Air Fryer Sausage: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-free way to make a delicious meal. Air fryers are versatile, and you can cook a variety of sausages in them, from thin breakfast sausages to thicker Italian sausages, and even frozen sausages. The high heat of an air fryer crisps the skin of the sausages, resulting in a juicy and flavourful sausage with a brown and crispy exterior.

Cooking times and temperatures

When cooking sausages in an air fryer, it is not necessary to add any extra oil as the grease in the sausage will be sufficient. However, if you are cooking vegetables or other types of sausages, such as chicken or turkey sausages, you may need to add a small amount of olive oil to the air fryer basket before adding the food.

It is also recommended to poke holes in the sausage casings to allow the fat to escape easily and to flip the sausages halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. The sausages are done when they are well-browned on the outside and have an internal temperature of 160 °F.

Some people also recommend preheating the air fryer for about 3 minutes before adding the food, especially if you are cooking vegetables along with the sausages. This helps to ensure that the food cooks evenly and efficiently.

Cleaning

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-free method that delivers juicy, evenly cooked, and browned sausages. The air fryer can be used like a mini oven to cook not just sausages but also other foods such as chicken, fish, and vegetables.

When it comes to cleaning your air fryer after cooking sausages, there are several methods you can use to make the process easier. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you effectively clean your air fryer:

• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Before placing the sausages in the air fryer, line the bottom of the basket or tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will catch any grease, fat, or drippings from the sausages, making cleanup much easier. Simply remove and discard the parchment paper or foil after cooking, and give the air fryer a quick wipe if needed.
• Non-Stick Trays: Some air fryers, such as the Ninja AF400, have non-stick trays that are relatively easy to clean. After each use, wash the trays with hot water and washing-up liquid. Soaking the trays in hot water and detergent for a while can also help loosen any stubborn grease or residue.
• Silicone Inserts: There are silicone inserts available for some air fryer models. These inserts can help contain the mess and make cleanup easier. However, it is important to check if the crisping plate can still be used with the silicone insert, as it may interfere with its placement.
• Avoid Piercing Sausages: Contrary to some recipes, avoid piercing holes in your sausages before air frying. Piercing the sausages can cause the juices to seep out, leading to a dry sausage and a mess at the bottom of your air fryer.
• Clean After Each Use: To prevent grease and residue buildup, it is recommended to clean your air fryer after every use. This will make the cleaning process much easier and help maintain the performance and longevity of your appliance.
• Quick Wipe: For light cleaning, a simple wipe-down of the air fryer basket or tray may be sufficient. This is especially true if you have used parchment paper or foil to catch the grease.
• Soaking and Detergent: For more thorough cleaning or to tackle stubborn grease, fill the air fryer tray with hot water and detergent. Let it soak for a while, then use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe away any remaining residue.
• Crisping/Hot Plate: If your air fryer has a crisping or hot plate with holes in it, make sure to clean this component as well. Fat and grease can accumulate on this plate, so it is important to keep it clean and free of debris.
• Safety with Aluminum Foil: If using aluminum foil in your air fryer, ensure you follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. Improper use of foil can potentially block airflow or come into contact with heating elements, creating safety hazards.
• Avoid Pre-Heating: Unlike a traditional oven, an air fryer does not require pre-heating. This not only saves time but also reduces the amount of grease buildup in your appliance, as you are cooking for a shorter duration.

By following these steps and adapting them to your specific air fryer model, you can effectively clean your air fryer after cooking sausages. Remember to refer to your air fryer's user manual for any model-specific cleaning instructions or precautions.

Sausage types

Sausages are a staple in many cuisines and cultures, and there are numerous types of sausages to choose from when cooking with an air fryer. Here are some popular sausage types to consider:

Italian Sausages

A popular choice for air fryer cooking, Italian sausages are typically made from pork and seasoned with various herbs and spices. They can be found in mild or hot varieties, depending on your preference for spice. Italian sausages are often linked and sold raw, so they are perfect for cooking in the air fryer.

Bratwurst

A German sausage variety, bratwurst, or "brat," is made from veal, beef, or pork. The recipe for bratwurst varies across different regions of Germany, resulting in over 40 varieties. Bratwurst can be cooked in a pan, over coals, or on a grill, and it is typically served as a snack in a bread roll with mustard or alongside a pretzel.

Weisswurst

Another German sausage, the Weisswurst, or "white sausage," is made from minced veal and back bacon without preservatives. It gets its name from the off-white color it turns when cooked. Weisswurst is typically bathed in water just below boiling to avoid splitting and is served as a snack after breakfast or before lunch, accompanied by a pretzel, sweet mustard, and beer.

Blutwurst

Also known as blood sausage, blutwurst is a German delicacy made with pork rind, blood, and barley. It is typically sold already cooked and is served warm. Blutwurst can be enjoyed as a sandwich or on an open roll with mustard.

Andouille Sausage

Originating from South Louisiana, Andouille sausage is a Cajun pork sausage that is usually smoked and heavily seasoned with garlic. It is a key ingredient in regional Cajun and Creole dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice.

These are just a few examples of the many types of sausages that can be cooked in an air fryer. Each variety offers a unique blend of flavors and cultural heritage, adding to the versatility and enjoyment of sausage dishes.

Pre-cooking preparation

Sausages can be cooked in an air fryer, and the preparation is relatively simple.

Firstly, decide on the type of sausage you want to cook. You can use an air fryer to cook any kind of sausage, from thin breakfast sausages to thicker Italian or Bratwurst sausages. You can even cook frozen sausages in the air fryer, although you may want to defrost them first to reduce the cooking time.

Next, prepare your sausages. If you are using fresh or thawed sausages, use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings to allow the fat to escape. This step can be skipped if you are using frozen sausages, as the holes may cause the sausage to break apart during cooking. If you want to add some extra flavor to your sausages, you can brush them with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper, or any other spices of your choice.

If you plan to cook vegetables with your sausages, now is the time to prepare them. Cut peppers and onions into one-inch strips, then toss them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, and different types of seasonings.

Finally, preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 350-400 °F, depending on your preference and the type of sausage you are cooking. If you are cooking vegetables first, you may want to start at a lower temperature and increase it when you add the sausages.

Sides and pairings

Sausages cooked in an air fryer are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and dishes. Here are some ideas for sides and pairings to complement your juicy, golden brown air-fried sausages:

Sides

• Roasted vegetables: Cauliflower, broccoli, or potatoes make great sides and are especially good for those following a keto diet.
• Air-fried vegetables: Try air-fried zucchini, okra, mushrooms, or broccoli rabe as a side dish.
• Hash browns: For a mid-morning meal, pair your sausages with crispy hash browns.
• Slow-cooked cannellini beans: Simmer these in a rich tomato sauce for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
• Rice: Sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic served with rice make for a quick and easy dinner.

Pairings

• Pasta: Slice your sausages and toss them with your favorite pasta and a generous helping of marinara or pesto sauce. Gnocchi and red lentil pasta are also great options.
• Sandwiches: Fill a crusty loaf of French bread or a gluten-free hot dog bun with sausages, peppers, and onions for a classic pairing.
• Pizza: Use sliced sausages as a delicious pizza topping.
• Breakfast: Air-fried sausages go well with scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, pancakes, toast, and fresh fruit for a hearty breakfast spread.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations!

Frequently asked questions