Air-Fryer Appetizer: Little Smokies

Little Smokies are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. They are perfect for game day, a party appetizer, or a quick lunch for your kids. You can even wrap them in bacon or serve them with a side of cheese dip.

Air fryer temperature and timings

The temperature and timings for cooking Little Smokies in the air fryer will vary slightly depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness. However, most recipes recommend cooking Little Smokies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 5-8 minutes, tossing or flipping them halfway through.

After the initial cooking time, the sausages are usually glazed with BBQ sauce and brown sugar before being placed back in the air fryer for an additional 2-5 minutes to caramelize the sauce. This second cooking time typically ranges from 2 to 5 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of power output and wattage, so the cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the specific air fryer being used. As a result, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the Little Smokies during the cooking process to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Additionally, if you are cooking Little Smokies directly on the grate of the air fryer (without a loaf pan or tray), they will typically need less time to cook, around 8 minutes in total.

How to make a dipping sauce

Little Smokies are a great appetizer for game day or a party. They are easy to make and can be cooked in an air fryer in just a few minutes. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious dipping sauce to go with your Little Smokies:

Ingredients:

• Barbecue sauce (you can use a light sauce like Williamson Brothers or your favourite brand)
• Grape jelly (for a touch of sweetness)
• Chili sauce (use a non-Asian style, such as Heinz Chili Sauce)
• Cocktail sausages (little smokies, either regular or cheesy)
• Brown sugar (optional)

Instructions:

• In a bowl, whisk together your barbecue sauce, grape jelly, and chili sauce. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to your taste, but a good starting point is 1/3 cup of barbecue sauce, 1/4 cup of grape jelly, and 1/4 cup of chili sauce.
• Pour your cocktail sausages into a loaf pan and cover them with the sauce, tossing to coat them evenly.
• Place the loaf pan into your air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a tray at the bottom, you may need to remove it to fit the loaf pan inside.
• Air fry the sausages with the sauce for about 15 minutes at 360°F. Remember to stir them halfway through the cooking process.
• Serve with toothpicks and enjoy!

Alternative Methods:

• You can also cook the Little Smokies directly on the grate (like you would with hot dogs) for 8 minutes at 380°F.
• If you prefer your sausages to have a crispy bacon coating, wrap each one in a half-slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick (remember to soak the toothpick in water first). Then, air fry them for 10-12 minutes at 375°F.
• For an extra kick of flavour, try adding some spice to your barbecue sauce mixture with cayenne pepper or sriracha.

So, there you have it! A simple, delicious dipping sauce to accompany your air-fried Little Smokies. Enjoy!

How to store and reheat leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the little smokies in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave for 2 minutes.

How to make BBQ Little Smokies in the oven

Ingredients:

• Little Smokies (mini smoked sausages)
• BBQ sauce
• Brown sugar
• Bacon bits
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Dijon mustard (optional)
• Honey (optional)
• Maple syrup (optional)
• Cocktail sauce (optional)

Method:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, bacon bits, and any other optional ingredients you wish to include. Once you have a thick, sweet sauce, add the Little Smokies to the bowl and stir until the sausages are fully coated.

Transfer the coated sausages to a baking dish and place in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbling and thickened.

Serve immediately with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Tips:

• You can also add in a dash of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, or maple syrup to the sauce for extra flavor.
• If you're short on time, you can heat the sausages and sauce in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
• For a healthier option, try using turkey or chicken sausages instead of beef or pork.
• This dish is perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy family dinner.
• For an even easier preparation method, combine the sausages and sauce in a slow cooker and heat for 2-3 hours on low.

How to make BBQ Little Smokies in a slow cooker

Slow cookers are a great way to make a large batch of food with minimal effort. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make delicious BBQ Little Smokies in a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• Miniature smoked sausages (also called lil smokies, little smokies, or cocktail sausages)
• BBQ sauce (any variety of your choice)
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Brown sugar
• Optional: red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or minced garlic

Instructions:

• Add the miniature smoked sausages to the bottom of your slow cooker.
• Pour in the BBQ sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients based on your taste preferences.
• Stir the ingredients in the slow cooker to ensure the sausages are well coated.
• Close the lid of the slow cooker and choose your desired heat setting.
• For a quicker cook time, set the slow cooker to high heat and cook for 1-2 hours. If you have more time, you can cook the sausages on low heat for 3-4 hours. This slower method will result in more tender and flavourful smokies.
• Once the sausages are cooked, switch the slow cooker to the 'warm' setting and give them a final stir to combine the sauce and sausages.
• Serve the BBQ Little Smokies with toothpicks, forks, or tiny cocktail swords.

Optional Customizations:

• Meat Variations: You can use any type of smoked sausage, including beef, pork, smoked kielbasa, Polish sausage, smoked chicken sausage, smoked turkey sausage, or spicy andouille sausage. If using larger sausages, cut them into roughly half-inch-thick rounds.
• Sauce Variations: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce or try using sweet chili sauce instead. For a festive twist, you can use cranberry sauce in addition to (or instead of) the BBQ sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add some heat to your Little Smokies by including ingredients like cayenne pepper, sriracha, or red pepper flakes.
• Savory Twist: For a more savory flavour profile, add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce to the mix.
• Garlic Boost: Enhance the savouriness of your smokies with some garlic powder or minced garlic.

This slow cooker recipe for BBQ Little Smokies is a great option for parties, game days, family dinners, or any occasion where you want a delicious and easy-to-prepare appetizer or main course. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions