Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating crispy, golden, and undeniably delicious Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket! This timeless appetizer, a beloved staple at parties, game days, and casual get-togethers, gets a phenomenal upgrade when prepared in the air fryer. Forget soggy pastry or long oven waits; with just three simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasers in under 15 minutes, delivering a perfect bite every single time.
Few appetizers command as much universal adoration as Pigs in a Blanket. They evoke a sense of nostalgic comfort and simple joy, making them an indispensable feature at children’s birthday parties, festive holiday gatherings, and especially game day celebrations. The beauty of this snack lies not only in its irresistible flavor but also in its incredible ease of preparation. Whether you’re planning ahead or need a spontaneous snack, having the ingredients on hand means deliciousness is always just moments away.
The air fryer takes this classic to an entirely new level. While traditional baking methods are perfectly fine, the air fryer’s rapid convection heat circulation ensures an unparalleled crispness and an even golden-brown finish on the puff pastry. The result is a lighter, flakier blanket around the savory mini hotdogs, all achieved in a fraction of the time. This means less waiting and more enjoying, which is exactly what you want when a craving for warm, savory snacks hits.
I often enjoy giving my Pigs in a Blanket a slightly more elegant presentation by wrapping the “blankets” in a diamond shape around the mini hotdogs. This creates a visually appealing spiral that stands out. However, if you prefer the traditional straightforward wrap, that works just as well. The goal here is deliciousness, and there’s no single rule for how to achieve it!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE AIR FRYER PIGS IN A BLANKET
These aren’t just any Pigs in a Blanket; they are specifically designed for the air fryer, promising a superior experience. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household:
- Incredibly Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 15 minutes total. Ideal for last-minute entertaining or a speedy weeknight snack.
- Ultimate Game Day Snack: Perfectly portioned and easy to eat, they are the quintessential finger food for any sporting event or casual gathering.
- Unmatched Crispiness: The air fryer delivers an impossibly crispy and flaky puff pastry shell that oven baking often struggles to achieve in such a short time.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need three core ingredients, making this recipe budget-friendly and simple to execute.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapted to suit different tastes or dietary preferences, from various sausages to added seasonings.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER PIGS IN A BLANKET
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring just a handful of ingredients you likely already have or can easily find at any grocery store. Quality ingredients make a difference, but affordability and accessibility are key here.
Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create these delightful air-fried treats:
- Mini Hotdogs / Cocktail Frankfurts: These small sausages are the star of the show. In Australia, they’re often affectionately called “cheerios.” You can also find them labeled as cocktail wieners or little smokies. If you can’t locate mini hotdogs, simply take regular-sized hotdogs and cut them into halves or thirds to create smaller, bite-sized portions. Ensure they are fully thawed if frozen.
- Frozen Puff Pastry Sheet: This is what creates the wonderful flaky “blanket.” Ensure your puff pastry sheet is thawed but still cold enough to work with. If it gets too warm, it becomes difficult to handle. You can buy pre-rolled sheets for convenience. As an alternative, crescent roll dough can be used for a slightly different, softer texture, but puff pastry offers that signature crispness.
- Egg (for Egg Wash): A single egg, lightly whisked, creates a beautiful egg wash. Brushing the pastry with this before cooking helps achieve that irresistible golden-brown color and adds a subtle sheen, making your Pigs in a Blanket look as good as they taste. You can skip it in a pinch, but the visual appeal will be noticeably different.
STEP-BY-STEP AIR FRYER PIGS IN A BLANKET INSTRUCTIONS
Making these delicious appetizers is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly air-fried Pigs in a Blanket every time:
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Carefully unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface or parchment paper. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the sheet into 9 even squares. The exact size might vary slightly depending on your pastry sheet, but aim for pieces large enough to comfortably wrap around a mini hotdog.
- Wrap the Hotdogs: Take one mini hotdog or cocktail frankfurt and place it diagonally across the center of a pastry square. Gently roll the pastry around the hotdog, ensuring the ends overlap slightly. Press lightly to seal the seam. The diagonal wrap creates a pleasing spiral effect, but a straight wrap works just as well. Repeat this process with the remaining hotdogs and pastry squares.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, lightly whisk your egg. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the top and sides of each wrapped hotdog with the egg wash. This will help them brown beautifully and achieve a glossy finish in the air fryer.
- Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 200°C / 390°F. Once ready, carefully place the Pigs in a Blanket in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space between each piece for air to circulate freely. Overcrowding the basket will result in uneven cooking and less crispiness. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook on 200°C / 390°F for 7-10 minutes. The exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your pastry. Keep a close eye on them, especially during the first batch. The Pigs in a Blanket are done when the puff pastry is puffed up, deeply golden brown, and cooked through.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the hot, crispy Pigs in a Blanket to a serving platter. They are best enjoyed warm, straight from the air fryer, with your favorite dipping sauces.
EXPERT TIPS FOR PERFECT AIR FRYER PIGS IN A BLANKET
Achieving air fryer perfection is easy with a few key pointers. These tips will help ensure your Pigs in a Blanket turn out beautifully crisp and delicious every time:
- Monitor Cooking Time Closely: Air fryers can vary significantly in power and heat distribution. The first time you make these, start checking on them around the 5-minute mark. They are perfectly cooked when the pastry is puffed and has a rich golden-brown color. Adjust cooking time for subsequent batches if needed.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: For optimal crispiness, arrange the Pigs in a Blanket in a single layer with space between each piece. Overlapping or overcrowding will trap steam, leading to soggy pastry. If necessary, cook in multiple batches. This ensures even cooking and that coveted golden exterior.
