Air Fryer Italian Sausage: Frozen To Cooked Perfection

Cooking frozen Italian sausage in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and evenly cooked meal with minimal prep and cleanup. It's also a healthier option than traditional frying methods, as air frying uses less oil, resulting in fewer calories. You can use any variety of Italian sausage, such as mild, sweet, or spicy, and cook them from frozen without needing to thaw them first. The cooking time is typically around 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages, and you can season them with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or other spices to suit your taste.

How to cook frozen Italian sausage in an air fryer

Air-frying frozen Italian sausages is a quick and easy way to get juicy, evenly cooked sausages without the mess of pan-frying. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking frozen Italian sausages in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (some recipes suggest 400°F) for 3-5 minutes. If your air fryer does not require preheating, skip this step. If desired, spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with avocado oil or olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausages

Remove the Italian sausages from their packaging. It is okay if they are frozen in a solid block. Place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching for the most even cooking.

Step 3: Air Fry

Air fry the sausages for 12-14 minutes, checking on them after 2 minutes to separate any that are stuck together. After 6 minutes, flip the sausages and continue cooking for another 6-7 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. For extra crispy sausages, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Check Doneness

Check that the sausages are cooked through. The internal temperature of the sausages should reach at least 160°F, and up to 190°F. Use a digital meat thermometer to check.

Step 5: Serve

Once the sausages are cooked, serve them with your favorite sides and sauces. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Season the sausages with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or other seasonings of your choice.
• If your air fryer smokes, add a bit of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking.
• For thinner sausages, reduce the cooking time.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer and serve.
• To freeze cooked sausages, let them cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months and reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer.

No need to defrost

Cooking frozen Italian sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and evenly cooked meal with minimal prep and almost no clean-up. The best part? There's no need to defrost the sausages beforehand!

To cook frozen Italian sausages in an air fryer, first, remove the block of frozen sausages from their packaging. If they are stuck to the packaging, run some hot water where the sausages and packaging meet to loosen them. Place the sausages into the air fryer basket. It's fine if they are in a solid block, as they will separate as they cook. If you are using cooking spray, spritz the basket now to prevent the sausages from sticking and to make cleaning even easier.

Set the air fryer temperature to between 350°F and 400°F. If your air fryer doesn't require preheating, you can skip this step and simply place the basket into the air fryer and set the temperature and time. If your air fryer smokes, add a little water to the bottom of the basket to prevent this.

Cook the sausages for 5 minutes, then remove the basket and separate the sausages. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the sausages are browned and cooked through. The sausages will be perfectly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160°F to 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check.

Your frozen Italian sausages will be cooked and ready to serve in less than 15 minutes!

Temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking frozen Italian sausages in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the sausages and the model of the air fryer.

If your sausages are on the thinner side, set the air fryer temperature to 360°F (180°C). For thicker sausages, set the temperature to 390°F (200°C). If your sausages are 1.5 inches thick, you can cook them at 360°F for 12-13 minutes. If your sausages are thinner, reduce the cooking time. For extra crispy Italian sausages, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Some recipes suggest cooking frozen Italian sausages at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can also cook them at 400°F for five minutes, then separate the sausages and cook for another eight to 10 minutes.

The sausages are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F. It is best to use an instant-read thermometer to check this.

Seasoning and serving suggestions

Italian sausages are a versatile protein that can accompany many dishes. They can be served with fries or mashed potatoes, and a side of ketchup or barbecue sauce.

For a simple, yet tasty meal, you can cook the sausages with red peppers, marinara sauce, and a sprinkling of cheese. For a more complex dish, you can slice cooked Italian sausage and cook it with shrimp and vegetables in a skillet. You can also toss the sausage with marinara sauce over pasta, or use it in a frittata or mini quiches.

When it comes to seasoning, you can use Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also add fennel seeds or brush the sausages with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

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 straight from frozen in the air fryer.

Storing leftovers

When storing leftovers of cooked Italian sausage, follow these guidelines to ensure food safety and maintain the best quality:

Allow the Sausages to Cool: After cooking, let the sausages cool down to room temperature. Do not leave them at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can promote bacterial growth.

Store in Shallow Containers: Transfer the sausages to shallow, airtight containers. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Shallow containers allow the sausages to cool down quickly and evenly, preventing the growth of bacteria.

Refrigerate Promptly: Once the sausages are in their containers, refrigerate them promptly. Store the sausages in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back, to ensure they stay at a safe temperature. Consume within 3 to 4 days: Leftover Italian sausages should be consumed within 3 to 4 days of cooking.

Clearly label the container with the date of cooking and the date by which the leftovers should be consumed. This helps ensure you don't keep the sausages beyond their safe consumption period.

Freezing Leftovers: If you have a large batch of leftover Italian sausages and won't be able to consume them within the recommended 3 to 4 days, consider freezing them. Wrap the sausages tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe bags. Label the packages with the date, and consume the frozen sausages within 1 to 2 months for the best quality.

When storing and handling leftovers, always practice good food safety habits. Wash your hands before handling food, use clean utensils, and ensure your refrigerator is set to the appropriate temperature (40°F or below) to keep food safe. By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy your leftover air-fried Italian sausages for several meals!

Frequently asked questions