Air Fryer Sausage Rolls: Can It Be Done?

Sausage rolls are a beloved snack, but can you cook them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryers are a great option for cooking sausage rolls, as they are smaller than ovens, use less energy, and cook food more quickly. They are also a fantastic way to reheat cooked frozen sausage rolls. You can make sausage rolls in an air fryer with just three ingredients in under 30 minutes. You can even make them gluten-free! So, if you're looking for a quick, tasty snack, fire up your air fryer and get cooking!

Air fryer sausage roll recipes

Air fryers are a great option for cooking sausage rolls, as they are cost-effective, quick, and convenient. They are perfect for cooking smaller batches of food and are ideal for busy families or those looking to save energy.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry
• Sausages
• Egg
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional: Finely grated carrot or other vegetables, mustard, apple sauce, or other desired flavourings

Recipe

Firstly, remove the sausage meat from its casing and put it into a bowl. If desired, add any extra flavourings, such as grated carrot, apple sauce, or mustard, and mix well.

Next, roll out the puff pastry and cut it in half lengthwise. Divide the sausage meat into two lines along the length of the pastry. Fold the pastry over the meat, gently pressing down, and use a fork to crimp the edges.

Brush the long rolls with a whisked egg, then cut each roll into four pieces. Pierce the top of each piece with a fork or knife.

Place the rolls into your air fryer basket, ensuring they fit comfortably with space to cook evenly. Set the air fryer to 200°C/400°F and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Tips

• It is recommended to check your sausage rolls halfway through cooking and adjust the time as needed, as air fryers can vary.
• If cooking from frozen, add 10 minutes to the cooking time.
• To reheat, place the sausage rolls in the air fryer at 180°C for 4-5 minutes.
• For gluten-free sausage rolls, use gluten-free puff pastry and sausages.

Reheating frozen sausage rolls

Yes, you can cook frozen sausage rolls in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to get your sausage rolls hot and crispy, without needing to preheat your oven.

To reheat frozen sausage rolls in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 180°C/360°F. This should take around 3 to 5 minutes. Place the frozen sausage rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with at least one inch of space between them. Spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, cook the sausage rolls for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 74°C/165°F.

If you are reheating cooked sausage rolls, the process is the same, but they will only need to be cooked for 4 to 5 minutes.

You can also cook homemade sausage rolls in advance and freeze them. To do this, place the uncooked sausage rolls on a baking tray and freeze them. Once they are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you want to cook them, take them straight from the freezer and follow the cooking instructions above.

Air fryer temperature and time

The cooking time and temperature for sausage rolls in an air fryer vary depending on the size of the sausage rolls, the quantity being cooked, and the specific model of the air fryer. However, a general rule of thumb is to cook them at a temperature between 180°C and 200°C for 12 to 20 minutes.

For example, one source recommends cooking sausage rolls at 200°C for 12 to 14 minutes, while another suggests 14 to 15 minutes at the same temperature. A third source advises cooking them for 12 minutes at 200°C, and a fourth source recommends 18 minutes at 180°C.

It is worth noting that some air fryers may require preheating, while others do not. It is also important to consider the size and quantity of the sausage rolls, as this may impact the cooking time and temperature. For instance, larger sausage rolls may require a longer cooking time, and if cooking a large batch, it may be necessary to cook them in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.

When reheating cooked frozen sausage rolls in an air fryer, it is recommended to defrost them first using a microwave or by placing them in a bag of warm water. They can then be finished in the air fryer at a lower temperature, such as 165°C, for 15 to 18 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, they can be reheated directly from frozen at 180°C for a longer period, but this may result in the pastry browning too much before the meat is fully heated.

Gluten-free sausage roll options

Sausage rolls are a popular snack, but for those who are gluten intolerant, the traditional puff pastry is off the menu. However, there are now several gluten-free pastry options available in supermarkets, including frozen varieties, that can be used to make gluten-free sausage rolls.

Gluten-free puff pastry can be used to make sausage rolls with a meaty filling, just like the traditional version. The pastry can be bought pre-rolled, saving time and effort, and is available from brands such as JusRol and Asda. Most high-quality sausages are also gluten-free, including ranges from Tesco Finest, Heck, Black Farmer, and Jolly Hog.

When making gluten-free sausage rolls, it is important to check the ingredients list, as some sausages contain wheat as a bulking agent, and some chutneys may contain barley, which contains gluten. However, most mustards are gluten-free and can be added to the sausage meat for extra flavour and texture.

Gluten-free sausage rolls can be cooked in an air fryer, which is quicker and uses less energy than a conventional oven. The rolls can be cooked from frozen, and the light, flaky pastry can be achieved in the air fryer, which is perfect for picnics, packed lunches, or party food.

Air fryer models and sizes

Air fryers come in a variety of models and sizes, catering to different household needs. The most suitable air fryer model and size for you will depend on factors such as the number of people you typically cook for, the types of food you plan to prepare, and the available counter space in your kitchen.

Small-capacity air fryers are ideal for individuals or couples. These typically have a capacity of 2 quarts or less, providing sufficient space to cook for one or two people. For example, a 4-quart model is suitable for cooking for two, while a 1.6-quart air fryer is perfect for a single person.

If you have a family or frequently cook for a small group, a standard-sized air fryer with a capacity of around 6 quarts will be a better fit. This size is versatile and can accommodate various dishes, from chicken tenders to Brussels sprouts. A 6-quart air fryer can also work for a family of four or even six, depending on your cooking habits.

For larger households or those who love to entertain, consider an extra-large air fryer with a capacity of 8 quarts or more. These models provide ample space for preparing party plates, appetizers, and crowd-pleasing dishes. Some extra-large models even come with dual baskets, allowing you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.

When choosing an air fryer, it's important to consider not only the capacity but also the features that suit your needs. For instance, some models offer smart functions, such as the Ninja DoubleStack XL, which has a temperature probe and a "Smart Finish" feature to coordinate cooking times for multiple dishes. Other models, like the Instant Vortex Plus, boast user-friendly interfaces with touchscreen controls and pre-programmed settings.

Frequently asked questions