Crispy Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket: Your Ultimate Guide to a Quick & Easy Family Favorite
Ever found yourself staring blankly into the fridge after a ridiculously busy day, realizing you’ve forgotten to plan dinner? We’ve all been there! The dinner-time struggle is real, but fear not! These Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket are here to rescue your evenings. This incredibly easy, 2-ingredient recipe takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish, making it an absolute game-changer for those hectic weeknights. Prepare to fall in love with this childhood classic, perfectly golden and crispy, all thanks to your trusty Air Fryer! It’s so simple, delicious, and satisfying, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your permanent rotation.
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Among the many culinary delights I’ve introduced my husband to over the years, two stand out distinctly: S’mores (and yes, I even have an Air Fryer S’mores version on the blog for a quick dessert fix!) and these humble yet irresistible Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket. It’s quite astonishing, considering we grew up eating many of the same staple foods, that he had never encountered such wonders before! But as they say, better late than never.
It quickly became my mission to share this beloved childhood favorite with him. Growing up, our Pigs in a Blanket often featured homemade dough, a labor of love from my mom. However, there’s an undeniable charm and nostalgic comfort that comes with using a can of refrigerated crescent roll dough. That distinctive buttery flavor and flaky texture evoke so many happy memories. This means our recipe truly is a minimalist’s dream, requiring only two core ingredients: your favorite hot dogs and a can of crescent roll dough. Could it get any simpler? I highly doubt it!
Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for Pigs in a Blanket
When it comes to quick, delicious, and perfectly cooked snacks or light meals, the air fryer reigns supreme. For Pigs in a Blanket, it truly is the ideal appliance. Unlike traditional baking which can sometimes leave the dough a little soft, or deep-frying which can be greasy and messy, the air fryer offers the best of both worlds. It circulates hot air around the wrapped hot dogs, ensuring the crescent dough becomes wonderfully golden brown and irresistibly crispy on the outside, while the hot dog inside heats through evenly. This method significantly cuts down on cooking time and reduces the need for excessive oil, making this classic treat even more appealing for busy families and health-conscious eaters alike.
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
As mentioned, this recipe is incredibly straightforward, relying on just two main ingredients. Simplicity doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or satisfaction, especially when prepared in the air fryer.
- Hot Dogs: The foundation of this classic. You have complete freedom here to choose what your family loves most. We often opt for regular beef or all-beef hot dogs for their classic flavor and texture. However, feel free to use chicken, turkey, or even your preferred vegan or vegetarian hot dog alternative. The key is to use standard-sized hot dogs, as anything significantly larger might require extra dough or longer cooking times.
- Crescent Roll Dough: This is where the magic really happens for ease and speed! Using canned crescent roll dough is what makes this recipe unbelievably simple. Each can contains pre-cut triangles, which are perfectly sized for wrapping around your hot dogs, eliminating any need for tedious cutting. The buttery, flaky texture of baked crescent dough is incredibly comforting and delicious. If you’re feeling ambitious and prefer a homemade touch, you can certainly opt to make your own Pigs in a Blanket dough from scratch. Just ensure you roll it out thinly enough to achieve that signature light and crispy crust.
How To Make Pigs in a Blanket in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step
Getting these crispy delights on your table is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket every time.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a quicker crisping of the dough. Always consult your air fryer’s specific manufacturer instructions, as models can vary.
- Prepare the Dough: Carefully open the can of crescent dough. Gently unroll it on a clean countertop or a piece of parchment paper. The parchment paper can make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
- Separate Triangles: Separate each crescent dough triangle. Lay them out individually, spaced slightly apart, on your chosen surface. This makes the wrapping process much smoother.
- Wrap the Hot Dogs: Take one hot dog and place it at the wider end of a crescent dough triangle. Roll the dough tightly around the hot dog, working your way towards the narrow tip. The goal is to cover most of the hot dog’s surface with dough, leaving a small portion of the hot dog exposed at each end. This ensures the dough cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Repeat and Chill: Continue this process until all 8 of your hot dogs are wrapped in the crescent dough. As a best practice, especially if you’re working in batches, place the wrapped Pigs in a Blanket on a parchment-lined tray or plate and pop them into the fridge. Keeping them cool will help the dough maintain its shape until it’s their turn in the air fryer.
- Air Fry in Batches: Using a pair of tongs, carefully transfer 4 wrapped Pigs in a Blanket into your preheated air fryer basket. Most standard air fryers will comfortably fit 4, ensuring good air circulation for even cooking. If you have a larger, oven-style air fryer, you might be able to fit all 8 at once. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to unevenly cooked or soggy dough.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Place the air fryer basket back into the unit and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and puffy dough. My air fryer tends to run a little hot, so they are often perfectly done around the 5-minute mark. Adjust cooking time as needed for your specific appliance.
- Serve and Repeat: Once cooked, carefully remove the Pigs in a Blanket from the air fryer using tongs. Transfer them to a serving plate or platter. If you have more to cook, repeat the process with the remaining wrapped hot dogs. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy the delicious crispiness!
Substitutions for Your Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for easy substitutions to fit various dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
- Canned Crescent Rolls: While these are the cornerstone of the “easy” aspect of this recipe, you can absolutely opt for homemade dough. If you choose this route, ensure you roll the dough very thin, and then cut it into small triangles or strips that are easy to wrap around a hot dog. For a fantastic homemade recipe, this recipe from Lovely Little Kitchen is an excellent starting point. You could also experiment with puff pastry for an even flakier result, though the cooking time might vary slightly.
- Hot Dogs: The type of hot dog is entirely up to your preference. Standard beef or pork hot dogs are classic, but feel free to use chicken or turkey sausages for a lighter option. For those following a plant-based diet, vegan or vegetarian hot dogs work wonderfully in this recipe and air fry beautifully.
Delicious Variations to Try
Elevate your Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket with these fun and flavorful twists!
- Bagel Dog Style: For a savory upgrade, brush the unwrapped crescent dough with a little melted butter or an egg wash before baking. Then, sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds. If adding before baking, ensure the seasoning doesn’t burn; sometimes it’s best to add these about 1-2 minutes before the end of the cooking time, or even after for a fresh crunch.
- Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket: Who doesn’t love cheese? Cut a cheese string (or a thin slice of cheddar/mozzarella) in half lengthwise. As you wrap the hot dog in the dough, tuck one half of the cheese stick right next to the hot dog. Ensure the dough is well-sealed around the cheese to prevent any messy leaks during cooking. The melted cheese inside adds a gooey, delicious surprise.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, spread a thin layer of sriracha mayo or a touch of finely diced jalapeño onto the dough before wrapping the hot dog.
- Mini Pigs in a Blanket: Instead of full-sized hot dogs, use cocktail wieners or mini sausages. Cut each crescent dough triangle into 2-3 smaller triangles to match the size of the mini sausages. These are perfect for appetizers or party snacks!
Perfect Side Dishes for Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a Blanket are versatile enough to be a snack, appetizer, or even a light dinner. Pair them with these easy side dishes to complete your meal:
- Crispy French fries (also excellent in the air fryer!)
- Sweet potato fries for a touch of sweetness
- Golden brown tater tots
- Simple steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans for a healthy balance
- Roasted green beans with garlic and herbs
- Creamy potato salad
- Classic macaroni salad
- A fresh and vibrant garden salad with a light vinaigrette
- Coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy contrast
Dipping Sauce Sensations for Pigs in a Blanket
While classic ketchup and mustard are always a hit, don’t be afraid to venture out and try new dipping sauces to enhance your Pigs in a Blanket experience!
- Zesty Horseradish dip
- Spicy Sriracha mayo for a modern kick
- Creamy Mayochup (a delightful blend of ketchup and mayo)
- Flavorful Garlic sauce for an aromatic touch
- Sweet and tangy Honey mustard
- Classic Sweet and sour sauce
- Rich BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing for a creamy, herbaceous option
- Cheese dip for ultimate comfort food indulgence
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket store and reheat beautifully, making them great for meal prep or quick snacks.
- Storage: Allow any leftover pigs in a blanket to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat them to restore their crispiness is, you guessed it, the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 300-325°F (150-160°C). Place the cooled pigs in a blanket in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the dough is crispy again. You can also use a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. Microwaving is an option for heating, but the dough will not be crispy.
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Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket
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Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs (any preferred type, regular or all-beef recommended)
- 1 can crescent roll dough (8 triangles, or equivalent homemade dough, rolled out thin and cut)
Instructions
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Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or according to your manufacturer’s specific instructions.
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Open the can of crescent roll dough and gently unroll it onto a clean counter or a piece of parchment paper.
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Carefully separate each dough triangle, spacing them out a little on the parchment or counter.
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Place one hot dog onto the wider end of a crescent dough triangle.
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Using your fingers, carefully wrap the dough around the hot dog, rolling it towards the narrower tip. Leave a small portion of the hot dog exposed at each end.
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Repeat this process with the remaining hot dogs until all of the crescent roll dough has been used. Place wrapped hot dogs on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate if cooking in batches.
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Using a pair of tongs, transfer 4 of the wrapped hot dogs to the basket of the air fryer. If you have a larger, oven-sized air fryer, you may be able to fit all 8 Pigs in a Blanket in one go, but avoid overcrowding.
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Cook for 5-8 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the dough is golden brown, puffy, and the hot dogs are heated through. (My air fryer often finishes them in 5 minutes).
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Remove the finished Pigs in a Blanket from the Air Fryer basket with tongs. Place them on a plate or platter and repeat the cooking process with any remaining wrapped hot dogs.
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Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
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Notes
Hot Dogs:
You can use whatever style of hot dog you prefer for this air fryer pigs in a blanket recipe, so long as they are not significantly larger than a “typical” hot dog. We like to use regular or all-beef hot dogs, but feel free to substitute with chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian and vegan options for a personalized touch.
Dipping sauces for Pigs in a Blanket:
- Mayonnaise
- Classic Yellow Mustard or Dijon Mustard
- Ketchup
- Spicy Sriracha mayo
- Zesty Horseradish mayo
- Tangy BBQ sauce
- Sweet and savory Honey mustard
- Flavorful Sweet and sour sauce
- Creamy Ranch dressing
Nutrition
Pin this Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket Recipe for Later
There you have it – the ultimate guide to making irresistible Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket! This recipe proves that delicious and satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these crispy, golden bundles of joy are incredibly simple to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Perfect for a quick dinner, a fun snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket are truly a testament to the magic of minimal ingredients and smart cooking techniques. So go ahead, give them a try tonight and reclaim your dinner-time sanity!