Air fryer recipes are the perfect solution when you want to whip up something delicious with minimal effort, and these Air Fryer BBQ Little Smokies are no exception! These little sausages are coated in a tangy barbecue sauce, and with the magic of the air fryer, they become crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just need a quick and tasty snack, this recipe is sure to impress everyone who tries it.
The best part about making these BBQ Little Smokies in the air fryer is how fast and easy they are to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of cook time, you can have a delicious appetizer ready to go. So, let’s dive into the ingredients and steps needed to create this simple but flavorful dish!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Little Smokies Sausages: These are the star of the dish. Little smokies are bite-sized, fully cooked sausages that pack a lot of flavor. Their smoky and savory taste is perfect for soaking up the BBQ sauce and giving you that irresistible flavor in every bite.
Barbecue Sauce: A sweet and tangy barbecue sauce is the perfect pairing for these little sausages. You can use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own homemade sauce to give it a personal touch. The sauce will caramelize slightly in the air fryer, creating a delicious glaze over the sausages.
Cooking Spray: To ensure the sausages don’t stick to the air fryer basket, a light mist of cooking spray is necessary. This helps them crisp up and makes cleanup a breeze.
Optional Garnishes (Parsley or Green Onions): While not required, adding some freshly chopped parsley or green onions can give your BBQ Little Smokies a pop of color and a little extra flavor.
Ingredients List
- 1 package (about 14 oz) of Little Smokies sausages
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Cooking spray
- Optional: Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Little Smokies
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the sausages cook evenly and get that crispy texture on the outside.
Step 2: Coat the Little Smokies in BBQ Sauce
In a bowl, add the Little Smokies sausages and pour the barbecue sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each sausage thoroughly in the sauce. Make sure they are evenly coated so each one gets that sweet and smoky flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the sauced sausages in a single layer in the basket, making sure there’s a little space between each one for air circulation.
Step 4: Cook the Little Smokies
Cook the sausages in the preheated air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The sausages should be hot, slightly crispy on the outside, and caramelized with the BBQ sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the BBQ Little Smokies to a serving platter. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for an added touch of flavor and color.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce: Feel free to experiment with different types of barbecue sauces, whether sweet, smoky, or spicy. You can even mix different sauces to create your unique blend.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Make sure to leave some space between the sausages so they cook evenly. Overcrowding can prevent them from getting crispy.
- Check on the sausages: Air fryers can vary in heat, so check the sausages a couple of minutes before the recommended cook time to make sure they’re not overcooking.
- Serve with sides: Pair these BBQ Little Smokies with some coleslaw, potato salad, or chips for a full appetizer spread.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Little Smokies with regular cocktail sausages or even sliced bratwurst or kielbasa. Just adjust the cook time accordingly.
How do I make BBQ Little Smokies spicier?
If you like heat, you can add a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce. This will give the sausages a nice kick!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the Little Smokies and coat them in barbecue sauce ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. When ready, simply cook them in the air fryer for a few minutes.
What dipping sauces go well with BBQ Little Smokies?
They pair well with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even extra BBQ sauce for dipping. You can also try honey mustard or spicy mustard for an added twist!
Enjoy these Air Fryer BBQ Little Smokies as a savory snack, appetizer, or part of your game day spread!