Air Fryer Sausage Rolls: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Sausage rolls are a beloved snack, but can you cook them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryers are a great option for cooking sausage rolls, and they can be made from scratch or frozen. They are quicker to cook than in a conventional oven, and you can even make them gluten-free. You can also add your own twist to the recipe by using different flavoured sausages or adding vegetables and spices to the meat.

Cooking times and temperatures

Sausage rolls can be cooked in an air fryer in a much shorter time than in a conventional oven. The cooking time depends on the size of the sausage rolls, the number of sausage rolls being cooked, and the power of the air fryer.

For example, a batch of 12 medium-sized sausage rolls would require two separate batches of 6 at a time in a standard air fryer, with a total cooking time of 19 minutes. However, if you were cooking a smaller batch or had a larger air fryer with shelves, you could cook them all at once, reducing the overall cooking time.

If you are cooking frozen sausage rolls, it is recommended to cook them at 200°C for 8-10 minutes. You can then turn them over and cook for another 5-8 minutes to ensure an even bake. This is to ensure that there is no uncooked pastry, a common issue with oven cooking. The sausage rolls should be placed in the air fryer with enough space between them to allow them to puff up.

For fresh sausage rolls, the temperature is usually set to 200°C, and the cooking time is around 12-15 minutes. However, some recipes suggest cooking them at 180°C for 18 minutes. As air fryers vary, it is recommended to check the sausage rolls halfway through cooking and adjust the time as needed.

Regardless of the cooking time, it is important to let the sausage rolls rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle, preventing them from running out immediately when bitten into, which would make the pastry soggy.

Gluten-free options

Sausage rolls are a tasty snack and can be made gluten-free for those who are coeliac or gluten intolerant. You can make gluten-free sausage rolls in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes.

The first step is to ensure that all your ingredients are gluten-free. You will need gluten-free puff pastry, gluten-free sausages, an egg, and wholegrain mustard. You can find gluten-free puff pastry in the chilled free-from sections of supermarkets like Tesco, Waitrose, and Sainsbury's.

Next, remove the sausages from their skins and mash the meat in a bowl until it is no longer lumpy. Then, unroll the puff pastry and cut it in half lengthwise so you have two long strips. Spread a line of mustard just off-centre along each strip, and then top with a line of the sausage meat. Brush beaten egg along the slightly thinner edge, fold the pastry over, and seal it using a fork. Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg and cut slashes in it using a sharp knife. Cut the sausage rolls to the size that fits in your air fryer basket.

Finally, place the sausage rolls in the air fryer at 200°C for 12-14 minutes until they are golden, crisp, and cooked through. Allow the sausage rolls to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

You can serve these sausage rolls hot or cold, but be careful not to burn your mouth if serving them straight out of the air fryer. They go well with chutney, onion gravy, ketchup, or BBQ sauce for dipping.

Flavour variations

Sausage rolls are a classic snack, but you can add a twist to the traditional recipe by experimenting with different flavour variations. The easiest way to change up the flavours is to use different types of sausages. You can find all kinds of flavoured sausages in supermarkets, from pork and apple to mustard and sage. If you prefer to enhance the flavour of plain pork sausages, you can add a few extra ingredients, such as grated carrot, to the sausage meat.

For a richer flavour, replace the apple sauce in the traditional recipe with caramelised onion chutney. You can also add a small handful of grated cheese, such as cheddar or hard mozzarella, to make sausage and cheese rolls. For an extra kick of flavour, stir in a teaspoon of wholegrain or dijon mustard into the sausage meat. To finish, sprinkle some poppy seeds on top of each sausage roll after glazing them with egg wash.

If you're feeling festive, add dried cranberries and crumbled chestnuts to your sausage rolls. You can also experiment with different types of pastry. While puff pastry is the most common choice, you can try using shortcrust pastry or gluten-free pastry for a change in texture and flavour.

Freezing and reheating

Sausage rolls can be frozen either cooked or uncooked. To freeze them, spread them out on a tray lined with baking paper and place them in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a container. This will prevent them from sticking together. If you don't have time to pre-freeze them, you can separate them with baking paper or wrap them individually in plastic wrap before putting them in a freezer bag.

To defrost the sausage rolls, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. You can also defrost them in the fridge overnight.

Once they are defrosted, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the sausage rolls on a wire rack or preheated baking tray. Reheat them for 8-10 minutes, or until they are piping hot all the way through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 180°C for 4-5 minutes.

If you are reheating the sausage rolls from frozen, allow for double the time, so up to 20 minutes in the oven or 8-10 minutes in the air fryer. You may need to cover them with foil to prevent the pastry from browning too much.

It is important to note that while you can technically reheat sausage rolls multiple times, the Food Standards Agency recommends reheating leftovers only once. Additionally, the quality of the sausage rolls may decline with each reheating.

Air fryer models and features

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-fat fryers, as they use hot air instead of oil, making them healthier, more versatile, and energy-efficient. They come in various models and sizes, with different features and price points, so it's important to choose one that suits your needs. Here is an overview of some popular air fryer models and their features:

Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer

The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer is a popular choice for those seeking a large cooking capacity and even browning. It features a preheat function, which helps reduce overall cooking time, and it cooks food quickly and efficiently. It also offers a range of cooking styles, including air frying, roasting, and dehydrating.

Ninja Air Fryers

Ninja offers a range of air fryer models, such as the Ninja Max XL, which is known for its ability to produce crispy food in a short amount of time. They also have the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone, which features dual 4-quart baskets, allowing you to cook two different foods simultaneously. The Ninja DoubleStack Smart XL is another option if you're short on counter space but want the convenience of dual baskets.

Cosori Air Fryers

Cosori has a range of air fryer models, including the Dual Blaze Smart Air Fryer, which has a 6.8-quart capacity and two heating elements for even cooking. The Cosori 9.0-Quart Dual Basket Air Fryer is another option if you're looking for a large capacity air fryer with viewing windows and dishwasher-safe baskets.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a mid-sized machine with 13 preset functions, including air fry, slow cook, roast, bake, and more. It has an intuitive digital interface and comes with a range of accessories, including a pizza tray, wire rack, and roasting pan.

Cuisinart Air Fryers

Cuisinart offers a range of affordable air fryer toaster ovens that are known for their functionality and features. The Cuisinart TOA-70 is a popular model that can air fry, toast, bake, and roast.

Philips Air Fryers

Philips is known for its large-capacity basket-style air fryers, which are fast and consistent in cooking performance. However, they tend to be on the more expensive side.

When choosing an air fryer, consider factors such as size, weight, noise level, ease of use, and additional features. Some models offer smart functions, presets, and Wi-Fi connectivity, while others focus on the basics of quick, efficient cooking. Ultimately, the best air fryer for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions