Easy Pigs in Blankets (Air Fryer Recipe)

Pigs in blankets are a beloved snack, appetizer, and comfort food, popular at family gatherings, parties, and holidays. The combination of savory sausages wrapped in crispy bacon has a timeless appeal that’s hard to resist. However, when you use an air fryer to prepare this tasty treat, you take things to a new level. The result is crispy, perfectly cooked bacon and juicy sausages in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven or pan-frying.

We’ll explore why using an air fryer is not just efficient but also results in better texture and flavor. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s get started and discover the magic of air fryer pigs in blankets!

What Are Pigs in Blankets?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s first understand what pigs in blankets are and why they’re so popular. Pigs in blankets are a simple yet satisfying dish that consists of small sausages, often chipolatas, wrapped in bacon. The sausage is typically a savory, spiced treat, while the bacon provides a smoky, crispy coating. The whole thing is cooked together until the bacon becomes crisp, and the sausage is cooked through, creating a perfect flavor balance.

The Popularity of Pigs in Blankets

Pigs in blankets have become a staple at many celebrations. In the UK, they’re commonly served during Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. In the United States, they’re popular as party appetizers and often appear on holiday tables as well. While the combination of sausages and bacon is simple, it offers a rich and comforting flavor profile that appeals to people of all ages.

Variations of Pigs in Blankets

While traditional pigs in blankets use chipolata sausages and streaky bacon, there are plenty of variations. Some people use vegetarian sausages for a plant-based version, or even different types of bacon, like turkey bacon or pancetta. There are also regional variations, such as adding spices or glazes, like honey mustard or maple syrup.

Now, let’s explore why using an air fryer to make pigs in blankets is such a game-changer.

Why Use the Air Fryer for Pigs in Blankets?

The air fryer is one of the most versatile kitchen appliances, known for cooking food quickly while delivering a crispy texture without the need for much oil. When it comes to pigs in blankets, using the air fryer offers several benefits over traditional cooking methods like oven baking or pan-frying.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

1. Speed: Air fryers cook faster than traditional ovens because they circulate hot air around the food. This results in quicker cooking times, which is perfect when you’re in a hurry or need to prepare multiple batches.
2. Crispy Bacon: The hot circulating air ensures that the bacon crisps up beautifully without the need for flipping or turning it frequently. This results in perfectly crisp bacon that’s evenly cooked.
3. Healthier Option: Air fryers use very little oil, making them a healthier alternative to frying in a pan. The bacon’s fat renders out naturally, and the sausages remain juicy without being drenched in grease.
4. Convenience: No need to preheat the oven or worry about splattering oil. With an air fryer, you just load the food into the basket, set the time and temperature, and let the air fryer work its magic.

The Perfect Texture and Flavor

The magic of an air fryer lies in its ability to cook food evenly while maintaining moisture. The bacon crisps up to perfection, and the sausages remain juicy. Unlike conventional frying, which often leads to soggy or unevenly cooked food, the air fryer ensures consistent results every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now that you know why the air fryer is the ideal cooking method, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need to make this easy pigs-in-blankets recipe.

Essential Ingredients

1. Streaky Bacon
   The key to a crispy, savory pigs-in blankets dish is the bacon. Streaky bacon is preferred because it has the right balance of fat and meat, which renders out as it cooks, leaving you with perfectly crisp bacon. You can also experiment with other types of bacon, such as turkey bacon or pancetta, for different flavor profiles.
2. Chipolata Sausages
   These are small, thin sausages that cook quickly and are the ideal size for wrapping with bacon. Chipolatas are perfect because they don’t overpower the bacon but offer a good amount of seasoning and flavor. If you can’t find chipolatas, you can substitute them with any small, flavorful sausage.
3. Honey
   Drizzling a bit of honey over the finished pigs in blankets gives them a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the salty bacon and savory sausages. You can also use maple syrup or agave if you prefer a different sweetener.
4. Dijon Mustard
   For an extra zing, a little Dijon mustard goes a long way. It adds a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the bacon and sausage. You can also experiment with whole-grain mustard or spicy mustard for a twist.
5. Cooking Spray
   Lightly spraying the air fryer basket with cooking spray prevents the pigs in blankets from sticking. This also ensures that they cook evenly and don’t become too greasy.

How to Make Pigs in Blankets (Air Fryer Recipe)

Making pigs in blankets in the air fryer is incredibly easy and takes very little time. Let’s break down the steps:

Step 1: Preparation

• Start by laying out the sausages and bacon.
• Cut the bacon into pieces that are long enough to wrap around the sausages.
• Wrap each sausage with a slice of bacon. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to hold the sausage in place.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the pigs in blankets cook evenly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pigs in Blankets

• Arrange the wrapped sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the bacon from crisping up properly.
• Lightly spray the wrapped sausages with cooking spray to help them crisp up.

Step 4: Cook the Pigs in Blankets

• Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes.
• Flip halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The bacon should be golden brown and crispy when done, and the sausages should be fully cooked.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

• Once cooked, drizzle honey and a little Dijon mustard over the pigs in blankets for extra flavor.

FAQs

Do You Have to Use Pork Sausages?

While pork sausages are the traditional choice, you can use any type of sausage you prefer. Chicken sausages, turkey sausages, or even vegetarian sausages are great alternatives if you’re looking for a different flavor or dietary option.

What if I Don’t Have Honey?

If you don’t have honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave nectar. These alternatives still provide that essential sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

How to Cook Frozen Pigs in Blankets in an Air Fryer?

To cook frozen pigs in blankets in the air fryer, follow the same steps, but increase the cooking time to about 15-18 minutes. You may also need to adjust the temperature slightly depending on your air fryer model.

How to Cook Pigs in Blankets in the Oven?

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the pigs in blankets on a baking tray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking. The air fryer method is quicker, but the oven can still produce great results.

Can I Use Different Types of Bacon?

Yes! You can experiment with different types of bacon, such as turkey bacon, prosciutto, or pancetta. Each type will offer a slightly different flavor, but the results will still be delicious.