How To Cook Frozen Sausages In An Air Fryer

Cooking sausages from frozen in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a meal. It takes less than 20 minutes to cook frozen sausages in an air fryer, and the results are evenly cooked sausages with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air evenly around the food ensures consistent cooking throughout, eliminating the common issues of undercooked or overcooked spots. This method is also healthier than traditional frying as it uses less oil, resulting in a reduced-calorie meal.

Cooking times for frozen vs thawed sausages

Sausages can be cooked from frozen in an air fryer, and it is a quick and simple process. Frozen sausages will take 12 to 15 minutes to cook in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the sausages and how many are being cooked. For example, thinner sausages will cook quicker at a higher temperature, and thicker sausages will take longer and should be cooked at a lower temperature.

To cook sausages from frozen, first preheat the air fryer to 350°F/180°C for at least five minutes. Place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are distributed evenly so there is enough room for the heat and oil to circulate around each sausage. If the sausages are frozen together, air fry them together for two to three minutes, then separate them and continue cooking. Cook the sausages for four minutes, then rotate and cook for another four to six minutes, or until they reach the desired level of crispiness and are browned evenly. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Thawed sausages can be cooked in an air fryer in 8 to 12 minutes, depending on their thickness. For fresh or thawed sausages, use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings. However, it is important to note that by piercing the casing of the sausage, moisture and fat can escape, resulting in a drier piece of meat.

Different types of sausages

Yes, you can cook sausages from frozen in an air fryer. They will turn out juicy and tender, with a crispy browned skin. It is a simple process that can be done in 12 to 15 minutes.

Now, let's talk about the different types of sausages you can cook in your air fryer.

German Sausages

Germany is famous for its sausages, and for good reason. German sausages, or wursts, come in a wide variety of types and flavours. Some of the most well-known German sausages include:

• Currywurst: A type of sausage from North Germany that is often served with curry ketchup.
• Weisswurst: A short and thick white sausage that is a Munich speciality. It is made with calf's meat, pork back fat, beaten egg whites, and cooking salt. It is boiled and served with sweet mustard, pretzels, and white beer.
• Stockwurst: Very similar to the Weisswurst, but made primarily with beef, giving it a heartier taste. It is also boiled and served with mustard and pretzels.
• Barbecue Sausage: A small and thin pork sausage that is grilled until it has a crispy, brown exterior.
• Gelbwurst: Also known as the "yellow sausage", this sausage gets its name from the yellow skin that surrounds it. In earlier times, the casing was made from pigs' intestines that had been dyed with saffron water.

International Sausages

There are also many different types of sausages from around the world, including:

• Kielbasa: A Polish sausage that is perhaps the most famous of all Polish sausages. It is known for its robust flavour and versatility. It is typically made with garlic, marjoram, and sometimes mustard seeds, and has a coarsely ground texture and a rich, smoky taste.
• Kabanos: A thin, air-dried sausage from Poland that is flavoured with caraway seed and made with pork.
• Merguez: A fresh, spicy lamb-based sausage from Maghrebi cuisine.
• Sardelka: A small, thick sausage from Russia that is similar to a frankfurter.
• Seftalia: A Cypriot sausage made with minced meat, usually sheep or pork, wrapped in reticulate fat. It is seasoned with salt, pepper, and oregano and is sold raw, intended to be slowly grilled or fried in olive oil.
• Urutan: A traditional Balinese smoked or air-dried sausage made from pork stuffed into pig intestines.
• Kaminwurz: An air-dried and cold-smoked sausage made with beef and fatback or pork in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy. It can also be made with lamb, goat, or venison.
• Salami: A type of sausage that is air-dried and solid in consistency, intended to be sliced very thinly. It is typically made with pork.
• Chorizo: A Spanish smoked sausage that is often used in charcuterie.
• Sai Ua: A grilled pork sausage from Thailand.
• Sweetbread Spleen Sausage: A type of sausage from Munich made with little pieces of sweetbread. It is typically fried in slices in a frying pan, covered in breadcrumbs, or roasted in a roasting pan.

How to defrost frozen sausages

You can cook sausages from frozen in an air fryer, and they will defrost during the cooking process. This method works for raw frozen sausages or previously cooked frozen sausages.

To cook frozen sausages in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 350°F–400°F (180°C) for at least 5 minutes. Place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket. It is fine if the sausages are frozen together. To prevent them from sticking, you can use spray oil on the basket or line the basket with parchment paper.

Cook the sausages for 3–4 minutes, then separate them and continue cooking. Use a fork to distribute them evenly across the air fryer, ensuring there is enough room for the heat and oil to circulate around each sausage. A staggered formation is great for air circulation.

Cook the sausages for another 4–6 minutes, rotating them halfway through, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness and are browned evenly. The sausages are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Thinner sausages will cook quicker at a higher temperature, and thicker sausages will take a bit longer at a lower temperature.

Pre-cooked frozen sausages

The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the sausages. Thinner sausages will cook quicker at a higher temperature, while thicker sausages will take longer at a lower temperature. You can adjust the temperature to ensure they are cooked through without burning. The sausages are ready to be served once they reach an internal temperature of 165 °F.

Sausage and smoke in the air fryer

Sausages are a versatile food that can be cooked in many ways, but cooking them in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient method. You can cook frozen sausages in an air fryer without having to defrost them first, and they will still turn out browned and juicy. This method works for any type of sausage, including raw frozen sausage or previously cooked frozen sausage, and it will take less than 15 minutes.

To cook sausages from frozen in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket; it is okay if they are stuck together. If you are using cooking spray, give the air fryer basket a quick spritz to prevent the sausages from sticking. To keep them from sticking together, you could also use spray oil on the sausages or line the basket with parchment paper.

Cook the sausages for 4 to 6 minutes, then rotate them and cook for another 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages. Thinner sausages will cook quicker at a higher temperature, and thicker sausages will take a bit longer at a lower temperature. The sausages are done when they have a nice, golden-brown exterior and the internal temperature reaches 160°F to 190°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure they are cooked through.

If your air fryer is prone to producing a lot of smoke, add some water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. When the fat drips off the sausages, it can burn and create smoke. You can also add a bit of water before cooking as a preventative measure.

Frequently asked questions