1. Prepare the Dough and Cheese:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Prepare the Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface. If using crescent rolls, press the perforations together to create one large sheet of dough. For a neater appearance, you can use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle.
- Add Cheese: Place a small strip or square of cheese on each cocktail sausage. If you prefer more cheese, feel free to adjust the amount.
2. Assemble the Pigs in a Blanket:
- Cut the Dough: Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the crescent dough into small rectangles, about 2×3 inches each. The size should be large enough to wrap around each sausage.
- Wrap the Sausages: Place each sausage with cheese in the center of a dough rectangle. Roll the dough around the sausage, pinching the ends to seal and ensuring the cheese is enclosed. If you’re using pre-cut crescent dough, you may need to use smaller pieces to wrap the sausages completely.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush each wrapped sausage with the beaten egg. This helps to achieve a golden, crispy finish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired for added crunch and visual appeal.
3. Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Arrange in the Basket: Place the wrapped sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the sausages should reach 165°F (74°C). Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Check for Doneness: If needed, add an extra minute or two of cooking time. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
4. Serve:
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pigs in a blanket from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set a bit and makes them easier to handle.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce. They make a perfect snack or appetizer for any gathering.
Tips and Tricks:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss. Adjust the cheese to your taste preferences.
- Dough Alternatives: You can also use puff pastry or biscuit dough as alternatives to crescent dough for a different texture.
- Freezing for Later: You can prepare and freeze the pigs in a blanket before cooking. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Extra Crispy: For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray the wrapped sausages with cooking spray before air frying.
Conclusion
Air Fried Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese are an irresistible treat that’s both easy to make and delightful to eat. The air fryer’s magic ensures a crispy, golden crust with a melty cheese center that pairs perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. Ideal for parties, game days, or a cozy snack, these cheesy bites will surely be a favorite. Enjoy every delicious bite!