Air Fryer Pigs In Blankets: Can You Do It?

Pigs in blankets are a classic dish, traditionally served at Christmas or as a side to a roast dinner. But who's to say you can't enjoy them all year round? This ultimate British classic combines pork sausages (usually chipolatas) wrapped in streaky bacon and then roasted. However, in the US, pigs in blankets are made with puff pastry or pancake-wrapped sausages. Luckily, you can make pigs in blankets in your air fryer, and they'll be ready in minutes!

How long to cook pigs in blankets in an air fryer

Pigs in blankets can be cooked in an air fryer in just a few minutes. The exact cooking time depends on the wattage and power of your air fryer, as well as whether you are cooking them from frozen.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also choose to add non-stick cooking spray to the air fryer basket, or add parchment paper once the air fryer has been preheated.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough

Take a pizza cutter and slice each crescent dough sheet into thirds. Then, wrap each cut piece of crescent dough around a sausage.

Step 3: Place the Pigs in Blankets in the Air Fryer

Place the crescent dogs into the prepared air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving an inch or two between each sausage. You may need to cook them in batches.

Step 4: Air Fry

Air fry the pigs in blankets at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes. Then, flip them over and air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the pigs in blankets from the air fryer basket and serve with your favourite dipping sauces.

Cooking Time Adjustments

The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage and power of your air fryer. For example, one source suggests cooking pigs in blankets at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes. It is recommended to start checking on them at the 5-minute mark to ensure they do not burn. If you prefer your bacon extra crisp, you can cook it for a few additional minutes, but keep a close eye on it.

If you are cooking frozen pigs in blankets, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and add a minute or two to the original cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

What to wrap pigs in blankets in

Pigs in blankets are a tasty treat, and there are a few options for what to wrap them in. The traditional choice is crescent roll dough, which can be cut into triangles and wrapped around mini sausages. You can also use puff pastry, but remember to allow time for it to thaw if you buy it frozen. Biscuit dough is another option, and you can even use pizza dough, wrapping it around sausages and sprinkling with poppy seeds.

If you want to get creative, you could try using slices of bacon as your blanket, wrapping them around chipolatas for a pigs in blankets twist. Or, if you want to go completely blanket-less, you can cut full-size hot dogs into quarters and cook them in the air fryer without any pastry.

There are also plenty of ways to season and top your pigs in blankets. You could try sprinkling them with coarse salt, everything bagel seasoning, granulated onion, or shredded Parmesan. Or, for a garlic kick, brush the dough with garlic butter before baking.

What to serve with pigs in blankets

Pigs in blankets are a delicious treat, but they can be made even better by serving them with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some ideas to elevate your pigs in blankets into an unforgettable meal:

Baked Beans

The sweet and smoky flavours of baked beans pair beautifully with pigs in blankets. They are incredibly hearty, and easy to make. You can flavour them with brown sugar and bacon, or for a smokier taste, add barbecue sauce, onions, peppers, and bacon.

Mac and Cheese

You can never go wrong with mac and cheese. This classic, cheesy, creamy pasta dish easily complements a variety of flavours, especially the smoky and savoury sausage inside the soft crescent roll of a pig in a blanket. For extra cheesiness, you could even wrap your sausages in shredded cheese before rolling them in pastry dough.

Deviled Eggs

Pigs in blankets are on the drier side, so devilled eggs are a great way to balance them out with something moist and creamy. You could even use hummus instead of mayonnaise to make them lower in calories, and top them with guacamole for extra creaminess.

Pancakes and Scrambled Eggs

Pigs in blankets also make for a fantastic breakfast item. You can serve them with sweet and fluffy pancakes and moist and tender scrambled eggs. You could even try making a modified pig in a blanket by rolling a sausage in a piece of pancake.

Corn Pudding

Give your party a Southern flair by serving corn pudding with your pigs in blankets. This sweet and creamy custard is bursting with flavour – it’s got corn, milk, and eggs. It’s also super easy to make, just combine all the ingredients into a casserole dish and bake for one hour.

Dips and Sauces

Pigs in blankets will always need some dips, sauces, and dressings to add moisture and tasty goodness. You can stick to the classics like ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce, or try something different like honey mustard, honey-dijon, or chilli cheese.

Fruit Salad

Pigs in blankets can be heavy on the tummy as they are loaded with carbs, so a light and refreshing dessert like a fruit salad is a great way to round out your meal. Try making one with fresh strawberries, mangoes, mandarin oranges, and peaches coated in cream.

