BBQ Shotgun Shells in the Air Fryer

ByHannah Peterson

BBQ Shotgun Shells in the Air Fryer – Crispy, Cheesy, and Loaded with Flavor!

When my hubby said he wanted to try BBQ Shotgun Shells, I wasn’t sure how they’d turn out in the air fryer — but wow, these were next-level delicious! Made in our Ninja Foodi 15-in-1 Air Fryer, they came out crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and packed with smoky, cheesy goodness.

If you love BBQ and bacon, this recipe is going to blow your mind. 🤤

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Smoky, cheesy, meaty perfection
  • Done in under an hour — no smoker needed!
  • Great for game day, parties, or a fun weekend dinner
  • Easy to customize with your favorite fillings

🍖 Ingredients

  • 1 box manicotti shells (uncooked)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or sausage)
  • ½ lb bacon (thin sliced)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus more for glazing)
  • 1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Optional: diced jalapeños, chopped onions, or cream cheese for extra flavor

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Filling

In a bowl, mix ground beef, cheese, BBQ seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce.

2️⃣ Stuff the Shells

Fill the uncooked manicotti shells with the meat mixture. Wrap each one tightly in a strip of bacon, making sure to cover most of the pasta.

3️⃣ Let Them Rest

Place the wrapped shells on a tray and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). This helps soften the pasta before cooking.

4️⃣ Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the shells in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5️⃣ Glaze

Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking for a sticky, caramelized finish.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Extra BBQ sauce for dipping
  • Coleslaw or baked beans on the side
  • A cold drink and good company 😎

💡 Pro Tips

  • Rest time is key — it allows the pasta to soften and cook evenly.
  • Try using Italian sausage for a spicy twist.
  • For a crispier texture, finish with 1–2 minutes under the air fryer’s broil setting.

These Air Fryer BBQ Shotgun Shells are everything you love about BBQ — smoky, cheesy, and finger-licking good — without the long wait of smoking or grilling. Perfectly crisp, full of flavor, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite!

Once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat. 💥

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