Air Fryer Sausage Rolls: Crispy, Golden, and Effortless
Sausage rolls have long been a comfort food favorite—flaky pastry, savory sausage meat, and that satisfying crunch when they’re fresh out of the oven. But if you’re looking to cut down on oil or skip preheating the oven altogether, air fryer sausage rolls are a game-changer.
Why Air Fryer Sausage Rolls Are a Must-Try
Air fryers circulate hot air at high speeds to crisp up food without needing excess oil. This not only makes air-fried sausage rolls lighter and healthier, but also much quicker to prepare. Unlike traditional oven baking, air fryers preheat in minutes and cut overall cooking time nearly in half.
Whether you’re making them from scratch with homemade sausage filling or using ready-made pastry and sausages, this recipe delivers golden, puffed perfection every time. They’re ideal for party platters, kids’ lunches, game-day snacks, or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the best sausage rolls, aim for quality ingredients:
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Puff pastry: Use store-bought all-butter puff pastry for convenience and flakiness.
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Sausage meat: Choose seasoned ground pork sausage or remove the casings from good-quality sausages. For a leaner option, you can also use chicken or turkey sausage.
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Seasonings: Add a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs like thyme or parsley to boost flavor.
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Egg wash: A simple beaten egg brushed over the pastry gives that irresistible golden-brown finish.
Variations to Try
You can easily customize your sausage rolls to suit your taste or dietary needs:
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Vegetarian version: Use plant-based sausage or lentil/mushroom filling.
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Spicy twist: Mix in a pinch of chili flakes or a spoon of hot mustard to the meat.
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Cheesy upgrade: Add shredded cheddar or crumbled feta to the filling for extra indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sausage Rolls
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Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the rolls space to cook evenly.
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Flip halfway (optional): For even browning, turn them once mid-cook.
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Preheat your air fryer: A 2–3 minute preheat ensures a crispier base.
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Keep pastry cold before cooking: Cold puff pastry puffs better.
Serving and Storing
Serve your air fryer sausage rolls warm with your favorite dipping sauce—ketchup, spicy mustard, or a tangy tomato relish. Leftovers? Let them cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 3–5 minutes to crisp them back up.
Nutritional Benefits (Compared to Deep-Fried or Baked)
Air frying can cut fat by up to 75% compared to deep frying. Plus, it avoids the soggy bottom problem sometimes found in oven-baked rolls. If you’re mindful of calories, you can use light puff pastry and leaner sausage meat.
🔍 Air Fryer Sausage Rolls Recipe (Quick Summary)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 mini rolls
Ingredients:
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1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
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8 oz (225 g) sausage meat (pork, chicken, or plant-based)
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1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
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Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out puff pastry and cut into 2 rectangles.
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Place sausage meat along the center of each rectangle. Season with parsley, salt, and pepper.
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Roll the pastry over the meat, sealing the edge with a bit of egg wash.
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Cut into smaller rolls (about 2 inches each).
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Brush tops with egg wash and place into air fryer basket, seam-side down.
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Air fry for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Let cool slightly and serve.