Air Fryer Pigs In A Blanket: Can It Be Done?

Pigs in a blanket are a popular appetiser and can be made in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. The dish is made with crescent roll dough, which is wrapped around sausages and cooked until golden brown. The air fryer basket should be coated with oil or parchment paper to prevent sticking, and the pigs in a blanket can be served with a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, mustard, or cheese sauce. This recipe is an easy and quick snack or lunch option, perfect for gatherings and game days.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pigs in a blanket in an air fryer depend on the wattage and power of the heating element, as well as the size of the air fryer. It is important to preheat the air fryer before adding the pigs in a blanket.

For fresh pigs in a blanket, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the outside is golden and the dough is cooked through. Some recipes suggest cooking at 390°F for 5-8 minutes, while others recommend 360°F for 5-7 minutes. If you are cooking multiple batches, the second batch will cook faster as the air fryer is already hot.

For frozen pigs in a blanket, increase the temperature to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 8-9 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

If you are using an air fryer liner, you can cook at 180°C (320°F) for 10 minutes, checking and turning halfway through.

Leftovers can be cooked from frozen at 200°C (390°F) for 12-13 minutes.

Dipping sauces

Pigs in a blanket are a timeless classic when it comes to appetisers and finger foods. The bite-sized delights, made by wrapping mini sausages or hot dogs in a flaky pastry, are loved by kids and adults alike. The next time you whip up a batch of pigs in a blanket, don’t forget to accompany them with one of these mouthwatering sauces. From classic condiments to more creative options, there’s a sauce for everyone’s taste buds.

A timeless favourite, you can't go wrong with classic mustard. The tangy and slightly spicy flavour of mustard perfectly complements the savoury taste of the sausages. Choose from yellow, Dijon, or spicy brown mustard to suit your taste preferences. 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.

For spice enthusiasts, Sriracha mayo 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 a blanket. If you're a fan of garlic and Parmesan cheese, this sauce will be your go-to. The garlic Parmesan dip is creamy and savoury, bringing a burst of flavour that complements the sausages beautifully.

For those with a sweet tooth, honey mustard sauce adds a delightful balance of flavours. This sauce combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard, complementing the savoury sausages. You can also experiment with a teriyaki glaze, adding a deliciously sweet and savoury note to your pigs in a blanket. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that takes your snack to a whole new level.

Of course, you can always stick to the classics and serve your pigs in a blanket with ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a cheese sauce. These simple condiments can elevate your appetiser and are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Cooking from frozen

Yes, you can cook pigs in blankets from frozen in an air fryer. This is a quick and easy way to prepare this classic British side dish, and it will be ready in under 15 minutes.

First, prepare your pigs in blankets by wrapping your sausages in streaky bacon. You can add rosemary or thyme for extra flavour. Then, place them into freezer bags or tubs and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When you are ready to cook them, preheat your air fryer to 180ºC/356ºF for four minutes. You can also preheat to 350° Fahrenheit or 375° Fahrenheit, depending on your recipe. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and line with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Place the frozen pigs in blankets into the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space for the air to circulate.

Cook for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they are evenly browned. You may want to check them halfway through and give them a little wiggle so they don't stick to the basket.

Your pigs in blankets are now ready to serve!

Pastry alternatives

Pigs in a blanket are a versatile dish that can be made with various types of pastry. While crescent dough is commonly used, other options are available if you're looking for something different or want to avoid using a particular ingredient. Here are some pastry alternatives to consider:

Puff Pastry:

Puff pastry is a flaky, buttery option that can elevate pigs in a blanket to a more elegant appetizer. You can use frozen packaged puff pastry for convenience, or make your own from scratch if you're feeling ambitious. Before using it, be sure to defrost the puff pastry and roll it out into a large rectangle. Cut the rectangle into small rectangles or triangles, and then brush with a glaze or seasoning mix before wrapping your hot dogs or sausages. Some suggested glazes and seasonings include honey, mustard, black pepper, butter, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Remember to seal the ends of the pastry with an egg wash and chill the wrapped sausages before baking.

Bread Dough:

For a softer and fluffier option, you can use bread dough instead of pastry. This will give your pigs in a blanket a more bun-like texture and is a great choice if you prefer your appetizers to be more bread-focused. You can use store-bought or homemade bread dough and shape it around your sausages before baking.

Biscuit Dough:

Biscuit dough is another alternative that will give your pigs in a blanket a slightly different texture. You can use canned biscuit dough or make your own from scratch. Simply roll out the dough, cut it into pieces, and wrap your sausages before placing them in the air fryer or oven.

Pancake Wrap:

If you're looking for a breakfast-inspired twist, you can use pancakes as a wrapper for your sausages. This variation is perfect for a brunch gathering or a fun breakfast-for-dinner meal. Simply make a batch of pancakes, wrap them around your sausages, and secure them with toothpicks if needed.

Remember, when using alternative pastry options, you may need to adjust your cooking times and temperatures accordingly. Always refer to the specific recipe instructions for the best results.

Reheating

Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and reheat the pigs in a blanket for 3 to 4 minutes. You can also reheat frozen pigs in a blanket in the air fryer. In this case, set the temperature to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, or until they're golden brown and heated through.

If you're reheating pigs in a blanket that were frozen, ensure they're fully defrosted before placing them in the air fryer. You can defrost them in the fridge for 24 hours or at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours.

Frequently asked questions