Air Fryer Pigs In Blankets: Can It Be Done?

Pigs in blankets are a beloved dish in the UK, traditionally served during Christmas or as a side dish to Sunday roasts. The dish consists of small sausages, usually chipolatas, wrapped in streaky bacon. While they can be easily bought during the festive season, many prefer making them from scratch. This can be done in an air fryer, which is a healthier alternative to submerging food in oil. Air fryers cook food using a heating element and a fan, which helps cook the food and make it crispy.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pigs in blankets in an air fryer depend on the type of air fryer you have, whether the pigs in blankets are frozen or not, and your personal preference for how crispy you like them.

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

For fresh pigs in blankets, preheat your air fryer to 350–390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5–10 minutes, checking after 5 minutes and adding more time if needed. You may also want to add another coat of olive oil cooking spray to the top of the rolls before cooking.

If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to do so in two batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket and ensure even cooking.

If you prefer your pigs in blankets to be crispy, you can air fry them for up to 12–13 minutes at 320–390 degrees Fahrenheit, checking and turning them halfway through.

It's worth noting that air fryers cook faster and more efficiently than ovens, so you may need to experiment with the cooking time and temperature to find the perfect combination for your air fryer. As a general rule of thumb, reduce the cooking time by 20% and the temperature by 10% when converting oven recipes to air fryer recipes.

Dipping sauces

Pigs in blankets are a timeless classic when it comes to appetisers and finger foods. They are bite-sized delights, made by wrapping mini sausages or hot dogs in a flaky pastry, and are loved by kids and adults alike.

Classic Mustard

The tangy and slightly spicy flavour of mustard perfectly complements the savoury taste of the sausages. You can choose from yellow, Dijon, or spicy brown mustard to suit your taste preferences.

Honey Mustard

Combining the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard, honey mustard sauce brings a delightful balance of flavours. This sauce adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savoury sausages beautifully.

BBQ Sauce

For those who enjoy a hint of smokiness, BBQ sauce is a fantastic option. Its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy profile enhances the smoky flavours of the sausages. Whether you opt for a traditional BBQ sauce or a spicier variation, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Spicy Blue Cheese

A combination of spicy and creamy, this sauce is a unique and tasty addition to your pigs in blankets.

Ranch

A classic, creamy sauce that is perfect for those who don't like too much spice.

Sriracha Mayo

For spice enthusiasts, this sauce is a match made in heaven. Mixing the heat of Sriracha with the creaminess of mayonnaise creates a fiery yet smooth sauce that adds a punch of flavour to your pigs in blankets.

Garlic Parmesan

If you're a fan of garlic and Parmesan cheese, this sauce will be your go-to. It's creamy and savoury, with a burst of flavour that complements the sausages beautifully.

Teriyaki Glaze

For an Asian-inspired twist, the teriyaki glaze adds a deliciously sweet and savoury note to your pigs in blankets. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that takes your snack to a whole new level.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to dipping sauces for pigs in blankets. You can also get creative and experiment with different sauces to take your pigs in blankets to new culinary heights!

Cooking from frozen

Yes, you can cook pigs in blankets from frozen in an air fryer.

First, prepare your pigs in blankets in advance, then pop them into freezer bags or tubs and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to cook them, preheat your air fryer to 180ºC/356ºF for 4 minutes. Next, place your frozen pigs in blankets into the air fryer drawer, ensuring they're evenly spaced out and not overcrowded, as this will cause them to steam instead of getting crispy. Finally, air fry for 12-14 minutes at 180ºC/356ºF until they're cooked through and golden.

If you're cooking shop-bought frozen pigs in blankets, you may need to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. It's worth noting that some sources suggest cooking frozen foods at a slightly lower temperature than fresh, for example, 25 to 50 degrees lower than the temperature stated for oven cooking. You could also consider microwaving them first and then finishing them off in the air fryer.

Cooking in batches

Pigs in blankets can be cooked in batches in an air fryer. This is a great way to save oven space, especially during the holidays when there are lots of dishes to prepare. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in two batches. It is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket as air needs to circulate for the bacon to get crispy.

When cooking in batches, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for five minutes at 200°C (390°F). For the first batch, you can either use an air fryer liner or spray the air fryer basket with some vegetable oil or olive oil cooking spray. Place the pigs in blankets in a single layer, leaving about an inch or two between each one to allow for expansion. Air fry for 5-8 minutes at 390°F or 350°F, checking on them at the 5-minute mark. The first batch may take the full 8 minutes, but the second batch will likely take less time since the air fryer is already preheated.

If you are cooking multiple batches, it is important to keep the first batch warm while cooking the rest. You can do this by placing them in a low oven or on a warming tray. Additionally, if you are cooking frozen pigs in blankets, you will need to add a minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

Air fryer pigs in blankets are a quick and easy dish that can be made with just two ingredients. They are perfect as an appetizer or side dish for any gathering, especially during the holidays.

Using crescent rolls

Pigs in a blanket are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. They are also a great option for kids to make on their own with some supervision.

To make pigs in a blanket using crescent rolls, start by placing the crescent roll dough flat on a cutting board. Cut each roll in half lengthwise to create 16 slices of dough. You can also cut each triangle into three long strips to wrap the sausages multiple times for an extra crispy texture. Next, wrap each little sausage in the dough, starting with the widest end and rolling towards the tip.

Before placing the pigs in a blanket in the air fryer, coat the air fryer basket with some olive oil or cooking spray. You can also add a piece of parchment paper to the bottom of the basket and spray it with extra virgin olive oil spray. Place the pigs in a blanket in the basket, leaving about an inch of space on the sides to allow for expansion.

Air fry at 330-390°F (165-198°C) for 5-8 minutes, checking on them at the 5-minute mark. They are done when they are golden brown. If you are cooking multiple batches, the subsequent batches will take less time since the air fryer is already preheated.

Pigs in a blanket can be served with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, cheese sauce, ranch dressing, or mayonnaise. They are perfect for game days, birthday parties, or as a side dish with your favourite roast dinner.

Frequently asked questions