- Scale the Recipe: This recipe is incredibly flexible. Easily double, triple, or halve the ingredients depending on the number of people you’re serving. The base recipe yields 9 pieces, which is generally suitable for 2-3 people as a snack.
- Hotdog Alternatives: Can’t find mini hotdogs or cocktail frankfurts? No problem! Simply take standard hotdogs and slice them into 1.5 to 2-inch pieces. Small sausages like breakfast sausages also work wonderfully.
- Don’t Have an Air Fryer?: While the air fryer offers superior crispness, you can still enjoy a similar treat! Prepare these as “puffy dogs” in a conventional oven. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep Pastry Cold: Work quickly with the puff pastry. If it becomes too warm, it will be difficult to handle and won’t puff up as effectively. If it starts to get sticky, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Optional Seasonings: For an extra kick, consider sprinkling a pinch of everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a dash of garlic powder on the egg-washed pastry before air frying.
STORING & REHEATING LEFTOVERS
If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence with these!), proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining their deliciousness:
- Storing Cooked Pigs in a Blanket: Allow any cooked leftovers to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing Cooked Pigs in a Blanket: These also freeze exceptionally well! Once completely cooled, 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 in the freezer for several months.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat both refrigerated and frozen Pigs in a Blanket is in the air fryer.
- From Refrigerator: Place in a preheated air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
- From Freezer: Place directly into a preheated air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 8-12 minutes, or until heated through and the pastry is crisp again. Avoid using a microwave, as it will make the pastry soggy.
DELICIOUS DIPPING SAUCES & SERVING SUGGESTIONS
While Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket are fantastic on their own, pairing them with the right dipping sauces can elevate the experience. Here are some popular and flavorful options:
- Classic Yellow Mustard: A timeless choice that perfectly complements the savory hotdog.
- Honey Mustard: For a touch of sweetness and tang, a homemade or store-bought honey mustard sauce is always a hit.
- Ketchup: Simple, beloved, and always a winner, especially with younger crowds.
- BBQ Sauce: A smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue sauce adds a robust flavor.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby ranch offers a comforting contrast.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: For those who like a little kick, mix sriracha with mayonnaise.
- Cheese Sauce: A warm, gooey cheese dip makes for an indulgent treat.
Serve these Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket as a centerpiece appetizer at parties, a fun after-school snack, or a quick and satisfying bite during a busy day. Arrange them artfully on a platter with small bowls of various dips for guests to choose from.
EXPLORE MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES
The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance capable of creating a wide array of delicious dishes, from savory appetizers to sweet treats. If you loved these Pigs in a Blanket, you’re in for a treat with these other fan-favorite air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Apple Crisps: A healthy and sweet snack.
- Air Fryer Mushrooms: Perfectly tender and flavorful.
- Air Fryer Quesadillas: Quick, cheesy, and satisfying.
- Air Fryer Banana Muffins: A delightful breakfast or dessert option.
- Air Fryer Roasted Almonds: A crunchy and healthy snack.
- OR see all Air Fryer Recipes for endless inspiration!
Join our community of air fryer enthusiasts! Be sure to follow our Facebook Group – Air Fryer Fun – for more recipes, tips, and inspiration.
FINAL THOUGHTS
These Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket truly embody the spirit of easy, delicious cooking. They’re a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the efficiency of an air fryer, can create an appetizer that’s both incredibly satisfying and fun to make. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your air frying journey, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
If you’ve tried these Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket and discovered how quick and delightful they are, I’d love to hear about your experience! Please share your thoughts, tips, and star rating in the comments section below. Your feedback helps others discover amazing recipes!
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to keep up to date with more delicious recipes and kitchen adventures!
📋 RECIPE OVERVIEW
Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
9 pieces
5 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
These crowd-pleasing Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket are so quick and easy to prepare. All you need is 3 ingredients and 10 minutes. Perfect for game day or a tasty snack!
Ingredients
- 1 Frozen Puff Pastry Sheet, thawed
- 9 Mini Hotdogs / Cocktail Frankfurts
- 1 Egg, lightly whisked for egg wash
Instructions
- Cut puff pastry sheet into 9 even squares. Place a mini hotdog / cocktail frankfurt diagonally across a square of pastry, then roll the pastry to wrap around the hotdog. Brush pastry with egg wash. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Place the pigs in a blanket in the air fryer basket, then cook on 200°C / 390°F for 7-10 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and cooked through. Serve immediately with your favourite sauce.
Notes
- Keep a close eye the first time you make these in your air fryer, as cooking time can vary. Check in on them around 5 minutes and see how they are progressing. They are done when the puff pastry is golden brown.
- Depending on how big your air fryer is, you may need to cook these in batches to ensure even crispiness.
- Feel free to double, triple, or halve the recipe depending on how many people you are feeding. This recipe as is would be good shared between 2-3 people.
- Can’t find mini hot dogs? Cut regular hotdogs into 1.5-2 inch pieces.
- Don’t have an air fryer? Make these puffy dogs in the oven instead. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes.
- STORING: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. You can also freeze for several months. Simply reheat in the air fryer until cooked through.