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

Cooking sausage patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty breakfast. Air fryers are a healthier option than traditional pan-frying, as they require less oil and produce less of a mess. You can use frozen or fresh sausage patties, and the cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the type of air fryer basket used. The patties are cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and no thawing is required for frozen patties. The air fryer should be preheated to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time ranges from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the starting temperature of the patties and the desired level of crispiness.

Cooking times for frozen vs fresh sausage patties

Yes, you can cook sausage patties in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on whether the sausage patties are fresh or frozen, and also on the desired level of crispiness.

If you are cooking fresh sausage patties, you should preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Grease the inside of the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the sausage patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–12 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 165°F (74°C). If you are using a solid tray, flip the patties halfway through cooking.

Frozen sausage patties can be cooked directly from frozen. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Place the frozen patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Close the basket and cook for 4 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through. Then, cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the desired level of crispiness is reached.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model, so adjustments may be necessary.

Preheating the air fryer

Temperature Setting:

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). This temperature allows the sausage patties to cook through evenly and achieve a nice crispy texture. However, if you prefer your patties on the softer side, you can set the temperature lower, around 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit (180-190 degrees Celsius).

Preheat Time:

After setting the temperature, allow your air fryer to preheat for about 3 minutes. This timing ensures that your air fryer reaches the desired temperature and is ready for cooking. The preheat time can vary slightly between different models of air fryers, so it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions.

Greasing the Basket:

Once your air fryer has preheated, it's essential to prepare the cooking surface. Use a nonstick cooking spray to grease the inside of the air fryer basket lightly. This step ensures that your sausage patties don't stick to the surface and helps create a barrier between the food and the cooking surface.

Arranging the Sausage Patties:

Place the sausage patties in a single layer inside the greased air fryer basket. Make sure they are spaced evenly and not overlapping. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate around each patty, ensuring even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Temperature Adjustment:

Depending on the type of sausage patties you're cooking, you may need to adjust the temperature setting slightly. For example, if you're cooking frozen patties, they may require a slightly lower temperature or a few extra minutes of cooking time. Fresh sausage patties will cook faster, so you may need to reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Safety Precautions:

Always exercise caution when handling the air fryer, especially after preheating, as the appliance can get very hot. Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when placing the sausage patties into the air fryer to avoid any burns. Additionally, ensure that your cooking area is well-ventilated to prevent any smoke buildup from the cooking process.

Flipping the patties

Flipping the sausage patties halfway through the cooking process is recommended by some sources, while others suggest that it is unnecessary. If you are using a solid tray, you should flip the patties halfway through cooking. Air fryers with a standard basket or tray with holes allow hot air to flow evenly around the food, eliminating the need to flip the patties.

If you are using frozen patties, you should air fry them directly from their frozen state. Most packages will state "cook from frozen" or "do not thaw". If you are using fresh patties, you can air fry them as is.

The cooking time for sausage patties in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of doneness and the type of air fryer basket or tray used. On average, fresh patties take between 8 and 10 minutes to cook, while frozen patties take between 10 and 15 minutes. For a flexible but cooked sausage patty, cook for about 2–3 minutes. If you prefer your patties crispier, increase the cooking time to 5–7 minutes.

To ensure even cooking, it is important to space out the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding any overlap or stacking. This allows for maximum airflow and even cooking.

Once the patties are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the patties moist and juicy.

You can then serve the sausage patties with your choice of sides, such as eggs, toast, or waffles, or use them in sandwiches or burgers.

Internal temperature of the sausage

The ideal internal temperature for cooked sausage patties is between 160°F and 165°F (70°C and 74°C). This temperature kills off harmful bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, which may be present in the raw meat. Using an instant-read or meat thermometer, check that the sausage patties have reached this temperature before serving. Insert the thermometer into the centre of a patty to get an accurate reading.

If you are cooking fresh sausage patties in an air fryer, they will likely be ready within 8-10 minutes. Frozen patties will take a little longer, around 10-15 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and how crispy you like your sausage patties.

Once the sausage patties have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavourful.

Remember, it is important to ensure that meat products are thoroughly cooked to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Storing and reheating the patties

Storing your sausage patties is simple. First, let them cool to room temperature to prevent condensation and stop them from going soggy. Then, wrap the patties in foil or place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. If you're stacking them, put a piece of parchment paper between each patty to prevent them from sticking together. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or freeze them for up to 6 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your patties again, there are several ways to reheat them while maintaining their texture and moisture content. The key is to ensure they're heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

If you're using an oven, preheat it to 325°F (163°C) and place the patties on a baking sheet. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Wrapping them in foil will help retain moisture.

You can also use a stovetop or microwave, but be careful to avoid drying out the patties. If you're reheating frozen patties, defrost them in the fridge first.

Frequently asked questions