If you love a traditional British sausage roll but fancy something a little lighter, these air fryer filo sausage rolls are a delicious option. They’re golden and crispy on the outside, with a juicy pork, apple and sage filling that makes every bite full of flavour.
Instead of using traditional puff pastry, this recipe uses delicate layers of filo pastry for a wonderfully crisp finish. The air fryer makes cooking them convenient, with no need to heat up a large oven.
Whether you’re preparing party food, an afternoon snack or something tasty for a family gathering, these homemade mini sausage rolls are sure to be popular.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Sausage Rolls
- Crispy filo pastry: A lovely golden crunch without traditional puff pastry.
- Delicious homemade filling: Lean pork, sweet apple and fresh sage.
- Perfect for sharing: Makes approximately 24 mini sausage rolls.
- Easy to customise: Try turkey mince or different herbs.
- Great for parties: Ideal for buffets, picnics and family gatherings.
- Air fryer friendly: Cook in small batches for a crisp, evenly browned finish.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–16 minutes per batch
- Servings: 24 mini sausage rolls
- Cooking Temperature: 180°C (356°F)
- Course: Snack, Appetiser
- Cuisine: British
- Equipment: Air fryer, mixing bowl, pastry brush and food thermometer
Total cooking time depends on how many batches your air fryer can accommodate.
Ingredients
For approximately 24 mini sausage rolls:
- 300g lean pork sausagemeat (5% fat if available)
- 150g lean pork mince (5% fat or less)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small Cox’s apple, peeled, cored and finely diced
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 medium egg, beaten
- 4 filo pastry sheets, approximately 39g each
- Low-calorie cooking spray
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt, optional
How to Make Air Fryer Filo Sausage Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Finely chop the onion and peel, core and dice the apple.
Place the lean pork sausagemeat, pork mince, chopped onion, apple, fresh sage and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
Add a little salt if necessary, remembering that sausagemeat may already contain seasoning.
Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Filo Pastry
Lay one sheet of filo pastry on a clean work surface and lightly spray it with cooking oil.
Place a second sheet directly on top to create two layers.
Repeat with the remaining two sheets to make a second double-layered rectangle.
Keep unused pastry covered with a slightly damp tea towel to prevent it from drying out.
Step 3: Shape the Sausage Rolls
Cut each double-layered filo rectangle lengthways into two long strips, giving you four strips in total.
Divide the pork filling into four equal portions.
Shape each portion into a long sausage and place it along one edge of a filo strip.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg.
Carefully roll the filo around the filling, keeping the pastry snug without tearing it.
Press the seams gently to seal.
Repeat with the remaining pastry strips and filling.
Step 5: Cut into Mini Rolls
Cut each long roll into six equal pieces.
You should have approximately 24 mini sausage rolls.
Lightly brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg or spray with a little cooking oil to encourage browning.
Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for approximately 3 minutes if recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 7: Air Fry the Sausage Rolls
Arrange the mini sausage rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, seam-side down.
Leave space between each roll so the hot air can circulate.
Air fry at 180°C for approximately 12–16 minutes per batch, checking during cooking and turning if needed.
The exact time will depend on the size of the sausage rolls and your air fryer model.
Step 8: Check and Serve
The filo pastry should be golden and crisp.
Use a food thermometer to check that the pork filling has reached at least 75°C in the centre.
If the filling needs longer, continue cooking in short intervals.
Serve hot with tomato chutney, mustard or your favourite dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Filo Sausage Rolls
Keep the filo pastry covered. Filo dries out quickly, so work with one sheet at a time and cover the remaining sheets with a slightly damp tea towel.
Chop the filling ingredients finely. Small pieces of onion and apple help create an even filling.
Don’t overfill the pastry. Too much filling makes the rolls difficult to seal and may cause them to split during cooking.
Use a little cooking spray. A light coating helps the filo become golden and crisp.
Avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches rather than squeezing too many rolls into the basket.
Check the filling carefully. Filo pastry can brown before the meat is fully cooked, so always check the centre with a food thermometer.
