Pigs in blankets is a British classic, loved for their perfect combination of crispy bacon and juicy pork sausages. These delicious little bites have become the ultimate treat at parties and get-togethers, adding a savory touch to any occasion. Typically enjoyed during the festive season, they’re versatile enough to make for Christmas dinners, family breakfasts, or casual snacks. The beauty of the cooking pigs in blankets recipe in an air fryer is how it provides a quicker, healthier alternative while still delivering all the flavor you crave.
While pigs in blankets are often thought of as a Christmas treat, their popularity extends well beyond the holidays. These bacon-wrapped sausages can elevate any roast dinner, acting as the perfect side dish or appetiser for any celebration. Imagine serving them alongside your Christmas meal, paired with a dipping sauce like tomato ketchup. The crispy bacon exterior and juicy pork filling create a delightful contrast, making them an irresistible bite-sized snack for all types of gatherings.
Making pigs in blankets recipe in the air fryer couldn’t be easier. The preparation is simple: wrap the pork sausages in bacon, place them in the air fryer, and cook until the bacon turns crispy and the sausages are cooked through. In just a few minutes, you can have a batch of golden, crispy pigs in blankets ready to serve. The air fryer guarantees perfect results every time, ensuring a crispy outside and juicy inside with minimal effort. This method is perfect for a quick snack or an appetiser that will impress your guests.
What Are Pigs in Blankets?
Pigs in blankets are a simple yet delicious dish that consists of small sausages wrapped in bacon. They are traditionally served as a side dish or appetizer, particularly during the Christmas season, but their irresistible taste makes them a popular choice for any occasion. The sausages used in the pigs in blankets recipe are typically chipolata sausages, as they are smaller and easier to wrap with bacon. The crispy bacon adds a savory, salty crunch that complements the juicy sausage perfectly.
Pigs in blankets are a versatile snack that can be served alongside your main dish or as a tasty appetizer at any get-together. In the UK and other parts of the world, they are often associated with the holiday season, but they are equally delicious year-round. The air fryer makes it easier than ever to cook them, allowing for perfectly crispy bacon and fully cooked sausages without the need for deep-frying.
Origin and Popularity
While the exact origin of the pigs in blankets recipe is unclear, the dish has become synonymous with holiday meals in the UK and the US. In the UK, these are often made with chipolata sausages and streaky bacon and are a must-have at Christmas dinners. In the United States, the dish is sometimes referred to as “bacon-wrapped sausages” and can be served as a party snack or a side dish for festive meals.
Pigs in blankets recipe is a classic example of comfort food – easy to make, packed with flavor, and loved by everyone who tries them.
Can You Buy Pigs in Blankets Readymade?
Yes, ready-made pigs in blankets recipes are widely available for purchase in grocery stores, especially during the holiday season. These pre-made versions can save you time in the kitchen, but they may not offer the same level of freshness or crispy texture that you get from making them yourself at home. Ready-made pigs in blankets typically come frozen, and all you need to do is heat them in the oven or air fryer.
Pros of Buying Readymade Pigs in Blankets:
- Convenience: You don’t have to prepare the ingredients or wrap the sausages yourself.
- Time-saving: They are ready to cook, making them ideal for last-minute meals or parties.
- Consistency: Pre-made pigs in blankets are usually uniformly wrapped and cooked to a specific standard.
Cons of Buying Readymade Pigs in Blankets:
- Less Customization: You can’t adjust the bacon or sausage type to your taste.
- Quality: Some store-bought versions may be greasy or less crispy compared to homemade ones.
- Ingredients: Many store-bought options contain preservatives or added sugar for flavor, which may not be ideal for some.
If you’re looking for a quick snack or something convenient, a ready-made pigs in blankets recipe is a great option. However, making them yourself can lead to better flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make pigs in blankets recipe at home, you only need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Essential Ingredients:
- Streaky Bacon: Choose high-quality streaky bacon for the best flavor and crispy texture. The fat in the bacon helps it become crispy when cooked in the air fryer.
- Chipolata Sausages: These small sausages are perfect for wrapping in bacon. They cook quickly and hold their shape well. Regular sausages can be too large for wrapping, making chipolatas a better option.
- Cooking Spray: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Optional Ingredients:
- Honey: A little honey can add a touch of sweetness to the bacon, balancing the salty flavors of the sausage and bacon.
- Dijon Mustard: Adding Dijon mustard to the glaze can give the pigs in blankets recipe a tangy kick that contrasts beautifully with the savory bacon.
