Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese: The Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy, and Quick Appetizer

Get ready to elevate a classic appetizer with a cheesy twist! These Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese are a game-changer, transforming simple ingredients into an irresistible snack or party food. The air fryer works its magic, cooking the flaky crescent roll dough to golden-brown perfection while ensuring the cheese inside melts into a gooey, savory delight. This easy-to-make recipe delivers all the comfort food vibes in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing game-day appetizer, or any occasion where deliciousness is a priority.

Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for Pigs in a Blanket

The air fryer truly shines with this recipe, offering advantages that traditional baking simply can’t match. In just about 8 minutes or less, you can achieve perfectly golden-brown crescent rolls with a wonderfully fluffy, yet crispy, texture. This incredible speed makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. Beyond speed, the air fryer circulates hot air evenly around each pig in a blanket, ensuring consistent cooking and a desirable crispiness without the need for excessive oil. It’s a healthier, less messy, and undeniably efficient way to prepare this beloved snack, making it simple enough for even kids to help prepare.

Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket

Creating these delightful cheesy pigs in a blanket requires just a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty lies in the simplicity and how these components come together to create a satisfying bite. Quality ingredients certainly make a difference, but you can always tailor them to your personal preferences and what you have on hand.

• Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: These are the foundation of our pigs in a blanket, providing that signature buttery, flaky crust. While other brands exist, Pillsbury is often recommended for its consistent texture and reliability.
• Cocktail Sausages: Small, savory sausages like Little Smokies are ideal. Their size is perfect for wrapping in crescent dough, and their rich flavor complements the cheese beautifully.
• Sliced Cheddar Cheese: A key player in this cheesy variation! We suggest Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts for their convenient size and excellent melting qualities.
• Olive Oil Cooking Spray: A light spray helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior and prevents sticking to the air fryer basket.

Choosing the Best Cheese for Your Pigs in a Blanket

The type of cheese you choose is crucial for achieving that irresistible gooey center. While many cheeses melt, not all offer the same flavor or consistency when air-fried. Our top recommendation for this recipe is Cracker Barrel Cracker Cuts. Specifically, we love the extra sharp cheddar for its robust flavor that stands up well to the savory sausage and rich dough. These pre-sliced, cracker-sized pieces are incredibly convenient and fit perfectly into the crescent rolls.

Cheese Alternatives and Flavor Twists:

Don’t limit yourself to just cheddar! Experiment with other varieties to customize your cheesy pigs in a blanket:

• Pepper Jack: For a spicy kick, replace cheddar with Pepper Jack slices.
• Colby Jack or Monterey Jack: These offer a milder flavor and excellent melt.
• Provolone or Mozzarella: For a stringy, pizza-like melt, try these Italian cheeses.
• Smoked Gouda: Adds a sophisticated smoky depth.
• Cream Cheese: A small smear of plain or chive cream cheese on the dough before adding the sausage and cheddar can add an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.

The key is to use cheese slices or thin pieces that will melt thoroughly without oozing out excessively during cooking. Avoid overly soft cheeses that might melt too quickly or dry, hard cheeses that won’t become gooey enough.

Selecting the Perfect Sausage

The star of any pigs in a blanket recipe is, of course, the “pig”! For this air fryer version, cocktail sausages are the optimal choice. These small, pre-cooked sausages are perfectly sized to be wrapped in crescent roll dough, ensuring they cook through quickly and evenly alongside the dough and cheese.

Popular Choices:

• Little Smokies: These mini smoked sausages are a classic choice and are widely available in various flavors (beef, pork, chicken). Their smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with the cheddar cheese.
• Mini Hot Dogs or Franks: Smaller versions of traditional hot dogs can also work well, offering a familiar flavor profile that kids often love.
• Turkey or Chicken Sausages: For a slightly lighter option, look for cocktail-sized turkey or chicken sausages.

Feel free to choose your favorite brand and flavor of cocktail sausage. Whether you prefer a classic smoky taste, a hint of sweetness, or a spicier variety, the versatility of this recipe allows for endless customization. Ensure the sausages are completely thawed if using a frozen pack before wrapping to ensure even cooking.

When preparing the rolls, carefully unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, separate the dough along its perforated lines to create individual triangles. If you’re aiming for larger, more substantial pigs in a blanket (typically 8 per standard can of dough), place a slice of cheese on the widest part of each crescent roll, followed by a cocktail sausage. Carefully pull the dough over the sausage and cheese, rolling it tightly from the widest side down to the smallest point. This ensures a secure wrap for the air fryer basket.

For those who prefer mini pigs in a blanket, simply cut each crescent roll triangle in half lengthwise before adding the cheese and sausage. This creates smaller, bite-sized appetizers perfect for dipping. The same rolling steps apply, just on a smaller scale. These are also fun to experiment with, so don’t hesitate to try different types of cheese, a sprinkle of seasoning, or even a dash of hot sauce inside before rolling.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

While the classic Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese are undeniably delicious, there’s ample room for creativity! Here are some ideas to customize your next batch:

• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a thin slice of jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the cheese before rolling. Using Pepper Jack cheese is another excellent way to add heat.
• Herby & Garlicky: Brush the crescent rolls lightly with melted garlic butter before air frying, or sprinkle with a mix of dried herbs like Italian seasoning, dried parsley, or a touch of onion powder.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: For a delightful texture and flavor boost, sprinkle the tops of the wrapped pigs in a blanket with everything bagel seasoning before cooking.
• Sweet & Savory: Drizzle a tiny bit of honey or maple syrup over the sausages before adding the cheese for a unique sweet and savory combination.
• Different Cheeses: As mentioned, explore provolone, Swiss, or even a combination of cheeses for varied melt and flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Dipping Delights

These cheesy air fryer pigs in a blanket are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Appetizer Extravaganza: Serve them on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces for a party.
• Quick Lunch or Dinner: Pair them with a simple side salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a satisfying meal.
• Brunch Bites: They make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, especially with a side of fruit.
• Kids’ Favorite: A guaranteed hit with children, perfect for after-school snacks.

Don’t forget the dipping sauces! They truly complete the experience. Classic options include honey mustard, spicy brown mustard, ketchup, or even a creamy ranch dressing. For something more gourmet, consider a sriracha mayo, a cheesy dipping sauce, or a smoky BBQ sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese

While these are undoubtedly best served fresh and hot from the air fryer, you might find yourself with leftovers – a rare but possible occurrence! Proper storage and reheating ensure they remain delicious and safe to eat.

Storage Instructions:

Once your pigs in a blanket have fully cooled down to room temperature, store them in an airtight storage container or a heavy-duty plastic Ziploc bag. This prevents them from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.

They can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the dough can start to become a bit soggy.

Reheating for Best Texture:

To bring your leftover pigs in a blanket back to their former glory, the air fryer is once again your best friend! Reheating them in the air fryer will restore their crispy exterior and gooey cheese center, far surpassing what a microwave can achieve.

Place the pigs in a blanket in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2-4 minutes. Keep a close watch, as reheating times can vary. You’re looking for the dough to crisp up again and the cheese to be melted and warm.

Remember, while reheating is possible, these delightful bites are truly at their peak when enjoyed fresh. The ultimate crispiness of the dough and the melt of the cheese are unparalleled straight from the initial cook.

Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese are more than just an appetizer; they’re a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the magic of the air fryer, can create an unforgettable dish. The perfect combination of rich, savory cocktail sausages, perfectly melted cheese, and a wonderfully flaky, golden-brown crust makes these a guaranteed hit in any kitchen. They’ll be devoured in minutes, leaving everyone wanting more! So, gather your ingredients and prepare to make these incredibly easy and delicious cheesy bites.