Crispy Air-Fried Sausage Wraps

Get ready to elevate your snack game with the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket! These delightful little bites feature a wonderfully crisp, golden-brown exterior and a perfectly soft, savory center. They are an absolute sensation for any gathering, whether it’s a thrilling game day, a lively party, or any special celebration that calls for easy, delicious finger food.

Beyond casual get-togethers, Pigs in a Blanket have also found their way onto many holiday tables, serving as a cherished appetizer during festive occasions like Christmas dinner. Their universal appeal and simple preparation make them a timeless classic loved by all ages.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

There’s a reason why Pigs in a Blanket remain a staple at parties and potlucks. When prepared in an air fryer, they reach a whole new level of deliciousness and convenience. Here’s what makes this recipe an absolute must-try:

• Effortlessly Delicious: A beloved snack that disappears quickly from any serving platter. Everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts, adores these savory wrapped sausages.
• Minimal Ingredients: Requiring just two primary ingredients, this recipe simplifies party food preparation, proving that you don’t need a complex list to create something extraordinary.
• Air Fryer Advantage: Cooking in the air fryer transforms humble pigs in a blanket into crispy, golden marvels. The hot circulating air ensures an even cook and a delightful texture that’s superior to traditional baking methods, without the need for excessive oil.
• Speed and Simplicity: This easy recipe comes together in mere minutes, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings or when you need a quick snack without fuss.
• Perfect Appetizer: Their bite-sized nature makes them the ultimate finger food, easy to pick up, dip, and enjoy while mingling.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: From game day celebrations to elegant holiday appetizers, these air-fried delights fit seamlessly into any event, always garnering rave reviews.

The air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also delivers an unbeatable texture. The crescent roll dough puffs up beautifully and crisps to a golden perfection, creating a delicate shell around the juicy cocktail sausages. It’s a game-changer for this classic appetizer.

Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need two core ingredients to create these incredibly satisfying treats. Quality matters, even with such a short list, so choose wisely for the best results.

• Lit’l Smokies (Cocktail Sausages): These small, flavorful sausages are the heart of your pigs in a blanket. Look for varieties like original, beef, or even cheesy flavors to add an extra dimension. The rich, smoky taste of the sausages pairs perfectly with the buttery crescent dough.
• Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: This is your “blanket.” Pillsbury or similar brands of refrigerated crescent roll dough provide the perfect flaky, tender casing. You can find these in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. For ease of use, consider purchasing the seamless crescent dough sheets, which eliminate the need to press seams together.

For precise quantities and a complete nutritional breakdown, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.

These two ingredients combine to create a harmony of flavors and textures – the savory, slightly smoky sausage enveloped in a tender, slightly sweet, and utterly flaky pastry. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, especially when air-fried to golden perfection.

Step-by-Step Guide: Air Frying Pigs in a Blanket

Preparing these delightful snacks in your air fryer is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

• Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer. Just like with a traditional oven, preheating your air fryer is crucial for even cooking and achieving that desirable crispy texture. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes, depending on your model. This ensures the dough starts cooking immediately upon contact, preventing sogginess.
• Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough. Carefully unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough. If you’re using a standard can with perforated triangles, you can separate them and then cut each triangle into 2-3 narrower strips. If you have the seamless dough sheet, it’s even easier: simply cut it into strips approximately ½ inch wide and 3 inches long using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. The exact dimensions aren’t critical, but aim for strips long enough to wrap around a sausage.
• Step 3: Wrap the Sausages. Take one strip of crescent roll dough and wrap it around a cocktail sausage, starting from one end and spiraling down. Gently press the end of the dough strip into the sausage to secure the seam. Place the wrapped sausage seam-down on a plate or cutting board. This helps prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
• Step 4: Repeat and Prepare for Batch Cooking. Continue wrapping all your cocktail sausages with the dough strips. Since most air fryers require cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding, prepare enough wrapped sausages for your first batch. Ensure there’s enough space in your air fryer basket so the hot air can circulate freely around each pig in a blanket, promoting even crisping.
• Step 5: Air Fry the First Batch. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray, or line it with air fryer parchment paper for easier cleanup. Arrange the wrapped sausages in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each one. Cook for approximately 3 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking. After the initial 3 minutes, carefully open the air fryer basket and flip each pig in a blanket using tongs. This ensures both sides get equally golden and crispy. Close the basket and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the dough is puffed up, golden brown, and the sausages are heated through.
• Step 7: Remove and Repeat. Once cooked, transfer the golden pigs in a blanket to a serving platter. Repeat the air frying process with the remaining batches until all your delicious snacks are ready. Always ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded for optimal results.

Hint: Don’t limit yourself to just one type of cocktail sausage! Explore different flavors like beef, cheddar, or even spicy varieties to add exciting twists to your pigs in a blanket.

