Oh my goodness, you are in for a treat! If you haven’t tried making Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets yet, you’re missing out on one of the easiest, crispiest appetizers that’ll disappear faster than you can say “yum.” I swear by my air fryer for these bacon-wrapped sausages – they come out perfectly golden every single time, with that irresistible snap when you bite into them. My kids go crazy for these (okay, let’s be honest, so do the adults at our game nights). The best part? You only need two ingredients and about 15 minutes from start to snack time. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to soggy oven-baked pigs in blankets again!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets
Let me tell you why these little flavor bombs have become my go-to quick bite. First off, they’re ridiculously easy – we’re talking just two main ingredients and about 15 minutes total. But the magic happens in that air fryer basket where the bacon gets crazy crispy while keeping the sausage juicy inside. Here’s what makes them so special:
- Super quick – ready before you can finish pouring your drink
- That perfect crispy texture you just can’t get from oven baking
- Minimal cleanup (no greasy pans to scrub!)
- Always the first appetizer to disappear at parties
- Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly if that’s your thing
Seriously, they’re so good I sometimes make a double batch just for myself – no sharing required!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets
Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these addictive little bites. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – just two main ingredients transform into something magical. Here’s your shopping list:
- 8 cocktail sausages – I like the classic mini hot dogs, but you do you! (Pro tip: let them sit at room temp for 10 minutes so they cook evenly)
- 4 slices of bacon, cut in half – regular thickness works great, but thin-cut gets extra crispy (and who doesn’t want that?)
That’s it for the basics! Now, if you’re feeling fancy or want to prevent bacon unraveling (it happens to the best of us), keep these optional extras handy:
- Wooden toothpicks – for securing bacon if needed (soak them in water first to prevent burning)
- Maple syrup or honey – for brushing if you like a sweet-savory combo (just a light glaze does wonders)
See? I told you it was simple. Now go raid your fridge – you might already have everything you need!
How to Make Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making these crispy little wonders is so simple you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing it this way all along. I’ll walk you through each step – just follow along and you’ll have perfect pigs in blankets in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – let’s get that air fryer nice and hot. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes while you prep the ingredients. This helps get that bacon extra crispy right from the start. Meanwhile, take your cocktail sausages out of the fridge (room temp sausages cook more evenly, trust me) and cut each bacon slice in half. Pro tip: pat the bacon dry with a paper towel – it helps the crispiness factor big time!
Step 2: Wrap the Sausages
Now for the fun part – wrapping! Take each half-slice of bacon and wrap it around a sausage in a spiral. Don’t pull too tight or the bacon will shrink and squeeze the sausage during cooking. If your bacon is being stubborn (we’ve all been there), secure the ends with toothpicks – just remember to soak them in water first so they don’t burn. I like to tuck the bacon ends underneath the sausage so they stay put during cooking. You’ll have these wrapped up in about 2 minutes flat!
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Here’s where the magic happens! Arrange your bacon-wrapped sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket – no overlapping or they won’t crisp up properly. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them after the 6-minute mark – all air fryers are a bit different. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color and crispy bacon texture. When they’re done, let them rest for a minute (if you can resist!) because that bacon will be piping hot. Warning: the smell will drive you crazy while they cook!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets
After making these probably a hundred times (no exaggeration!), I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll take your pigs in blankets from good to “oh my gosh, give me the whole batch!” Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Bacon thickness matters – thin-cut crisps up faster and more evenly, but regular works great if you prefer a slightly chewier bite
- Don’t crowd the basket – leave space between each one so the hot air can circulate properly (I do batches if needed)
- Check early and often – all air fryers run differently, so peek at the 6-minute mark to prevent overcooking
- Patience pays off – let them rest 2 minutes after cooking so the bacon firms up and doesn’t burn your mouth (learned this the hard way!)
- Get creative – try brushing with maple syrup before cooking or sprinkling with brown sugar for a sweet-savory twist
Follow these simple tips and you’ll be the air fryer pig-in-blanket hero at your next gathering!
Variations for Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s play around with some fun twists! One of my favorite things about pigs in blankets is how easily you can customize them. Here are some of my go-to variations that always get rave reviews:
- Cheesy surprise – Tuck a small cube of cheddar or pepper jack cheese inside each sausage before wrapping with bacon (watch out for melty goodness when you bite in!)
