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Crispy Air Fryer Pig Shots: A British Delight

The culinary world is constantly evolving, with cooking techniques and recipes being adapted to suit the modern palate and lifestyle. One such delicious innovation is the crispy air fryer pig shot. This mouth-watering dish, which blends smoky goodness with a robust array of flavours, is perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or simply as a treat to enjoy at home. In this article, we will dive into what pig shots are, how to prepare them in an air fryer, and why they would make a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.

What Are Pig Shots?

Pig shots are a relatively new addition to the barbeque scene, originating in the United States. They consist of bite-sized pieces of sausage wrapped in bacon, often filled with a mixture of cream cheese and various seasonings, all cooked to perfection. The combination of smoky, salty, and creamy elements creates a dish that is irresistibly moreish and packed with flavour.

While traditionally cooked on a grill or in the oven, air frying these delightful morsels elevates them to a new level of crispiness while reducing the amount of oil and fat typically involved in frying. Using an air fryer allows for even cooking, making the pig shots crispier on the outside while keeping the filling creamy and delectable.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Pig Shots

To get started, you will need the following ingredients:

• Sausages: Choose your favourite variety—pork sausages work well, but you can also use chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
• Bacon: Select streaky bacon, which crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Cream Cheese: Softened at room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
• Seasonings: Common options include black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Toothpicks or skewers: These will help hold everything together.

Preparing Your Pig Shots

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s ready for cooking.

2. Prepare the Sausage: Slice each sausage into thick rounds, about 2-3cm in width.

3. Wrap with Bacon: Take a strip of bacon and wrap it around the sausage rounds, securing it with a toothpick. Make sure to cover as much of the sausage as possible to prevent them from drying out during cooking.

4. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with your desired seasonings. For added flavour, consider including diced jalapeños, shredded cheese, or crispy onions.

5. Fill the Sausage: Spoon some of the cream cheese mixture into the centre of each sausage. Don’t be shy—this is the rich, flavour-packed heart of the dish.

6. Air Fry: Place the prepared pig shots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is bubbling. Check on them halfway through to ensure they are cooking evenly.

Serving and Enjoying

Once your crispy air fryer pig shots are done, remove them from the basket and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them as an appetiser, side, or even as the main event at a casual get-together. They pair beautifully with a wide variety of dipping sauces—from barbecue to ranch or even a tangy hot sauce, the possibilities are endless.

Final Thoughts

Crispy air fryer pig shots are not just another trend; they are a testament to the joy of cooking and sharing flavourful foods with loved ones. Their ease of preparation and versatility in ingredients make them perfect for any occasion. So why not give this delightful dish a try? You may just find yourself adding them to your regular cooking rotation and impressing your friends with your newfound culinary prowess!

With each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of textures and flavours that will have you reaching for seconds, and perhaps thirds. Embrace these crispy delights and let your taste buds embark on a mouth-watering journey!

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