- Prep the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well integrated.
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If the sheet is too thick, you can gently roll it out a bit thinner. Cut the sheet into strips about 3 inches wide.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Divide the sausage mixture into equal portions and shape each into a log that runs the length of each pastry strip. Place a sausage log on the edge of a pastry strip.
- Roll the pastry around the sausage meat, sealing the edge with a bit of beaten egg. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring they are well sealed.
- Cut and Egg Wash:
- Cut the long sausage roll into smaller pieces, about 2 inches each, or leave it as one long roll to be sliced after cooking, depending on your preference.
- Brush the top of each sausage roll with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if using.
- Air Fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Place the sausage rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow air to circulate. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the sausage meat is thoroughly cooked. Turn them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Serving:
- Let the sausage rolls cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, or a tangy BBQ sauce.
Tips:
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add grated cheese, chopped mushrooms, or any other ingredients to the sausage mixture for added flavor.
- Checking Doneness: The best way to ensure the sausage meat is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (71°C) when inserted into the center of the sausage meat.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these sausage rolls in advance and freeze them before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to air fry them from frozen.
Enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer sausage rolls as a fantastic snack for gatherings, a party appetizer, or even a quick and satisfying meal. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!