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.
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
Instructions
- Drain the Lit'l Smokies in a colander to remove any additional liquid and set aside for 5 minutes.
- Cut the bacon into about 1-inch pieces, ensuring they cover the tops and sides of each smokie.
- Place a piece of bacon on top of each smokie and secure it with a wooden toothpick.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, checking at the 5-8 minute mark for crispiness.
- 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.
- 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.