Air-Fryer Italian Sausage: Is It Possible?

Cooking Italian sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare this meal. It is a convenient method that requires little clean-up and no additional cookware. The air fryer can be used to cook the sausages to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. The cooking time and temperature can be adjusted based on the thickness of the sausages and personal preferences for doneness. It is a versatile cooking appliance that can be used for a variety of sausage types, including Italian sausages, breakfast sausages, bratwurst, and more.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for Italian sausages in the air fryer will depend on the type of sausage and the desired crispiness.

For thicker Italian sausages, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 360-400°F (180-204°C) for 3-5 minutes. Then, cook the sausages for 9-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you prefer your sausages extra crispy, you can cook them at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

For thinner Italian sausages, such as breakfast sausages, preheat the air fryer to 370-375°F (188-191°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the sausages. To ensure even cooking and browning, rotate the sausages every 5 minutes.

When cooking frozen Italian sausages in the air fryer, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving suggestions

Italian sausages are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some suggestions:

With Pasta

You can serve the sausages with pasta and marinara or pesto sauce. You can also add some veggies like peppers and onions to the dish.

As a Sandwich

You can serve the sausages in gluten-free hot dog buns or hoagie rolls, topped with bell peppers and onions. You can also add some marinara sauce and cheese to this combination.

As an Entree

You can serve the sausages alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and potatoes.

Keto Option

Italian sausages are typically low-carb, so they can be served with keto sides like cauliflower mash and roasted vegetables.

Seasoning

You can season the sausages with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or other spices to suit your taste and the dish you're serving them with.

Reheating and Storage

Leftover sausages can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the air fryer. They can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months and reheated directly from frozen in the air fryer.

How to reheat

To reheat Italian sausages in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 360–400°F. Let the sausages come to room temperature for a few minutes, then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Reheat for 4–5 minutes, or until the sausages are heated all the way through.

If you're reheating a full meal of Italian sausage, peppers, and onions, follow the same instructions, but increase the reheating time to 15 minutes at 400°F.

Can you cook frozen Italian sausage in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen Italian sausages in an air fryer. This is a quick and easy method for cooking juicy sausages with a crispy exterior.

How to Cook Frozen Italian Sausages in an Air Fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F for at least 3 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, skip this step.

Next, place the frozen Italian sausages into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not touching, as this will ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sausages in batches.

Cook the sausages for 12 to 17 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 7 to 10 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the model of your air fryer and the size of the sausages.

The sausages are done when they have a golden-brown exterior and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the sausages are cooked to this temperature to ensure food safety.

Once the sausages are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the sausages even more flavorful.

Serving Suggestions:

• Slice the sausages and toss them into a pasta dish with your favorite sauce.
• Make a hearty sausage sandwich with sautéed peppers and onions.
• Serve the sausages with a crisp salad for a low-carb meal option.
• Cut the sausages into bite-sized pieces and add them to a breakfast scramble or frittata.

Storing Leftovers:

Leftover sausages can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

Tips for Best Results:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space out the sausages to allow for even cooking.
• Flip the sausages halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• Preheat the air fryer if it has that function, as this will help shorten the cooking time and ensure more even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausages, rather than cutting into them and losing those juicy flavors.
• Let the sausages rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy.

What to serve with Italian sausages

Italian sausages are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vegetables

Sautéed, grilled, or roasted vegetables such as peppers, onions, broccoli, eggplant, squash, zucchini, and potatoes make a great side dish for Italian sausages. You can also serve them with a salad, such as a butter lettuce salad or a mandarin orange salad.

Breads

Italian crusty bread, garlic bread, cornbread, or oat rolls are all great options to serve with Italian sausages. You can also make a sandwich with the sausage and bread, or serve it with mac and cheese or baked beans.

Pasta

Pasta is always a good option to serve with Italian sausages. You can go for a classic marinara sauce or pesto, or try something different like an Italian antipasto pasta salad.

Rice and Polenta

Polenta is a quick and easy side dish that goes well with Italian sausages. You can also serve them with steamed rice or risotto.

Cheese

A cheese board or platter can be a fun and light option to serve with Italian sausages. You can also stuff the sausages with string cheese or serve them with mac and cheese.

Other Sides

Some other unique options include fava bean stew, braised fennel, potato salad, rosemary and garlic baked potato wedges, applesauce, or baked beans.

Frequently asked questions