Looking for a delicious and easy appetizer to serve at your next party or gathering? Look no further than pigs in a blanket! This classic finger food is always a crowd favorite and can be made effortlessly in an air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a birthday party, or just craving a tasty snack, pigs in a blanket are sure to satisfy.
But what exactly are pigs in a blanket? Pigs in a blanket are bite-sized frankfurters or sausages that are wrapped in a flaky dough. The name originated in the United States in the mid-20th century and has since become a popular snack or appetizer at parties and events. They are often served with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or cheese sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Making pigs in a blanket in an air fryer is a game-changer as it yields perfectly cooked and crispy appetizers without the need for deep frying. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, resulting in a golden and crunchy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods as it requires less oil.
Ready to give it a try? Follow our step-by-step guide below to learn how to make pigs in a blanket in an air fryer.
Preparing the Ingredients for Pigs In Blanket
Before starting to make pigs in blanket in the air fryer, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them accordingly. This ensures that the cooking process goes smoothly and the final dish turns out delicious.
Ingredients
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need for making pigs in blanket:
Ingredient | Quantity |
Puff pastry | 1 sheet, thawed |
Mini sausages | 1 package |
Egg | 1, beaten |
Mustard | for serving |
Preparation
Follow these steps to prepare the ingredients for making pigs in blanket:
- Thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions if using frozen pastry.
- Preheat the air fryer to the desired cooking temperature.
- Place the sausages on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into smaller pieces, about 3 inches in length.
- Open the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into thin strips, approximately 1 inch wide.
- Wrap each sausage piece with one puff pastry strip, making sure to seal the edges.
- Place the wrapped sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Brush the beaten egg over the wrapped sausages to give them a golden-brown color when cooked.
With the ingredients prepared, you can now proceed to cook the pigs in blanket in the air fryer. Refer to the specific recipe or cooking instructions for the air fryer model you are using for the remaining steps.
Gather the Necessary Ingredients
Before you can begin making pigs in a blanket in the air fryer, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
Ingredients:
- 1 package of crescent roll dough
- 1 package of mini sausages or hot dogs
- Optional toppings: mustard, ketchup, cheese, etc.
Make sure you have all the ingredients handy before you start the cooking process.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Before you start making pigs in a blanket in your air fryer, it’s important to preheat the appliance to ensure even cooking. Preheating your air fryer will help to create a crispy and perfectly cooked exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Step 1: Plug in and Preheat
First, make sure your air fryer is plugged in and ready to use. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired cooking temperature before you start cooking your pigs in a blanket.
Step 2: Adjust Cooking Time if Needed
Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your pigs in a blanket, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Thicker sausages or larger quantities may require a longer cooking time, while smaller sausages or fewer quantities may require a shorter cooking time. Keep an eye on the cooking process and make adjustments as needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness.
Note: It’s always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific cooking times for your air fryer model.
By preheating your air fryer, you’ll ensure that your pigs in a blanket cook evenly and come out crispy on the outside and deliciously juicy on the inside. Now that your air fryer is preheated, you’re ready to start making your pigs in a blanket!
Wrapping the Pigs In Blanket
Once you have prepared the hot dogs and crescent roll dough, it’s time to wrap the pigs in blanket.
Step 1: Lay out the Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate them into individual triangles.
Step 2: Place the Hot Dog
Place one strip of hot dog onto the wide end of each triangle.
Step 3: Roll it Up
Roll the dough over the hot dog, tucking in the ends as you go. Make sure the dough is sealed around the hot dog.
Step 4: Repeat
Continue wrapping all the hot dogs with the dough until they are all covered.
Ingredients | Instructions |
---|---|
crescent roll dough | 1. Unroll the dough and separate into triangles. |
hot dogs | 2. Place a hot dog on each triangle and roll up. |
Now that the pigs in blanket are wrapped, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer.
Lay Out the Puff Pastry Sheet
Before you start wrapping the pigs in a blanket, you need to lay out the puff pastry sheet. Make sure to have a clean, flat surface to work on.
Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto the surface and smooth it out gently. You can use a rolling pin to even out any creases or wrinkles in the dough.
If the puff pastry is frozen, allow it to thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes or until it is pliable. This will make it easier to work with.
Once the puff pastry sheet is smooth and pliable, you can proceed to cut it into strips. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to make long, thin strips of dough.
The size of the strips will depend on the size of the sausages you are using. Aim for strips that are about 1 inch wide and long enough to wrap around the sausages.
Arrange the strips of puff pastry on a clean plate or baking sheet for easy access. You are now ready to wrap the pigs in a blanket!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make pigs in a blanket in an air fryer?
To make pigs in a blanket in an air fryer, you will need crescent roll dough, mini sausages or cocktail wieners, and an optional egg wash for a golden crust.
Can I use regular sausages instead of mini sausages?
Yes, you can certainly use regular sausages instead of mini sausages. Just make sure to slice them into smaller pieces before wrapping them in the crescent roll dough.
How long should I cook pigs in a blanket in the air fryer?
The cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the pigs in a blanket. Generally, you can cook them in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes at 180°C (350°F) or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and crispy.
Can I freeze pigs in a blanket made in an air fryer?
Yes, you can freeze pigs in a blanket made in an air fryer. After cooking them, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the air fryer until warmed through.