Air-Fried Sausage Rolls: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Sausage rolls are a popular snack in the UK and the US. They are usually made by baking sausage meat wrapped in puff pastry. However, you can also cook them in an air fryer. Air fryers are a great option for those looking for more cost-effective ways of cooking, as they cook food quicker than a standard convection oven, and are smaller, so you use less energy.

Air fryer sausage rolls are quicker to cook than oven-baked sausage rolls, and you still get perfectly crispy pastry. You can also cook frozen sausage rolls in an air fryer.

Gluten-free and vegetarian options

Sausage rolls are a beloved snack, but what if you want to make a gluten-free or vegetarian version in your air fryer? Well, you're in luck! Here are some tips and tricks to make delicious gluten-free and vegetarian sausage rolls that will be the star of any party or snack time.

Gluten-Free Sausage Rolls

The key to making gluten-free sausage rolls is to use gluten-free puff pastry. You can find gluten-free options in most supermarkets, usually in the chilled free-from sections. When using the pastry, allow it to rest at room temperature before using it. This will prevent it from becoming brittle and breaking when you unroll it. You can use the baking paper that the pastry was rolled in to work on, as it's non-stick.

For the filling, opt for gluten-free sausages or pork mince seasoned with salt and pepper. You can also add wholegrain mustard to give your sausage rolls a flavour boost. To make them coeliac-friendly, ensure that there is no cross-contamination with gluten during the preparation process.

Follow the standard steps for making sausage rolls: remove the sausage meat from the casings, roll out the pastry, add the meat, fold and seal the pastry, brush with egg, and cut into the desired size. Place them in your air fryer at 200°C for 12-14 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Vegetarian Sausage Rolls

For vegetarian sausage rolls, you'll need ready-rolled puff pastry, vegetarian sausage meat, an egg for glazing, and a pinch of black pepper. While you may not find 'vegetarian sausage meat' in UK supermarkets, there are plenty of options. You can use vegetarian sausage alternatives like Richmond Meat-Free Sausages or soft vegetarian mince such as Meatless Farm Plant-Based Mince. Avoid firm mince like Quorn or Linda McCartney products, as they won't squash together easily.

The process for making vegetarian sausage rolls is the same as the standard recipe. Cut the pastry into strips, add the vegetarian sausage meat, wrap the pastry, glaze with egg, and score with a knife. Set your air fryer to 180°C and bake for about 20 minutes until golden and puffed.

Now you're equipped with the knowledge to make delicious gluten-free and vegetarian sausage rolls in your air fryer! Impress your guests or treat yourself to a tasty snack with these handy recipes.

How to shape the sausage rolls

Shaping sausage rolls is a simple process, but there are a few tricks to getting them just right. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, you will need to roll out your puff pastry. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the pastry from sticking, and use a rolling pin to roll out the pastry until it is around 5-10mm thick. If you are making a large batch of sausage rolls, you may find it easier to work with one sheet of pastry at a time, keeping any unused pastry in the fridge until you are ready to use it.

Next, divide your pastry into portions. For larger sausage rolls, cut the pastry into rectangles, around 5x10 inches in size. For smaller, bite-sized sausage rolls, cut the pastry into squares, around 5x5 inches in size.

Now it's time to add the sausage meat. If you are using pre-made sausages, remove the meat from its casing by slicing down the side and sliding it out. You can use your hands to shape the sausage meat into a log, or a long sausage shape, in the centre of each portion of pastry. The sausage meat should reach the full length of the pastry, leaving a border of around 1-1.5 inches. If you are making your own sausage meat, you can add the meat directly to the pastry.

Before enclosing the sausage meat in the pastry, brush the edges of the pastry with a beaten egg, also known as an egg wash. This will help the pastry to seal and give it a golden colour when baked.

Now, carefully fold the pastry over the sausage meat, pressing down gently to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pastry for a decorative finish.

Finally, cut each roll into your desired size. For larger sausage rolls, cut into portions around 1.5 inches in length. For smaller sausage rolls, cut each roll into four or five slices.

Your sausage rolls are now ready to be baked! Place them on a baking tray, seam-side down, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for even cooking. Brush the tops of the rolls with more egg wash, and they are ready for the oven.

You can also freeze unbaked sausage rolls at this stage. Place the rolls on a baking tray and put them in the freezer until they are solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer until you are ready to bake them.

How long to cook them for

The cooking time for sausage rolls in an air fryer depends on the size of the rolls, the temperature, and the number of batches.

For example, if you are making 4 extra large, 6 large, or 12 medium-sized sausage rolls, you will need to cook them for 15 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are making 36 mini sausage rolls, the cooking time is reduced to 10 minutes at the same temperature.

However, if you are cooking your sausage rolls at a higher temperature of 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the cooking time will be shorter, ranging from 12 to 14 minutes for regular-sized sausage rolls.

It's important to note that air fryers vary in size and functionality, so you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly. Additionally, if you are cooking multiple batches of sausage rolls, the subsequent batches may cook faster due to the retained heat in the air fryer.

When cooking sausage rolls in an air fryer, it is recommended to check on them periodically to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

What temperature to cook them at

The ideal temperature to cook sausage rolls in an air fryer is 180°C. This is 20°C lower than in a conventional oven.

Cooking at a higher temperature can cause the pastry to burn before the sausage meat is cooked through. A lower temperature allows the pastry time to puff up and expand before the outer layers crisp, resulting in a superior sausage roll.

Some recipes suggest cooking at 190°C for 13 minutes, or 200°C for 12 minutes. However, this may depend on the size of the sausage rolls. Smaller sausage rolls may only need 10 minutes at 200°C.

If you are cooking frozen sausage rolls, reduce the temperature to 160°C and increase the cooking time to 20 minutes.

How to reheat them

Sausage rolls are a popular pastry snack, often served at parties or gatherings, or as a quick meal. The challenge is to reheat them while maintaining their crispiness and flavour.

Using an Air Fryer to Reheat Sausage Rolls

Reheating sausage rolls in an air fryer is a great way to restore them to their former glory without compromising their texture and flavour. It is a quick and efficient method that doesn't sacrifice texture. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Arrange the sausage rolls in the basket, ensuring they are not overlapping and have some space between each roll.
• Reheat for about 5-8 minutes.
• Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Other Methods to Reheat Sausage Rolls

While an air fryer is an excellent option for reheating sausage rolls, there are also other methods you can use:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage rolls on a wire rack or a baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper. Reheat for 8-10 minutes or until piping hot.
• Microwave: Place the sausage rolls on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a dry paper towel. Microwave on full power for 40-60 seconds or until piping hot. Let the sausage rolls rest for 30 seconds before serving.
• Skillet or Frying Pan: Place the skillet or pan on low-to-medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Put the sausage rolls in the pan, allowing space between them. Reheat for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are evenly heated and crispy.

Tips for Perfectly Reheated Sausage Rolls

• Always aim for a balance between a crisp exterior and a warm, juicy interior.
• Avoid overlapping the sausage rolls when reheating to ensure even heating and crispiness.
• Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
• If you're reheating multiple batches, it's best to reheat them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• If you're reheating frozen sausage rolls, consider defrosting them first or cooking at a lower temperature for a longer time to avoid burning the pastry.

By following these tips and techniques, you can enjoy delicious, crispy sausage rolls that taste just like they came straight from the bakery!

Frequently asked questions