Recipe Variations and Creative Substitute Ideas

While the classic Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket are undeniably delicious, there’s always room for creativity! Here are some fantastic ways to customize this recipe and make it truly your own:

• Upsize with Hot Dogs: For a larger, more substantial snack, substitute cocktail sausages with full-sized hot dogs. You’ll need to cut the crescent roll dough into wider and longer strips to fully wrap them. This creates a fantastic “grown-up” version, perfect for a casual lunch.
• Tangy BBQ Twist: Before wrapping the sausages, lightly brush the inside of the crescent roll dough with a thin layer of your favorite BBQ sauce. As it bakes, the sauce will caramelize slightly, adding a sweet and smoky tang that perfectly complements the savory sausage.
• Sesame Seed Topping: For an extra layer of texture and a touch of elegance, sprinkle the wrapped “pigs” with sesame seeds just before air frying. The seeds will toast beautifully, adding a subtle nutty flavor and a visually appealing finish.
• Crispy Bacon Wraps (British Style): For a truly decadent variation, ditch the pastry altogether and wrap your cocktail sausages tightly with thin strips of crispy bacon. This is the traditional British “Pig in a Blanket,” a delicious alternative that’s bursting with smoky, salty flavor. Cook until the bacon is rendered and crispy.
• Cheesy Goodness: Before wrapping, place a small sliver of cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack cheese alongside the sausage. As it cooks, the cheese will melt into a gooey, savory layer.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of heat by sprinkling a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika on the dough before wrapping. Alternatively, serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: For a trendy and flavorful upgrade, sprinkle your wrapped pigs with everything bagel seasoning before air frying. It adds a fantastic blend of savory, oniony, and garlicky notes.

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Necessary Gear: Equipment

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To make this recipe a breeze, an air fryer is your best friend! Its rapid circulation of hot air ensures these pigs in a blanket achieve that coveted crispy exterior in record time. While there are many great models on the market, I have a personal favorite that I use regularly and highly recommend. You can find it listed below in the recipe card.

If you don’t yet own an air fryer, don’t despair! A convection oven would be the next best alternative, offering a similar circulating heat environment that can yield excellent results, though cooking times might need slight adjustment.

Beyond the air fryer, you’ll also find a pizza cutter incredibly useful for quickly and evenly slicing your crescent roll dough. Tongs are also handy for flipping the pigs in a blanket in the air fryer basket without burning your fingers.

More Air Fryer Recipes I Think You’ll Love

Once you discover the magic of air frying, you’ll want to cook everything in it! Here are some more fantastic air fryer recipes from our kitchen that we think you’ll absolutely adore:

• Air Fryer Crab Cakes
• Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites
• Air Fryer Biscuits
• Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Don’t forget to check out our Puff Pastry Pizza Pinwheels recipe, another fantastic party food option. And for something truly unique, explore this Mock Hog Head Cheese Recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

It’s rare to have leftovers of these delicious Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket, but if you do, storing them properly will help maintain their freshness for future enjoyment.

• Storage: Once the pigs in a blanket have cooled completely to room temperature, place them in an airtight container. For best results and to absorb any excess moisture, you can line the container with a paper towel. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To bring them back to their crispy glory, reheating in the air fryer is highly recommended. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the leftover pigs in a blanket in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 2-4 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and crisp once more. Avoid using a microwave, as it will likely make the dough soft and chewy instead of crispy.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze fully cooked and cooled pigs in a blanket. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 1-2 months. Reheat from frozen in an air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until hot and crispy.

Mel’s Kitchen Notes and Serving Suggestions

I highly recommend serving these Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket with a variety of your favorite dipping sauces. Offering options allows everyone to customize their experience!

Some popular dipping sauce ideas include classic ketchup and mustard (Dijon or honey mustard are fantastic), a tangy BBQ sauce, a creamy ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. Don’t be afraid to get creative! A sweet and sour sauce can also provide a delightful contrast.

For an appetizer spread, arrange these golden bites artfully on a platter with small bowls of various dips. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. They pair wonderfully with other party favorites like vegetable sticks, chips, or a simple cheese board.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the pigs in a blanket (wrap the sausages) a few hours ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them into the preheated air fryer. This is a great time-saver for entertaining.

What if I don’t have cocktail sausages?

If you don’t have cocktail sausages, you can use regular hot dogs cut into 1.5 to 2-inch pieces. You can also use breakfast sausages, chicken sausages, or even vegan hot dog alternatives. Adjust the dough strip size accordingly.

How do I prevent them from getting soggy?

The key to crispiness is preheating your air fryer, not overcrowding the basket, and ensuring they are cooked in a single layer. Flipping them halfway through also helps achieve an even crisp on all sides. Make sure the dough is completely sealed around the sausage to prevent moisture from getting trapped.

Can I cook these in an oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wrapped pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. While delicious, the air fryer generally yields a crispier result in less time.

Are pigs in a blanket suitable for children?

Absolutely! Pigs in a blanket are a universal hit with kids. They love the fun, bite-sized nature and familiar flavors. Just be sure to let them cool slightly before serving to young children.

If you’ve tried this Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket Recipe or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!

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Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets