Cloud Fritters

Sausage rolls are a beloved snack around the world, typically consisting of seasoned sausage meat wrapped in a flaky pastry. What if you could take this comfort food to the next level by infusing it with a fluffy, cloud-like texture and the crispy goodness of the air fryer? Welcome to the world of Air Fryer Sausage Rolls Cloud Fritters! These little golden morsels combine the savory flavor of sausage with a delicate, airy, and crispy bite that’s sure to impress.

In this recipe, we’ll not only show you how to make sausage rolls but also how to infuse them with a fluffy cloud-like texture that makes each bite light yet indulgent. You can use this recipe as a fun twist on classic sausage rolls or to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next get-together. The best part? It’s all made in the air fryer for a faster, healthier, and crispier result than the oven!

Ingredients:

For the Sausage Rolls Cloud Fritters:

• 1 pound (450g) of sausage meat (preferably seasoned, or you can use your favorite sausages and remove the casing)
• 1 large egg (for the filling)
• 1/4 cup (60g) of breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sheet of puff pastry (you can use pre-made store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 teaspoons of milk (for egg wash)

For the Cloud Fritter Batter:

• 3 large eggs (separated into yolks and whites)
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (optional, for added freshness)
• 1 tablespoon grated cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

For Air Fryer Cooking:

• Cooking spray or olive oil spray (for lightly greasing the air fryer basket)

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Pastry brush
• Rolling pin
• Baking tray (optional, for preparation)
• Knife or pizza cutter (for cutting pastry)
• Measuring spoons and cups

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Sausage Meat Filling:

Time: 10 minutes

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat with the egg, breadcrumbs, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky. If it’s too wet, you can add a little more breadcrumbs to achieve the right consistency.

Note: If you like extra flavor, you can add finely chopped herbs like rosemary or sage, or even some finely diced vegetables such as onions or mushrooms.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Time: 5 minutes

• Roll out the puff pastry on a clean surface. If the sheet of pastry is not pre-rolled, use a rolling pin to ensure it’s about 1/8-inch thick.
• Cut the pastry into strips that are roughly 2 inches wide. You’ll need enough strips to encase the sausage filling.

3. Assemble the Sausage Rolls:

Time: 10 minutes

• Place a spoonful of the sausage mixture along one edge of the pastry strip, leaving some space at the sides and ends.
• Carefully fold the pastry over the filling to create a cylindrical shape, ensuring the edges are sealed by pressing down with your fingers. For extra security, you can pinch the ends to prevent any filling from spilling out during cooking.
• If you like, you can brush the edges with a little water to ensure a better seal.
• Repeat this process with the remaining sausage mixture and pastry strips.

4. Prepare the Egg Wash:

Time: 2 minutes

• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make the egg wash.
• Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the egg wash over the assembled sausage rolls. This will help them achieve a golden-brown, glossy finish when cooked.

5. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Time: 5 minutes

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes, ensuring that the basket is clean and free from any residue. This preheating step helps to ensure the sausage rolls cook evenly and crisply.

6. Cook the Sausage Rolls in the Air Fryer:

Time: 15 minutes

• Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Carefully place the sausage rolls into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry the sausage rolls at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. After 8 minutes, carefully turn the sausage rolls over to ensure even browning.
• Once done, remove the rolls from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

7. Prepare the Cloud Fritter Batter:

Time: 5 minutes

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, flour, baking powder, cornstarch, salt, melted butter, milk, and any optional ingredients (such as parsley or cheddar cheese).
• In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. This will take about 2-3 minutes using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer. The egg whites should be light and fluffy, like soft clouds.
• Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites, as they are what give the fritters their fluffy texture. Use a spatula and fold gently in a figure-eight motion until just combined.

8. Shape the Cloud Fritters:

Time: 10 minutes

• Using a spoon, take small spoonfuls of the cloud fritter batter and carefully spoon them onto a parchment-lined tray or plate.
• If the batter is too runny, add a little more flour to thicken it up. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape when spooned onto the tray.
• Once all the fritters are shaped, set them aside while you prepare for frying.

9. Air Fry the Cloud Fritters:

Time: 8-10 minutes

• Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the cloud fritters into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one so that they can puff up without sticking together.
• Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a light and airy texture inside.
• After the first 5 minutes, flip the fritters to ensure even cooking. They should puff up beautifully and turn a lovely golden hue.

10. Serve:

• Serve the Air Fryer Sausage Rolls Cloud Fritters hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or a tangy aioli.
• These fritters also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Notes:

• Sausage Meat Choices: You can choose any sausage you prefer—pork, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausages. The key is to ensure the sausage is well-seasoned, as this will infuse the sausage rolls with delicious flavor.
• Puff Pastry: If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, ensure it’s well-thawed if frozen. You can also make your own puff pastry if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Egg Wash: The egg wash is essential for that glossy, golden look, but if you want a vegan version, you can substitute with a little bit of olive oil or a plant-based milk.
• Freezing: If you want to make these sausage rolls in advance, you can freeze them after assembling but before air frying. To cook from frozen, increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
• Leftovers: These fritters are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to regain their crispiness.

Conclusion:

These Air Fryer Sausage Rolls Cloud Fritters are an exciting and delicious fusion of two beloved foods, with the added bonus of air frying for a healthier, crispier outcome. The fluffy cloud-like texture of the fritters and the savory, juicy sausage filling will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy this recipe as a unique snack or appetizer at your next party, or simply as a fun twist on a classic favorite!