These air fryer sausage tarts are a fantastic way to make use of any leftovers from the back of your fridge! When you’re willing to get a little creative, nothing has to go to waste, and that’s exactly what these delicious mini sausage and red onion tarts prove. The crispy, flaky puff pastry contrasts beautifully with the savoury sausage filling, while the sweet, caramelised red onion adds an extra layer of flavour that takes these tarts to the next level. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a fun party appetiser, or a light lunch, these air fryer sausage tarts are a crowd-pleaser and super easy to make.
What makes these air fryer sausage tarts even better is their versatility. You can customize the filling based on whatever you have in your fridge. Adding some grated cheese, chopped herbs, or even a dollop of mustard can take the flavour profile up a notch. The puff pastry acts as a perfect blank canvas, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and create a variety of tasty combinations. If you have leftover vegetables, throw them in for a more nutritious twist. This recipe is a great way to creatively use up whatever you have left over while still enjoying something delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply craving a snack, these air fryer sausage tarts are sure to impress. The combination of crispy pastry, savoury sausage, and sweet caramelised onion is a timeless classic that never disappoints. Plus, using the air-fryer ensures they cook quickly, with minimal mess. It’s the perfect recipe for those days when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 15 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer, mixing bowl and silicon moulds.
Ingredients for air fryer sausage tarts
2 sausages
1 roll of puff pastry
A red onion, peeled and sliced
1 egg, beaten
Method
First, take the pastry out of the fridge an hour before you’re ready to use it. Allowing the pastry to reach room temperature makes it much easier to work with, especially if it’s cold from the fridge. I tend to use store-bought puff pastry because it’s convenient and saves me a lot of time without compromising on taste. While the pastry is resting, I get started on preparing the filling.
I begin by cutting the sausages lengthwise and squeezing the sausage meat out of the casings. I place the sausage meat into a bowl, making sure it’s broken up and ready to use.
Once the pastry has reached room temperature, I roll it out slightly if needed and then cut out small circles. To ensure they are uniform in size, I use a small bowl as a guide. Then, I carefully place each pastry circle into the compartments of my silicone mould, which helps keep the pastry neat and allows for even cooking.
Next, I slice a red onion and place a small amount of it into the bottom of each pastry cup. The red onion adds a lovely sweetness to contrast with the richness of the sausage. I then spoon about a teaspoon of the sausage mixture into each mould and flatten it slightly to make sure it cooks evenly.
Before cooking, I brush the sides of the pastry with an egg wash to give them a golden, glossy finish. Then, I place the silicone moulds into the air fryer and set the temperature to 180°C, cooking for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Once cooked, I remove the moulds from the air fryer, gently pop the sausage tarts out, and place them on a cooling rack to let them cool before serving.
Tips for Air Fryer Sausage Trats
1. Use good quality sausage meat
Choose sausages with a nice fat content (around 15-20%) to keep the filling juicy and flavourful. You can remove the casings or buy sausage meat specifically for a smoother tart filling.
2. Prepare your pastry right
Use ready-made puff pastry for convenience and flaky layers. Make sure it’s thawed but still cold before you roll it out to prevent tearing and ensure crispiness.
3. Don’t overfill the tarts
Add a generous amount of sausage meat, but avoid overpacking the tart cases. This helps them cook evenly and prevents the pastry from getting soggy.
4. Preheat your air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for at least a couple of minutes to ensure even cooking and crisp pastry right from the start.
5. Line tart tins or use silicone moulds
Using tart tins or silicone moulds helps the pastry hold its shape during cooking and makes removing the tarts easier.
6. Cook in batches if needed
Avoid overcrowding the basket by cooking tarts in batches. This guarantees even heat circulation and perfectly cooked pastry and filling.
7. Check for golden pastry and cooked filling
Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp, and the sausage meat is cooked through (internal temp 75°C / 167°F).
8. Add cheese for extra flavour
Sprinkle grated cheddar or your favourite cheese on top halfway through cooking for a delicious melty topping.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature
Air fryer sausage tarts are perfect served fresh and warm, but they also taste great cooled for picnics or packed lunches.
With these tips, your air fryer sausage tarts will come out golden, juicy, and irresistible every time!
Similar recipes
If you love these easy air fryer sausage tarts then you might also like my air fryer mozzarella tarts or the air fried sausage burger recipe.
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