Air Fryer Sausage Balls: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air Fryer Sausage Balls are an easy and delicious snack or appetizer that can be made in just 6 to 20 minutes. They are made with a combination of sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix, and cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a golden, crispy exterior and a tender, tasty interior. The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled and the sausage balls can be frozen and reheated, making them a convenient option for any occasion.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for sausage balls in an air fryer depend on the size of the balls and the type of air fryer you are using. If you are using a Ninja Foodi PC & AC or a basket-style air fryer, you can fit about 9-10 two-inch balls. In the Ninja Foodi XL Indoor Grill, you can fit 18-20. The larger the sausage ball, the longer it will take to cook.

If you are cooking frozen sausage balls, you will need to add some extra time and possibly adjust the temperature down if they are browning too much on the outside before they are fully cooked on the inside. You can cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes. If you are cooking them from fresh, you can cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked all the way through.

Some recipes suggest cooking the sausage balls at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. However, this may vary depending on your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on them. You can also cook them at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, turning them over halfway through.

To ensure the sausage balls are cooked properly, you can use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 160 degrees Fahrenheit, or cut one open to make sure the meat is cooked through.

How to store and reheat

Storing your sausage balls correctly is important to ensure they remain edible and safe to eat. If you're not planning to eat your cooked sausage balls within two hours, they need to be refrigerated. To do this, place them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag and store them in the fridge for up to three days.

If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. To freeze cooked sausage balls, first, let them cool, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

To freeze uncooked sausage balls, form the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 30-60 minutes, then transfer the uncooked balls into an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer.

When you're ready to eat your frozen sausage balls, you can cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer, but you will need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

To reheat cooked sausage balls, you can use a microwave or an air fryer. To reheat in the air fryer, set the temperature to 320-325°F and heat for 15-18 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven.

Ingredients and alternatives

Sausage balls are a simple yet delicious snack that can be made with just three main ingredients: sausage, cheese, and biscuit/pancake mix. The specific quantities of each ingredient may vary depending on your preference and the number of sausage balls you intend to make. However, a common combination includes:

• 1 package of ground sausage meat (breakfast sausage, spicy sausage, Italian sausage, or any ground meat of your choice)
• 1 cup of shredded/grated cheese (cheddar, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or any variety you prefer)
• 1/4 cup of milk (or water) to help bind the mixture and prevent it from drying out
• 1 box of biscuit/pancake mix (Bisquick or a similar brand)
• Seasoned salt or other seasonings to taste

To prepare the sausage balls, simply combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, using your hands or a mixer to blend them thoroughly. You can adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. Once the mixture is ready, use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out individual sausage balls, rolling them gently to shape them into round balls. You can make them any size you like, but keep in mind that larger balls will take longer to cook.

If you plan to cook the sausage balls immediately, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (or follow your air fryer's specific instructions). Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the sausage balls in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not stacked on top of each other. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

You can also make these sausage balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use. To freeze, place the shaped sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper and freeze for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, where they will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, you can air fry them directly from frozen, adjusting the temperature and time as needed.

Preparation and shaping

To make sausage balls in an air fryer, you'll first need to prepare the sausage mixture. This typically includes ingredients like ground sausage, shredded cheese, pancake or biscuit mix, and milk or water to bind the mixture. You can also add seasonings like salt, pepper, thyme, sage, and rosemary to taste. Once you have your desired ingredients, combine them in a large bowl using your hands or a mixer until the mixture is well blended.

After the mixture is prepared, it's time to shape it into balls. You can use a cookie scoop or scoop them with your hands and roll them gently to round them out. The size of the balls can vary, but keep in mind that larger balls will take longer to cook. Aim for a consistent size so that they cook evenly. You can place the shaped balls on a lined baking sheet and freeze them for later use or proceed to cook them right away.

If you're freezing the sausage balls for later, place them in the freezer for about 2 hours or until frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to cook them, you don't need to thaw them; simply place them in the air fryer and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

When you're ready to cook the sausage balls, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (or 390°F for a crispier exterior). Spritz or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the sausage balls in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Air fryer sausage balls as an appetizer

Air Fryer Sausage Balls are an easy and delicious appetizer that can be made in just minutes. They are perfect for game day, a party, or even a savory breakfast. The air fryer gives them a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and tasty.

To make them, you will need just three simple ingredients: sausage, cheese, and biscuit or pancake mix. You can use any type of ground sausage, such as breakfast sausage, spicy sausage, Italian sausage, or even ground beef or turkey. For the cheese, shredded cheddar is a popular choice, but you can also use other varieties such as Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.

To prepare the sausage balls, simply combine the ingredients in a large bowl, using your hands to mix them well. You can also use a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Once the mixture is combined, roll it into balls, about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the uncooked balls and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag until you're ready to cook them.

When you're ready to cook the sausage balls, preheat your air fryer to 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, place the sausage balls inside, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of balls you're cooking.

Air Fryer Sausage Balls are a convenient and tasty option for any occasion. They can be served as an appetizer with dipping sauces such as spicy mustard, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or sweet chili sauce. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will leave your guests wanting more!

Frequently asked questions