Air Fryer Pigs In Blankets: The Ultimate Frozen Treat

Pigs in blankets are a delicious snack, side dish, or appetiser that can be easily cooked in an air fryer. This cooking method is not only healthier than deep frying, but it's also quicker than oven cooking. You can cook pigs in blankets from frozen in an air fryer, and it typically takes between 8 and 13 minutes, depending on the air fryer model and the number of pigs in blankets being cooked.

How long to cook frozen pigs in blankets in an air fryer

Pigs in blankets are a delicious snack and can be made in an air fryer with minimal effort. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen pigs in blankets in an air fryer:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Frozen pigs in blankets (store-bought or homemade)
• Light oil or cooking spray
• Optional: seasonings or toppings of your choice (e.g. cheese, bacon, honey, or maple syrup)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to around 350°Fahrenheit (180°Celsius). However, some recipes suggest cooking at higher temperatures of up to 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius).
• Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lightly coat it with oil to prevent sticking. This step is crucial to ensure your pigs in blankets don't stick to the basket.
• Place the pigs in blankets: Arrange the frozen pigs in blankets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each one to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry: Cook the pigs in blankets for around 8 to 12 minutes. For higher temperatures, check the pigs in blankets after 4 minutes to ensure they don't overcook. For lower temperatures, flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
• Serve: Carefully remove the pigs in blankets from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips and Variations

• Seasonings and toppings: You can add various seasonings or toppings to your pigs in blankets before or after air frying. For example, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before cooking or wrap each pig in a blanket with a small piece of bacon.
• Gluten-free option: You can make gluten-free pigs in blankets by using gluten-free sausages.
• Reheating and storage: Pigs in blankets can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or microwave for a few minutes until hot. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months and defrosted before reheating.

Troubleshooting

If your pigs in blankets come out overcooked or burnt, reduce the cooking time and temperature. Air fryers cook faster and more efficiently than ovens, so you may need to experiment with the temperature and timing to find the perfect setting for your air fryer. Always keep an eye on your food while it's cooking to prevent overcooking.

Air fryer temperature for frozen pigs in blankets

Pigs in blankets are a popular appetiser or snack, and cooking them from frozen in an air fryer is a quick and easy option.

Air Fryer Temperature

To cook frozen pigs in blankets in your air fryer, preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will vary depending on the wattage and power of your air fryer, but on average, the pigs in blankets will take 6 to 8 minutes to cook, flipping them halfway through.

Tips

• Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Leave a little room between each pig in a blanket to allow for even cooking.
• If cooking a large batch, ensure there is enough room for air to circulate around each pig in blanket.
• Add a minute or two to the cooking time if cooking from frozen to ensure they are cooked through.

Dipping Sauces

Popular dipping sauces include ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, cheese sauce, BBQ sauce, and honey mustard sauce.

How to prevent frozen pigs in blankets from sticking to the air fryer

To prevent your pigs in blankets from sticking to your air fryer, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, you can preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before placing your food inside. This helps to create a non-stick surface.

You can also use a small amount of oil to prevent sticking and promote browning. Oil the food itself, or spray the basket with vegetable oil spray.

Another option is to use a foil sling. Fold a sheet of aluminium foil so it is 4 inches wide, and lay it across the basket, pressing the foil up and into the sides. This will prevent the food from sticking and make it easier to remove.

Finally, you can use parchment paper. Cut a piece to fit your air fryer basket, and place it inside before adding your food. This will prevent direct contact between the food and the basket, reducing the chances of sticking.

Can you cook a large batch of frozen pigs in blankets in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a large batch of frozen pigs in blankets in an air fryer! The key is to make sure there is enough room for the air to circulate around each pig in a blanket for even cooking.

When cooking a large batch, it is better to cook them in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking. Arrange the frozen pigs in blankets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.

You can cook as many as will fit in a single layer without overcrowding. If your air fryer basket is large enough, you may be able to fit an entire package of pigs in blankets in one batch. However, if you need to cook them in batches, you can easily do so by following the same steps for each batch.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or follow the temperature recommended on the packaging of the frozen pigs in blankets. You can also preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to create a non-stick surface and prevent the pastry from sticking to the basket.

Arrange in the Air Fryer:

Place the frozen pigs in blankets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time will depend on the brand of pigs in blankets you are using. Set the cooking time according to the package instructions, or for about 5-10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Frozen pigs in blankets typically take a little longer to cook than fresh ones due to their frozen state.

Flip and Check:

About halfway through the cooking time, carefully flip the pigs in blankets to ensure even cooking on all sides. This also gives you a chance to check their progress.

Check Internal Temperature:

To ensure the pigs in blankets are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).

Crisp Up:

If the pigs in blankets need more crispiness after they’re fully cooked, you can increase the temperature slightly and cook them for a few more minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. Remove them from the air fryer when they are golden brown.

Serve:

Once the pigs in blankets are cooked through and have a golden-brown and crispy exterior, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and flavorful large batch of frozen pigs in blankets cooked in the air fryer!

Can you add extra ingredients to frozen pigs in blankets?

Yes, you can add extra ingredients to frozen pigs in blankets to elevate this classic dish. Pigs in blankets are a tasty treat, but with a few simple additions, you can take them to the next level.

Firstly, let's talk about seasonings. A sprinkle of coarse salt on top of your pigs in blankets will give them an extra boost of flavour. You could also try everything bagel seasoning, which will add a delicious savoury and crunchy crust. A little garlic powder or granulated onion will also enhance the flavour of your pigs in blankets.

If you're feeling extra indulgent, why not wrap a small piece of streaky bacon around each pig in a blanket before placing them in the air fryer? This will add a smoky flavour and a crispy texture.

Cheese is another great way to elevate your pigs in blankets. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top, such as cheddar or mozzarella, and let it melt in the air fryer for a gooey, delicious treat.

For a sweet and tangy twist, mix together some honey and Dijon mustard to create a honey mustard glaze. Brush this glaze over the pigs in blankets before air frying, and you'll be left with a sticky and flavourful coating.

Finally, BBQ sauce is always a crowd-pleaser. Brush your favourite BBQ sauce on top of the pigs in blankets before air frying, and you'll be left with a tasty, caramelised coating.

So, there you have it! Plenty of ways to add extra ingredients to your frozen pigs in blankets and take this classic dish to the next level. Get creative, experiment with different flavours, and most importantly, enjoy!

Frequently asked questions