Air Fryer Sausage: Frozen To Cooked In Minutes

Yes, you can cook frozen sausages in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to cook sausages, taking less than 15 minutes in the air fryer. The process is simple: place the frozen sausages in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages and your air fryer model. You don't even need to preheat the air fryer or defrost the sausages beforehand. Just make sure to separate the sausages after a few minutes so they cook evenly, and check that they're cooked through before serving.

Air fryer frozen sausages: cooking times and temperatures

Air-frying frozen sausages is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this family favourite.

Yes, you can cook frozen sausages in an air fryer. There's no need to defrost them first—just pop them straight into the air fryer!

Frozen sausages will take around 12 to 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer, depending on their thickness. Thicker sausages will take a bit longer and are cooked at a lower temperature than thinner sausages.

Preheat your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius for thicker sausages, or 390 degrees Fahrenheit for thinner sausages.

Step-by-step guide to cooking frozen sausages in an air fryer:

• Place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket. If they are stuck together, don't worry—they will defrost in the air fryer and you can separate them after a few minutes.
• Cook for 3 minutes to defrost, then separate the sausages using a fork.
• Redistribute the sausages evenly across the air fryer basket so that heat and oil can circulate around them.
• Cook for 4 minutes, then rotate and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
• Check that the sausages are cooked through before serving. The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Tips for cooking frozen sausages in an air fryer:

• To avoid excessive smoke, add some water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. This will prevent the fat from the sausages from burning.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space for the air to circulate.
• You don't need to add oil when cooking frozen sausages in an air fryer.

How to serve air fryer sausages

So, you've cooked your sausages in the air fryer and now you're wondering how to serve them. Well, you're in luck! There are several ways to serve air fryer sausages, and they can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sandwiches and Rolls: Air fryer sausages can be served in a bun or roll with your favourite condiments and toppings. Why not try mustard and kraut (homemade red cabbage kraut, perhaps!) or even make a classic Swedish "flatbread roll" ("tunnbrödsrulle") where a very thin kind of flatbread is rolled around sausages, mashed potatoes, salad and ketchup.
• Chips: You could serve your air fryer sausages with chips for a classic, comforting meal.
• Rice and Pasta: Air fryer sausages go well with rice or pasta. Try them with some sautéed peppers, onions and garlic, or slice them up and throw them over some pesto spaghetti squash, red lentil pasta or even air fryer cauliflower gnocchi.
• Vegetables and Potatoes: Air fryer sausages can be served with a variety of vegetables and potatoes. Try them with easy air fryer frozen broccoli, air fryer okra or air fryer mushrooms, or even instant mashed potatoes or cheesy mashed potatoes.
• Casserole or Curry: You could throw your air fryer sausages into a casserole or curry dish, cooking them for a few minutes less so they are lightly browned first.
• Breakfast: Air fryer sausages are a great addition to breakfast. Serve them with eggs, or in a breakfast sandwich or roll.

There are plenty of options for serving air fryer sausages, so get creative and enjoy!

Tips for the best results

• To avoid excessive smoke, pour some water into the bottom of the air fryer basket. This helps to dilute the fat that drips from the sausages, which can otherwise burn.
• If your air fryer is prone to producing a lot of smoke, or if you start to see smoke, add some water to the bottom of the air fryer basket.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in a single layer and leave some space for the air to circulate around the sausages.
• If your sausages are stuck together, start by air frying them together for 2-3 minutes, then separate and spread them out.
• Use a meat thermometer to make sure they are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust the temperature depending on the thickness of the sausages to make sure they are cooked through but not burnt.
• If your sausages are stuck in the packaging, run a little cool water over the package for a few minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
• If you are cooking raw sausage in the air fryer, make sure the internal temperature is at least 165°F (74°C) before eating.
• If your sausage casings are bursting in the air fryer, turn the heat down.

How to store leftovers

Yes, you can cook frozen sausages in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to cook juicy and tender sausages without having to defrost them first.

Leftover sausages are best eaten within a few days as they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. Here are some detailed instructions for storing and reheating leftovers:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Do not re-freeze the leftovers.
• Leftovers are best cut into bite-sized pieces and pan-seared with some potatoes or vegetables.
• Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for a few minutes, or until heated through. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces before reheating for better results.
• Ensure that the sausages are piping hot before serving.

What type of sausages to use

Sausages are a versatile food, and you can use any type of sausage in the air fryer. Whether they are thin or thick, breakfast sausages or Italian sausages, pork, chicken, turkey, or lamb, the air fryer is a great way to cook them.

The only difference when using different types of sausages is the temperature and cooking time. Thinner sausages will cook quicker at a higher temperature, and thicker sausages will take longer and be cooked at a lower temperature. For example, thin sausages can be cooked at 390°F (200°C) for 12-14 minutes, while thicker sausages should be cooked at 360°F (180°C) for the same amount of time.

You can also cook frozen sausages in the air fryer, which is a great option if you're short on time or forgot to defrost them. The cooking time will be a bit longer, and you'll need to separate them halfway through so that they cook evenly.

No matter which type of sausage you choose, the air fryer will give you a beautiful crispy golden brown exterior with a juicy, succulent centre.

Frequently asked questions