Air-Fryer Italian Sausage: Quick, Crispy, Juicy

Hot Italian sausage is a versatile protein that can be served with a variety of dishes. Cooking it in a pan can be messy and time-consuming. Using an air fryer, on the other hand, is a quick and easy way to cook juicy sausages with a crisp, brown exterior. It also requires minimal cleanup and no additional cookware.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for hot Italian sausages in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the sausages and whether they are cooked with other ingredients.

If you are cooking the sausages on their own, you can cook them at 370-400°F (200°C) for 8-15 minutes. It is recommended that you check the internal temperature of the sausages with a meat thermometer; the sausages are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). If you are cooking the sausages with peppers and onions, it is recommended that you cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, rotating the sausages every 5 minutes.

The cooking time will also depend on the size of your air fryer basket. If you have a small basket, you can either overlap the sausages and cook them for the specified time or cook them in multiple smaller batches, which will take longer but will result in crispier skin.

If your sausages are frozen, you can cook them straight from frozen. However, if they are fresh or thawed, it is recommended that you poke holes in the casings to prevent them from bursting during cooking.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the specific model of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the time and temperature settings based on your air fryer's instructions.

How to prevent sausages from bursting

Yes, you can cook hot Italian sausages in an air fryer. The circulating hot air ensures that sausages cook evenly, eliminating the risk of undercooked or burnt spots. It is a quick and efficient cooking method that delivers crispy, golden food with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods.

To prevent sausages from bursting, you can prick the sausages with a fork or make a small prick with a knife to release the pressure as the sausages cook and expand. However, some people advise against poking holes in the sausages as it can cause the juices to drain away, making the sausages dry. Instead, you can cook the sausages over a lower heat or slow cook them to prevent the casings from bursting.

It is important to note that sausages will only burst if they are overcooked. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the recipe instructions for time and temperature and flip the sausages halfway through the cooking process. The cooking time varies depending on the type of sausage and its size and thickness. For example, thinner sausages like breakfast sausages will take about 8-10 minutes, while thicker sausages like Italian sausages will take 9-12 minutes.

To prepare sausages for the air fryer, remove them from their packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel to eliminate excess moisture and achieve a crispy exterior. Season the sausages as desired, ensuring they are evenly coated. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) or 400°F (200°C) and place the sausages in a single layer in the basket, leaving room on all sides to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding. Cook the sausages for 9 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Check for doneness towards the end, and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The internal temperature of the sausages should reach 160°F (71°C) for pork and beef sausages, while chicken or turkey sausages should be at least 165°F (74°C).

Serving suggestions

Hot Italian sausages are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Sandwiches or Rolls

For a quick and easy meal, serve the sausages in a sandwich or roll. You can use gluten-free hot dog buns, hoagie rolls, or sausage rolls. Top the sausages with roasted bell peppers, onions, and jalapenos, and serve with a side of mayo and ketchup. If you like cheese, add a slice of provolone. You could also add some garlic bread or rice.

Pasta

For a heartier meal, serve the sausages with pasta. Toss the cooked sausages in your favorite pasta shape and top with a marinara sauce or pesto. You can also add some parmesan cheese or fresh basil for extra flavor.

Entree

For a more substantial meal, serve the sausages as an entree alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes. You can also add a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or a baked potato.

Sides

If you're looking for some side dish options, try a creamy macaroni salad, a classic potato salad, or a delicious salami pasta salad. You could also serve the sausages with a side of cornbread or garlic bread.

Reheating

If you have any leftover sausages, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer and cook until heated through. You can also freeze cooked sausages for up to 2-3 months and reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer.

Storing and reheating

Storing cooked Italian sausages requires attention to detail to safeguard their moisture and flavour. When storing in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This will prevent the sausages from drying out and stop them from absorbing flavours from other foods in the fridge. You can also store them in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

Leftover sausages should be stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking and consumed within three to four days for food safety reasons. For best quality and safety, eat them within two days.

To reheat cooked Italian sausages, you can use an oven, microwave, stovetop, or air fryer. It is important to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness and kill any bacteria that may have grown during storage. Overheating sausages can lead to a dry and unpleasant texture, so monitor the size and cooking time. Smaller sausages will take less time to reheat than larger ones.

What to cook alongside the sausages

You can cook hot Italian sausages in an air fryer in just 10 to 13 minutes. The air fryer method is versatile, quick, and easy to clean up. It also requires no additional cookware and has no risk of splattering.

• Pasta – You can serve the sausages with pasta in marinara sauce or pesto.
• Sandwiches – Serve the sausages in gluten-free hot dog buns or hoagie rolls topped with roasted onions, red peppers, jalapenos, bell peppers, and mayonnaise or ketchup.
• Entree – You can cook roasted veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and potatoes alongside the sausages.
• Sausage and peppers – A classic combination that can be cooked in the air fryer.
• Salmon – You can cook salmon with crispy skin in the air fryer as a side dish.
• Ground beef – The air fryer can be used to cook ground beef as a side dish.

Frequently asked questions