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Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls: Oven or Air Fryer?

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked sausage rolls wafting through the kitchen. A quintessential British snack, puff pastry sausage rolls are the perfect combination of flaky pastry and savoury filling. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a casual family movie night, or simply craving a delicious treat, these pastry delights are sure to please. With the option of cooking them in either an oven or an air fryer, it’s easier than ever to achieve that golden-brown perfection.

The Allure of Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is a marvel of culinary engineering. Made from layers of dough and butter, it puffs up in the heat of the oven, creating a light, crispy texture that melts in your mouth. While making puff pastry from scratch can be a labour of love, shop-bought varieties are often just as good and make the preparation of sausage rolls a breeze.

Ingredients

For perfect puff pastry sausage rolls, you will need:

• 500g of ready-made puff pastry
• 400g of good-quality sausages (your choice of meat; pork, chicken, or vegetarian options work well)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 clove of garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 tsp of dried herbs (such as mixed herbs or thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Flour for dusting

Preparation Steps

1. Prep Your Ingredients

If you choose to incorporate onion and garlic for added flavour, start by sautéing them in a little oil until softened. Allow to cool before mixing with the sausage meat. If you’re using sausage meat directly from the sausage casings, simply squeeze the meat into a bowl and mix in your herbs, salt, and pepper.

2. Roll Out the Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry into a rectangle, about 3mm thick. Aim for a width of around 30cm, as this will make it easier to work with later. You can cut the pastry into strips, typically measuring about 10cm wide.

3. Assemble the Rolls

Place a line of sausage filling along the centre of each strip. Leave space at the ends to seal the rolls. Brush the edges with the beaten egg to give them a good seal. Carefully fold the pastry over the filling and pinch the seams together to secure. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for added decoration and security.

4. Cut and Brush

Using a sharp knife, make small incisions on the top of the rolls to allow steam to escape during cooking. Brush the tops liberally with the beaten egg for a lovely golden finish.

Cooking Options: Oven or Air Fryer

Baking in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan oven 180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the sausage rolls on the tray, evenly spaced apart. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. The pastry should be crisp to the touch, and the filling should be cooked through.

Air Fryer Method

For a quicker option that uses less oil, you can also air fry your sausage rolls. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C. Place the rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to puff up. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they’re cooking evenly. They’ll be done when they’re golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Sausage rolls can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for picnics or parties. Serve them with a side of tangy brown sauce or your favourite chutney for dipping. These versatile snacks are also ideal for freezing—just pop them in the oven or air fryer straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

Puff pastry sausage rolls are a beloved British classic that is simple to prepare and utterly satisfying. Whether you opt for the traditional oven method or the modern convenience of the air fryer, these delicious bites are guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, roll out that pastry, and get ready to indulge in some homemade goodness. Enjoy!