Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (12-14 oz) Lil’ Smokies or cocktail sausages
- 1 pound thin-cut bacon (regular, not thick-cut)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- Sturdy toothpicks
Instructions
- Start by cutting each slice of bacon into thirds. If your bacon slices are particularly long, you may need to cut them into fourths. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cayenne pepper until well combined. Pat the Lil’ Smokies dry with a paper towel; this helps the bacon and sugar stick better to the surface.
- Take one piece of cut bacon and wrap it tightly around a cocktail sausage. Secure the bacon in place by piercing it through the center with a toothpick. Once wrapped, roll the entire smokie in the brown sugar mixture, pressing gently so the sugar adheres to the bacon. Repeat this process until all sausages are wrapped and coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the wrapped smokies in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching too much to allow the air to circulate. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. At the 5-minute mark, check on them to ensure the sugar isn’t burning. The bacon should be crisp and the sugar should be bubbling and caramelized.
- Carefully remove the smokies from the air fryer basket using tongs. Transfer them to a serving platter lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking as they cool. Let them rest for 2 or 3 minutes; the sugar glaze will thicken and harden slightly during this time. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
- Cook Time: 25 minutes