings, they’re quick to prepare and packed with flavor.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 pound smoked sausage (e.g., kielbasa), cut into 24 pieces about 1/2 inch thick
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeños
  • 1 tablespoon jalapeño brine (juice from the jar)
  • 2 teaspoons BBQ seasoning
  • 1/4 cup finely minced onion
  • BBQ sauce for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bacon and Sausage: Cut each bacon slice in half. Wrap a half slice around each sausage piece to form a cup, securing with a toothpick.
  2. Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ¾ cup shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, jalapeño brine, minced onion, and BBQ seasoning until well combined.
  3. Assemble the Pig Shots: Fill each bacon-wrapped sausage cup with the cheese mixture, slightly mounding on top. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over each.
  4. Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Place pig shots in the basket, ensuring they’re not touching. Air fry for 12-15 minutes until bacon is crispy and cheese is bubbly.
  5. Serve: Let them cool for a minute, remove toothpicks, and drizzle with BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, use thick-cut bacon.
  • Adjust jalapeño amount to control heat level.
  • Ensure bacon is securely wrapped to prevent unwrapping during cooking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 pig shots
  • Calories: 387 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 936 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg