Air-Frying Ground Sausage: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking ground sausage in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-free method that delivers juicy, golden-brown sausages with a crispy exterior. The air fryer can be used like a mini oven to cook the sausages, with the added benefit of not having to watch, flip, or stir them. The cooking time is short, ranging from 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness and number of sausages, and the air fryer temperature is typically set to 380-400°F. This cooking method is versatile, accommodating various types of sausages, including Italian, bratwurst, and breakfast sausages, and allowing for customization with different seasonings and meat preferences.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for ground sausage in an air fryer depend on the type of sausage and your desired level of doneness.

For breakfast sausage patties, cook at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should be at least 145°F. If you prefer your sausages well-browned, you can increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for 8-12 minutes. For thinner sausages, the cooking time will be shorter, around 8-10 minutes. If you like your sausages extra crispy, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the sausages, as well as the specific air fryer model. To ensure your sausages are cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 160°F for cooked sausages.

Additionally, if you're cooking frozen sausages, you can cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted, and it's important to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

How to cook from frozen

Yes, you can cook ground sausage in an air fryer from frozen. It is a simple process that can be done in 12 to 20 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390 °F (thin sausages) or 360 °F (thick sausages) for 5 minutes. If your sausages are frozen together, you can preheat the air fryer to 350 °F/180 °C for at least 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Frozen Sausages

Place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket. It is okay if they are in a solid block. You do not need to add oil, but if you know that food tends to stick to your air fryer basket, you can add a spritz of cooking spray or line the basket with parchment paper.

Step 3: Cook the Sausages

Place the air fryer basket back into the air fryer and cook the sausages for 12 to 15 minutes. For the first 5 minutes, you can cook the sausages in a block. Then, remove the basket, separate the sausages, and redistribute them. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes. For thicker sausages, you can cook them for 6 to 7 minutes after separating them. If your air fryer starts to smoke, add some water to the bottom of the basket.

Step 4: Check the Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check that the sausages have reached an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). Adjust the temperature and cooking time depending on the thickness of the sausages to ensure they are cooked through but not burnt.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the sausages immediately. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days.

How to cook sausage patties

Yes, you can cook ground sausage in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook sausage patties in an air fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Some air fryers do not require preheating, so check your air fryer instructions. Grease the inside of the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. This step is optional, as the grease in the sausage patty means no extra oil is needed.

Next, arrange the sausage patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If using frozen patties, cook them straight from frozen. Fresh patties can be air-fried as they are. If your patties are fresh, use a fork or paring knife to poke holes in the casings to allow the fat to escape.

Now, cook the patties in the preheated air fryer for 8-12 minutes. If your patties are thinner, they may take less time, around 5-10 minutes. If you are using a solid tray, you may want to flip the patties halfway through cooking. However, if you are using a standard air fryer basket with holes, flipping is unnecessary as the air will flow evenly around the patties.

Finally, check that your patties are cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of a patty should read at least 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit (70-74 degrees Celsius). If your patties are fully cooked, serve and enjoy. If not, return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes.

You can store any leftover patties in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, or freeze them for up to 6 months.

How to cook different types of sausages

Sausages are a versatile food that can be cooked in many ways, including in an air fryer. The benefit of using an air fryer is that it is hands-free, quick, and the sausages turn brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining juicy in the middle.

When cooking sausages in an air fryer, the process is generally the same, regardless of the type of sausage. However, the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the thickness of the sausages.

First, if your sausages are frozen, you can either defrost them or cook them straight from frozen. For fresh or thawed sausages, use a knife or fork to poke holes in the casings to allow the fat to escape. Then, arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little room between each sausage.

For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes. For thicker sausages, like bratwurst or Italian sausages, cook at the same temperature for 12-13 minutes, or until they are well-browned and cooked through. You can flip the sausages halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

For extra crispy sausages, cook them at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you are cooking sausage patties, cook them for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes. The internal temperature of the sausages should be a minimum of 160°F (70°C).

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand of sausage and your air fryer, so be sure to check the sausages regularly to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Additionally, while some sources suggest spraying the air fryer basket with oil before adding the sausages, this is not necessary, as the fat from the sausages will drain into the pan. However, if you are cooking vegetarian or leaner sausages, spraying them with oil may be beneficial.

How to store leftovers

Yes, you can cook ground sausage in an air fryer. It is a hands-free, quick, and convenient way to cook sausages, resulting in a brown and crispy exterior with a juicy interior. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the sausages and the temperature setting of the air fryer.

To ensure your leftover sausages stay fresh and safe to consume, follow these storage guidelines:

• Cooling: Once you have finished cooking your sausages, allow them to cool down to room temperature.
• Refrigeration: Place the cooled sausages in an airtight container or sealable bag and store them in the refrigerator. Chilled sausages should be kept in the fridge at a temperature between 1-4°C.
• Consumption Timeframe: Cooked sausages can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure to check the use-by date on the sausage packaging and consume them within that timeframe.
• Reheating: When reheating leftover sausages, ensure that they reach an internal temperature of 70°C and maintain that temperature for at least 2 minutes. This helps eliminate any harmful bacteria.
• Freezing: If you have a large batch of leftover sausages, consider freezing them to extend their shelf life. Wrap the sausages tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Defrosting: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen sausages again, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator to defrost thoroughly. Do not refreeze sausages after they have been defrosted.
• Leftover Recipes: Get creative with your leftovers! Leftover sausages can be transformed into delicious meals like casseroles, stews, ragus, jambalaya, or even picnic snacks like pastries, skewers, or rolls.

By following these simple steps, you can safely store and enjoy your leftover sausages, reducing food waste and creating tasty meals at the same time!

Frequently asked questions