Are you a fan of crispy and delicious sausage rolls? Do you want to make them at home without the hassle of using an oven? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to make mouthwatering sausage rolls in the air fryer.
Sausage rolls are a popular snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a family gathering, or simply craving a tasty treat, these savory pastries are sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
The air fryer is an innovative kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food. It can give you the same crispy texture as an oven, but in a fraction of the time. Plus, it requires less oil, making it a healthier alternative.
To make sausage rolls in the air fryer, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: puff pastry, sausages of your choice, an egg for egg wash, and some herbs and spices to add flavor. It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
So, why wait? Let’s get started on making the most delicious sausage rolls in the air fryer. Follow our step-by-step instructions, and in no time, you’ll have a batch of golden-brown sausage rolls that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. It uses a convection mechanism to achieve crispy and evenly cooked results without the need for a large amount of oil. Air fryers are a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying methods as they require little to no oil, reducing the overall calorie and fat content of the food.
Most air fryers consist of a heating element and a fan. The heating element generates the hot air, while the fan circulates the hot air evenly throughout the cooking chamber. This setup allows the food to be cooked quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and moist interior.
One of the main advantages of using an air fryer is that it can mimic the texture and taste of deep-fried food without the excessive oil. The hot air in the air fryer creates a Maillard reaction, which is the chemical reaction responsible for browning and creating delicious flavors. This means you can enjoy crispy and flavorful food without the guilt.
Air fryers can cook a wide variety of foods, including but not limited to, french fries, chicken wings, fish, vegetables, and even desserts. They are versatile appliances that can be used for everyday cooking as well as for entertaining guests.
In addition to being healthier and versatile, air fryers are also easy to use and clean. Most models come with a digital interface that allows you to set the cooking time and temperature easily. They also have removable parts that can be easily cleaned either by hand or in a dishwasher.
If you are looking to make delicious and healthier versions of your favorite deep-fried foods, an air fryer is definitely a worthwhile investment. With its ease of use, versatility, and ability to create crispy and flavorful dishes, it is no wonder that air fryers have become increasingly popular in kitchens around the world.
Why use an air fryer for sausage rolls?
Using an air fryer to make sausage rolls offers several benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should consider using an air fryer for this delicious treat:
- Healthier option: Air frying sausage rolls requires little to no oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried rolls. This method significantly reduces the amount of unhealthy fat and calories, while still producing crispy and tasty results.
- Faster cooking time: Air fryers generally cook food faster than traditional ovens. With the hot circulating air inside the fryer, sausage rolls can be cooked in a shorter amount of time compared to baking them in the oven. This makes it a convenient option when you need to prepare a quick and easy snack or appetizer.
- Even cooking: Air fryers provide consistent heat distribution, resulting in even cooking on all sides of the sausage rolls. No need to worry about turning them halfway through or having one side of the roll undercooked.
- Crispy exterior: The air fryer promotes the perfect texture for sausage rolls. The circulating hot air ensures that the pastry becomes golden brown and crispy, while the filling remains moist and flavorful.
- Easy to clean: Air fryers are known for their easy clean-up. Most air fryer baskets and trays are non-stick and dishwasher safe, making the post-cooking process hassle-free.
Preparation:
Before you start making sausage rolls in the air fryer, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 250g puff pastry
- 500g sausage meat
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, follow these steps to prepare the sausage rolls:
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle about 0.5cm thick.
- Spread the sausage meat mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
- Brush the egg wash along the exposed border of the pastry.
- Starting from the opposite long edge, roll up the puff pastry tightly to encase the sausage meat. Press lightly to seal the seam.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled-up pastry into smaller sausage rolls of your desired size.
- Place the sausage rolls into the preheated air fryer basket, leaving some space in between each one.
- Brush the tops of the sausage rolls with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish.
- Insert the basket into the air fryer and cook the sausage rolls for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the sausage rolls from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Now your delicious homemade sausage rolls are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a snack or as part of a meal, and don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce.
Gather the ingredients
Before you begin making sausage rolls in the air fryer, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package of pre-made puff pastry sheets
- 1 pound of ground sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Make sure the puff pastry sheets are thawed before starting. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about 30 minutes until they are pliable.
Prepare the sausage filling
Before you start assembling the sausage rolls, you’ll need to prepare the delicious sausage filling. Here’s how:
Ingredients
1 pound ground pork | 1 teaspoon salt | 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon dried sage | 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme |
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried sage, and dried thyme. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Using your hands or a fork, mix the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can result in tough sausage.
- Divide the sausage mixture into equal portions, depending on how big you want your sausage rolls to be. You can typically get about 4-6 portions from a pound of ground pork.
- Take each portion and shape it into a log using your hands.
- Once all the portions are shaped into logs, set them aside and move on to assembling the sausage rolls.
Now that your sausage filling is ready, you can move on to the next step of making delicious sausage rolls in the air fryer. Happy cooking!
Assembly
Once you have your sausage mixture ready and your puff pastry thawed, it’s time to assemble the sausage rolls. Here’s how:
1. Roll out the pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry dough into a rectangle that is about 12 inches long and 8 inches wide. You may need to gently stretch the dough if it’s too small.
