Air Fryer Pig Shots: Smoky Bacon, Creamy Cheese, and a Touch of Heat

You won’t believe how easy and delicious these Air Fryer Pig Shots are! Made with smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and a hint of jalapeño heat, they’re the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. Quick to make and bursting with flavor, these little bites will have everyone coming back for more.

Personal Story & Background

When I first heard about “Pig Shots,” I was intrigued—what could possibly be better than bacon wrapped around a delicious filling? After trying a version of these at a friend’s barbecue, I knew I had to make them at home. I’ve since perfected the recipe using my trusty air fryer, which makes these tasty bites super crispy while keeping the filling perfectly creamy. Every time I make them, they disappear faster than I can count!

These little bites have it all: smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and a touch of heat from the jalapeño. They’re simple to prepare, but the combination of flavors is anything but ordinary. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer takes them to the next level with that perfect crispiness—without the need for deep frying!

Ingredient Notes

• Bacon: The key ingredient that makes these bites irresistible. You’ll want thin-cut bacon so it crisps up nicely in the air fryer. It’s also easier to wrap around the filling when it’s not too thick.
• Cream Cheese: This creates the rich, creamy base for the filling and helps balance out the heat from the jalapeños. You can swap it for flavored cream cheese (like chive or garlic) if you want to add a twist.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty goodness to the filling. Feel free to use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any other cheese you love!
• Jalapeños: These add the perfect amount of heat to the pig shots. If you want to tone down the spice, remove the seeds and membranes, or leave them out altogether for a milder version.
• BBQ Sauce (optional): A little drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce on top before air frying adds a touch of sweetness and smokiness that really enhances the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bacon

Start by cutting your bacon strips in half. You’ll need a half strip for each pig shot. This makes them easier to wrap around the filling and ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer.

2. Make the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped jalapeños. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder if you want a little extra flavor. Mix everything together until it’s well-combined and creamy.

3. Form the Pig Shots

Take each half-strip of bacon and gently wrap it around the outer edge of a small piece of foil or a mini muffin tin for support (you can also use a mini muffin pan if you don’t have foil). Fill the center with the cheese mixture, packing it in lightly.

4. Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the filled bacon-wrapped bites in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other to ensure crispiness. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the bacon is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, carefully remove the pig shots from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve with a drizzle of BBQ sauce on top, or enjoy them just as they are!

Expert Tips for the Best Results

1. Crisp Bacon: For maximum crispiness, make sure to use thin-cut bacon. You can also pat the bacon dry with a paper towel before wrapping it to remove excess moisture.
2. Don’t Overstuff: You only need a small spoonful of the cheese filling. If you stuff too much, it can overflow while cooking, making a mess in the air fryer.
3. Temperature Check: Since air fryers vary, keep an eye on your pig shots towards the end of cooking. If your bacon isn’t quite crispy enough after the initial time, add another 2-3 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

These pig shots are perfect on their own as a party snack or appetizer. You can also serve them alongside other finger foods like sliders, wings, or a refreshing cucumber salad. They make a great addition to a game-day spread or a fun family dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain that crispy bacon texture. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry, though the bacon may lose some of its crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the pig shots a day ahead, store them in the fridge, and cook them in the air fryer when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use a different kind of cheese? Absolutely! You can swap out cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even cream cheese with herbs for a different flavor.
3. What if I don’t have an air fryer? If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
4. How spicy are these? The spice level depends on how much of the jalapeño you include in the filling. If you want to make them milder, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or skip them altogether.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Pig Shots are the perfect balance of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and a little bit of heat. They’re simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these bites are guaranteed to impress. Try them out and let me know how they turn out—I’m sure they’ll become a new favorite!

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