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! Start by cutting 4 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.
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