Air Fryer Toad In The Hole

Air Fryer Toad in the Hole is a delicious British comfort-food classic featuring juicy sausages surrounded by a light, fluffy Yorkshire pudding batter. Cooking it in the air fryer makes the sausages beautifully browned and the batter golden and crispy around the edges while remaining soft inside. Serve it with rich onion gravy and vegetables for a satisfying family dinner.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 45–55 minutes
• Servings: 2–3
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: British

Ingredients

For the Toad in the Hole

• 6 pork sausages
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sunflower oil

For the Onion Gravy

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef or chicken stock
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. Place the flour in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Add the salt and black pepper.
3. Make a small well in the center and crack in the eggs.
4. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously.
5. Whisk for 2–3 minutes until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
6. Cover and allow the batter to rest for 15–20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for approximately 3 minutes, if your model requires preheating.
2. Choose a small, oven-safe baking dish that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket.
3. Add the vegetable oil to the dish.
4. Place the dish inside the air fryer and heat for 3–4 minutes, until the oil is hot.

Step 3: Cook the Sausages

1. Carefully remove the hot dish from the air fryer.
2. Arrange the sausages in a single layer in the hot oil.
3. Return the dish to the air fryer.
4. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, turning the sausages halfway through.
5. The sausages should be lightly browned on the outside. They will finish cooking with the batter.

Step 4: Add the Batter

1. Carefully pour the rested batter around the hot sausages.
2. Avoid pouring directly over the tops of the sausages.
3. Return the dish to the air fryer immediately.
4. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes.
5. Do not open the air fryer during the first 12 minutes, as the batter needs uninterrupted heat to rise.
6. Check that the batter is puffed, golden, and cooked through before removing.

Step 5: Prepare the Onion Gravy

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute.
4. Gradually pour in the stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Add Worcestershire sauce and black pepper.
6. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the gravy thickens.
7. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Carefully remove the toad in the hole from the air fryer.
2. Allow it to rest for 2 minutes.
3. Cut into portions and serve immediately.
4. Spoon warm onion gravy over the top or serve it on the side.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with creamy mashed potatoes.
• Pair with steamed peas, carrots, or green beans.
• Add roasted broccoli for extra vegetables.
• Serve with traditional British onion gravy.

Questions & Answers

Q1: What is Toad in the Hole?

Toad in the Hole is a traditional British dish made with sausages baked inside Yorkshire pudding batter. The batter rises around the sausages, creating a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy center.

Q2: Can I use frozen sausages?

It is best to thaw sausages completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This helps them brown evenly and cook safely.

Q3: Why didn’t my Yorkshire pudding batter rise?

The oil and baking dish need to be hot before adding the batter. Also, avoid opening the air fryer too early because a sudden temperature drop can prevent the batter from rising properly.

Q4: Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the batter several hours ahead and refrigerate it in a covered container. Whisk it briefly before using and allow it to come close to room temperature.

Q5: Which sausages work best for this recipe?

Traditional pork sausages work very well. Thick breakfast sausages or good-quality beef sausages can also be used, although cooking times may vary.

Q6: Can I make this recipe without an oven-safe dish?

No. You need a heat-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer basket and can safely hold the hot oil, sausages, and batter. Check your air fryer manufacturer’s instructions for compatible cookware.

Q7: How do I know when the batter is fully cooked?

The batter should be puffed, golden brown, and firm rather than wet or runny in the center. The sausages must also reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for pork or beef sausages.

Q8: Can I make Toad in the Hole with chicken sausages?

Yes. Chicken sausages work well, but make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q9: How should I store leftovers?

Allow the dish to cool and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours. Consume within 3 days.

Q10: How do I reheat leftover Toad in the Hole?

Place individual portions in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 4–6 minutes, until heated throughout. Avoid overheating because the batter can become dry.

Q11: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use a suitable gluten-free plain flour blend for the batter and gravy. The texture may be slightly different from the traditional version.

Q12: Can I freeze Toad in the Hole?

Yes. Allow it to cool completely, cut it into portions, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until piping hot.