Hot Links, Air Fryer Style: A Tasty Combo?

Hot links, or sausages, are a delicious and versatile food that can be cooked in many ways. One popular method is to use an air fryer, which can create juicy, golden-brown sausages with a crisp exterior in just a few minutes. This quick and easy method is perfect for those who want a hands-off approach to cooking sausages, as it requires little preparation and no flipping or monitoring. Air-fried sausages are a great option for those without access to an outdoor grill, as the hot circulating air of the air fryer cooks the links evenly, resulting in plump and juicy sausages.

Cooking hot links from frozen

You can cook hot links in an air fryer, and it's super easy! The air fryer is the next best option if you don't have access to an outdoor grill. The circulating hot air will cook the links until they are plump and juicy, and it only takes a few minutes.

If you are cooking raw hot links, it is recommended to pierce a few holes in them to prevent them from splitting or popping in the air fryer. You can then follow the timing for air-frying raw sausages. Place the links in the air fryer basket or on the trays, ensuring they are in a single layer so the air can circulate freely. Air fry at 400°F/205°C for 10-12 minutes, or until the sausages are golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 160°F. If you like your hot links a little crispier, you can air fry them at a higher temperature of 400°F/205°C for about 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

If you are cooking fully cooked hot links, you only need to heat them through and get some colour on them. You can cook them at 400°F for 4-7 minutes, depending on whether they are sliced or unsliced.

You can also cook hot links from frozen. For thicker links like Bratwurst and Italian sausages, you can cook them straight from frozen. Just place them in the air fryer and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

You can serve the hot links as is, or slice and serve them with your favourite sides and toppings, such as rice, potatoes, ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, or sautéed peppers and onions.

How to get crispy hot links

Yes, you can cook hot links in an air fryer! It's an easy, quick, and hands-off method to get perfectly juicy, golden-brown, and crispy hot links. Here's how to get crispy hot links:

Preparation:

First, you need to decide whether to use raw or fully cooked hot link sausages. Most recipes suggest that the cooking time remains about the same for both. However, if you are using raw hot links, it is recommended to pierce a few holes in them to prevent them from splitting or popping in the air fryer. If you are using fully cooked sausages, you do not need to pierce the casings.

Cooking:

Spray the air fryer basket with a cooking spray. Then, place the sausages in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping to allow the air to flow evenly around them. Set your air fryer to 400°F/205°C and cook for about 6-12 minutes. Thinner sausages, like breakfast sausages, will take about 8-10 minutes, while thicker sausages may take a few minutes longer. Flip the sausages halfway through cooking for even browning.

Serving:

You can serve the hot links as they are or slice them and serve as an appetizer with toothpicks. They can also be served in a bun with your favorite toppings and sides, such as mustard, BBQ sauce, pickles, or sautéed peppers and onions.

Tips:

• Check the air fryer after a few minutes to ensure the hot links are cooked to your desired doneness.
• The timing may vary depending on the thickness of the sausages and the brand of your air fryer.
• If you want crispier hot links, increase the temperature or air fry for a slightly longer duration.
• For frozen sausages, defrost them first or cook them straight from frozen, but note that they will take longer to cook.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausages to ensure they are fully cooked. According to USDA guidelines, fully cooked sausages should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Hot links cooking time and temperature

Hot links can be cooked in an air fryer and it is the next best option to grilling. The hot circulating air of the air fryer cooks the links to be plump and juicy. The cooking time and temperature for hot links in an air fryer depend on various factors such as the thickness of the hot links, the brand of the air fryer, and whether the hot links are raw or pre-cooked.

If you are cooking raw hot links in the air fryer, it is suggested to pierce a few holes in them to prevent them from splitting or popping. The air fryer should be set to a temperature of 400°F/205°C and the sausages should be cooked for 10-12 minutes. The sausages should be golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 160°F.

For pre-cooked hot links, the cooking time will be slightly shorter, around 6-8 minutes at 400°F/205°C. It is important to keep an eye on the hot links during the first few minutes of cooking to ensure they are cooked to your liking. If you prefer your hot links with a crispy texture, you can air fry them at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time.

Additionally, if you are making hot link sausage dogs, you can place the buns in the air fryer for 30 seconds to 1 minute to warm and crisp them before adding the cooked hot links and your desired toppings.

Hot links toppings and sides

Hot links are a delicious treat, and you can cook them in an air fryer. But what about toppings and sides? Well, the options are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started.

First up, the classic hot dog toppings of ketchup and mustard are always a winner, especially if you have kids at your BBQ. You could also offer up some BBQ sauce, pickles, and jalapeños for a tangy, spicy kick. If you want to get a little more creative, try something inspired by a Philly Cheesesteak – sauté up some peppers and onions, and add some melted cheese. It's a match made in heaven. Another fun idea is to go for an avocado and beef bacon topping – simply slice or smash an avocado, sprinkle on some hickory-smoked beef bacon crumbles, and you're done.

If you're feeling fancy, you can't go wrong with some sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions. Or, for a German-inspired take, try serving your hot links with some sauerkraut and mustard. Mac & cheese is another topping option that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. If you want to keep it simple, just stick to the classics and serve your hot links in a bun with some crispy, golden-brown sausages.

For sides, you could go for some good old-fashioned potato products, like fries or potato salad. Or, if you want to be a little healthier, serve your hot links with a side of rice or a nice, fresh salad. If you're feeling creative, you could even slice up your air-fried hot links and throw them over some pasta – they'd go great with pesto spaghetti squash or red lentil pasta.

There you have it – a whole range of toppings and sides to accompany your air-fried hot links. Happy eating!

How to cook hot links without drying them out

Hot links are a type of spicy sausage that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are a popular snack, particularly in the Southern United States, and are often served at barbecues.

To cook hot links in an air fryer without drying them out, follow these steps:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your hot links. If the sausages are frozen, make sure to thaw them before cooking. Once thawed, prick the hot links with a fork a few times. This will help them cook evenly and allow excess fat to escape, preventing them from splitting or popping in the air fryer.

Next, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the hot links in a single layer in the basket, leaving enough space between them for proper air circulation. If you are cooking a large batch of hot links, you may need to cook them in batches.

Now, it's time to cook the hot links! Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes. You can also cook them at 370°F for 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on your preference and the thickness of the sausages. Flip the hot links halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides and achieve a nice golden brown colour.

Finally, check the internal temperature of the sausages with a meat thermometer. The sausages are ready to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. If they have not reached this temperature, place them back in the air fryer and cook for an additional minute or two.

By following these steps, you can enjoy juicy, plump, and flavourful hot links cooked in your air fryer without drying them out.

Frequently asked questions