For many British households, Christmas dinner simply isn't complete without a platter of golden, crispy pigs in blankets. These beloved sausages wrapped in streaky bacon are a festive non-negotiable. But with air fryers surging in popularity as an energy-efficient kitchen essential, a pressing culinary question has emerged: can they outperform the traditional oven for this Christmas classic?
The Festive Kitchen Experiment
To settle the debate, a hands-on test was conducted using a pack of classic pigs in blankets from Marks & Spencer. The mission was straightforward: cook one batch in a preheated fan oven at 180C and another in an air fryer, also set to 180C. The goal was to compare not just speed, but the crucial texture and taste of the final result.
The oven required 25 minutes of cooking time, with a necessary mid-way turn to ensure even browning. In a stark contrast that highlights one of the air fryer's key benefits, the second batch was ready in a mere 15 minutes without any need for flipping or turning.
A Clear Difference in Appearance and Texture
The visual difference was immediate. The air-fried pigs in blankets emerged looking plump, succulent, and invitingly golden. Their oven-baked siblings, however, appeared slightly more shrivelled and less uniform in colour. This visual clue pointed directly to the outcome of the taste test.
Sampling the oven-cooked version first revealed a disappointing lack of crunch. The bacon was not as crisp as desired, and the sausage within was somewhat dry. More concerning was the uneven cooking; some areas of the sausage remained pale, while the bacon was on the verge of burning if left in longer.
The Air Fryer Triumphs on Taste
The air fryer's offering was a different story entirely. The first bite delivered the perfect combination of textures: the streaky bacon was shatteringly crisp, while the cocktail sausage inside remained remarkably juicy. The hot, circulating air in the compact appliance cooked the treats far more evenly, ensuring a consistent golden-brown finish on every side without the risk of burnt patches.
Beyond the superior taste and texture, the air fryer presents a major logistical advantage for Christmas Day. Using it to cook pigs in blankets, stuffing balls, or roast potatoes frees up invaluable space in the main oven for the centrepiece turkey and other essential trimmings. This can be a game-changer for managing the timing and stress of the big festive meal.
The Verdict for Your Christmas Dinner
The conclusion from this culinary showdown is clear. For pigs in blankets that are consistently crispier, juicier, and ready in nearly half the time, the air fryer is the undisputed winner. The experiment, conducted by lifestyle reporters Angela Patrone and Cally Brooks, provides compelling evidence for a switch in method.
This Christmas, embracing the air fryer for this staple side dish could be the secret to elevating your festive spread. Not only does it promise a better result, but it also contributes to a more economical and streamlined cooking process during the busiest meal of the year.
