These tasty Air Fryer Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are super easy to make! With flaky crescent dough wrapped around cheesy sausage, they are a perfect snack or appetizer.
Honestly, I can never just eat one! They disappear quickly at my house, especially when I serve them with a yummy dipping sauce. Who can resist those golden, gooey bites? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This gives the dish its meaty flavor. You can use Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage as alternatives. Just ensure it’s cooked and crumbled before mixing.
Cream Cheese: It adds a creamy texture. If you’re looking for lighter options, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Roasted Red Peppers: They bring sweetness and color to the dish. You can use fresh bell peppers if roasted peppers aren’t available. Just give them a quick roast at home.
Parmesan Cheese: I like using freshly grated for better flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, try pecorino or even nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Crescent Roll Dough: While the refrigerated dough is super convenient, you could use puff pastry if you want a flakier texture. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
How Do You Get the Crescent Rolls to Seal Perfectly?
Getting those rolls to seal well is crucial for keeping the filling inside. Here’s how to ensure they’re secure:
- When you spoon the filling, make sure not to overfill. About 1 tablespoon works best.
- Starting from the wide end of the triangle, gently roll it up, but don’t stretch the dough too much.
- Once rolled, pinch the edges tightly. You can even press them slightly with a fork for a decorative touch and a tighter seal.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly sealed crescents that won’t burst open during air frying!
How to Make Air Fryer Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup roasted red peppers (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Crescent Rolls:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- Cooking spray (for air frying)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You can whip up these tasty crescents in a quick span of time, making them perfect for a snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your crescents cook evenly and become nice and golden when you’re ready to fry them!
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, garlic powder, onion powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This filling is going to add so much flavor!
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Next, unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Carefully separate it into triangles, which will be used to wrap the delicious filling.
4. Fill the Crescents:
Take about 1 tablespoon of the sausage and cream cheese mixture and place it onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Be sure not to overfill them, or they will be hard to roll up!
5. Roll and Seal:
Now, roll the crescent dough starting from the wide end to the pointed end, making sure to enclose the filling fully. Pinch the edges together to seal them tight, so the filling doesn’t escape during cooking.
6. Air Fry the Crescents:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the filled crescents in a single layer in the basket, making sure to leave some space between them for proper cooking.
7. Cooking Time:
Air fry the crescents for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t get too dark!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the crescents from the air fryer. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a lovely touch. Serve warm and enjoy every bite of your Air Fryer Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute the breakfast sausage with any type of cooked sausage you prefer, like Italian or chicken sausage. Just make sure to season to taste, as different sausages have varying flavors.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to get them crispy again, or use the microwave if you prefer quicker results!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just assemble the crescents right before you’re ready to cook them. This will keep the dough from getting too soft and ensure they come out perfectly crispy!
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can add ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or even jalapeños for a kick. Just make sure any vegetables are cooked and drained well to avoid sogginess.