- Sausage swap – Try mini smoked sausages, chorizo, or even breakfast links for different flavor profiles
- Sweet & smoky – Brush the bacon with maple syrup or honey before air frying for that irresistible sweet-savory combo
- Spicy kick – Mix brown sugar with a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to sprinkle on before cooking
- Everything bagel style – Roll the bacon-wrapped sausages in everything bagel seasoning for extra crunch
The possibilities are endless – sometimes I’ll even make a few different versions in the same batch to please everyone. That’s the beauty of this recipe: it’s like a blank canvas for your favorite flavors. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly if you’re adding extra ingredients that might need more time to melt or crisp up!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets
Oh, the fun part – serving these crispy little beauties! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made a batch, only to have them disappear before they even hit a serving plate. But when I do manage to get them plated, here are my favorite ways to serve them:
- Classic dip trio – Mustard (I’m partial to grainy Dijon), ketchup, and a spicy mayo blend are must-haves on the side
- Game day spread – Pile them high next to other air fryer favorites like wings and mozzarella sticks (they make great edible toothpicks!)
- Brunch upgrade – Serve with scrambled eggs and maple syrup for dipping – trust me, it’s a game changer
- Cocktail party platter – Skewer each one with a fancy toothpick and arrange with olives and cheese cubes
- Quick snack attack – Just grab and go (my personal favorite method, no plate required)
Honestly, they’re so good they don’t really need anything extra – but presentation is half the fun! I love putting out a few different dipping sauces and letting everyone mix and match. Pro tip: make at least double what you think you’ll need…they disappear fast!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, confession time – I rarely have leftovers of these because they disappear so fast! But just in case you manage to save some (or, you know, want to make extra on purpose), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh and crispy:
First, let them cool completely – I know it’s tempting, but don’t seal them up while they’re still warm or they’ll get soggy. Once cooled, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay good for 2-3 days. If you need to stack them, just put a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
Now for the important part – reheating! The microwave is tempting, but resist the urge unless you enjoy sad, rubbery bacon. Instead, toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes and they’ll come out nearly as crispy as when they were first made. No need to thaw if they’re coming straight from the fridge – just add an extra minute or two. If you’re feeling extra, give them a quick spritz of oil before reheating for maximum crisp-factor!
Freezing works too – arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze solid first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about a month. When you’re ready, reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at the same temp for 4-5 minutes. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets
Now, let’s talk numbers – because let’s be real, we all want to know exactly what we’re indulging in! Here’s the breakdown per serving (that’s 2 delicious pigs in blankets, because who stops at one?):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 9g (Saturated: 3g, Unsaturated: 5g)
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Sugar: 1g
Not bad for something that tastes this good, right? Now, here’s my little disclaimer – these numbers can vary based on the exact brands and types of sausages and bacon you use. I calculated these using standard pork cocktail sausages and regular sliced bacon.
If you’re watching certain macros, here are some easy tweaks: turkey bacon will lower the fat content (though you’ll sacrifice some crispiness), and chicken sausages can trim both calories and sodium. But personally? I’m team “full flavor” all the way – life’s too short not to enjoy that perfect bacon-sausage combo!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many questions about these air fryer pigs in blankets over the years – let me answer the ones that pop up most often! Trust me, if you’re wondering about it, someone else probably is too.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
You sure can! Turkey bacon works, but here’s the deal – it won’t get quite as crispy as pork bacon. You might need to cook it a minute or two longer. I recommend spraying it lightly with oil before wrapping to help with browning. The flavor’s different but still delicious!
How do I keep the bacon from unraveling during cooking?
Oh boy, this is the eternal struggle! My best tricks: tuck the bacon ends underneath the sausage, or secure with toothpicks (soak them first!). Letting the wrapped sausages chill in the fridge for 10 minutes before cooking also helps the bacon “set.” And don’t wrap too tight – the bacon shrinks as it cooks.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Wrap them up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated until ready to cook. You can even freeze them raw – just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time if going straight from freezer to air fryer. Fresh is best, but prepped works great when you’re short on time.
Why are my pigs in blankets soggy instead of crispy?
Three likely culprits: overcrowding the basket (give them space!), not preheating the air fryer, or skipping the flip halfway through. Also, pat your bacon dry before wrapping – excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness! If this happens, just pop them back in for another minute or two.
Can I use full-sized hot dogs instead of cocktail sausages?
Of course! Just cut them into thirds or quarters first. Keep in mind they might need an extra minute or two of cooking time since they’re thicker. I actually love doing this when making them for kids – more substantial bites that little hands can hold easily!
15-Minute Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets – Irresistibly Crispy!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 pigs in blankets
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Make crispy Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets with minimal effort. Perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 8 cocktail sausages
- 4 slices of bacon, cut in half
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Wrap each sausage with a half slice of bacon.
- Place the wrapped sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use thin bacon for quicker crisping.
- Check sausages halfway to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American