Traditional British comfort food Toad in The Hole
A traditional British comfort dish, toad in the hole consists of sausages baked in a fluffy, golden Yorkshire pudding batter. This dish, which is typically prepared in an oven, has been modified for the Bake/Roast and Air Crisp features. With a fraction of the cooking time, the sausages are cooked to perfection with crispy edges and a light, airy batter.
Ingredients:
4 sausages (beef, or chicken)
2 large eggs
120 g plain flour
120 ml milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
2–3 tbsp sunflower oil (or vegetable oil with high smoke point)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment Needed
Ninja Foodi 15-in-1 (or similar multi-cooker/air fryer)
Cake tin or round baking dish (that fits in the Foodi)
Steaming rack (comes with the Foodi)
Mixing bowl & whisk
Instructions:
Make the batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, and milk until smooth and lump-free. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Let the batter rest while you prepare the sausages (this helps the batter puff up better).
Cook the sausages:
Place the sausages directly in the Foodi basket.
Select Air Crisp/Air Fry at 200–210°C for 12 minutes, turning halfway until browned.
Remove sausages to a plate.
Heat the oil:
Place the steaming rack inside the Foodi and put your cake tin on top.
Add 2–3 tbsp of sunflower oil to the tin.
Select Bake/Roast at 210°C for 7 minutes to preheat the oil. (The oil must be hot – this ensures the batter rises and crisps properly.)
Assemble the dish:
Carefully remove the lid and place the browned sausages into the hot oil.
Pour the batter over the sausages immediately.
Bake the Toad in the Hole
Select Air Crisp/Air Fry at 210°C and cook for 20 minutes without opening the lid.
The batter should puff up and turn golden brown.
Serve:
Remove carefully and serve hot with onion gravy, peas, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Success:
Rest the batter: Letting it sit for at least 15–20 minutes helps it rise better.
Hot oil is key: Make sure the oil is sizzling before adding the batter – otherwise, it won’t crisp up properly.
Don’t open the lid: Opening too early can deflate the batter.
Different sausages: Try Cumberland, Lincolnshire, or chicken sausages for variety.
Variations:
Herby Batter: Add 1 tsp of dried thyme or rosemary to the batter.
Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle grated cheddar over the sausages before adding the batter.
Vegetarian: Use veggie sausages and swap sunflower oil for olive oil.
Mini Versions: Cook in silicone muffin molds for individual “toads.”
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: ~520 kcal Protein: 23 g Carbohydrates: 35 g Fat: 32 g Fiber: 2 g Sodium: 780 mg (Values vary based on sausage type.)
Final Thoughts:
Replicating a traditional British dish without using an oven is simple with this Air Fryer rendition of Toad in the Hole. Every time, golden, crispy batter and uniformly cooked sausages are guaranteed with the air fryer feature. Serve it with a side of greens and onion gravy for a filling, modern-yet-traditional family supper.