If you're looking for an appetizer that's easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast, these Air Fryer Pig Shots are it. Crispy bacon wrapped around smoky sausage, stuffed with creamy cheese, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer - they're the ultimate bite-sized treat for game day, parties, or any time you want something extra tasty.
Air Fryer Pig Shots are especially popular during football season, summer BBQs, and holiday gatherings like Christmas and New Year's Eve. They're the kind of fun finger food that gets people talking - and reaching for seconds. Since they're made in the air fryer, you can whip them up quickly without heating up the kitchen.
This recipe was inspired by my Air Fryer Mummy Pigs in a Blanket, and it pairs perfectly with my fan-favorite Baked Asian Sticky Chicken Wings for a savory, flavor-packed appetizer spread.
Ingredients
- Kielbasa sausage cut into slices for the base.
- Thick-cut bacon for wrapping.
- Cream cheese for a smooth, creamy filling.
- Cheddar cheese adds a rich, sharp flavor and melts into a creamy, gooey filling.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Air Fryer Pig Shots
Cut the kielbasa into 20 slices. Cut the bacon slices in half.
Wrap one piece of bacon around each kielbasa slice to form a "shot glass" shape, and secure it with a toothpick.
In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and garlic powder until well combined.
Fill a piping bag or plastic baggie with the cheese mixture, then snip off the tip. Pipe the cheese mixture into the center of each bacon-wrapped "shot."
Cook the pig shots in the air fryer in batches for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Remove from the air fryer and let cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then serve.
Hint: For the crispiest bacon, make sure the pig shots are not touching each other in the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate evenly.
Substitutions & Variations
- Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños to the cheese filling.
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Swap kielbasa with smoked sausage or chorizo for a different flavor.
- Try a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
💭Crucial Success Tips
Don't overfill the pig shots - the cheese will expand slightly as it cooks. Filling them just to the top keeps them looking neat.
FAQ
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and cheese is bubbly.
Yes, freeze them before cooking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, then cook as directed.
Yes, you can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
Printable Recipe
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Pig Shots
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the kielbasa into 20 slices. Cut the bacon slices in half.
- Wrap one piece of bacon around each kielbasa slice to form a "shot glass" shape, and secure it with a toothpick.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Fill a piping bag or plastic baggie with the cheese mixture, then snip off the tip. Pipe the cheese mixture into the center of each bacon-wrapped "shot."
- Cook the pig shots in the air fryer in batches for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then serve.
How to Store Air Fryer Pig Shots
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep the bacon crispy.
Christmas
- Pistachio Raspberry Mini Cheesecake Domes
- Red Wine Poached Pears
- Mini Piggies in a Blanket
- Double-Baked Cranberry Apricot Walnut Biscotti Dipped in White Chocolate
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