Air Fryer Filo Sausage Rolls
Equipment
- Air Fryer, Mixing Bowl, Food Thermometer
Ingredients
300 g lean pork sausagemeat (5% fat if available)
150 g lean pork mince (5% fat or less)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small Cox's apple, peeled, cored and finely diced
1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
1 medium egg, beaten
4 filo pastry sheets, approximately 39 g each
Low-calorie cooking spray
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt, optional
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Filling: Finely chop the onion and dice the peeled apple. In a large bowl, combine the lean pork sausagemeat, pork mince, onion, apple, fresh sage, black pepper and a little salt if needed. Mix until evenly combined.2. Prepare the Filo: Lay two filo sheets on a clean work surface, lightly spraying between the layers. Repeat with the remaining two sheets to make two double-layered rectangles. Keep unused filo covered with a slightly damp tea towel to prevent drying.3. Shape the Rolls: Divide the filling into four equal portions. Cut each double-layered filo rectangle lengthways into two strips. Shape one portion of filling into a long sausage along each strip.4. Roll and Seal: Brush the exposed pastry edges with beaten egg, then roll the filo around the filling. Press the seams gently to seal.5. Cut into Pieces: Cut each of the four long rolls into six equal pieces to make 24 mini sausage rolls. Lightly brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg or spray with a little cooking oil.6. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat to 180°C for approximately 3 minutes if recommended by your appliance manufacturer.7. Air Fry: Arrange the sausage rolls in a single layer, seam-side down, with space between them. Cook at 180°C for approximately 12–16 minutes per batch, checking and turning if necessary. Adjust the time according to the size of the rolls and your air fryer model.8. Check and Serve: Check that the pastry is golden and crisp and the pork filling reaches at least 75°C in the centre. Continue cooking if needed. Serve hot with your favourite chutney or dipping sauce.
Notes
Delicious Variations
Turkey and Apple Sausage Rolls
Replace the pork mince and sausagemeat with 450g seasoned lean turkey mince. Adjust the seasoning to taste and ensure the filling reaches 75°C.
Apple and Mustard Sausage Rolls
Add 1 tsp wholegrain mustard to the filling for a slightly tangy flavour.
Herby Sausage Rolls
Try a combination of sage, thyme and parsley for a fragrant filling.
Spicy Sausage Rolls
Add a pinch of chilli flakes or smoked paprika for a little warmth.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Sausage Rolls
These crispy mini sausage rolls are delicious with:
- Tomato chutney
- Wholegrain mustard
- Homemade coleslaw
- A fresh green salad
- Pickled onions
- Roasted vegetables
- A simple yoghurt and herb dip
For a party buffet, arrange them on a serving platter with a few small bowls of dipping sauces.
How to Store Leftover Sausage Rolls
Allow the cooked sausage rolls to cool promptly.
Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours.
Eat refrigerated leftovers within 48 hours.
How to Reheat Sausage Rolls in an Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to approximately 160°C if required.
Arrange the sausage rolls in a single layer and reheat for around 4–6 minutes, checking regularly.
Make sure the filling is piping hot throughout and reaches at least 75°C.
Reheat leftovers only once.
Can You Freeze Air Fryer Sausage Rolls?
Yes. You can freeze the uncooked sausage rolls after assembling them.
Arrange them on a tray and freeze until firm before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
For the best results, thaw safely in the refrigerator before air frying, and cook until the filling reaches at least 75°C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook filo sausage rolls in an air fryer?
Yes. Filo pastry works well in an air fryer because circulating hot air helps the thin layers become crisp and golden.
What temperature should I use for air fryer sausage rolls?
180°C is a good starting temperature for these mini filo sausage rolls.
How long do homemade sausage rolls take in an air fryer?
These mini rolls take approximately 12–16 minutes per batch at 180°C, although the exact time depends on their size and your air fryer.
Can I use puff pastry instead of filo?
Yes, but puff pastry has a different texture and thickness, so the cooking time may need adjusting.
Are filo sausage rolls lower in calories?
Filo pastry can be a lighter alternative to puff pastry, particularly when used with lean meat and a small amount of oil. However, the actual calorie content depends on the ingredients, quantities and portion size.
Can I prepare sausage rolls ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them ahead, cover and refrigerate promptly, and cook within the safe storage period of the raw meat ingredients.
How do I stop filo pastry from becoming soggy?
Avoid adding excess moisture to the filling, use a light coating of oil and leave space between the rolls while air frying.
Final Thoughts
These homemade air fryer filo sausage rolls with apple and sage bring together classic British flavours in a crispy, golden snack.
The combination of savoury pork, sweet apple and fragrant sage makes them a delicious choice for parties, family gatherings or a simple weekend treat.
Serve them warm with your favourite chutney and enjoy the satisfying crunch of freshly cooked filo pastry.