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You won’t believe how easy and delicious these Pig Shots are! Made in the air fryer, they’re packed with smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and a touch of jalapeño heat. Perfect for any occasion, these bites will be a hit!
What Are Pig Shots
Pig Shots are basically little bites of heaven – think smoky bacon wrapped around juicy sausage, stuffed with a creamy cheese filling, and cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. I mix cream cheese, cheddar, and a hint of jalapeño for that perfect spicy kick, then sprinkle them with brown sugar before air frying them until they’re crispy and gooey. These tasty morsels are a hit at any party or just as a fun snack!
Before You Start
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon holds its shape better and forms sturdier cups for the sausage and cheese filling.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and a smooth filling.
- Wrap Bacon Tightly: Wrap the bacon tightly around the sausage to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the pig shots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Use a Piping Bag: For easier filling, use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off to pipe the cheese mixture into the bacon cups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bacon: I recommend using thick-cut bacon because it forms sturdy cups that hold the filling well. If you prefer, you can use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Smoked Sausage: Opt for smoked sausage like kielbasa, cut into pieces about ½ inch thick.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s fully softened so that it’s easier to mix.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the filling. Use sharp cheddar for extra bite.
- Jalapeños: Finely diced jalapeños provide a spicy kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute with finely diced bell peppers.
- Brown Sugar: I like to sprinkle brown sugar on top to add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory ingredients.
- BBQ Sauce: Drizzle BBQ sauce on the finished pig shots or for dipping for a bit of tangy sweetness.
Start by cutting 12 slices of thick-cut bacon into thirds. Wrap a piece of bacon around the circumference of each of the 12 sausage slices (about 1 pound of smoked sausage cut into ½ inch pieces), forming a small cup. Secure with a toothpick to keep the bacon in place. Tip: Use thick-cut bacon to ensure the cups hold their shape during cooking.
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of finely diced jalapeños. Mix until well combined. Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth, easy-to-mix filling.
Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each bacon-wrapped sausage cup. The cheese should fill the cup and can mound slightly above the rim of the bacon. Tip: Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off for easier filling.
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar over the filled cups to enhance their flavor. Tip: The brown sugar adds a delicious caramelized sweetness that complements the savory ingredients.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the pig shots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure the bacon gets crispy all around.
Carefully remove the pig shots from the air fryer. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the top and serve immediately. Tip: Let them cool for a minute or two before serving to avoid burning yourself on the hot cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pig shots a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just follow the cooking instructions when you’re ready to serve.
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the pig shots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to keep them crispy.
Can I freeze these pig shots?
Absolutely! Allow the pig shots to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the air fryer straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
More Delicious Appetizers
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Pig Shots {Air Fryer}
Pig Shots are a delicious and fun appetizer made with bacon-wrapped sausage cups filled with a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy mixture. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these tasty bites are crispy, savory, and perfect for any gathering.
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Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
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Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Wrap a piece of bacon around the circumference of each sausage slice, forming a small cup. Secure with a toothpick to keep the bacon in place.
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In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeños. Mix until well combined.
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Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each bacon-wrapped sausage cup. The cheese should fill the cup and can mound slightly above the rim of the bacon.
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Sprinkle brown sugar over the filled cups to enhance their flavor.
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Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
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Place the pig shots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
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Carefully remove the pig shots from the air fryer. Serve with BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon to make sure the cups hold their shape.
- Soften the cream cheese fully for a smooth and easy-to-mix filling.
- Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and crispier results.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the bacon gets crispy.
- Use a piping bag for easier filling of the cheese mixture into the bacon cups.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1servingCalories: 295kcal (15%)Carbohydrates: 3g (1%)Protein: 10g (20%)Fat: 27g (42%)Saturated Fat: 11g (69%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 65mg (22%)Sodium: 557mg (24%)Potassium: 151mg (4%)Fiber: 0.1gSugar: 2g (2%)Vitamin A: 336IU (7%)Vitamin C: 3mg (4%)Calcium: 57mg (6%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
