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Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Smokies - Bacon smokies: whip up this incredible sweet and savory appetizer in your air fryer. Perfect for parties, these crispy bites ar

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Smokies

Bacon smokies: whip up this incredible sweet and savory appetizer in your air fryer. Perfect for parties, these crispy bites are always a hit.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 , 14 oz package Lit'l Smokies (cocktail sausages)
  • 1 pound thick/center cut bacon
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (divided)
  • wooden toothpicks
  • aluminum foil
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Drain the Lit'l Smokies in a colander to remove any additional liquid and set aside for 5 minutes.
  2. Cut the bacon into about 1-inch pieces, ensuring they cover the tops and sides of each smokie.
  3. Place a piece of bacon on top of each smokie and secure it with a wooden toothpick.
  4. Place 1/2 cup of brown sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Press about a teaspoon of brown sugar onto the top of each bacon-wrapped smokie.
  5. Line your air fryer basket with aluminum foil. Arrange the smokies on top of the foil, ensuring adequate room for air flow between each one.
  6. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, checking at the 5-8 minute mark for crispiness.
  7. Carefully remove the smokies to a serving plate and sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar. Serve warm.

Notes

- For extra crispiness, ensure the bacon pieces are not too thick and don't overlap excessively on the smokie. I once tried to use extra-thick bacon, and it took forever to crisp, so stick to center-cut.
- Cook the bacon smokies in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Don't skip the toothpick! It’s crucial for holding the bacon in place as it cooks and helps achieve that perfect wrap.
- To store leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.