There’s something about armadillo eggs that just makes my taste buds dance, even if the name conjures up images of something far from edible. Imagine this: spicy jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese, wrapped snugly in sausage, and hugged by crispy bacon. Oh, and did I mention the air fryer works its magic to make them extra crispy without the guilt of deep frying?
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Meanwhile, remove the stems from jalapeno peppers and use a paring knife to carefully hollow out the insides. Boil the peppers in a saucepan of water for 5 minutes, then drain and let them cool.
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and minced garlic until smooth. Stuff each jalapeno pepper with the cream cheese mixture, filling them to the top.
- In another bowl, mix together pork sausage, Italian sausage, brown sugar, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form a quarter cup of the sausage mixture into a patty.
- Wrap the sausage patty around a stuffed jalapeno, ensuring the pepper is fully enclosed. Wrap two slices of thick-cut bacon around the sausage-covered jalapeno, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
- Place the prepared armadillo eggs in the air fryer basket in batches. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and the bacon is crispy.
Ingredients
- 8 large jalapeño peppers
- Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- Sausage Mixture:
- 1 pound pork sausage
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 16 slices thick-cut bacon
FAQ
- Can I prepare Armadillo Eggs using an oven instead of an air fryer?
- This recipe is specifically designed for an air fryer to achieve the best results, particularly in terms of crispy bacon. Baking in an oven may not yield the desired crispiness, but grilling or smoking are alternative methods you could consider.
- What kind of air fryer is recommended for making Armadillo Eggs?
- The Ninja Air Fryer is recommended for its consistent results and user-friendly features. It’s been tested and found to be effective in preparing this recipe.
- Do I have to boil the jalapenos before stuffing them?
- Boiling the jalapenos softens them, making them easier to work with. However, this step is optional, and you can skip it if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut bacon?
- Yes, you can use regular bacon, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Regular bacon might cook faster, so monitor it closely to ensure it becomes crispy without overcooking the sausage.
- Is this Armadillo Eggs recipe keto-friendly?
- Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly as it uses ingredients like cream cheese, cheese, and sausage, all fitting within a low-carb diet.
Tips
- Wear Gloves When Handling Jalapeños: To protect your skin from potential irritation or burning from the jalapeño peppers, it’s advisable to wear gloves while removing the seeds and pith.
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon for Best Results: Thick-cut bacon is recommended for this recipe, as it helps ensure the bacon crisps up nicely during cooking while keeping the sausage moist. If you opt for regular bacon, monitor closely to adjust cooking times as needed.
- Pre-Boil Jalapeños for Softer Texture: Boiling the jalapeños for 5 minutes before stuffing them softens the peppers, making them easier to eat. This step can be skipped if you prefer a crunchier texture.
- Check Internal Temperature for Doneness: Ensure the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 160°F to confirm the meat is fully cooked. This is crucial for both food safety and achieving the perfect texture.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Jalapeno Pepper Corer
- Large Saucepan (if you don’t already have one suitable for boiling the peppers)
- Meat Thermometer (to ensure the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 160°F)
