Cranberry Pineapple Fizz

Sausage rolls are a popular snack or appetizer, and when paired with a refreshing Cranberry Pineapple Fizz, they become a delightful combination for any gathering or a cozy evening at home. This recipe guides you through making crispy, flavorful sausage rolls using the air fryer and a tangy, fruity drink to complement them.

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings
Difficulty Level: Medium

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Ingredients

For the Sausage Rolls:

• Puff Pastry:
  • 1 sheet (store-bought or homemade)
• Sausage Filling:
  • 1 pound (450g) sausage meat (use your preferred type of sausage, or use ground pork with seasonings)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional but recommended for extra flavor, such as cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

For the Cranberry Pineapple Fizz:

• Cranberry Pineapple Fizz Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon simple syrup (or to taste)
  • 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh cranberries and lime slices for garnish (optional)

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Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Mixing bowls
• Baking tray (for chilling the sausage rolls)
• Tall glass or cocktail shaker (for the fizz drink)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Rolls

1.1 Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your sausage rolls will cook evenly and crisp up beautifully.

1.2 Prepare the Sausage Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage meat, breadcrumbs, cheese, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, black pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should be firm but moist enough to hold its shape.

1.3 Roll the Pastry

Lay out your puff pastry sheet on a flat surface. If using store-bought puff pastry, you may need to roll it out slightly to ensure it’s even. Use a rolling pin to flatten it to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the sheet into long rectangles, about 4 inches wide and 6-8 inches long, depending on how large you want your sausage rolls to be.

1.4 Shape the Sausage Rolls

Place a spoonful of the sausage filling along the middle of each pastry rectangle. Be sure to leave a border on each side so you can seal the pastry around the filling. Roll the pastry tightly around the filling to form a log, pinching the edges together to seal.

1.5 Prepare for Air Frying

If desired, brush the tops of the rolls with an egg wash (a beaten egg) to give them a golden color when baking. This is optional, but it adds a lovely shine to the pastry.

1.6 Chill the Rolls (Optional but Recommended)

For best results, place the prepared sausage rolls on a baking tray and refrigerate them for about 10-15 minutes. Chilling helps the pastry hold its shape better and ensures the filling stays intact during cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage Rolls in the Air Fryer

2.1 Air Fry the Sausage Rolls

Once the rolls are chilled, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure to leave space between each roll to allow the hot air to circulate and cook them evenly.

2.2 Air Fry at 375°F (190°C)

Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the sausage rolls for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your rolls and the model of your air fryer, so check them halfway through and adjust the time as needed. You can flip the rolls halfway through for even browning.

2.3 Check for Doneness

Once the sausage rolls are golden and crisp, check that the sausage filling is fully cooked by slicing one open. The filling should be firm and no longer pink.

2.4 Rest Before Serving

Let the sausage rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to settle and cool slightly.

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Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Pineapple Fizz

3.1 Mix the Fruit Juices

In a tall glass, combine cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and lime juice. Stir well to combine the flavors.

3.2 Add Simple Syrup

Add simple syrup to the juice mixture, adjusting the sweetness to your preference. Stir again to ensure the syrup dissolves evenly.

3.3 Add Sparkling Water

Top off the juice mixture with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy, refreshing effect. Stir gently to combine.

3.4 Add Ice

Fill your glass with ice cubes to chill the drink.

3.5 Garnish (Optional)

For a festive touch, garnish your drink with a few fresh cranberries and a lime slice on the rim of the glass.

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Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

4.1 Plate the Sausage Rolls

Place the freshly air-fried sausage rolls on a serving plate, either as a group or individually on small appetizer plates. You can serve them with a side of ketchup, mustard, or any dipping sauce of your choice.

4.2 Serve the Cranberry Pineapple Fizz

Pour the Cranberry Pineapple Fizz into glasses, ensuring everyone gets a fizzy, refreshing drink. Serve immediately while both the sausage rolls and the drink are fresh and chilled.

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Cooking Tips and Notes

1. Sausage Meat: If you want to elevate your sausage rolls, consider using high-quality sausages. You can remove the casing from sausages and use the meat directly or season your own ground pork or beef. For extra flavor, you can add chopped fresh herbs or finely grated vegetables like carrot or celery.
2. Puff Pastry: Using store-bought puff pastry saves time and effort, but homemade puff pastry can be used if you prefer. Homemade puff pastry will yield an even flakier texture, but it requires more time and skill to prepare.
3. Egg Wash: An egg wash will give your sausage rolls a glossy, golden finish. If you want a vegan option, you can substitute the egg wash with olive oil or dairy-free milk.
4. Chilling the Sausage Rolls: Chilling the sausage rolls before air frying is an important step to ensure they don’t fall apart while cooking. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it may affect the texture of the rolls.
5. Air Fryer Cooking Times: Air fryers can vary in performance, so always keep an eye on your sausage rolls as they cook. If they’re smaller than average, they may cook faster, and if they’re larger, they may take a little longer.
6. Alternative Drink Variations: You can adjust the proportions of cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and lime juice based on your taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the amount of simple syrup. If you like a more tart flavor, add extra lime juice.
7. Serving Suggestions: These sausage rolls make a great snack for parties, gatherings, or family meals. Pair the rolls and Cranberry Pineapple Fizz with other finger foods such as cheese platters, salad bowls, or fresh fruits to create a complete meal or spread.

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Conclusion

This recipe for Air Fryer Sausage Rolls with Cranberry Pineapple Fizz is perfect for anyone looking to serve an easy, delicious snack or meal. The air fryer method ensures the sausage rolls come out crisp and golden without needing to deep-fry, making them a healthier alternative. Meanwhile, the Cranberry Pineapple Fizz provides a refreshing, lightly sweet drink that complements the savory rolls perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or just want to treat yourself, this recipe will not disappoint!