There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked sausage rolls filling the kitchen during the holidays. My family’s air fryer sausage rolls have become our go-to festive appetizer – they’re ridiculously easy to make and come out perfectly crispy every time. I still remember the first Christmas I tried this recipe – my skeptical uncle couldn’t believe something so delicious came from an air fryer! These golden-brown beauties take just 15 minutes to cook, and the flaky puff pastry wrapped around seasoned sausage meat makes them irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a tasty snack, these air fryer sausage rolls will become your new holiday tradition.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Sausage Rolls (Festive)
Trust me, these aren’t your average sausage rolls! Here’s why they’re a holiday game-changer:
- Crazy fast: Done in 15 minutes flat – perfect for last-minute guests
- That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives that golden, flaky pastry we all crave
- Festive magic: The sage and thyme make your whole kitchen smell like Christmas
- No oven stress: Frees up your oven for other holiday dishes
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults go wild for them every time
I make triple batches now because they disappear so fast!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Sausage Rolls (Festive)
Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most already in your kitchen! The magic is in how they come together:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (must be cold – trust me on this)
- 8 oz sausage meat (your favorite kind – I use pork but chicken works too)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow works best for sweetness)
- 1 tsp dried sage (or 1 tbsp fresh if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (same fresh swap applies here)
- 1 egg, beaten (for that gorgeous golden shine)
- Salt and pepper to taste (I do about ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper)
That’s it! Simple as can be, but oh so delicious. Pro tip – keep everything cold until you’re ready to assemble for the flakiest pastry.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s all you’ll need to make these festive sausage rolls (spoiler: it’s probably already in your kitchen!):
- Air fryer (any size works – just cook in batches if needed)
- Mixing bowl (or just use the sausage meat packaging if you’re feeling lazy like me sometimes)
- Pastry brush (or your finger in a pinch for egg washing)
- Sharp knife (or pizza cutter works great for clean cuts)
See? Nothing fancy required! Now let’s get cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Sausage Rolls (Festive)
Ready to make the easiest, most impressive holiday appetizer? Let’s break it down step by step – I promise it’s foolproof! The secret is keeping everything cold and working quickly. You’ll be amazed how professional these look with minimal effort.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
First things first – get that air fryer preheating to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, let’s make our flavorful filling. In a bowl, combine the sausage meat (I just squeeze it right from the casing), finely chopped onion (the finer the better!), dried sage and thyme, salt, and pepper. Now here’s my trick – use your hands to mix! It feels messy, but it’s the best way to evenly distribute all those beautiful flavors. Just make sure everything is well combined without overworking the meat. That’s it – simple as can be!
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Now for the fun part! Unroll your cold puff pastry (keep it cold!) on a lightly floured surface. I cut mine into long rectangles about 3 inches wide. Spoon that gorgeous sausage mixture down the center of each strip – don’t be tempted to overfill! Brush the edges with beaten egg (this is your glue), then fold one side over and press gently to seal. Flip them seam-side down and cut into smaller rolls if you like (perfect for parties!) or leave them whole for impressive centerpieces. One last egg wash on top for that golden shine!
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Carefully place your sausage rolls in the air fryer basket – don’t overcrowd! Cook for 12-15 minutes, checking at the 12-minute mark. You want them gorgeously golden brown and puffed up. If your air fryer tends to cook unevenly, give them a quick flip halfway through. The smell will drive you crazy – that’s how you know they’re almost done! Let them cool just a minute before serving (the filling is lava-hot right out of the fryer). And voila – perfect festive sausage rolls that’ll have everyone begging for your recipe!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sausage Rolls (Festive)
After making these countless times (and learning from my mistakes!), here are my can’t-miss tips:
- Keep it cold: Work with chilled pastry – warm dough turns gummy
- Don’t overstuff: Too much filling means bursting seams (been there!)
- Egg wash magic: That golden shine isn’t just pretty – it helps seal edges
- Space matters: Leave room between rolls for even crispiness
- Know your air fryer: Check early – some models cook faster than others
My biggest lesson? Let them rest 2 minutes after cooking – that first bite is always hottest!
Variations for Air Fryer Sausage Rolls (Festive)
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun twists (I’ve tested them all!):
- Cheesy delight: Tuck a slice of cheddar or crumbled feta into each roll before sealing
- Meat swap: Use spicy Italian sausage or even ground turkey for a lighter version
- Herb explosion: Mix in fresh rosemary or parsley for extra festive fragrance
- Sweet & savory: Add a spoonful of apple chutney to the filling – trust me on this!
The best part? They all cook up just as crispy and delicious in the air fryer!
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer sausage rolls shine brightest when served warm (but good luck keeping them around long enough to cool!). My family loves them with whole grain mustard for dipping – the tang cuts through the richness perfectly. For parties, arrange them on a wooden board with small bowls of ketchup, spicy mayo, or even cranberry sauce for festive flair. They’re amazing alongside a simple green salad or roasted veggies, but let’s be real – they usually disappear straight from the baking tray at our house!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? (As if!) But if you somehow have extra, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh: Store cooled sausage rolls in the fridge for up to 3 days – just pop them in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to freezer bags for up to a month. When reheating, skip the microwave (soggy pastry alert!) and use your air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. They’ll come out nearly as crispy as when first made – perfect for midnight snack emergencies!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on nutrition per sausage roll (but remember – exact numbers vary based on your specific ingredients and brands!): Approximately 220 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated), 8g protein, and 12g carbs. Not bad for something this delicious!
FAQ About Air Fryer Sausage Rolls (Festive)
I get asked these questions all the time – here are my tried-and-true answers from years of making these festive treats!
Can I use frozen puff pastry? Absolutely! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge (never at room temp – it gets too sticky). My grandma’s trick? Keep the pastry cold right up until you’re ready to roll it out.
Why are my sausage rolls soggy? Usually means you overcrowded the air fryer basket. Give them space! Also, don’t skip preheating – that initial blast of heat is key for crispiness.
Can I make these ahead? You bet! Assemble them up to a day before, keep chilled, then air fry when needed. The egg wash might need refreshing though – it dries out.
What if my air fryer is small? No worries! Just cook in batches and keep the waiting rolls in the fridge. They’ll still come out perfect.
Can I use different meats? Of course! I’ve used everything from chorizo to chicken sausage – just watch cooking times as leaner meats cook faster.
Share Your Festive Creations
I’d love to see your air fryer sausage rolls! Snap a photo and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday kitchen successes!
Print
17-Minute Air Fryer Sausage Rolls (Festive & Flaky)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sausage rolls
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy and flavorful sausage rolls made easily in an air fryer, perfect for festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 8 oz sausage meat
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix sausage meat, onion, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into rectangles.
- Place sausage mixture along the center of each pastry strip.
- Brush edges with beaten egg, fold, and seal.
- Cut into smaller rolls if desired.
- Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry for easier handling.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Check doneness at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: British