Air Fryer Pig Shots
Air Fryer Pig Shots are the bite-sized, smoky, and creamy appetizers you never knew you needed. Imagine savory kielbasa wrapped in bacon and piped full of a melty, garlicky cheese filling—then crisped to perfection in the air fryer. They’re eye-catching, packed with flavor, and ready to impress at game day parties or weekend gatherings.
Before you get started
Use thick-cut bacon for structure—it holds the shape better and gives you that perfect crispy edge. Softening the cream cheese in advance makes mixing and piping a breeze. Secure each pig shot with a toothpick to hold its shape in the air fryer, and don’t overcrowd your basket—cook in batches for best results.
What You Need To Make Air Fryer Pig Shots
You’ll find the exact ingredient amounts in the recipe card, but here’s what you’ll need:
- Kielbasa sausage
- Thick-cut bacon
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Toothpicks
- Air fryer
How To Make Air Fryer Pig Shots
Slice the kielbasa into 20 even pieces and cut each slice of bacon in half.
Wrap one piece of bacon around each kielbasa slice to form a cup shape, securing it with a toothpick.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and garlic powder until smooth.
Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag or zip-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe into each bacon-wrapped sausage.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F if needed. Place the pig shots into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook in batches for about 20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the filling is bubbly.
Let cool slightly and serve warm.
FAQs
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pig shots and refrigerate until ready to air fry. Best cooked within 24 hours.
What type of sausage works best?
Kielbasa holds its shape well, but you can also use smoked sausage or andouille.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking?
Use softened cream cheese and don’t overfill. A thick cheese mix helps keep it in place while cooking.
Air Fryer Pig Shots
Ingredients
- 14 oz kielbasa cut into 20 slices
- 1 lb thick sliced bacon cut in half
- 8 oz Cream cheese softened
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cut the kielbasa into 20 pieces. Cut the bacon in half.
- Wrap a piece of bacon around each piece of kielbasa to make a “shot glass” shape, then secure it with a toothpick.
- Add the cheeses and garlic to a small bowl and stir to combine. Add mixture to a piping bag or baggie, then snip of the end and pipe into the center of each “shot”.
- Cook in the air fryer in batches for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.