Air Fryer Hillshire Farm Cheddar Lit’l Smokies Cocktail Links

Air Fryer Hillshire Farm Cheddar Lit’l Smokies Cocktail Links

Air frying Hillshire Farm Cheddar Air Fryer Hillshire Farm Cheddar Lit’l Smokies Cocktail Links Lit’l Smokies Cocktail Links gives you crispy edges, a juicy center, and a burst of melty cheddar cheese in every bite—all in under 8 minutes. These mini sausages are fully cooked and perfect for appetizers, game day spreads, or cheesy comfort meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy Sausage with Melted Cheddar

Each link is filled with cheddar cheese for a gooey, flavorful twist on the classic cocktail sausage.

Fast, Crispy, and Mess-Free

The air fryer gives you browned, lightly crisped skins without stovetop splatter.

Party-Perfect or Weeknight-Easy

Ideal for snacks, skewers, dips, or tossed into your favorite cheesy dishes.

Cook From Fresh or Frozen

These fully cooked links go straight into the air fryer with no thawing needed.

Ingredients

• 1 package Hillshire Farm Cheddar Lit’l Smokies Cocktail Links (fresh or frozen, fully cooked)

Optional:

• BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for dipping

• Slider buns or mini skewers for serving

• Mac and cheese, baked beans, or scrambled eggs as pairings

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Lit’l Smokies

• Remove from packaging.

• If frozen, separate gently—no thawing required.

• Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Avoid overcrowding.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

• Cook at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

• For frozen, cook 8–10 minutes, shaking after 5 minutes.

• Sausages are done when the skins are crisp, the cheese is melty, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Let cool slightly (the cheese will be hot), then serve with your favorite dips or mix-ins.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Handle Gently

Overcooking or piercing the sausage can cause the cheese to leak out—flip or shake gently.

Avoid Overcrowding

Give each piece space so the skins crisp up and the cheese stays inside.

Serve Warm

Cheddar Lit’l Smokies taste best right out of the fryer while the cheese is melty.

Use a Thermometer

Even fully cooked sausage should be reheated to 165°F for food safety.

What to Serve With Hillshire Farm Cheddar Lit’l Smokies

Dips and Sauces

• Honey Mustard or Dijon Mustard – Sweet and tangy

• BBQ Sauce – Classic game day pairing

• Ranch or Spicy Mayo – Cool and creamy

• Cheese Sauce – For an extra cheesy bite

Side Dishes & Pairings

• Mac and Cheese – Stir in for cheesy, meaty comfort

• Baked Beans – Sweet and savory combo

• Scrambled Eggs – Perfect for a breakfast twist

• Tater Tots or Fries – Fun, crispy pairings

Creative Serving Ideas

• Mini Skewers: Serve with cheese cubes and pickles on toothpicks

• Slider Rolls: Turn into cheesy sausage sliders with a touch of mustard

• Charcuterie Board: Add to a game-day board with dips, pretzels, and cheese

• Cheddar Chili Dogs: Top with chili and shredded cheese for mini chili dogs

Storage & Reheating Instructions

How to Store Leftovers

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat in the Air Fryer

Reheat at 350°F (177°C) for 2–3 minutes, or until hot and crisp again.

Can You Freeze After Cooking?

Yes—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 6–7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Hillshire Farm Cheddar Lit’l Smokies Fully Cooked?

Yes—they’re fully cooked. Reheat to 165°F before serving.

Can I Cook Them From Frozen?

Yes—cook directly from frozen. Add 2–3 minutes and shake halfway through.

Do I Need Oil or Spray?

No—these sausages crisp naturally and contain melted cheese inside.

Will the Cheese Leak?

Some may ooze slightly—handle gently and don’t overcook to keep the cheese inside.

Make Hillshire Farm Cheddar Lit’l Smokies in the air fryer for cheesy, juicy, bite-sized sausages in under 8 minutes. Perfect for parties, sliders, or snacks. Full instructions, pro tips, and serving ideas included. Air Fryer Hillshire Farm Cheddar Lit’l Smokies Cocktail Links