Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is beautifully simple and uses just a handful of ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) sausage meat: You can use plain sausage meat or spice things up with flavored varieties like Italian, spicy chorizo, or even chicken sausage.
- 1 sheet of puff pastry: Thawed if previously frozen. This buttery, flaky base is what gives sausage rolls their signature texture.
- 1 egg (beaten): Used for brushing the tops to create that shiny, golden finish.
- 1 tablespoon of flour: For dusting your work surface to prevent sticking.
- Optional seasoning or herbs: A dash of paprika, black pepper, or fresh thyme can elevate the flavor beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Before you start assembling your sausage rolls, set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Let it preheat for a few minutes. This ensures an even cook and a crisp exterior.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour. Unroll your puff pastry sheet and give it a gentle roll with a pin to smooth out any creases or folds. Puff pastry is delicate, so work quickly to avoid it becoming too soft.
3. Shape the Sausage Filling
Take your sausage meat and place it in a long, even line along one edge of the puff pastry. You want the sausage to be about an inch thick. If desired, sprinkle on any additional seasoning like cracked black pepper, a pinch of paprika, or finely chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary.
4. Roll the Pastry
Gently but firmly roll the pastry over the sausage meat to form a log. Press the seam together with your fingers to seal the roll. If it doesn’t stick easily, a small dab of egg wash can act as glue.
5. Cut into Bite-Sized Rolls
Using a sharp knife, slice the sausage log into pieces about 1 to 2 inches long. This size is perfect for appetizers or snacking.
6. Apply the Egg Wash
Brush the tops of each sausage roll with the beaten egg. This is what gives the pastry that mouthwatering, golden finish once cooked.
7. Cook in the Air Fryer
Arrange the sausage rolls in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded; air needs to circulate for the pastry to crisp up properly. Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the sausage is cooked through. If needed, cook in batches.
8. Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the sausage rolls cool for a few minutes before serving—they’ll be piping hot! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer sausage rolls are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- Party Platter: Add toothpicks and serve with small bowls of mustard, ketchup, or aioli.
- Lunchbox Favorite: Pop a few in your child’s lunchbox or take them to work with a salad.
- Weekend Brunch: Pair with scrambled eggs, fruit, and coffee for a hearty brunch.
- Game Day Snack: Serve with dipping sauces like BBQ or spicy sriracha mayo.
Tips for Perfect Sausage Rolls
- Keep it cool: Puff pastry works best when cold. If it starts getting too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before working with it.
- Don’t overfill: Too much sausage can cause the rolls to burst during cooking.
- Try variations: Add cheese, caramelized onions, or even a bit of apple chutney for a gourmet twist.
Storing and Reheating
- To store: Let the rolls cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Freezing: These sausage rolls freeze well! Freeze before or after cooking. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 6–8 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer sausage rolls are a modern take on a comforting classic. With just a few ingredients and less than 15 minutes of cook time, you can whip up a batch of golden, flaky treats that are guaranteed to please. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers every time.
And maybe, like me, you’ll start your own weekend tradition—one bite, and you’ll see why these are more than just a snack; they’re a little piece of home.