2. Cut the pastry
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, divide the rolled-out pastry into 4 equal-sized rectangles.
3. Add the sausage mixture
Take a portion of the sausage mixture, about 2-3 tablespoons, and shape it into a long log that is the length of one pastry rectangle. Place the sausage log in the center of the pastry.
4. Roll it up
Roll the pastry around the sausage log, making sure to seal the edges by pressing them together with your fingers. Repeat this step for the remaining sausages and pastry rectangles.
5. Cut into smaller rolls
Using a sharp knife, cut each filled pastry roll into 4 smaller sausage rolls. This will give you a total of 16 sausage rolls.
6. Arrange in the air fryer
Place the sausage rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each roll for even cooking.
7. Cook in the air fryer
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the sausage rolls for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve and enjoy
Once cooked, remove the sausage rolls from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Now that you know how to assemble and cook sausage rolls in the air fryer, you can easily make a delicious and crispy snack or appetizer for any occasion. Enjoy!
Roll out the pastry
Once your sausage meat mixture is ready, it’s time to roll out the pastry. Dust your work surface with a little flour to prevent sticking and place your puff pastry sheet on top. Gently roll out the pastry into a rectangle shape that is approximately 12 inches by 8 inches.
Next, cut your rolled out pastry into smaller rectangles that are approximately 4 inches by 3 inches in size. This will be the perfect size to wrap around your sausage mixture.
If you find that the pastry is sticking to your rolling pin, lightly dust it with flour as well. Make sure to use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to get clean, straight edges on your pastry rectangles.
Once you have your pastry rectangles cut out, it’s time to assemble the sausage rolls. Place a small amount of sausage mixture in the center of each rectangle, leaving a small gap around the edges. Fold the pastry over the sausage mixture and press the edges together to seal.
Repeat this process with the remaining pastry and sausage mixture until you have used them all up. You should be able to make about 12 sausage rolls in total.
Once all your sausage rolls are assembled, they are ready to cook in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the sausage rolls in the basket, leaving a little space between each one. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Once cooked, remove the sausage rolls from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. Enjoy!
Spread the sausage filling
Once the dough has been rolled out, it’s time to spread the sausage filling. Take the prepared sausage mixture and evenly distribute it over the rolled-out dough. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the filling to the edges of the dough. Make sure to cover the entire surface area of the dough.
It’s important to spread the filling evenly to ensure that every bite of the sausage roll has a balanced taste. If the filling is too thick in some areas, it may overwhelm the taste of the pastry. Similarly, if the filling is too thin in some areas, you may end up with unevenly cooked sausage rolls.
If you prefer a thicker layer of sausage filling, feel free to add more to the dough. Just make sure that it doesn’t become too difficult to roll up the dough once the filling is added.
Once the sausage filling has been spread, it’s time to roll up the dough. Carefully lift one edge of the dough and start rolling it towards the opposite edge, using your hands to keep the filling inside the roll. Roll the dough tightly to ensure that the sausage filling is securely wrapped inside.
Continue rolling until the entire length of the dough has been rolled up into a log shape. The seam of the dough should be on the bottom of the log to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
Once the dough is rolled up, you can use a sharp knife to trim the ends and even out the edges if desired. This step is optional, but it can make the sausage rolls look neater and more uniform.
Roll up the sausage rolls
Once the pastry and sausage mixture are prepared, it’s time to roll up the sausage rolls. Take a piece of pastry and place a portion of the sausage mixture along one edge. Use your fingers or a brush to lightly dampen the opposite edge of the pastry with water.
Carefully roll the pastry over the sausage mixture, ensuring that the two edges adhere together. Press down gently to seal the edges. Repeat this process for the remaining pastry and sausage mixture.
Once all the sausage rolls are rolled up, place them seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This will help prevent them from sticking to the tray and allow them to cook evenly.
If desired, you can use a sharp knife to lightly score the tops of the sausage rolls. This will create a decorative pattern and allow steam to escape during cooking.
Brush the tops of the sausage rolls with a beaten egg or milk to give them a golden, shiny appearance. This step is optional but enhances the overall visual appeal.
Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once preheated, carefully transfer the sausage rolls to the air fryer basket, leaving space between each roll for air circulation.
Cook the sausage rolls in the air fryer at the recommended temperature and time, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remember to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
Once cooked, remove the sausage rolls from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm as an appetizer, snack, or paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy! You’ve successfully made delicious sausage rolls in the air fryer.
FAQ
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, giving it a crispy texture similar to deep-frying but with less oil.
Can I make sausage rolls in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make delicious sausage rolls in an air fryer. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying and still yields a crispy result.
What ingredients do I need to make sausage rolls in the air fryer?
To make sausage rolls in the air fryer, you’ll need puff pastry, sausage meat, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning such as salt, pepper, and herbs.
How long do you cook sausage rolls in the air fryer?
Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the sausage rolls and the air fryer you’re using. Generally, it takes about 12-15 minutes at 180°C (356°F) until golden brown and cooked through.