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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies: A Deliciously Simple Treat

If you’re searching for an easy yet indulgent snack or appetiser, look no further than air fryer bacon-wrapped Lil Smokies. This dish combines the irresistible flavour of crispy bacon with the savoury goodness of little sausages, making it a perfect finger food for parties, game days, or even a cosy night in. Plus, cooking them in an air fryer means you can achieve that delightful crunch without the excessive oil associated with traditional frying methods.

What You’ll Need

To whip up this delightful treat, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients, most of which you might already have in your kitchen:

• Lil Smokies – These are small smoked sausages that are pre-cooked and packed with flavour.
• Bacon – Opt for thick-cut bacon for a heartier bite. The fat renders down beautifully during cooking, creating an irresistible crisp.
• Honey or BBQ Sauce (optional) – For a touch of sweetness or extra flavour, you can brush a bit of honey or your favourite BBQ sauce on the bacon before cooking.
• Toothpicks – These will help keep the bacon wrapped around the sausages.

Preparation Steps

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Start by cutting the bacon strips into halves or thirds, depending on how much coverage you prefer on each Lil Smokie. You want enough bacon to wrap around the sausage but not so much that it overwhelms the dish.

2. Wrap the Smokies: Take a piece of bacon and wrap it tightly around each Lil Smokie. Secure the ends with a toothpick to ensure the bacon stays in place during cooking. If you’re using honey or BBQ sauce, brush a light coating over the bacon at this stage for added flavour.

3. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the wrapped sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded. This allows for even cooking and proper crisping.

4. Air Fry: Set your air fryer to 200°C (around 390°F) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the timings can vary depending on your air fryer model. You’ll want the bacon to be golden brown and crispy. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the bacon-wrapped Lil Smokies from the air fryer (the toothpicks will be hot!) and serve immediately. They make for a fantastic sharing platter, especially when paired with dips like mustard or ranch dressing.

Tips for the Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Lil Smokies

• Choose Quality Ingredients: The success of this dish largely depends on the quality of your bacon and sausages. Look for good-quality, uncured bacon and Lil Smokies made with real ingredients for the best flavour.

• Variations: Get creative with flavours! You can add spices like pepper or garlic powder to the bacon or even wrap the sausages in different types of meat, such as prosciutto or pancetta.

• Cooking in Batches: If you’re making a large quantity for a gathering, consider cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Conclusion

Air fryer bacon-wrapped Lil Smokies are a fantastic addition to any gathering or casual evening at home. Quick to prepare, deliciously satisfying, and wonderfully easy to clean up afterwards, they tick all the boxes for a perfect snack. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a treat after a long day, these tiny bundles of joy are bound to impress. So fire up that air fryer, and get ready to enjoy this delightful culinary creation!

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