Making homemade puffy dogs is simple and rewarding. These copycat Marathon puffy dogs are tastier than the frozen version and can be baked in the oven or cooked in the air fryer. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or an after-school snack.
If you love Marathon Puffy Dogs, try making them at home. Puffy dogs, also known as pigs in a blanket, come together quickly with just a few ingredients and taste far better fresh from your oven or air fryer.
All you need are three main ingredients: puff pastry, cocktail frankfurts or mini hotdogs, and an egg for an egg wash. For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or poppy seeds on top — optional but delicious.
You can prepare these in either an oven or an air fryer. The air fryer is a bit faster, but both methods produce flaky, golden pastry surrounding juicy mini sausages.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE…
- Homemade copycat of Marathon puffy dogs
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Works in both oven and air fryer
INGREDIENTS
Full measurements are listed in the recipe card below. The basic ingredients are:
- Mini hotdogs / cocktail frankfurts — known as “cheerios” in Australia. If you can’t find them, cut regular hotdogs in half or use little smokies.
- Frozen puff pastry sheet — thawed; you may substitute crescent roll dough or make your own pastry.
- Egg — lightly whisked for an egg wash to give the pastry a golden shine.
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything but the bagel seasoning, or poppy seeds.
INSTRUCTIONS
OVEN INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Cut the thawed puff pastry sheet into nine even squares. Place a mini hotdog horizontally across each square and roll the pastry around the hotdog, finishing with the seam side down on the tray.
Brush each roll with the egg wash and sprinkle on any optional toppings. Repeat with all pieces.
Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
AIR FRYER INSTRUCTIONS
Cut the puff pastry into nine even squares. Place a mini hotdog across each square and roll the pastry around it, placing each roll seam-side down.
Brush with egg wash and add optional toppings. Arrange the puffy dogs in a single layer in the air fryer basket — you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook at 200°C / 390°F for 7–10 minutes, checking around 5 minutes the first time you make them since air fryer times vary. They’re done when the pastry is puffed and golden. Serve immediately.
TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE
- Scale the recipe up or down to serve more or fewer people. The basic batch makes nine puffy dogs, suitable for sharing among three people as a snack.
- If mini hotdogs aren’t available, halve regular hotdogs to size them appropriately.
- When using an air fryer, check progress early since cook times can vary. Look for a golden, puffed crust as your doneness cue.
- Cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small; overcrowding prevents even browning.
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the air fryer until warmed through to restore crispness.
MORE GAME DAY TREATS
- Air Fryer Sausages
- Spinach and Ricotta Rolls
- Spinach and Feta Pinwheels
- Mini Bacon & Egg Pies
- Tomato and Feta Bruschetta
- Honey Roasted Peanuts
- Sweet and Salty Popcorn
- Easy Pizza Pinwheels
- Two Ingredient Dough Pretzel Bites
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📋 RECIPE
Puffy Dogs {Pigs in a Blanket}
9
5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
Making your own homemade puffy dogs couldn’t be easier. These copycat Marathon puffy dogs are more delicious than the frozen version. Bake or air-fry for a quick, crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed
- 9 mini hotdogs / cocktail frankfurts
- Egg, lightly whisked for egg wash
Optional toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Everything but the bagel seasoning
- Poppy seeds
Instructions
Oven
- Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cut the puff pastry sheet into nine squares. Place a mini hotdog across each square and roll to enclose it, placing seam-side down on the tray.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle optional toppings. Repeat with remaining pieces.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until puffed and golden. Serve warm with your favorite sauce.
Air fryer
- Cut the puff pastry into nine squares. Wrap each mini hotdog in pastry and place seam-side down.
- Brush with egg wash and add toppings if desired.
- Cook in the air fryer at 200°C / 390°F for 7–10 minutes, checking at about 5 minutes the first time you make them. They’re done when golden and puffed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust batch size to suit the number of guests. The recipe yields nine puffy dogs, a good snack portion for about three people.
- If mini hotdogs aren’t available, cut regular hotdogs in half.
- Air fryer models vary — monitor the first batch closely and adjust times as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the air fryer until heated through to restore crispness.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 257Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 525mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 9g