Air Fryer Lil' Smokies: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook a variety of foods, including Lil Smokies. These miniature sausages can be cooked in an air fryer in a matter of minutes, making them a quick and easy appetizer for game days, parties, or any other occasion. With a delicious combination of sweet and savoury flavours, air fryer Lil Smokies are a perfect finger food to serve at your next gathering.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking lil' smokies in an air fryer will depend on the brand of air fryer you are using, the power output, and the wattage. Most sources recommend cooking lil' smokies at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 10 minutes. However, it is important to note that cooking times may vary, so it is recommended to use the recipe times as a guide and adjust as needed.

For example, one source recommends cooking lil' smokies at 350°F for 8 minutes, tossing once during cook time. Then, mix barbecue sauce and apricot jam, pour it over the lil' smokies, and stir to coat evenly. Finally, air fry at 350°F for an additional 4-5 minutes.

Another source suggests cooking lil' smokies at 350°F for 6 minutes, tossing halfway through. Then, brush the sausages with barbecue sauce and sprinkle brown sugar on top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the brown sugar to caramelize.

If you are using a different brand of air fryer, you may need to add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time to ensure the lil' smokies are fully cooked. It is also important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will affect the cooking process. Instead, cook the lil' smokies in batches to allow for proper air circulation.

Additionally, if you choose to baste the lil' smokies with sauce instead of sitting them in the sauce, you will only need to cook them for a total of 8 minutes, turning or shaking halfway through.

BBQ sauce and brown sugar glaze

You can definitely cook Lil Smokies in an air fryer! They are a fun and easy appetizer to make and are perfect for snacking during a game or a party. The smokies are coated in a delicious BBQ sauce and brown sugar glaze, giving them a perfect mix of sweet and savoury flavours.

To make the BBQ sauce and brown sugar glaze, you can use your favourite brand of barbecue sauce. Some popular options include Sweet Baby Ray's, Sweet Chili BBQ sauce, and Bone Sucking Sauce. For the brown sugar glaze, you will need brown sugar, black pepper, and garlic salt. Mix the brown sugar with the spices in a large bowl or bag. You can also add some olive oil or vegetable oil to the mixture for easier cleanup.

First, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the smokies. Place the smokies in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-8 minutes. If you are making bacon-wrapped smokies, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and the desired level of crispiness. For bacon-wrapped smokies, you will also need to cut the bacon into strips and wrap each smokie before placing them in the air fryer.

Once the smokies are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and brush them with the BBQ sauce. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the top. Place the glazed smokies back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes, allowing the brown sugar to caramelize. Carefully remove the smokies from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can use toothpicks for easier serving and snacking.

The Lil Smokies are best served warm and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer and cook for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating and storing leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You also have the option to freeze these BBQ lil' smokies for up to three months. To reheat, place the little smokies in a single layer in a preheated air fryer basket and cook for one to two minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven.

Dipping sauces

Lil Smokies are a delicious and quick appetizer, and there are several sauces you can use for dipping.

One option is to make a sauce with grape jelly. This sauce is delicious and easy to make, with only three ingredients. You can also adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more jelly. Another option is to make a sauce with BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and mayonnaise. This sauce is perfect if you want a tangy and sweet taste. You can also add a few drops of hot sauce for an extra kick.

If you're short on time, you can simply use bottled barbecue sauce or plain BBQ sauce with a few drops of hot sauce. You can also try bacon-wrapped smokies with a dipping sauce made of mayo, brown sugar, and chili sauce. For a healthier option, serve with a side of polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats, such as nuts or seeds.

Air fryer accessories

Air fryers are a great way to cook up delicious appetizers like the Lil' Smokies sausages, which can be made in just a few minutes. If you're looking to get more out of your air fryer, there are several accessories that can enhance your cooking experience and open up a range of new recipes.

One of the most useful accessories is a set of baking pans and muffin tins that fit your air fryer model. These allow you to cook a wider variety of foods, from baked goods like muffins and cupcakes to meatloaves and lasagnas. You can also find specialized air fryer pans with perforated holes that promote airflow and even cooking, making it easier to fry or roast smaller items without them falling through the basket.

Another handy accessory is an oil sprayer. This lets you easily control the amount of oil you're using, which is especially useful for recipes that require a light coating of oil. A good oil sprayer will evenly distribute oil onto your food or the air fryer basket, ensuring your food gets that crispy, golden texture without using excess oil.

To make cleanup easier, you can invest in disposable air fryer liners. These are typically made from parchment paper, are oil and heat-resistant, and can be tossed after use. They're perfect for messy foods like marinated meats or sticky sauces, as they prevent food residue from building up in your air fryer.

If you're looking to cook larger items, like a whole chicken, a rotisserie attachment can be a great addition. This accessory lets you cook juicy, rotisserie-style meals in your air fryer. Some air fryers even come with a dehydrator function, allowing you to make your own dried fruits, jerky, and more.

Lastly, a good heat-resistant mat is essential for protecting your countertops when placing down your hot air fryer. It's a simple but useful accessory to have, especially if you use your air fryer frequently.

With these accessories, you can expand your air fryer recipe book and make everything from juicy appetizers to delicious baked goods.

Frequently asked questions