Air-Fryer Cocktail Sausages: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking cocktail sausages in an air fryer is an easy and convenient way to prepare this snack. The air fryer is a great alternative to an oven, requiring less oil and resulting in a crispier texture. You can cook cocktail sausages in an air fryer in about 15 minutes, depending on the heat setting of your air fryer. You can also make a variety of recipes with cocktail sausages in an air fryer, such as honey mustard sausages or BBQ smokies.

Air fryer temperature settings

Yes, you can cook cocktail sausages in an air fryer. The temperature and time settings for cooking sausages in an air fryer vary depending on the type of sausage, the size, and the number of sausages being cooked.

For thin sausages, such as breakfast sausages, set the air fryer to 180°C or 350°F and cook for about 8-10 minutes. For thicker sausages, such as Bratwurst, cook at the same temperature for 15 minutes. For frozen sausages, adjust the time to 12 minutes. To ensure even cooking, make sure the sausages are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket and turn them over halfway through cooking.

Some recipes recommend cooking sausages at a higher temperature of 200°C or 400°F for a shorter time of about 10 minutes, then turning the sausages and cooking for an additional 7 minutes. This higher temperature setting helps to achieve a crispy brown crust on the outside of the sausages without drying them out. However, cooking at a lower temperature for a longer time may be preferable to avoid the risk of the sausage casings bursting.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model, the number of sausages being cooked, and personal preferences for doneness. Always preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes before cooking sausages, and consider piercing the sausages before cooking to prevent the skin from splitting and to drain excess fat.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for cocktail sausages in an air fryer can vary depending on the settings and heat of your air fryer, as well as the desired level of crispiness. On average, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to cook cocktail sausages in an air fryer.

For a basic cooking method, preheat your air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking. Set the timer for 10 to 15 minutes, turning the sausages every 5 minutes, until they are cooked through and golden brown. If you want to check if they are cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached 75 degrees Celsius in the middle.

If you are cooking honey mustard sausages, the cooking time remains relatively the same. Start by placing the sausages in a silicone air fryer case and spreading a mixture of honey, mustard, and maple syrup (along with a pinch of salt) over them. Then, cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the sausages are cooked and the skin is crispy.

For BBQ cocktail sausages, the cooking time is slightly shorter. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Place the sausages in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Then, baste them with a mixture of barbecue sauce and brown sugar, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Sausage skin crispiness

Achieving crispy sausage skin is a key benefit of cooking cocktail sausages in an air fryer. The air fryer is a great way to enjoy your favourite foods without as much oil, and it can make sausages incredibly crispy and full of flavour.

To achieve the best crispy skin, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This is because overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, and giving the sausages space means the skin will become crispy. You should also ensure the sausages are not touching by arranging them in a single layer. This will allow the heat to circulate properly.

To further ensure crispy skin, you can pierce the sausages a few times all over with a sharp knife. This is optional but will help to release more fat. You should also ensure that your air fryer is preheated—aim for a temperature of 175–200°C (350–400°F)—and cook the sausages for 10–15 minutes, turning them every 5 minutes, until they are cooked through. If you have a meat thermometer, check that they have reached 75°C in the middle.

One recipe for crispy honey mustard sausages involves spreading a marinade of honey, mustard, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt over the sausages before cooking them in the air fryer for 12–15 minutes. Another recipe for BBQ cocktail smokies involves basting barbecue sauce and brown sugar over the sausages and cooking for 2 minutes.

Sausage types and sizes

Sausages are a staple in many households and can be cooked in an air fryer with great results. You can cook cocktail sausages in an air fryer in about 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the heat setting. But what about the different types and sizes of sausages available?

Sausages are usually made from ground meat, typically pork or beef, with a skin or casing. This casing is traditionally made from intestine but can also be synthetic. Some sausages are cooked in their casings, while others have the casing removed after processing. Sausages are a traditional food preservation technique, with different varieties found worldwide.

Some common types of sausages include:

• Bratwurst - A classic sausage variety with a German origin dating back to 1313. It is made predominantly of pork and can be simmered in beer, butter, and onions before grilling.
• Chorizo - Originating from Spain, chorizo is now found in dozens of varieties worldwide, especially in former Spanish colonies. Spanish chorizo is made from pork flavoured with paprika, garlic, herbs, and wine. It is fermented, smoked, and air-cured, resulting in a salami-like texture. Mexican chorizo, on the other hand, is flavoured with chilis, vinegar, garlic, and other spices, and is typically ground without a casing and fried.
• Kielbasa - While in Poland, 'kielbasa' can refer to any type of sausage, in the United States, it specifically denotes a U-shaped sausage made of pork that is cured, ground, smoked, and dried.
• Boerewors - A South African sausage made of coarsely minced beef, sometimes mixed with pork or lamb, and preserved with salt and vinegar. It is flavoured with spices like coriander and nutmeg and is known for its continuous spiral shape.
• Longganisa - A spiced pork sausage with origins in Spain that has been spread and reinvented in various regions, including the Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and several South American countries. The Filipino longganisa alone has multiple varieties, such as the spicy longganisa de recado and the sweeter longganisa hamonado.
• Fermented Sausage - This type of sausage is created by salting chopped or minced meat to remove moisture, allowing beneficial bacteria to break down sugars and develop savoury flavours.
• Merguez - A fresh lamb-based or beef-based spicy sausage in Maghrebi cuisine.
• Kabanos - A thin, air-dried sausage originally made of pork and flavoured with caraway seeds.

These are just a few examples of the numerous sausage types and sizes available globally, each with its unique flavour, shape, and preparation method.

Marinade and sauce options

Marinating and saucing your cocktail sausages is a great way to add flavour and texture to your dish.

Honey mustard is a popular choice for a marinade, with many recipes suggesting a mixture of honey, mustard, and maple syrup, along with a pinch of salt. This marinade can be adjusted to your taste, with suggestions to replace the maple syrup with sweet chilli sauce, or brown sugar and Dijon mustard. You can also swap out the honey mustard sauce for a tangy BBQ sauce or spicy sriracha mayo. Adding herbs like rosemary and thyme can also enhance the flavour of the honey mustard marinade.

If you are using frozen sausages, it is recommended to let them defrost before adding the marinade to achieve optimal stickiness and flavour.

Another option is to cook your sausages and then baste them with a sauce. One recipe suggests whisking together barbecue sauce and brown sugar, basting the sauce over the sausages, and cooking for another 2 minutes.

The cooking time for your sausages will vary depending on the heat settings of your air fryer and the thickness of the sausages. Most recipes suggest cooking your sausages for around 10-15 minutes at 400°F or 200°Celsius.

Frequently asked questions