Air-Fryer Sausage Links: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Yes, you can cook sausages in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to cook them! You can prepare this breakfast favourite with minimal effort and in about 10-15 minutes. Whether you're making a busy breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or a quick dinner, this air fryer sausage recipe promises to deliver mouth-watering results with minimal fuss.

The air fryer method is a game-changer for those who want a healthier option, as it reduces the need for excess oil. It's also a more hands-off approach, as you don't have to stand over the stove constantly turning the sausages.

You can use any raw sausages you prefer, whether they're pork, chicken, turkey, vegetarian, or even plant-based.

Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

- Sausage links (fresh or pre-cooked)

Instructions:

- Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F.

- Place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch.

- Cook for 9-12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the sausages halfway through.

- The sausages are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and are crispy on the outside.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy sausages!

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook sausages, as they require little preparation and minimal cleanup. They also free up space on your stovetop and reduce the amount of grease splatter.

The ideal temperature for cooking sausages in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your sausages and the number of sausages being cooked. On average, it takes around 10 minutes to cook sausages in an air fryer, but this can vary between 8 and 12 minutes. For example, thinner sausages like breakfast sausages will take around 8-10 minutes, while thicker options like brats or Italian sausages will need 9-12 minutes.

It is recommended to cook the sausages in a single layer to ensure even cooking. You can cook them straight from frozen, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted. For uncooked frozen sausages, cook at 350°F for 5 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for another 7-8 minutes. Precooked frozen sausages can be cooked at 350°F for 10 minutes.

To check if your sausages are done, look for a brown exterior. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 160°F.

How to arrange the sausages in the air fryer

When arranging sausages in an air fryer, it's important to ensure they are in a single layer, with space between each sausage. This is to allow the hot air to circulate freely and cook the sausages evenly. If you are cooking frozen sausages, they should be separated and not clumped together.

It's also important not to overcrowd the air fryer, as this can lead to uneven cooking and affect the texture of the sausages. If you are cooking for a large crowd, you may need to cook the sausages in batches. For oven model air fryers, you can likely fit 8-10 sausages in one layer. For basket models, you may be able to fit 5-8 sausages.

If you are cooking thicker sausages, like bratwurst or Italian sausages, you may need to adjust the arrangement accordingly.

How to store and reheat leftover sausages

Sausages are a delicious breakfast staple, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Here is a guide on how to store and reheat your leftover sausages to keep them tasting great.

Storing Leftover Sausages:

Leftover cooked sausages can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you won't be eating them within this time frame, you can freeze them. Wrap the sausages individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen sausages can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Leftover Sausages:

You can reheat sausages in an air fryer, microwave, stovetop, or oven. Here are some tips for each method:

• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350-355°F/180°C. Wrap the sausages in parchment paper and place them in the air fryer basket, crease-side down. Air fry for about 12 minutes. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the sausages from drying out.
• Microwave: Place the sausages on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to preserve moisture. Reheat in 30-second intervals on medium power until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet or frying pan on medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and the sausages to the pan, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching. Reheat the sausages for a few minutes on each side, adding a few tablespoons of water to the pan to create steam and prevent drying out.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C. Place the sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil and cover them loosely with foil. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Remember to always ensure that your sausages are thoroughly reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C to prevent any foodborne illnesses. Enjoy your delicious, crispy sausages!

Can you cook frozen sausages in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen sausages in an air fryer. It is a simple process and can be done in 15 minutes or less. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180°C) for at least 5 minutes.
• Place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket. If they are stuck together, don't worry. You can cook them together for 2-3 minutes, and then separate them.
• Cook the sausages for 3 minutes to defrost.
• Use a fork to separate the sausages and distribute them evenly across the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 4 minutes, then rotate and cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness and are evenly browned.
• Check that the sausages are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160-165°F (74°C).

You don't need to add any oil or cooking spray, as the sausages will cook evenly and become crispy due to the air fryer's circulating hot air. However, if you are using a lower-fat sausage, you can lightly brush the basket with oil or use a piece of parchment paper with holes to prevent sticking.

Cooking sausages from frozen in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to prepare a tasty meal with minimal fuss and cleanup.

What to serve with air fryer sausages

Yes, you can cook sausages in an air fryer. It is an easy, quick, and hands-off method to cook juicy and golden-brown sausages. The sausages are cooked in about 10 minutes, and you can cook them in batches if you need larger quantities.

Hearty Breakfast Classics:

• Eggs: Scrambled, poached, or any style of eggs you like.
• Hash Browns or Breakfast Potatoes: For a comforting, crispy element.
• Pancakes or Waffles: For a sweet and savoury mix. You can also drizzle maple syrup over the sausages.

Lighter Healthy Sides:

• Fresh Fruit: Berries, melon, or citrus fruits add a refreshing touch.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Bell peppers, onions, spinach, and other vegetables of your choice.
• Toast or English Muffins: Whole-grain toast or an English muffin with butter or jam.
• Bagels: Try a toasted bagel with cream cheese.
• Sandwich: Slice two sausages lengthwise, place them on buttered bread, drizzle ketchup, and top with another slice of bread.

You can also serve air-fried sausages with:

• Rice
• Pasta
• Salad
• Buns

Frequently asked questions