Air-Fryer Sausages: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to make a popular meal. It is also a more compact way of cooking, making it perfect for cooking for one or two people. You can cook any type of sausage in an air fryer, including beef, pork, chicken, and veggie sausages. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the sausages, but generally, it takes around 10-15 minutes at 180°C/350°F. You don't need to add any extra oil when cooking sausages in an air fryer, and the instant heat helps to seal in the juices, leaving the sausages crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Should you pierce sausages before air frying?

It is not necessary to pierce sausages before air frying them. In fact, some recipes explicitly advise against it, noting that piercing the sausages will cause the fat and juices to escape, resulting in dry sausages. However, other recipes do recommend piercing the sausages a few times with a sharp knife to release more fat. This is especially useful if you want to avoid smoking, as cooking sausages can produce a lot of smoke due to their high-fat content.

If you do decide to pierce the sausages, be sure to place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of your air fryer to catch the drippings, making cleanup easier. Alternatively, you can use aluminium foil, but be sure to follow the instructions for safe use in an air fryer.

How long do sausages take in an air fryer?

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a popular meal. The cooking time for sausages in an air fryer depends on the type of sausage you are cooking and how many you are cooking at the same time.

For thinner sausages, like breakfast sausages, you should cook them for around 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). For thicker sausages like Brats or Italian sausages, you should cook them for 9-12 minutes at the same temperature. If you are cooking regular-sized sausages, such as chipolatas, you should cook them for 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F), turning them over halfway through. If they are not browned all over, return them to the air fryer for a further 2 to 3 minutes.

If you are cooking frozen sausages, you can cook them straight from frozen. However, you should reduce the temperature and time by 20% when cooking frozen sausages.

It is recommended that you arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket and ensure that they are well-browned and no longer pink inside before serving.

Can you cook sausages straight from frozen?

Yes, you can cook sausages straight from frozen in an air fryer. It is a quick and convenient method that saves you time and ensures even cooking. The process is simple and can be done in 12 to 20 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature ranges from 350°F to 400°F (180°C) to (200°C). Preheat for at least 5 minutes.
• Place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket. If your sausages are stuck together, you can air fry them for 2-3 minutes before separating them. It is not necessary to defrost them before cooking.
• Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. This step is optional, but it can help enhance browning and crispiness.
• Cook the sausages for about 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the desired doneness and the model of your air fryer. For thinner sausages, cook at a higher temperature for a shorter time, and for thicker sausages, use a lower temperature for a longer time.
• Flip the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Use tongs or a heat-resistant spatula to carefully remove the sausages from the air fryer.
• Check the internal temperature of the sausages with a food thermometer to ensure they are cooked thoroughly. Pork sausages should reach a minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), while chicken or turkey sausages should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Let the sausages rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful and juicy sausages.

Your sausages are now ready to be served! You can enjoy them in a variety of ways, such as in sandwiches, with pasta, roasted vegetables, or any of your favorite meals.

What temperature should an air fryer be to cook sausages?

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a popular meal. The air fryer can be used like a mini oven to cook just about anything, and you can cook any type of sausage, including frozen ones.

The temperature you should cook sausages in an air fryer depends on the type of sausage and your desired outcome. Regular-sized sausages should be cooked at 180°C for 10 minutes, turning them over halfway through. If they are not browned all over, return them to the air fryer for a further 2 to 3 minutes. For fatter sausages, add a little more time, and for smaller sausages, such as chipolatas, reduce the cooking time.

If you want your sausages to have a crispy brown crust, you should cook them at a higher temperature of 400°F for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages. This higher temperature means they won't be in the air fryer for as long and are less likely to dry out.

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes, although this is not essential. You should also arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly.

What are the benefits of cooking sausages in an air fryer?

There are many benefits to cooking sausages in an air fryer. Here are some reasons why you might want to give it a go:

Quick and Easy

Air fryers are faster than cooking sausages in a mini-oven or on the stove. You can cook sausages in an air fryer in under 15 minutes, with some recipes suggesting they will be done in as little as 8 minutes. It is also a hands-free method of cooking, meaning you can walk away and tend to other chores.

Compact

Air fryers are a compact way of cooking, making them perfect if you are only cooking for one or two people.

No Oil Needed

Air fryers require no extra oil, meaning less mess and healthier sausages. The instant heat of the air fryer seals in the juices of the sausages, meaning there is no excess oil in the basket, and the sausages are moist and juicy.

No Splatter

Unlike cooking sausages in a pan, air fryers do not cause oil splatter. This means less mess and a safer cooking experience.

Even Cooking

Air fryers cook sausages evenly, with no patchy browning. They also brown the sausages without drying them out.

Minimal Smells

Air fryers produce minimal smells, leaving your home smoke-free and odour-free.

Lower Fats

Air frying sausages is a healthier option as the fat drains away and goes to the bottom of the basket.

Easy to Clean

Air fryers are easy to clean, with the basket catching any excess oil. Simply wipe out the excess oil with paper towel and wash as normal.

Frequently asked questions