These Air Fryer Vegetarian Sausage Rolls are the perfect blend of comfort food and convenience. With flaky golden puff pastry wrapped around a savory vegetable-packed filling, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by hearty flavors. Whether served as a quick lunch, party appetizer, or afternoon snack, these rolls are a versatile and wholesome option that everyone can enjoy.
The air fryer not only makes this recipe quick and easy but also creates a healthier alternative to traditional oven-baked or fried sausage rolls. With less oil and faster cooking time, you’ll get the same crisp, flaky pastry without the extra calories. These rolls are ideal for family gatherings, game nights, or simply stocking up your fridge with a ready-to-heat snack. Best of all, they’re vegetarian-friendly and can easily be adapted for a vegan diet, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (about 320g)
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200g vegetarian sausage meat (or plant-based sausage filling)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 small carrot, grated
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1 tbsp breadcrumbs
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tbsp milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
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1 tsp olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
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In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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Mix the sautéed vegetables with the vegetarian sausage meat, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
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Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut into 3 long strips.
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Spoon the sausage mixture along the center of each strip. Fold over the pastry to encase the filling, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.
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Cut each long roll into smaller bite-sized pieces.
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Brush the tops with milk (or plant-based milk) and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
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Place rolls into the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
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Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
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Remove and allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal per roll | Servings: 12 rolls
Air Fryer Vegetarian Sausage Rolls: A Crispy, Meat-Free Delight
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, golden sausage roll fresh from the oven. The crisp puff pastry, the savory filling, and that satisfying bite make it a favorite snack for many. But if you’re vegetarian or simply trying to cut down on meat traditional sausage rolls might not fit into your lifestyle. That’s where Air Fryer Vegetarian Sausage Rolls come in. This recipe brings you all the delicious textures and flavors of classic sausage rolls, but with a wholesome, plant-based twist. Even better, by using the air fryer, you’ll get a crisp finish with less oil and in a fraction of the time.
These rolls are perfect for family gatherings, quick snacks, party appetizers, or even as part of a festive spread. They’re easy to prepare, incredibly versatile, and loved by both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Why Make Vegetarian Sausage Rolls?
Vegetarian sausage rolls have gained popularity in recent years as more people embrace plant-based eating. Whether you’re vegetarian, flexitarian, or just looking for new ways to enjoy vegetables, this recipe offers a healthy alternative without compromising on flavor.
Traditional sausage rolls often rely on fatty meats, but this vegetarian version uses plant-based sausage or a vegetable-based mixture that’s lighter and packed with flavor. Ingredients like onions, carrots, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs bring texture and richness. The puff pastry ensures that signature flaky crunch, while the air fryer guarantees a golden finish every single time.
Another great reason to try vegetarian sausage rolls is that they’re highly adaptable. You can swap out ingredients to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or what you already have in your kitchen. This flexibility makes them a reliable go-to recipe.
Benefits of Using the Air Fryer
The air fryer has revolutionized how we cook traditional favorites, and sausage rolls are no exception. Instead of waiting for your oven to heat up and then cooking for 30+ minutes, the air fryer delivers crisp, flaky results in under 15 minutes.
Here are some advantages of making sausage rolls in an air fryer:
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Faster cooking time: Perfect for busy days when you need a quick snack or appetizer.
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Healthier option: Requires minimal oil, making the rolls lighter yet still crispy.
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Even cooking: The air fryer’s circulating heat ensures that every roll comes out golden and perfectly cooked.
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Energy-efficient: Ideal for small batches, saving you time and electricity compared to a full-sized oven.
If you’re new to air frying, this recipe is a great place to start. It’s nearly foolproof and delivers consistently delicious results.
Flavor Variations
The beauty of vegetarian sausage rolls is how adaptable they are. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different fillings to keep things exciting:
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Cheesy Spinach Rolls – Add chopped spinach and grated cheddar to the mix for a creamy, savory twist.
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Mediterranean Style – Use sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and oregano for a vibrant flavor.
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Spicy Kick – Mix in chili flakes or finely chopped jalapeños for those who love heat.
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Mushroom and Herb – Replace sausage filling with sautéed mushrooms, thyme, and garlic.
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Vegan Option – Use plant-based puff pastry and non-dairy milk for brushing. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
These variations allow you to tailor the recipe for different occasions, whether you want a kid-friendly snack or a bold, grown-up appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Vegetarian Sausage Rolls are wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas:
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Party Platter Favorite: Arrange them on a wooden board with dipping sauces like sweet chili, honey mustard, barbecue, or garlic aioli.
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Lunchbox Treat: Pack a few rolls along with a crisp salad for an easy, portable lunch.
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Holiday Spread: Include them in your festive buffet alongside cheeses, crackers, and roasted vegetables.
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Game Day Snack: Pair them with nachos, sliders, and dips for the ultimate crowd-pleasing platter.
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Everyday Snack: Enjoy one (or two!) with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy mid-afternoon break.
These rolls are bite-sized enough to serve as finger food, but they can also be part of a bigger meal when paired with sides.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Another reason this recipe is a winner is that it stores well. You can make a big batch and enjoy them later without sacrificing quality.
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Refrigeration: Store cooked rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to regain their crispness.
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Freezing: These rolls are freezer-friendly. Freeze them uncooked on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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Meal Prep: Assemble rolls ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to air fry. Perfect for busy schedules or when hosting a party.
Nutritional Value
While sausage rolls are traditionally considered indulgent, the vegetarian version offers a lighter, nutrient-rich alternative. Using fresh vegetables, plant-based sausage, and minimal oil makes this snack more wholesome while still satisfying. Depending on the ingredients you use, these rolls are often lower in saturated fats and higher in fiber compared to their meat counterparts.
You can also boost nutrition by experimenting with whole wheat puff pastry or by adding more vegetables into the filling. The result is a snack that feels indulgent yet nourishing.
Why Everyone Loves Them
The popularity of vegetarian sausage rolls isn’t just about health, it’s about flavor and convenience. Even people who aren’t vegetarian find themselves reaching for these rolls at parties and gatherings. The flaky pastry combined with the savory filling creates that classic comfort food experience, but with a lighter, fresher twist.
They’re also kid-friendly, making them a great option for family meals. Since the recipe is easy to adjust, you can season them mildly for children or pack in more spices for adults.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Vegetarian Sausage Rolls are the perfect combination of tradition and innovation. They bring all the comfort of classic sausage rolls, with a healthier, plant-based twist that makes them suitable for almost everyone. The air fryer cuts down on time and oil, while the versatile filling options allow you to adapt the recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.
Whether you’re making them for a party, preparing snacks for the week, or looking for a new way to enjoy plant-based meals, these rolls are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, they’re proof that vegetarian cooking can be just as indulgent and satisfying as traditional recipes.
So go ahead and roll up your sleeves, prep a batch, and watch these air fryer vegetarian sausage rolls disappear faster than you can make them.