Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket, a classic appetizer everyone loves, just got easier! Flaky crescent rolls are wrapped around juicy bite-sized little smokies then popped into the air fryer, for an irresistibly easy snack in just minutes. Perfect for parties, game day, holiday events, or after-school treats.
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Easy Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes
I love my air fryer for whipping up easy and delicious appetizer recipes without a lot of fuss. (Of course, I love it for everything from breakfast to dinner to dessert too!) Using the air fryer is quicker, healthier than deep fat frying, and cleanup is always a breeze.
Some of my favorite go-tos are air fryer ravioli, air fryer egg rolls, and air fryer pizza bites.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Finger Food – their small size makes them the perfect snack for parties and game day, potluck, holidays, or as an after-school treat
Simple ingredients – refrigerated crescent rolls and packaged little smokies, that's it!
Easy Recipe – Just roll the sausage up in the crescent dough and air fry.
Easy cleanup – Give the air fryer a quick swipe with a dishcloth, dry, and done.
Party Prep – make them ahead of time and either air fry when everyone arrives or cook them up and reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Irresistible – don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you can make them!
Versatile – make them with or without cheese or with or without garnish, your call.
Ingredients
Here's what you need to make air fried pigs in a blanket. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
- Mini Sausages such as Little Smokies, Cocktail Sausages or small hot dogs
- Crescent Rolls
- Butter
- Sesame Seeds
How to Make Pigs in a Blanket in Air Fryer
- While air fryer is preheating, cut the crescent roll dough into thirds from the wide end to the shortest side of each triangle.
- Place a mini sausage on the wider end of the crescent roll strip.
- Roll up from the wider end to the smaller end.
- Continue wrapping each sausage until you have 24.
- Brush melted butter over the top of each crescent roll. (optional)
- Sprinkle the buttered tops with sesame seeds. You can also use poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning. (optional)
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Place the pigs in a blanket in the air fryer in a single layer. Leave enough space in between so they cook evenly. You will probably need to do the air frying in batches so as not to overcrowd the basket. (Note: If you are not using the butter & sesame seeds, just spray the tops of the rolls with an oil cooking spray.)
- Air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Check at 5 minutes to see if they are golden brown. If not, air fry for another minute or two. (Mine took exactly 5 minutes with my Corsori Air Fryer)
Serve these yummy appetizers with your favorite sauces for your next tailgating party, holiday event, New Year's Eve get-together, or just a quick tasty snack. They're a definite crowd pleaser!
Psst! It's also great when you add a little cheese to this pigs in a blanket recipe!
Recipe Variations
Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket: Use cooked breakfast sausage links and serve them with maple syrup.
Toppings: Brush them with melted butter and sprinkle on poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
Cheeses: Roll up ⅓ slice of cheese with the mini sausage and cook as directed. Try sharp cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, provolone, havarti, or American cheese.
Garlic Butter and Parmesan: After air frying, brush the pigs in a blanket with garlic butter and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a rich and aromatic flavor to the dish.
With Hot Dogs: Cut the hot dogs to the same length as a little smokie. To use whole hot dogs, do not cut the dough triangles into smaller pieces. Wrap the full triangle around the hot dog. Alternatively, unroll the crescent rolls but do not separate the triangles. Instead, press the seams together and cut the dough into strips using a pizza cutter. Wrap the strips around the hot dogs (great for mummy dogs for Halloween).
With Biscuits: Use refrigerated biscuits (regular, not large ones like Grands). Cut the biscuit in half and roll it out flat. Wrap it around the sausage and air fry as directed.
Favorite Dipping Sauces for Pigs in a Blanket
When it comes to enjoying this deliciously easy Pigs in a Blanket air fryer recipe, you need the right dipping sauce. Check out some options below that range from spicy to sweet, and tangy to creamy, and get ready to dunk to your heart's content.
- Ketchup: A classic and familiar choice, perfect for those who prefer a traditional and simple dipping sauce.
- BBQ Sauce: Offers a smoky and slightly sweet flavor for a more robust taste.
- Creamy Horseradish Sauce: Adds a zesty and slightly spicy kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat with a creamy texture.
- Chili Sauce or Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy flavor, with a hint of spice.
- Mustard or Honey Mustard: Classic mustard lends a tangy sharpness, while honey mustard brings a sweet edge balancing the rich flavor of the pastry-wrapped sausage.
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy and herby option that adds a cool and refreshing flavor to each bite.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Bold and tangy, this dressing is an excellent choice for those that enjoy a stronger, more distinct flavor.
- Queso (Mexican Cheese Sauce): A warm, cheesy sauce with a hint of Mexican spices, perfect for adding a creamy and indulgent twist.
- Aioli: This garlic-based sauce, with options like lemon, basil, or chipotle, offers a rich, creamy depth of flavor.
- Sriracha Mayo: For those who enjoy a creamy texture with a spicy kick, this sauce is a great choice.
- Marinara Sauce: A simple yet flavorful option, especially suited for Italian-style variations of pigs in a blanket.
Make Ahead
Preparing pigs in a blanket in advance is a great way to save time and reduce stress, especially when you're expecting guests or planning a party. Here's how you can prepare them ahead of time:
Refrigerate Ahead: Assemble your pigs in a blanket and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This can be done several hours before cooking. When you're ready to serve, simply air fry them according to the recipe instructions.
Freeze Ahead: Assemble the pigs in a blanket and freeze them individually on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once they're frozen solid, store them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Can you air fry frozen pigs in a blanket?
Yes, you can cook frozen pigs in a blanket in the air fryer! There's no need to thaw them first.
Start with the usual cooking time (5-7 minutes), and check for doneness. They may need an additional 1-2 minutes per side to get golden brown and cooked through.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
How to Store Leftovers:
- Cool Down: Allow your leftover pigs in a blanket to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation in the storage container, which could make them soggy.
- Refrigerate: Place the cooled pigs in a blanket in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: If you won't be eating them within a few days, freezing is a great option. Arrange the cooled pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Leftovers:
- Air Fryer (Recommended): Reheat them in the air fryer at 325°F for 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and the outside is crispy. This method helps to maintain the texture and flavor.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until they're warmed through.
- Microwave: For a quick option, use the microwave. Heat them on a microwave-safe plate for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Keep in mind that the microwave may not retain the crispiness of the dough as effectively as the other methods.
Remember, reheating times may vary based on the size of your pigs in a blanket and the appliance used. Always ensure they are heated through before serving.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Hot Dogs
- Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
- Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Balls
- Air Fryer Meatballs
- Air Fryer Pizza
Find lots of easy air fryer recipes right here on 2CM!
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Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
Equipment
Ingredients
- 24 mini sausage such as Little Smokies or cocktail franks
- 1 package crescent rolls
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon Garnish: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 4 minutes.
- Divide the crescent rolls into 8 pieces. Cut each crescent roll piece into thirds from the wide end to the smaller end. (see above for the how-tos)
- Place a mini sausage on the wider end of the crescent roll strip. Roll up from the wider end to the smaller end.
- Brush melted butter over the top of the crescent rolls then sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning. (Optional step)
- Spray the air fryer basket with an oil cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Place the pigs in a blanket in the air fryer. Leave adequate spacing in between so they cook evenly. You will probably need to do them in batches so as not to overcrowd. (Note: If not using the butter & sesame seeds just spray the tops of the rolls with cooking spray.)
- Air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Check at 5 minutes to see if they are golden brown. If not, air fry for another minute or two.
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