Air-Fried Smokies: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Smokies are a delicious snack or appetiser that can be made in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. They are perfect for parties, game day, backyard barbecues, and family get-togethers. This easy-to-make dish requires just a handful of ingredients and can be served with a variety of dips and sauces.

Choosing the right type of smoked sausage

When choosing the right type of smoked sausage to make "smokies" in an air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, smoked sausages are typically made with either pork or beef, with pork being the most common option. You can choose between pre-cooked or cured smoked sausages, depending on your preference. Popular varieties of smoked sausage include Andouille sausage, kielbasa, beef sausage, and pork sausage. If you want to add a little spice to your smokies, consider using a sausage with garlic or other seasonings. For those who enjoy a crispy texture, aim for a sausage that will crisp up nicely in the air fryer, such as a sausage with a higher fat content.

When preparing your chosen smoked sausage for the air fryer, cut them into uniform slices to ensure even cooking. The size of the slices can vary depending on your desired outcome. For bite-sized appetizers, slice the sausages into 1-inch thick pieces. If you prefer a heartier portion, opt for larger slices or even cook the sausages whole.

Keep in mind that the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the type of sausage you choose and the specific model of your air fryer. Preheating your air fryer and flipping the sausages halfway through cooking will help ensure even cooking.

Additionally, consider the dipping sauces you want to pair with your smokies. Traditional options include barbecue sauce and spicy brown mustard, but you can also get creative and experiment with other sauces like ranch, blue cheese, hot mustard, or honey sriracha.

Preparing the air fryer basket

Firstly, it's important to note that every air fryer model is unique, so it's always a good idea to refer to your specific air fryer's manual for any special instructions or recommendations. That being said, there are some general guidelines you can follow. If your air fryer basket has a non-stick coating, you may not need to do much preparation at all. However, if it doesn't have a non-stick coating, there are several options to choose from. You can use non-stick spray, olive oil, parchment paper, or foil, if your air fryer allows it. These options help prevent the smokies from sticking to the basket and make clean-up easier.

Additionally, if you're cooking bacon-wrapped smokies, it's recommended to line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with non-stick spray before wrapping the smokies in bacon. This will help to catch any drippings and make clean-up a breeze.

When preparing the air fryer basket, it's also important to ensure that you don't overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the smokies in batches to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent your smokies from getting that perfect crispy texture.

Lastly, if you're cooking the smokies directly in the basket without any sauce or glaze, preheating the air fryer before adding the smokies is a good idea. This helps ensure even cooking and can lead to better results. However, if you're cooking smokies with a sauce or glaze, you may choose to skip preheating, as the sauce will help keep the smokies moist during the cooking process.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for smokies in an air fryer will depend on the type of smokies you are preparing and whether you are cooking them directly or within another ingredient, such as bacon or pastry.

For Lil' Smokies or similar small, pre-cooked sausages, the cooking time is usually around 8-10 minutes at 350°F. If you are cooking them with a sauce, the temperature remains the same but the cooking time increases to 15 minutes. For smokies wrapped in bacon, the cooking time is around 8 minutes at 390°F. If you are adding an additional ingredient such as pastry, you will need to cook the smokies for 5 minutes at 380°F before wrapping and cooking for a further 5-8 minutes.

Dipping sauces

Smokies cooked in an air fryer are a great snack for a party or get-together. They are also versatile and can be paired with a variety of dips and sauces. Here are some dipping sauce ideas for your air-fried smokies:

BBQ Sauce

The classic barbecue sauce is a must-have for any smokies recipe. You can use your favourite store-bought brand or make your own by combining brown sugar, garlic, butter, and other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or mustard. Adjust the sugar and spice to your taste.

Chimichurri Sauce

For a fresh and tangy twist, serve your smokies with chimichurri sauce. This Argentinean condiment is made with fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. It adds a bright and herby flavour to your smokies.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is not just for Thanksgiving! The tangy and slightly sweet flavour of cranberry sauce goes perfectly with savoury sausages. Make your own by simmering fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and spices.

Sweet Chili Sauce

For a sweet and spicy kick, try serving your smokies with sweet chilli sauce. This sauce can be made with sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. It's perfect for smokies wrapped in bacon or grilled.

Honey Mustard Sauce

Honey mustard sauce is a classic dipping sauce that never goes out of style. Combine honey, Dijon mustard, and vinegar to make this tangy and sweet sauce. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your taste.

Spicy Brown Mustard

A great dip for smokies, spicy brown mustard adds a kick to your snack. Serve it on the side or drizzle it over the smokies.

Teriyaki Sauce

For a sweet and savoury flavour, try teriyaki sauce. This Japanese-inspired sauce is made with soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and other ingredients like honey or mirin. It's perfect for marinating smokies before grilling.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Storing and reheating smokies is a simple process. If you have any leftover lil smokies, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to reheat, let the frozen smokies thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You can then reheat them in the air fryer, stovetop, or oven. To reheat in the air fryer, place the smokies in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For stovetop reheating, place the smokies in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed. Alternatively, warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Frequently asked questions