Mushroom Quinoa

Mushrooms are full of umami flavours, and they pair well with bacon, making them a great addition to pigs in blankets. Mushroom quinoa is super easy to make and takes only about 30 minutes to cook. Quinoa is also a great source of complete protein and contains significant amounts of fibre, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and B.

Green Bean Fries with Dipping Sauce

This is a simple recipe that takes about 20 minutes to make. It is a great side dish to serve with pigs in blankets, and it also tastes amazing when paired with chicken wings and beer.

Spinach Salad

This spinach salad has it all – grains, vegetables, fruits, cheese, and nuts. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in advance, so you don’t have to worry about last-minute prep. Spinach salads are also very flexible and pair well with a variety of flavours, making them a great light option to go with pigs in blankets.

Simple Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are another easy side dish to make, and they go well with any meat dish. They are also very filling, so they can easily be turned into a main course if you add some extra ingredients. They contain antioxidants and vitamins that work to protect your cells from damage.

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

This is a great substitute for meat dishes and pairs well with pork, poultry, and beef. It does take about 40 minutes to make, but you can pair it with a quicker dish if needed.

Fried Apples

Fried apples are usually paired with pork, but they also go well with poultry and other red meats. They are easy to prepare and full of antioxidants, nutrients, and essential vitamins that protect your cells from damage. They are also low in sugar, making them a healthier dessert option.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

If you’re looking for a unique side dish, try roasted cherry tomatoes. They are sweet and can be served as a substitute for meat dishes. They take about 20 minutes to make and go well with almost anything. Roasted cherry tomatoes also contain no added salt, so they are perfect if you’re trying to reduce your sodium intake.

Summery Couscous Salad

This is a healthy and refreshing side dish, packed with ingredients like lemon, olive oil, and herbs. It works as a great side for both spicy and mild dishes, and can be made even healthier by using whole-wheat couscous instead of regular couscous.

How to cook frozen pigs in blankets in an air fryer

Pigs in blankets are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer with minimal preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen pigs in blankets using this convenient appliance:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350–375 °F (175–190 °C). Preheating is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness in your pigs in blankets.

Step 2: Prepare the Frozen Pigs in Blankets

Take your frozen pigs in blankets and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking. Leave about an inch or two between each piece. You may need to cook them in batches if you have a large quantity.

Step 3: Cook the Pigs in Blankets

Close the air fryer drawer or basket and set the timer. The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and thickness of the pigs in blankets, but on average, they should cook for around 5–8 minutes at 375 °F. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. For extra crispy pigs in blankets, consider increasing the temperature slightly towards the end of the cooking time.

Step 4: Flip and Cook Again

For even browning and crispiness, it is recommended to flip the pigs in blankets halfway through the cooking process. After flipping, cook for an additional 3–4 minutes or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Serve with Dipping Sauces

Once the pigs in blankets are golden brown and cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces. Popular choices include ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, cheese sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, and more.

Tips for Customization:

You can experiment with different types of sausages or pastry dough for variation. Additionally, if you want to add extra flavor, try sprinkling seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika on the pigs in blankets before cooking.

What type of sausages to use

Pigs in blankets are a beloved appetiser or side dish, especially during Christmas. They are made by wrapping sausages in dough or bacon and cooking them until crispy.

When it comes to choosing the type of sausages to use, there are a few options to consider:

Type of Sausage Meat

The type of sausage meat you choose is entirely up to your preference. While traditional pigs in blankets use pork sausages, you can opt for other varieties such as turkey or chicken sausages.

Size of Sausages

The size of the sausages you use will depend on the desired serving size and cooking time. Cocktail sausages or chipolatas are popular choices as they are easy to wrap and cook quickly. If you opt for thicker sausages, keep in mind that they will take longer to cook, usually around 15-18 minutes in the air fryer.

Pre-cooked or Raw Sausages

When using an air fryer, it is recommended to use fully cooked or pre-cooked sausages for your pigs in blankets. This eliminates the worry of undercooked meat and helps ensure food safety.

Flavoured Sausages

To add extra flavour to your pigs in blankets, consider using flavoured sausages. For example, you could use sage-flavoured sausages or even cheese-stuffed sausages for a savoury twist.

Store-bought or Homemade Sausages

You can choose to use store-bought sausages or make your own homemade sausages for your pigs in blankets. If you opt for store-bought, choose a variety that is fully cooked or pre-cooked to ensure food safety. If making your own sausages, follow a recipe that suits your taste preferences and ensures the sausages are fully cooked before wrapping them in dough or bacon.

Frequently asked questions