These bacon-wrapped sausage bites are a must-try for anyone following a carnivore diet and looking for quick, protein-packed snacks. With just a few simple ingredients, they deliver incredible flavor and texture in every bite.
Cooking them in the air fryer ensures the bacon crisps up beautifully while keeping the sausage juicy.
Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a gathering, or need a high-protein snack, this easy recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for the Carnivore Diet
This recipe aligns perfectly with the carnivore diet because it is entirely animal-based, using only meat and fat. The combination of bacon and sausage provides high-quality protein and healthy fats, making it ideal for those focusing on a zero-carb lifestyle.
It’s also incredibly satisfying, keeping hunger at bay for hours.
Variations to Enhance Flavor
While the strict carnivore version sticks to meat and fat, you can add slight variations to customize the recipe based on your preferences. These modifications maintain the integrity of the carnivore diet while introducing bold new flavors.
- Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Bites: Place a small slice of cheese inside the sausage before wrapping it in bacon for an extra creamy texture.
- Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Sausages: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika before wrapping for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Butter Bacon Bites: Drizzle melted garlic butter over the cooked bites for enhanced richness.
Best Sausages & Bacon for This Recipe
Choosing the right type of sausage and bacon can significantly impact the final result. Opt for high-quality, minimally processed meats to stay true to the carnivore diet.
- Sausages: Look for sausages with no fillers, sugar, or added preservatives. Pork, beef, or even chicken sausages work well.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut, nitrate-free bacon for the best texture and flavor. Thicker slices crisp up well and add a satisfying crunch.
- Fat options: If you need extra grease for the air fryer, use tallow or clarified butter to maintain the carnivore-friendly approach.
Serving Ideas & Storage Tips
Bacon-wrapped sausage bites are versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways. They are great for quick meals, snacks, or even party appetizers. If you have leftovers, proper storage will keep them fresh for later enjoyment.
- Serve hot with extra bacon fat drizzled over for added richness.
- Pair with eggs for a hearty carnivore breakfast.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
These bacon-wrapped sausage bites are the ultimate high-protein, carnivore-friendly snack. They’re quick to prepare, cook in minutes, and offer incredible flavor with every bite.
Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Bites Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- 4 to 6-quart air fryer
Ingredients
- 8 pork sausage links
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 tbsp tallow or clarified butter for greasing
- Salt to taste, if needed
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Wrap the sausages: Wrap each sausage link tightly with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Grease the air fryer basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with tallow or clarified butter.
- Cook the sausage bites: Place the bacon-wrapped sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the sausages are fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
- Serve: Let the bacon-wrapped sausage bites cool slightly before serving hot.
Notes
Variations (Flexible Carnivore Diet):
- Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Bites: Add a small slice of cheese inside the sausage before wrapping it with bacon for a cheesy surprise.
- Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Sausages: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika on the sausages before wrapping for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Bacon Bites: Drizzle with melted garlic butter after cooking for extra flavor.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.