Preparing the Sausage Filling
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, dried thyme (or sage), and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
Assembling the Sausage Rolls
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If it’s too thick, roll it out slightly thinner. Cut the sheet into 2-3 long strips (about 4-5 inches wide, depending on your desired size for the rolls).
- Fill and Roll:
- Take a portion of the sausage filling and form it into a log shape. Place the sausage filling along one edge of each puff pastry strip.
- Roll the pastry over the sausage, sealing the edges with a bit of water. Gently press the seam to secure. Repeat with all the strips.
- Cut the Rolls:
- Once the sausage is rolled in the puff pastry, cut each long roll into smaller pieces (about 2-3 inches in length, or your preferred size for mini rolls).
Cooking the Sausage Rolls
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the sausage rolls with the egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish. You can sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top if you like.
- Air Fry:
- Place the sausage rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching (you may need to cook them in batches).
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the sausage is fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C).
Serving
- Serve Warm:
- Let the sausage rolls cool for a minute before serving. Serve with dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, or a spicy aioli.
- Enjoy: These sausage rolls are great as a party appetizer, snack, or even a light meal!
Tips for Success
- Sausage Choice: You can use any kind of sausage for these rolls—pork, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
- Puff Pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold while working with it to ensure it puffs up nicely when cooking.
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the sausage is fully cooked, you can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Sausage Rolls are a perfect combination of flaky puff pastry and flavorful sausage filling. They’re quick, easy, and much healthier than deep-fried versions. Perfect for parties, snacks, or just indulging in a savory treat at home!
This recipe is a great way to enjoy crispy sausage rolls with less oil and fuss. They’re sure to become a favorite in your household!