Quick Ingredient Breakdown:
Ingredient Purpose Notes Streaky Bacon Crispy exterior Best for wrapping sausages Chipolata Sausages Juicy, tender filling Use small sausages for the best result Honey Sweetness Optional for a glaze Dijon Mustard Flavor enhancement Optional for a tangy kick Cooking Spray Prevents sticking in the air fryer Ensures crispiness and easy cleanup
How to Make Pigs in Blankets in the Air Fryer
Making pigs in blankets recipe in the air fryer is incredibly easy. The air fryer ensures that the bacon becomes crispy without needing to deep fry the sausages. Here’s how to make them step-by-step:
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Wrap the Sausages: Take the chipolata sausages and wrap each one with a slice of streaky bacon. You can secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary.
- Spray the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure an even cook.
- Place the Sausages in the Basket: Arrange the bacon-wrapped sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s some space between each piece to allow for even air circulation.
- Air Fry the Pigs in Blankets: Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even crisping.
- Check for Crispiness: Once the bacon is crispy and the sausages are cooked through, remove them from the air fryer.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your pigs in blankets recipe hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tomato ketchup or mustard.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This ensures that each sausage gets evenly cooked and crispy.
- Check Bacon: Bacon can vary in thickness, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Do You Have to Use Pork Sausages?
While pork sausages are the traditional choice for pigs in blankets recipe, you can certainly experiment with alternatives. Some great options include:
- Chicken Sausages: A leaner option that’s still packed with flavor. They’ll cook similarly to pork sausages but may require slightly less time.
- Vegetarian Sausages: If you prefer a plant-based option, there are several vegetarian sausages on the market that work well in pigs in blankets recipe. Look for sausages that have a firm texture to hold up to the wrapping.
- Turkey Sausages: Another healthier alternative to traditional pork sausages. They are lean and can be flavored with herbs or spices for extra taste.
Each of these alternatives will affect the texture and flavor of the dish, so it’s worth experimenting to find the one you like best.
What If You Don’t Have Honey?
If you don’t have honey on hand, don’t worry! Several substitutes will still give your pigs in blankets recipe a touch of sweetness:
Honey Substitutes:
- Maple Syrup: A natural substitute that will give your pigs in blankets recipe a slightly different flavor but still add sweetness.
- Agave Syrup: A sweeter alternative with a mild flavor.
- Brown Sugar: For a richer, molasses-like sweetness, use brown sugar.
- Apple Cider Syrup: A tangy option that adds both sweetness and acidity.
Simply drizzle your chosen substitute over the bacon before cooking or mix it into a glaze with Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
How to Cook Frozen Pigs in Blankets in the Air Fryer
Cooking frozen pigs in blankets recipe in the air fryer is just as easy as cooking fresh ones. Here’s how:
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and preheat.
- Place Frozen Pigs in Blankets in the Air Fryer: Add the frozen pigs in blankets recipe to the basket in a single layer.
- Air Fry: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure that the bacon is crispy and the sausages are fully cooked.
Tip:
Frozen pigs in blankets recipe may take a little longer to cook than fresh ones, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
How to Cook Pigs in Blankets in the Oven
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make pigs in blankets recipe in the oven. Here’s how:
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange Pigs in Blankets on a Baking Tray: Place the bacon-wrapped sausages on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
Tip:
The oven method will take a little longer than the air fryer, but you’ll still get a crispy and delicious pigs in blankets recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making pigs in blankets recipe in the air fryer is a game-changing technique that combines convenience and flavor. The air fryer allows you to cook the bacon to a perfect crisp while ensuring that the sausages remain juicy and tender. Unlike traditional methods, the air fryer uses hot air circulation to evenly cook the sausages, offering a healthier option without compromising on taste.
One of the key benefits of using the air fryer is the quick cooking time. In just 10 to 12 minutes, you can have a golden, crispy pigs in blankets recipe ready to serve. This is perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. Plus, the air fryer requires little to no oil, making it a cleaner and healthier cooking method.
In conclusion, cooking pigs in blankets recipe in the air fryer is an easy, quick, and delicious option that will make any occasion more enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your air fryer, roll up some sausages in bacon, and get ready for a crispy, savory treat!
FAQs
Can I use regular sausages instead of chipolatas for pigs in blankets?
While you can use regular sausages, chipolatas are preferred due to their smaller size, making them easier to wrap in bacon. Larger sausages may not cook evenly or fit well with the bacon wrap.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for pigs in blankets?
Yes, preheating your air fryer for about 3-5 minutes ensures even cooking and helps the bacon crisp up faster. It’s a simple step that makes a significant difference in the final texture.
Can I make pigs in blankets in advance?
Yes, you can prepare pigs in blankets ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply air fry them directly from the fridge or frozen. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What dipping sauces go best with pigs in blankets?
Pigs in blankets pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or a tangy BBQ sauce. For a more sophisticated touch, try honey mustard or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Can I make pigs in blankets with bacon alternatives?
Yes, you can use alternatives such as turkey bacon, vegetarian bacon, or even prosciutto. Keep in mind that these may affect the texture and flavor, but they are great for those seeking a lighter or non-pork option.
