I still remember the first time I wrapped sausage in bacon and tossed it into the air fryer—I thought it would be just another quick snack, but oh, was I wrong. The moment I bit into that smoky, juicy, crispy perfection, I knew this recipe was a keeper. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive but is secretly effortless, making you feel like you’ve pulled off a little kitchen magic without breaking a sweat.
What I love most is how this recipe works for any occasion. It’s a game-day finger food, a hearty breakfast upgrade, or even a fun appetizer for a gathering with friends. The air fryer makes the bacon irresistibly crisp while keeping the sausage juicy inside—no fuss, no splattering oil, just pure comfort food joy.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Bacon: Choose medium-thickness bacon that will crisp up nicely in the air fryer while still wrapping snugly around the sausage. Too thin, and it may tear or cook too fast; too thick, and it may not crisp evenly. A smoky or maple-flavored bacon adds an extra layer of flavor.
Sausages: Go for your favorite kind of sausage links—pork, beef, chicken, or even turkey. Spiced varieties like Italian or chorizo will add a bold kick, while classic breakfast sausages keep things mild and comforting.
Toothpicks: These little helpers keep the bacon in place while cooking. Without them, the bacon tends to curl or unravel, and you don’t want to lose that perfect wrap while it’s crisping.
Optional Glaze: A brush of maple syrup, honey, or even barbecue sauce before air frying takes these rolls to the next level. It creates a glossy finish and adds a sweet-savory balance.
Ingredients List
- 8 slices of bacon
- 8 sausage links (pork, chicken, or your choice)
- Toothpicks (as needed)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey for glazing
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Roll
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Lay out the bacon strips on a clean surface and have your sausages ready to go. If using glaze, keep a small brush handy.
Step 2: Wrap the Sausages
Take one sausage and wrap it tightly with a slice of bacon, starting from one end and spiraling to the other. Secure the ends with a toothpick so the bacon stays put while cooking. Repeat with all sausages.
Step 3: Add Optional Glaze
For an extra touch, brush each bacon-wrapped sausage lightly with maple syrup or honey. This step gives the final dish a shiny coating and adds irresistible flavor.
Step 4: Preheat and Arrange
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the wrapped sausages in the basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between them for proper air circulation.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your bacon.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the toothpicks carefully before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed hot, either on their own or with a dipping sauce like spicy mustard, barbecue sauce, or even ranch.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- For even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed.
- If you prefer extra-crispy bacon, try partially pre-cooking the bacon for 2 minutes before wrapping.
- Sweet glazes like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar pair beautifully with smoky bacon and savory sausage.
- Experiment with flavored sausages to change up the taste each time. Spicy sausages with sweet glaze are especially delicious.
- Always remove the toothpicks before serving to avoid any accidents at the table.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can wrap the sausages in bacon and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Just air fry them fresh when you’re ready.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps the bacon crisp faster and evenly, so it’s highly recommended.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Absolutely. Just keep in mind that turkey bacon won’t get quite as crispy as pork bacon, but it’s still delicious.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Honey mustard, spicy ketchup, barbecue sauce, or even a creamy ranch dip make great pairings.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Once cooked and cooled, freeze them in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer until hot and crispy.