Air-Fried Sausage Rolls: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Sausage rolls are a popular snack, but can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens as they are smaller, quicker, and more cost-effective. They are also perfect for making sausage rolls as the dry environment ensures there is no soggy pastry!

Making sausage rolls in an air fryer is simple and only requires a few ingredients: puff pastry, sausages, and an egg for an egg wash. The process is similar to making them in an oven: roll out the pastry, shape the sausage meat, and roll the pastry over the meat. You can also add your own twist with different types of sausages, spices, or vegetarian alternatives.

So, if you're looking for a quick, delicious, and crispy snack, get out your air fryer and give it a go!

How to make gluten-free sausage rolls

Ingredients:

• Gluten-free puff pastry (pre-rolled or homemade)
• Gluten-free sausages or sausage meat
• Optional: egg, milk, sesame seeds, mustard, chutney

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 180-220°C (200°C for a fan oven).
• If using sausages, remove the meat from the casings and place it in a bowl.
• Add any desired seasoning to the sausage meat. You can add mustard, chutney, or onion and apple to taste.
• Roll out your pastry and cut it in half lengthways.
• Place a line of sausage meat down the centre of each rectangle of pastry.
• Brush one of the long edges of each rectangle with egg or milk.
• Carefully roll the pastry around the sausage meat, rolling towards the edge with the egg/milk wash.
• Cut each long roll into 4-8 pieces, depending on your desired size.
• Place the rolls on a lined baking tray, brush with egg/milk, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
• Bake in the oven for 20-35 minutes, until the pastry is golden.

Tips:

• Most supermarket own-brand sausages are gluten-free, but always check the ingredients.
• You can freeze these sausage rolls before or after baking.
• If you're making the pastry from scratch, keep it chilled for the flakiest results.
• These sausage rolls can be served hot or cold and are perfect for picnics, lunches, or parties.

How to cook frozen sausage rolls in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen sausage rolls (either mini or large)
• Beaten egg or milk (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C/360°F.
• Place the frozen sausage rolls in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one if possible.
• Optionally, baste the sausage rolls with beaten egg or milk to help them turn golden.
• For large sausage rolls, air fry for 18-20 minutes. For mini sausage rolls, air fry for 10-12 minutes. Check on your sausage rolls halfway through the cooking time and flip them over.
• If the sausage rolls aren't golden brown after the cooking time has finished, turn up the temperature to 200°C/390°F and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Leave the sausage rolls to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Keep an eye on your sausage rolls as they cook, to ensure they don't burn.
• If the pastry starts to burn but the meat is still cold, reduce the heat and cook for longer.
• You may need to experiment with the temperature and cooking time, as different air fryers and sausage rolls will vary.

How to reheat sausage rolls in an air fryer

Sausage rolls are best eaten freshly baked, but an air fryer is a great way to reheat them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat sausage rolls in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Some air fryers have a preheat function, while others may not require preheating, so check your model's instructions.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Rolls

Place the sausage rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is some space between each roll. If you are reheating a large batch, you may need to do this in batches.

Step 3: Reheat the Sausage Rolls

Reheat the sausage rolls for 4-5 minutes at 180°C (350°F) or until they are piping hot. Check on the rolls after 4 minutes and decide if they need more time. Air fryers cook quickly and generate harsh heat, so be careful not to overcook the sausage rolls.

Tips:

• If you are reheating frozen sausage rolls, reduce the temperature to 160°C/320°F and increase the cooking time to 15-18 minutes.
• For even heating, consider starting with the sausage rolls upside down, then turning them over halfway through.
• If you want to avoid overcooking the pastry, you can defrost the sausage rolls first in the microwave or by placing them in a bag of warm water before finishing them in the air fryer.

Storage:

Sausage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for longer-term storage. When freezing, spread them out on a tray first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer bag or container once solid.

Reheating:

Technically, you can reheat sausage rolls multiple times, but the quality will suffer, and it is recommended to reheat leftovers only once for food safety.

Enjoy your crispy, flaky, and flavourful sausage rolls!

What type of air fryer is best for cooking sausage rolls?

When it comes to choosing an air fryer for cooking sausage rolls, there are a few types to consider:

• Round air fryers with a paddle in the centre: These are not ideal for breaded or glazed foods, but they excel at making chips and roasted vegetables. An example is the Tefal Actifry.
• 2-in-1 versions: These have a rotating tray for delicate foods that could be damaged by a paddle. However, the height clearance may not be sufficient for certain items like sausage rolls.
• Basket-style air fryers: These are boxy units with a pull-out drawer/basket, and the food isn't visible while cooking. Some models have two drawers for cooking different items simultaneously. Examples include the Cosori Lite 3.8L and the larger-capacity Cosori 4.7L.
• Mini oven air fryers: These are larger units with a glass door and shelves, suitable for cooking larger quantities of food. They may include additional features like a rotisserie spit or kebab skewers.
• Multicookers with air fryer functions: Some models, like the Ninja 11-in-1, have an air fryer option with a basket that drops in from the top. Certain electric pressure cookers, such as Instant Pots, can also air fry when used with a specific lid.

When selecting an air fryer for sausage rolls, it's essential to avoid rotary air fryers with moving mixing blades, as they are unsuitable for baking. The ideal air fryer should have enough capacity to accommodate the desired number of sausage rolls and any additional features that align with your cooking needs.

How to make sausage rolls in an air fryer: step-by-step

Ingredients:

• Sausage meat
• Puff pastry
• Egg
• Oil

Optional:

• Grated cheese
• Chopped onions
• Garlic
• Herbs (e.g. rosemary, thyme, sage, or nigella seeds)
• Mustard
• Apple sauce

Utensils:

• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Pastry brush
• Air fryer

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare your sausage meat: If using shop-bought sausage meat, you can add extra ingredients to enhance the flavour, such as herbs, spices, or cheese. If you're making your own sausage meat, combine your chosen ingredients in a bowl.
• Roll out the puff pastry: Place the puff pastry on a clean, floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle. The thickness should be around 1/8 inch or 3mm.
• Shape the sausage rolls: Create a long log shape with your sausage meat and place it along one edge of the puff pastry. Make sure to leave a small border for easier sealing.
• Roll the pastry: Carefully roll the pastry over the sausage meat, ensuring it is completely covered. The pastry should overlap slightly so you can press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
• Brush with egg: Before cooking, brush the rolls with beaten egg. This will give them a golden colour.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 180-200°C for a few minutes.
• Place the sausage rolls in the air fryer: Ensure they are not touching each other. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook: Place the sausage rolls in the air fryer and cook for 12-20 minutes, or until the pastry is crispy and golden. Turn the sausage rolls halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Serve: Allow the sausage rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed as a snack, appetiser, or main course, and paired with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ketchup or mustard.

Tips:

• You can experiment with different types of sausage meat, such as chorizo or Italian sausage, or make a vegetarian or vegan version with plant-based sausage.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.
• You can also cook frozen sausage rolls in the air fryer. They will need a slightly lower temperature and a longer cooking time.

Frequently asked questions