Air Fryer Pigs In A Blanket: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Pigs in a blanket are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes. They are perfect as appetizers for gatherings or as a tasty treat during snack time. The recipe is simple and only requires a few ingredients, such as sausages and crescent roll dough. The sausages are wrapped in the crescent roll dough and then cooked in the air fryer for a few minutes until golden brown. This snack is a favourite among kids and can also be made with their supervision.

How to make the dough

The dough for pigs in a blanket is typically made from crescent rolls. You can use pre-made dough, such as crescent roll dough or puff pastry, or make your own dough from scratch. Here's a step-by-step guide to making the dough for pigs in a blanket in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• 1 package of 8-count refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 16 little smoked sausages (you can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as spicy smoked sausage or chicken or turkey sausage)
• Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
• Parchment paper (optional)

Instructions:

• Start by preparing your work area. Line a cutting board or a clean, flat surface with parchment paper if desired.
• Open the package of crescent roll dough. Unroll the dough and separate it into individual triangles. You should have 8 triangles.
• If you are using pre-made sausages, remove them from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
• Place one sausage on the widest end of a crescent triangle.
• Roll the sausage towards the narrow end of the triangle, wrapping the dough around it. Make sure the sausage is completely coated in dough and seal the edges.
• Repeat this process until you have wrapped all the sausages in dough.
• If desired, you can cut each sausage in half lengthwise and crosswise to create mini pigs in a blanket. Each sausage will yield 4 pieces, giving you a total of 16 pieces. Adjust the amount of dough accordingly.
• If you want to add cheese to your pigs in a blanket, cut cheese slices into strips and wrap them around the sausages before rolling them in the dough.
• Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. You can also use parchment paper to line the basket and prevent sticking.
• Place the pigs in a blanket in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Lightly coat the tops of the pigs in a blanket with another layer of olive oil or cooking spray.
• Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time, following the instructions for your specific air fryer model. The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage and power of your air fryer.
• Check on the pigs in a blanket periodically to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Once the dough is golden brown and cooked through, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket and serve!

Feel free to experiment with different types of dough, sausages, and additional ingredients to create your own unique pigs in a blanket!

How to wrap the pigs in a blanket

To wrap the pigs in a blanket, start by cutting each crescent roll dough into triangles. You can do this by unrolling the dough and using a pizza cutter or knife to cut each crescent roll sheet into thirds.

Take each triangle and place the sausage at the widest end, then roll the sausage towards the narrow end of the triangle. You can also add cheese to the sausage before rolling it in the dough. Make sure to dry off the sausages before rolling them in the dough to prevent sogginess.

Tuck the ends of the crescent roll in to secure the sausage inside. Repeat this process until all the sausages are wrapped.

How to cook the pigs in a blanket

Pigs in a blanket are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook them:

Ingredients:

• Sausages (little smoked sausages, cocktail franks, or regular-sized hot dogs)
• Crescent roll dough (or puff pastry if you can't find crescent rolls)
• Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
• Optional: Cheese, mustard, or other seasonings for added flavour

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a non-stick cooking spray or line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Prepare the crescent roll dough by unrolling it and cutting each sheet into triangles. If using puff pastry, cut it diagonally into triangles.
• Wrap each sausage with the dough, starting from the widest end and rolling towards the tip. Ensure the sausage is dry before wrapping to prevent sogginess.
• Place the wrapped sausages into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one. You may need to cook in batches.
• Brush the tops of the sausages with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Air fry for 5-8 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit, or 3-6 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. If using a lower temperature, you may need to flip them halfway through.
• Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve with your favourite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, cheese sauce, or ranch dressing.

Tips:

• You can add cheese or other seasonings to the sausages before wrapping them in dough for extra flavour.
• If you prefer crispier pigs in a blanket, cook for a few extra minutes, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
• You can also make pigs in a blanket with pancake-wrapped sausage links or homemade dough such as pretzel dough or pizza dough.
• If you're cooking frozen pigs in a blanket, preheat your air fryer to 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 8-12 minutes or until heated through.

How to cook frozen pigs in a blanket

First, preheat your air fryer to 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit. While some recipes suggest that preheating is unnecessary, it is generally advisable to ensure even cooking. You can use a free air fryer cooking time chart to help determine the ideal temperature and duration for your specific air fryer model.

Next, prepare your frozen pigs in a blanket. If they are already assembled and frozen, simply place them in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring sufficient space between each piece. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. However, if you are starting with frozen ingredients and assembling them yourself, follow these steps:

• Start with refrigerated crescent dough or crescent roll sheets. If using dough, unroll it and cut it into triangles or strips. If using sheets, pinch the perforations to create a solid sheet, then cut it into strips.
• Wrap each hot dog or sausage with the dough or sheet, ensuring the ends are tucked in. You can also add cheese inside before wrapping if desired, but it will be messier.
• If using sausages, pat them dry before wrapping to prevent sogginess.
• For a glaze, whisk together butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and everything bagel seasoning in a small bowl. Brush this mixture generously onto the assembled pigs in a blanket.

Once your frozen pigs in a blanket are prepared and the air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook them. Place them on parchment paper in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. If your air fryer doesn't accommodate all of them in a single layer, you may need to cook in batches.

Air fry at 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Check on them periodically to ensure they don't overcook. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can flip them over.

Once they are cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Enjoy your freshly cooked pigs in a blanket!

Dipping sauces

Pigs in a blanket are a versatile dish, and you can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for sauces that will complement the flavours of the pigs in a blanket:

Honey Mustard Sauce

This sauce is a blend of honey, Dijon mustard, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice or white vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The sweetness of the honey and the tang of the mustard create a delicious combination that goes well with the savoury pigs in a blanket.

Barbecue Ranch Dressing

For a tangy and creamy sauce, try mixing barbecue sauce with ranch dressing. You can also experiment with different types of barbecue sauce, such as a smokey or spicy variety, to add a unique twist to this classic combination.

Spicy Blue Cheese Dip

If you're a fan of blue cheese, this dip is a must-try. It's made by whisking together sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and salt, then stirring in crumbled blue cheese. The spiciness of the sauce pairs well with the cool, creamy blue cheese.

Maple-Dijon Dipping Sauce

This sauce is a simple combination of maple syrup and Dijon mustard. The sweetness of the maple syrup balances the tanginess of the mustard, creating a delicious sweet and savoury sauce.

Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce

For those who like a little kick, this sauce is made by mixing mayonnaise with chili-garlic sauce or Sriracha. It's a perfect choice if you're looking for something creamy with a spicy kick.

Quick Ranch

A simple yet classic dipping sauce, quick ranch is made by stirring together sour cream, pickle juice, and fresh chopped chives. It's tangy, creamy, and perfect for those who want a refreshing dip to balance the heartiness of the pigs in a blanket.

Frequently asked questions