Toad-In-The-Hole: Air Fryer Style

Toad in the Hole is a traditional British dish consisting of sausages baked in a Yorkshire pudding batter. The dish is so-called because the sausages, when cooked in the batter, resemble toads peeking out of a hole. It is a hearty meal often served with gravy and vegetables. While it is traditionally made in an oven, an air fryer can be used to make the dish quicker and crispier.

Cooking with frozen sausages

Toad in the Hole is a classic British dish featuring sausages baked in a delicious Yorkshire pudding batter. It is considered a "comfort food" and is often served with gravy. The dish can be made with frozen sausages in an air fryer, which is ideal for quick single-serving meals. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking Toad in the Hole with frozen sausages in an air fryer:

Preparing the Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need frozen sausages (popular choices include pork, chicken, or vegetarian options), eggs, flour, milk, and oil. You can also add seasonings like salt, pepper, and mustard to taste.

Cooking the Sausages:

Place the frozen sausages in the air fryer basket and cook them at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes until they are partially cooked. This step ensures that the sausages are thawed and cooked halfway before adding the batter, allowing it to rise properly.

Making the Batter:

While the sausages are cooking, prepare the batter by mixing eggs, flour, milk, and any desired seasonings in a bowl. Whisk or beat the ingredients until you have a smooth, well-blended batter. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.

Combining and Cooking:

Once the sausages are partially cooked, quickly pour the batter over them. Close the air fryer basket to prevent the batter from deflating and to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes. This timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to ensure the batter is golden and puffed up.

Serving:

Once the toad in the hole is cooked to a golden brown colour and the batter has risen, it's ready to serve! Toad in the Hole is typically served with onion gravy and vegetables or mash. Enjoy the crispy, delicious comfort food straight out of the air fryer!

Reheating toad in the hole

There are a few different ways to reheat toad in the hole. The best-tasting reheated toad in the hole will require a little effort, but the comforting meal will be worth the wait.

Reheating in an Air Fryer

If you have already cooked toad in the hole in an air fryer, you can reheat it using the same method. Simply blast the toad in the hole for a couple of minutes in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C).

Reheating in an Oven

To reheat toad in the hole in an oven, preheat your oven to 180°C. Cover the toad in the hole in the same dish that you cooked it in with tin foil, folding the sides down to stay in place. Place the toad in the hole in the middle of the oven and reheat for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, check if the toad in the hole is hot throughout. If not, return to the oven for another 10 minutes.

Reheating in a Microwave

If you only have a small amount of toad in the hole to reheat, you can use a microwave. Transfer the toad in the hole to a microwavable plate and cover with a microwavable bowl. Set the microwave to 75% power and reheat for 3-5 minutes. Check if the toad in the hole is warm enough and reheat again if necessary.

Batter not rising

There are several reasons why your toad-in-the-hole batter may not be rising. Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot the issue:

Firstly, ensure that you are using room temperature ingredients. Cold batter will take longer to rise, so it is advisable to let the ingredients warm up before mixing them together. This includes ensuring that your eggs are at room temperature.

Secondly, avoid opening the air fryer while the batter is rising. Doing so may cause it to deflate, preventing it from rising properly.

Another factor to consider is the space available for the batter to rise. Ensure that your air fryer is not overcrowded by leaving enough space for the batter to puff up and expand properly. This can be achieved by using the appropriate-sized cake tins or silicone moulds, ensuring they are not overfilled.

Additionally, if you are using frozen sausages, partially cook them separately in the air fryer before adding the batter. This will ensure they do not release excess moisture into the batter, impacting its ability to rise.

Finally, it is important to preheat your air fryer adequately. A properly preheated air fryer will allow the batter to rise quickly and evenly, resulting in a well-puffed and golden toad-in-the-hole.

Silicone moulds

You can use silicone moulds to make toad in the hole in an air fryer. Toad in the hole is a dish where sausages are placed in a baking dish, covered in batter, and then baked. In the US, toad in the hole refers to an egg cooked inside a slice of bread.

There are several options available for silicone moulds that can be used in an air fryer. Seed & Sprout offers a set of square silicone air fryer accessories that include pie moulds, bowls, and mats. These moulds are made from premium-grade silicone that is LFGB and FDA-approved and can be used in the oven and air fryer. They are heat resistant up to 230°C and are dishwasher-safe.

Another option is the Lakeland Air Fryer Round Silicone Moulds, which come in a pack of two. These moulds are made from flexible silicone with handles on either side, making them easy to lift out of your air fryer. They are safe to use in the air fryer, oven, or microwave up to 230°C. These moulds are also non-stick, so you don't need to grease them or use liners, and they help protect the surface of your air fryer basket.

Serving suggestions

Toad in the Hole is a traditional English dish that combines sausages and a batter similar to that of a Yorkshire pudding. It is often served with gravy and vegetables, such as peas, carrots, green beans, and mashed potatoes.

For a classic serving suggestion, accompany your toad in the hole with a generous helping of onion gravy and your choice of vegetables. For a hearty dinner, serve with mashed potatoes and a side of peas and carrots. Alternatively, for a lighter option, opt for green beans. If you're feeling adventurous, add a twist of spice to your gravy with smoked paprika or cumin.

For a true taste of Britain, serve your toad in the hole with a side of fresh fruit and sausage patties. This combination will add a sweet and savoury contrast to your meal. You could also try serving it with avocado and toast for a modern twist on a traditional breakfast.

If you're cooking for a crowd, toad in the hole can be easily adapted to create individual portions. Use silicone moulds to create perfectly-proportioned servings, ensuring uniform cooking and easy removal. This way, everyone can have their own mini toad-in-the-hole, complete with crispy edges and no soggy bits!

Lastly, don't forget that toad in the hole can be enjoyed cold, although it is much tastier when served warm. So, if you have any leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready for seconds, reheat your toad in the hole thoroughly in the oven or air fryer until it's piping hot throughout.

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