Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer sausage rolls with stuffing and cranberry – they’re my new obsession! I stumbled onto this combo last Thanksgiving when I had way too much leftover stuffing and cranberry sauce. (We’ve all been there, right?) What started as a “let’s just use this up” experiment turned into the most delicious happy accident. The crispy puff pastry wrapped around savory sausage and stuffing, with that little pop of sweet-tart cranberry? Absolute magic. Now my family demands them year-round – they’re perfect for game nights, holiday parties, or when you just need a seriously satisfying snack. And the air fryer makes them impossibly golden and crunchy with zero fuss. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at sausage rolls the same way again!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Sausage Rolls
Listen, I don’t mean to brag, but these sausage rolls are life-changing. The air fryer works its magic here, turning puff pastry into golden, flaky perfection while keeping the filling juicy and flavorful. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:
- Crazy crispy texture: The air fryer gives that irresistible crunch without needing to babysit them in the oven. No soggy bottoms here!
- Sweet and savory heaven: The combo of herby stuffing and tangy cranberry cuts through the richness of the sausage—it’s the kind of balance that makes people ask for the recipe.
- Quick and foolproof: From fridge to table in 30 minutes? Yes, please. Even my most kitchen-challenged cousin can’t mess these up.
- Leftover goldmine: Got extra holiday stuffing or cranberry sauce? Now you’ve got the ultimate way to use them up deliciously.
Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool enough to eat without burning your tongue. (Not that I’ve ever done that… more than twice.)
Ingredients for Air Fryer Sausage Rolls with Stuffing & Cranberry
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – it’s a short and sweet list, but I’ve got some tips to make sure everything works perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb sausage meat: Go for a good-quality pork sausage – it’s the star of the show!
- 1 cup prepared stuffing: Use your favorite store-bought mix or leftover homemade (it’s even better!). Just make sure it’s not too wet.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: Jelly or whole berry works, but I love the texture of whole berry for little bursts of flavor.
- 1 sheet puff pastry: Keep it chilled until you’re ready to roll – trust me, it makes life so much easier.
- 1 egg (beaten): This is your golden glaze for that perfect finish.
That’s it! Simple, right? Now, let’s turn these into the best sausage rolls you’ve ever had.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these sausage rolls! Just grab these basics:
- Air fryer: Obviously – but any model will do!
- Baking sheet: For prepping your rolls before they hit the air fryer.
- Pastry brush: For that perfect golden egg wash.
- Sharp knife: To slice your rolls cleanly.
- Rolling pin: If your puff pastry needs a little flattening.
That’s it – now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Air Fryer Sausage Rolls with Stuffing & Cranberry
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making these sausage rolls is easier than you think, but I’ve got some tricks to make sure they turn out perfect every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll be biting into crispy, golden deliciousness in no time.
Preparing the Filling
First things first – the filling! Grab your sausage meat and plop it into a bowl. Break it up with your hands (yes, get messy!) and mix in the stuffing until it’s evenly distributed. Now, gently fold in the cranberry sauce – you want little pockets of tart sweetness, not a homogenous pink mess. Trust me, uneven distribution is actually better here!
Assembling and Cooking
Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface – just enough to smooth any creases. Spread the filling in a neat line down the center, leaving about an inch at the edges. Now, fold one side over the filling, brush the edge with beaten egg, then fold the other side over to seal. Flip it seam-side down (this keeps everything tidy) and give it a gentle press.
Slice into 8 even pieces – a sharp knife here prevents squishing! Brush each roll generously with egg wash (this is your golden ticket to crispiness). Pop them in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each – they need room to puff up! Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until they’re deeply golden and irresistible. Let them cool for just a minute before devouring – if you can wait that long!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sausage Rolls
Listen, I’ve made these sausage rolls more times than I can count, and here’s what I’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to:
- Keep everything cold: Warm puff pastry is a nightmare to work with. If it gets too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes – it’ll save you from sticky disasters.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: These babies need breathing room to crisp up properly. Cook in batches if you need to – it’s worth the wait!
- Peek and rotate: Air fryers can have hot spots. Check at 10 minutes and rotate the rolls for even browning.
- Serve warm: They’re still good at room temp, but that first crispy bite straight from the air fryer? Pure heaven.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have sausage roll perfection every single time. (And yes, I might’ve tested this theory more than strictly necessary.)
Variations for Air Fryer Sausage Rolls
Want to mix things up? Try these fun twists! Swap the stuffing for sage and onion stuffing mix, or add a pinch of chili flakes for heat. For a festive touch, use mincemeat instead of cranberry sauce. Vegetarian? A mushroom and walnut filling works beautifully too – just adjust cooking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Sausage Rolls
These sausage rolls are stars on their own, but oh, what a show they put on with friends! For game nights, I love serving them with a simple honey mustard dip (just mix equal parts honey and Dijon). At holiday parties, pair them with a crisp apple slaw to cut through the richness. And honestly? A cold beer or crisp cider is their perfect match – the bubbles make every bite even better.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? (I know, unlikely, but just in case!) Store your sausage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – it’ll bring back that gorgeous crispiness without drying them out. Perfect for snacking all over again!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no dietitian, but here’s the scoop – these sausage rolls are definitely an occasional treat! The nutrition will vary depending on your specific ingredients (especially the sausage and pastry brands). As a rough guide, each roll packs about 280 calories with that perfect balance of protein, carbs, and yes – some delicious fats. Remember, homemade always lets you control what goes in, so feel free to tweak to your needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about these sausage rolls – let’s tackle the big ones!
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of sauce?
Oh honey, I wouldn’t! Fresh cranberries are way too tart and firm here. Stick with sauce (homemade or jarred) for that perfect jammy sweetness.
What if I don’t have leftover stuffing?
No worries! A boxed stuffing mix prepared according to package directions works great. Pro tip: Toast it in a dry pan first for extra flavor.
Why did my pastry split?
Probably overfilled – guilty of this myself! Use just enough filling to leave a clean border when rolling. And always keep that pastry chilled!
How do I know when they’re done?
Look for deep golden pastry and listen for sizzling to stop. If unsure, sacrifice one roll to peek inside – chef’s privilege!
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then bag them. Cook straight from frozen – just add 2-3 extra minutes.
Irresistible Air Fryer Sausage Rolls with Stuffing & Cranberry
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy air fryer sausage rolls filled with savory stuffing and sweet cranberry.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage meat
- 1 cup prepared stuffing
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg (beaten)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface.
- Spread sausage meat evenly over pastry.
- Add stuffing and cranberry sauce on top.
- Roll pastry tightly and seal edges.
- Cut into 8 even pieces.
- Brush with beaten egg.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Use chilled pastry for easier handling.
- Adjust cooking time based on air fryer model.
- Serve warm for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: British