Air Fryer Pigs In Blankets: Can It Be Done?

Pigs in blankets are a delicious snack, side dish, appetiser, or party food. They're traditionally served at Christmas in the UK, but who's to say you can't enjoy them all year round? The good news is that you can cook them in an air fryer.

In the UK, pigs in blankets are small pork sausages (usually chipolatas) wrapped in streaky bacon and then roasted. In the US, they're made with cocktail sausages wrapped in crescent roll dough or pastry.

You can make them in an air fryer in just a few minutes, and they're a great beginner recipe. You'll only need a few simple ingredients, and there are lots of ways to adapt the recipe to make it your own.

How long to cook pigs in blankets in an air fryer

Pigs in blankets are a delicious treat and can be made in an air fryer with minimal preparation and effort. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, whether you are cooking from frozen, and whether you are using an air fryer liner.

If you are using an air fryer liner, your pigs in blankets may take a little longer to cook. It is also recommended that you turn them halfway through cooking to ensure the bacon is crispy all around.

If your air fryer requires preheating, check on your pigs in blankets after 8 minutes. If your air fryer is warm, your food will likely cook a few minutes faster.

For example, if you are using a Ninja Foodi, you will need to air fry your pigs in blankets for around 8-10 minutes.

If you are cooking frozen pigs in blankets in an air fryer, you can cook them straight from frozen at 180ºC/356ºF for about 12-14 minutes.

If you are cooking homemade frozen pigs in blankets, you will need to follow the cooking instructions for that particular recipe.

If you are cooking shop-bought frozen pigs in blankets, you will need to convert the manufacturer's oven instructions into air fryer settings. As a guide, cook your pigs in blankets at 180ºC/356ºF for 12-14 minutes.

If you are cooking fresh pigs in blankets, the cooking time will depend on the type of sausages you are using. If you are using thicker sausages, they will take longer to cook—around 15-18 minutes. If you are using cocktail sausages or chipolatas, your cooking time will be shorter. For example, if you are cooking your pigs in blankets in a preheated air fryer at 390ºF, they will take 5-8 minutes.

Remember to keep an eye on your food as it cooks and adjust the cooking time as needed.

What type of sausages to use

Pigs in blankets are a popular appetiser or snack, and they can be made in an air fryer. They are usually made with small pork sausages, but you can use your favourite type of sausage, such as turkey or chicken.

The sausages are wrapped in streaky bacon and then cooked in the air fryer. You can use chipolata sausages or cocktail sausages/wiener sausages, which are also known as "little sausages" or "lit'l smoked sausages".

The key to making pigs in blankets in an air fryer is to ensure that the sausages are small enough to be wrapped easily in the bacon. Regular-sized sausages will be too large. You can also make a vegetarian version by replacing the sausages with grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini.

What to wrap the sausages in

Pigs in blankets are a classic appetiser or snack, and you can make them in an air fryer! But what should you wrap the sausages in?

The traditional choice is streaky bacon. You'll want to use small pork sausages (chipolatas) and wrap each one with a piece of bacon, starting at one end and slowly winding the bacon around until the whole sausage is covered. This can be the trickiest part of making pigs in blankets!

If you're looking for a vegetarian option or just want to switch things up, there are a few alternatives you can try. Some recipes suggest using crescent roll dough, which you can find in sheets or rolls. Cut the dough into strips (about 1 1/2" wide) and wrap them around your sausages, pressing gently to close any gaps. You can also use pizza dough if you can't find crescent dough. Just be aware that different types of dough may take longer or shorter to cook, so keep an eye on your pigs in blankets while they're in the air fryer!

For an extra touch of flavour, try brushing your pigs in blankets with a glaze. A honey mustard glaze is a great option: just mix together honey and Dijon mustard, then use a pastry brush to dab it over the sausages before air frying.

How to prepare the air fryer basket

Preparing the air fryer basket is an important step in ensuring your pigs in blankets turn out perfectly. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Start by gathering your ingredients. For pigs in blankets, you will typically need sausages and something to wrap them in, such as bacon or crescent roll dough. Having all your ingredients ready to go will make the preparation process more efficient.
• If using crescent roll dough, roll out the dough on a cutting board. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into strips. The size of the strips will depend on the size of your sausages. You want to ensure you have enough dough to wrap around each sausage.
• Pat your sausages dry with paper towels. This step is important as it will help the dough stick to the sausages and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap each sausage with a strip of dough or bacon. For dough, start at one end of the sausage and spiral the dough around it, pressing gently to close any gaps. For bacon, start at one end of the sausage and wrap the bacon as tightly as possible around it.
• Prepare your air fryer basket by spraying it lightly with cooking spray or oil spray. This will help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You can skip this step if your air fryer basket has a non-stick coating or if you plan to use parchment paper.
• If using parchment paper, cut it into strips slightly larger than the wrapped sausages. Place the parchment paper strips in the air fryer basket, and then place the wrapped sausages on top. This will help prevent the dough from sticking to the basket and allow for even cooking.
• Place the wrapped sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between them to allow for even cooking and expansion. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pigs in blankets in batches.

By following these steps, your air fryer basket will be optimally prepared for cooking pigs in blankets.

What to serve with pigs in blankets

Pigs in blankets are a versatile dish that can be served at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even BBQs and potlucks. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside them:

Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic pairing with pigs in blankets. They are hearty, sweet, and savoury, and can be made even better with the addition of ground beef and bacon. They are easy to make and can be customised to your taste by adding barbecue sauce, onions, peppers, and bacon.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is another classic comfort food that goes well with the smoky and savoury flavours of pigs in blankets. It can be made in a crockpot for added convenience, and is a great way to turn pigs in blankets from a snack into a full meal.

Eggs

Scrambled eggs are a quick and easy breakfast side dish that can be served with pigs in blankets. For a more festive option, deviled eggs can be a great choice for a get-together. They provide a creamy contrast to the dryness of pigs in blankets.

Pancakes

Pancakes are another breakfast option that can be served with pigs in blankets. They can also be used as a wrap for the sausages, creating a modified pig in a blanket.

Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is a sweet and creamy custard that can give a Southern flair to your meal. It is easy to make and can be a comforting side dish.

Dips and Dressings

Pigs in blankets can be served with a variety of dips and dressings to add moisture and flavour. Some classic options include ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce. For something more exotic, you can try honey mustard, honey-dijon, or chilli cheese.

Vegetables

If you're looking for a healthier option, roasted broccoli with garlic and Parmesan, or roasted green beans, can be a great choice to pair with pigs in blankets. They provide a nutritious balance to the richness of the dish.

Salads

A spinach salad with grains, vegetables, fruits, cheese, and nuts can be a healthy and flexible side dish. For something lighter and more refreshing, a summery couscous salad with lemon, olive oil, and herbs can be a great choice.

Fried Apples

Fried apples are a sweet and savoury side dish that can be served with pigs in blankets. They are full of antioxidants and essential vitamins, and their dessert-like flavour can complement the spiciness of the dish.

Frequently asked questions