Cody Casey
Air Fryer Lil Smokies are a delicious and quick appetizer that can be made in just 15 minutes. They are the perfect snack for game day or parties. The smokies are made with cocktail sausages, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar, and are cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer gives the sausages a juicy texture and a snap to the outside casing. This recipe is a great option when you're short on time but want something savory and delicious.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350ºF |
| Time | 8 minutes, tossing once during cook time |
| Sauce | BBQ sauce, apricot jam, brown sugar, and seasoning |
| Additional Time | 4-5 minutes |
| Serving | Toothpicks |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days |
| Reheating | Place in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking temperature for Lil Smokies in an air fryer is generally agreed upon across sources to be 350°F (175°C). However, one source recommends reheating Lil Smokies at 375°F.
The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model and the desired crispiness of the sausages. Most sources recommend cooking Lil Smokies for 6–8 minutes, tossing them halfway through. One source suggests cooking them for 5 minutes, while another suggests 7–8 minutes. After tossing, some sources recommend adding barbecue sauce and suggest cooking for an additional 2–5 minutes.
If you are cooking bacon-wrapped Lil Smokies, one source recommends cooking them for 30–35 minutes in the oven. However, if you are reheating them, this source suggests placing them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so be sure to keep an eye on your Lil Smokies to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
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Sauce ingredients
The sauce ingredients for Air Fryer Lil Smokies can vary depending on your preferences. BBQ sauce is a common choice, and you can use your favourite brand or type, such as a light sauce or a spicy BBQ sauce. You can also add apricot jam or brown sugar to the BBQ sauce to enhance the flavour and create a caramelized effect. If you want to add some spice, consider including cayenne pepper or sriracha in the sauce mixture. For a sweeter option, you can make a sauce with grape jelly as a dipping option.
Additionally, you can wrap the Lil Smokies in bacon and secure them with toothpicks, ensuring you soak the toothpicks in water beforehand to prevent burning. You can also cut the bacon in half and wrap each cocktail wiener with a half piece of bacon, basting it with sauce. Another option is to slice crescent rolls into strips and wrap each sausage to make "pigs in a blanket."
When preparing the sauce, you can mix the BBQ sauce with brown sugar or apricot jam in a small bowl and baste it over the sausages. Alternatively, you can toss the cooked smokies in a bowl with BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and seasoning, and then return them to the air fryer for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.
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Dipping sauces
Lil Smokies are a delicious and quick appetizer that can be made in an air fryer in just 15 minutes. They are often served with a dipping sauce, which can be made in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your air-fried Lil Smokies:
BBQ Sauce
A classic BBQ sauce is a great option for dipping Lil Smokies. You can use a store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own by whisking together barbecue sauce and brown sugar. This sauce can also be used to baste the smokies before air frying.
Sweet and Tangy Sauce
For a sweeter option, you can make a sauce with grape jelly and BBQ sauce. Simply mix the two ingredients together in a slow cooker until well combined. You can adjust the ratio of grape jelly to BBQ sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Mayo-Based Sauce
Another option for a dipping sauce is a mixture of mayo, ketchup, maple syrup, and Sriracha. This combination of sweet and spicy flavours is sure to complement the smokies. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to taste.
Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce
This sauce is a variation of the classic BBQ sauce, with the addition of brown sugar. Simply whisk together barbecue sauce and brown sugar, and use it as a dipping sauce or baste for the smokies. You can also add some cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
Other Ideas
- Mustard: A simple option for those who like a more tangy dip.
- Ranch dressing: A creamy and tangy option that pairs well with the smokies.
- Hot sauce: For those who like it spicy, a few drops of hot sauce can be added to any of the above sauces or used on its own.
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How to reheat
To reheat Lil Smokies, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat them at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven or in a pan over medium heat.
If you are reheating Lil Smokies that have been frozen, it is best to allow them to fully thaw before reheating. If you are reheating bacon-wrapped Lil Smokies, you can secure the bacon with toothpicks, but be sure to soak them in water for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking to prevent them from burning.
Leftover Lil Smokies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but it is recommended to freeze them before cooking.
When reheating, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even heating. It is also a good idea to let the Lil Smokies rest for a few minutes before serving, as you would with any meat.
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Serving suggestions
Air Fryer Lil Smokies are a delicious and quick appetizer, perfect for game day or a party. They can be served in a variety of ways and are a great snack to be enjoyed by all.
Firstly, it is important to note that these sausages should be served warm. They are best served fresh but can be enjoyed for a few days after cooking and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze these ahead of time and then reheat in the air fryer or a pan.
Lil Smokies can be served with toothpicks, and a delicious dip. A simple cheese dip is a great option, or you could make a three-ingredient dip with BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and grape jelly. If you want to add some spice, add cayenne pepper or sriracha to your BBQ sauce.
For a more indulgent treat, wrap the sausages in bacon and secure with a pre-soaked toothpick. You can also add a 'blanket' by wrapping the sausage in dough before air-frying to make pigs in a blanket. These can be served as a snack or a fun, casual meal with rice or creamy ranch.
There are so many ways to serve these delicious, crispy, and juicy Lil Smokies. They are a great snack to share with friends and family and can be adapted to your taste.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 15 minutes to cook Lil Smokies in an air fryer.
You should cook Lil Smokies at 350°F (175°C) in an air fryer.
You can make a sauce for Lil Smokies by mixing barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and apricot jam.
You can store leftover Lil Smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
