Toad-In-The-Hole: Air Fryer Magic

Toad in the Hole is a British comfort food classic, consisting of sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter. The dish is usually made in a large pan, but it can also be cooked in an air fryer, which is arguably easier and uses less energy. The air fryer method produces a denser batter that doesn't rise as much due to the airflow, but it still crisps up nicely.

Choosing the right tin

When making toad-in-the-hole in an air fryer, choosing the right tin is crucial. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the appropriate baking tin:

Firstly, ensure that the tin fits comfortably inside your air fryer. It should have enough space around it to allow for adequate airflow during the cooking process. This is important as restricted airflow can impact the cooking time and the overall result of your toad-in-the-hole.

Secondly, opt for a metal tin with a thin base. This will ensure that the oil reaches a high enough temperature, which is essential for achieving a well-risen, puffed-up batter. A thin metal tin will also help to prevent a soggy base, which can occur when using silicone liners or thicker-based tins that don't conduct heat as effectively.

Thirdly, consider the size of your air fryer and choose a tin that is compatible. For example, if you have a larger air fryer, you may want to use a bigger tin, such as a 20-cm sandwich baking tin, to ensure the toad-in-the-hole cooks evenly. Conversely, if you're making individual servings in a smaller air fryer, mini cake tins or muffin pans could be a better option.

Additionally, it's worth noting that you should always grease your tin well, especially if it has a solid base. This will prevent the batter from sticking and make it easier to remove your toad-in-the-hole once it's cooked. Using a baking paper liner can also help with this, but ensure it is well away from any heating elements to avoid it burning.

Finally, if you're using a tin with a solid base, it's a good idea to check if your air fryer manufacturer has any specific guidelines or recommendations regarding the use of tins or foil. Following these instructions will help ensure your toad-in-the-hole cooks evenly and safely.

Getting the batter right

The batter is the most important part of making toad in the hole in an air fryer. The key to getting it right is to make sure it is smooth, lump-free, and well-rested. Here are the steps to follow:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make the batter:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Flour
• Baking powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Mixing the batter

Start by adding the eggs to a mixing bowl or jug. Add a splash of milk and then gradually whisk in the flour. You can use a balloon whisk or an electric mixer for this step. If you are using baking powder, add it to the flour before mixing. Once you have a smooth paste, gradually add the rest of the milk, whisking continuously until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Resting the batter

Once you have made your batter, it is important to let it rest. This will give the flour time to absorb the liquid, resulting in a better texture. Rest the batter for at least 30 minutes or, even better, overnight in the refrigerator.

Cooking the toad in the hole

Once your batter is ready, you can cook your toad in the hole. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C. Place your sausages in a tin with oil and cook for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned. Quickly pour the batter over the sausages, close the basket, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the batter is golden and crisp.

Tips for success

• Use vegetable or sunflower oil for the best results. These oils have a higher smoke point than olive oil, which means they can get hotter and give your batter a better rise.
• Use a metal baking tin with a thin base. This will ensure the oil gets hot enough to help the batter rise.
• Work quickly when adding the batter to the sausages to prevent the oil from cooling down.
• All air fryers are different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time. Keep an eye on your toad in the hole to make sure it doesn't overcook.

Cooking the sausages

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a comforting classic, toad-in-the-hole. The process is simple, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the dish turns out well.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 200°C. This is an important step as it ensures the oil gets hot enough to give the batter a fantastic rise. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your sausages and other ingredients.

For this recipe, you will need 4 pork sausages or 6 chipolatas. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket or drawer and add a little oil. You can use sunflower, vegetable, or olive oil, but it's worth noting that olive oil doesn't reach as high a temperature. Brush the sausages with the oil or, if your air fryer has a drawer, add the oil directly into the drawer.

Now it's time to cook the sausages. For chipolatas, cook for around 3 minutes. For larger sausages, cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they start to brown. You're not looking to cook them through at this stage, just give them a head start.

Once the sausages are lightly browned, it's time to add the batter. If you haven't already, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. You can do this by hand or use an electric mixer for speed.

Quickly pour the batter over the sausages, being careful not to let too much heat escape from the air fryer. Close the basket and let the toad-in-the-hole cook for around 12 minutes.

After 12 minutes, your toad-in-the-hole should be golden brown and the batter should have risen above the sausages. However, all air fryers are different, so you may need to cook yours for a little longer.

Now it's time to serve your toad-in-the-hole. This dish is best served hot and straight out of the air fryer. It goes well with onion gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables such as peas or green beans.

Adding the batter to the sausages

Preparing the Batter:

Before adding the batter to the sausages, you will need to make the batter itself. This is typically done by combining plain flour, eggs, and milk in a mixing bowl. You can use a balloon whisk to mix the ingredients until you have a smooth batter. Some recipes also suggest adding a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. It is important to let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator. This resting period allows the flour to absorb the liquid fully, resulting in a better texture.

Cooking the Sausages:

While the batter is resting, you can start cooking the sausages. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket or drawer, and cook them for a short time, usually around 3 to 5 minutes, to lightly brown them. You are not aiming to cook them through at this stage, just to give them some colour and heat the oil. You can use tongs or a fork to turn the sausages and ensure even browning.

Adding the Batter:

Once the sausages have been browned, it is time to add the batter. Quickly pour the batter over the sausages, ensuring that it surrounds the sausages evenly. This step needs to be done swiftly to prevent the oil from cooling down too much. The batter should come halfway up the sausages in the cooking vessel.

Cooking the Toad-in-the-Hole:

After adding the batter, close the air fryer basket or drawer and let it cook for the recommended time, typically around 12 to 20 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. The toad-in-the-hole is ready when the batter is golden brown, puffed up, and crispy at the edges. It should be well risen and hot throughout, and the sausages should be nicely browned.

Serving:

Carefully remove the toad-in-the-hole from the air fryer using a spatula or tongs. Serve it hot and straight out of the air fryer to retain its crispness. Toad-in-the-hole goes well with onion gravy, mashed potatoes, baked beans, or cooked vegetables.

Remember that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on your air fryer model, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust accordingly.

Serving suggestions

Toad in the hole is a classic British comfort food. The dish consists of sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter, and is usually served with lashings of gravy.

Gravy and Vegetables

The most popular way to serve toad in the hole is with gravy and vegetables. You can make onion gravy, or use a gravy stockpot, or beef broth or stock made from a cube, with a dash of Worcestershire sauce. For the vegetables, you can serve peas, green beans, or mashed potatoes.

Mash and Beans

You can also serve toad in the hole with mashed potato and baked beans, or cooked vegetables.

Chips or Roast Potatoes

If you want to make a heartier meal, you can serve toad in the hole with fresh chips or roast potatoes.

Frequently asked questions