Pigs in a blanket are an all-time favorite, whether as an appetizer for a party, snack, or side dish for any meal. Beautiful pieces of crispy bacon wrapped around succulent sausages turn extra crispy in the air fryer but lock juices inside.
Cooking pigs in blankets in the air fryer means less oil, faster cooking times, and a perfectly golden finish. Whether making them for a holiday feast, game night, or just a quick snack, this really is the easiest and most delicious way to make and enjoy them.
Why Make Pigs in Blankets in the Air Fryer
Well, there could be a host of reasons why, relatively speaking, the air fryer can be said to possess certain distinct advantages when it comes to more traditional oven baking or pan-frying.
- Crisper texture – Air circulation ensures even browning and crisping.
- Faster cooking time – There is no need to preheat the oven and wait for long.
- Less oil, less mess – The bacon just crisps naturally sans excess grease.
- Perfectly even cooking – No need to turn or keep checking.
If you like crispy bacon and juicy sausage, then there’s only one way to cook pigs in blankets—with the air fryer.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets
Such a simple recipe, this one, only a small handful of different ingredients required.
- 12 cocktail sausages (or ordinary-sized sausages, cut in half)
- 12 slices of streaky bacon (thin-cut works best)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Cooking Instructions
1. Prep Ingredients
Place the sausages next to each other and smooth outwards each using a paper towel in preparation to be wrapped seamlessly once the bacon is attached.
2. Wrap Bacon Around Sausages
Wrap one piece of bacon tightly around each sausage, tucking the end under or holding with a toothpick if needed. If using honey or maple syrup, lightly brush over the bacon-wrapped sausages.
3. Heat the Air Fryer (If Needed)
Some models of air fryers need to be preheated. Turn it up to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up for a couple of minutes.
4. Place in the Air Fryer Basket
Line the air fryer basket with the wrapped pigs in a blanket singly, leaving gaps between them to allow for good cooking.
5. Cook Until Crispy
Cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pigs in blankets from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Best Dipping Sauces for Pigs in Blankets
We all know the best part – pigs in blankets are good even on their own, but they’re elevated with the right sauce. Give these crowd-pleasers a go:
- Honey Mustard – A perfect sweet and tangy mix.
- BBQ Sauce – Smoky and rich. Pairs well with crispy bacon.
- Aioli Garlic – Hearty and packed with flavor, for those who love garlic.
- Sweet Chili Sauce – Spicy, but just enough.
- Classic Ketchup – Simple and classic.
How to Serve
Warm or cold, pigs in a blanket can fit just about any celebration. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- Appetizer – Serve en masse, accompanied on a serving tray with inserted toothpicks.
- Side course – Accompany with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and beans.
- Breakfast serving – Serve with eggs, toast, and hash browns.
- Sandwich style – Nestle them inside brioche buns with crisp lettuce and shredded cheddar.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pigs in Blankets
- Thin-cut bacon cooks really well in an air fryer since it gets crispy and even.
- Do not let the air fryer be too full; that may cause some portions not to cook through.
- Check halfway; some tend to cook faster, so take them out in time.
- Try different flavors – Sprinkle brown sugar to caramelize or chili flakes for some heat.
- Cook from frozen – If cooking frozen pigs in blankets, add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cook time.
Things to Try
Want to get creative? The following are just some ideas:
- Stuffed cheese pigs in blankets – Stuff a tiny bit of cheese inside the sausage before wrapping in bacon.
- Spicy pigs in blankets – Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or slice jalapeño to wrap around the sausage.
- Maple glazed pigs in blankets – Glaze them with maple syrup prior to baking for sweetness.
- Vegetarian version – Use plant-based sausages and wrap them with thin slices of zucchini instead of using bacon.
- Prosciutto-wrapped pigs in blankets – Replace bacon with prosciutto for that Italian feel.
Healthier Options
Of course, pigs in blankets are indulgent, but here are a few slight ways to make them healthier:
- Use turkey bacon – Saves a bit because it is leaner yet still crispy.
- Use leaner sausages – Chicken or turkey sausages are lower in calories.
- Eliminate added sugars – Skip honey or maple syrup for a sugar-free diet.
- Bake rather than air-fry – The air fryer cuts most of the oil, but baking can be a great alternative.
Leftovers Storage and Reheating
If you should have leftovers, here is how to store and reheat them for later.
Storing
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze uncooked pigs in blankets for up to 3 months for easy prep later.
Reheating
- Air fryer – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Oven – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Use for a quick reheat, though the bacon may lose crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pigs in blankets in advance?
Yes, you can make them ahead of time and place them in the fridge until ready to cook.
What kind of sausage is best to use?
Cocktail sausages work best, but any small sausage will do.
Can I use an air fryer liner?
Yes, just be sure there is adequate air circulation around them for them to cook evenly.
How do I keep pigs in blankets warm for serving?
Keep them in a warm oven at 200°F (90°C) until ready to serve.
Can I make pigs in blankets in the air fryer without bacon?
Yes! The bacon gives them a nice crunch, but they’re delicious without it too.
Air fryer pigs in blankets are going to be your favorite snack—ever crispy, juicy, and so full of flavor. This super-easy, super-quick recipe is perfect for everything, be it parties, snacks, or even breakfast. Enjoy golden-brown, bacon-wrapped sausages made in just minutes.
Now, get it done and experience the crispiest ever result with an air fryer that produces no mess.