You know those party snacks that disappear faster than you can make them? That’s my air fryer pigs in a blanket! I discovered this game-changer last football season when I needed something quick for unexpected guests. Seven minutes in the air fryer and – bam – golden, flaky perfection with zero oven hassle. My nephew calls them “tiny hot dog tornadoes” because he can’t stop grabbing them off the tray. Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just because-Tuesday snacking, these little guys never fail to impress. And the best part? You probably already have everything in your fridge right now.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Trust me, these aren’t your average party snacks. Here’s why they’re my go-to:
- Speed demon: Ready in under 20 minutes – faster than ordering takeout
- Crunch factor: The air fryer gives that perfect golden crisp we all crave
- Pantry magic: Just two main ingredients (plus whatever fun toppings you want!)
- Kid magnet: My picky eaters devour these like it’s their job
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of this recipe – you likely have most of this in your kitchen right now! The magic happens with:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough – the shortcut that makes this so easy (I like Pillsbury but any brand works)
- 1 package (14 oz) mini smoked sausages or hot dogs – must be precooked for food safety (my favorite are the little smokies!)
Now for the fun extras (totally optional but highly recommended):
- 1 tablespoon melted butter – for that golden shine (I use unsalted)
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning – my secret flavor booster (or try garlic powder, poppy seeds – get creative!)
How to Make Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
Okay, here’s the step-by-step that’ll have you making perfect pigs in a blanket faster than you can say “second helping”:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Sausages
First, unroll that crescent dough on a clean surface – don’t worry if it tears a little, we’re going to cut it anyway. I like to use kitchen scissors to slice each triangle into strips about 1 inch wide (think skinny ribbon size). Pro tip: if the dough gets sticky, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes. Now pat those little sausages dry with a paper towel – this helps the dough stick better and gives you that crisp crust we love.
Step 2: Wrap and Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F – this is crucial for that instant crisp! Take one dough strip and wrap it around a sausage starting from the wide end, overlapping slightly as you go. Don’t stress about perfection – rustic is charming! Arrange them in the basket in a single layer with some breathing room (I fit about 8-10 at a time). Air fry for 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown and puffed up like little pillows of joy.
Step 3: Optional Finishing Touches
While they’re still piping hot, brush them with melted butter if you’re feeling fancy (this gives that beautiful sheen). Then go wild with seasoning – a sprinkle of everything bagel mix is my jam, but garlic salt or even cinnamon sugar works for a sweet twist. Serve immediately because trust me, these won’t last long once the smell hits the room!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – we’re obsessed!), here are my can’t-miss secrets:
- Give them space: Crowding causes steaming instead of crisping. I do batches of 8-10 max – patience pays off!
- Peek early: At 4 minutes, check for doneness. Every air fryer runs slightly different.
- Parchment trick: Cut a liner to fit your basket – prevents sticking without the mess of oil.
- Dry sausages: That quick pat-down makes all the difference for crispy, not soggy, results.
Fun Twists on Classic Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, it’s time to play! Here are my favorite ways to shake things up:
- Cheesy surprise: Use cheese-stuffed sausages or tuck a small mozzarella cube inside before wrapping – melty perfection!
- Gluten-free magic: Swap in GF crescent dough (I’ve had great luck with Immaculate Baking Co.)
- Sweet & savory: Brush with honey butter and sprinkle with flaky salt after air frying
- Everything spicy: Mix cayenne into the butter glaze or use jalapeño-cheddar sausages
Serving Suggestions
Listen, these little golden beauties practically beg for dipping! My crew goes wild for honey mustard, but don’t stop there – set up a dipping station with:
- Classic yellow mustard (a no-brainer)
- Spicy mayo (just mix mayo with sriracha to taste)
- Sweet chili sauce (trust me on this one)
- Warmed marinara (for a pizza night vibe)
I always make a double batch for game days – they vanish faster than touchdowns!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the good news – if by some miracle you have leftovers (rare in my house!), these keep beautifully. Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When snack time calls again, just toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a quick 2-minute blast – they’ll come out nearly as crispy as the first time! Pro tip: I sometimes sneak extras into my kids’ lunchboxes cold – they swear they taste like “special lunchroom pizza.”
Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket FAQs
Can I use regular hot dogs instead of mini sausages?
Absolutely! Just slice them into thirds (about 1.5-inch pieces) for perfect bite-sized portions. The wrapping technique works exactly the same. My grocery store was out of little smokies once, and this swap saved my party!
Can I freeze pigs in a blanket?
Yes! Freeze them before air frying – wrap the uncooked bundles on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When cravings hit, air fry frozen at 375°F for 8-10 minutes (no thawing needed). Game-changer for last-minute entertaining!
What’s the best dipping sauce?
My family votes mustard (honey mustard for the win!), but ranch is a close second. For parties, I set out small bowls of different sauces – the spicy mayo and sweet chili combo disappears fastest. Honestly, they’re so good they don’t need sauce, but why not have fun with it?
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re munching (but let’s be real – we’re here for the taste, not the numbers!):
- Serving size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 4g
Remember, these values are estimates and will vary based on your specific ingredients. Now go enjoy your crunchy little flavor bombs – and don’t forget to tag me when you make them!
Print
Irresistible Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket in 7 Minutes
- Total Time: 17 mins
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and easy recipe for air fryer pigs in a blanket, perfect for snacks or parties.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 package (14 oz) mini smoked sausages or hot dogs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Cut each triangle into smaller strips (about 1 inch wide).
- Wrap each sausage with a strip of dough, starting from the wide end.
- Place the wrapped sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle seasoning if desired.
- Serve warm with mustard or dipping sauce.
Notes
- For crispier results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Use precooked sausages for food safety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 7 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: air fryer pigs in a blanket, easy appetizer, party snacks