Air-Fryer Italian Sausage Links: Quick, Crispy, Juicy

Cooking Italian sausage links in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to prepare a delicious meal. It is healthier than pan-frying and requires less cleanup. The air fryer can cook the sausages evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender inside. It is also versatile, as it can be served in subs, over pasta, or with vegetables. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the sausages, but on average, it takes around 10 to 20 minutes to cook Italian sausage links in an air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for Italian sausage links in an air fryer depend on the thickness of the sausages and the desired crispiness. For sausages that are approximately 1.5 inches thick, cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-13 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you prefer extra crispy sausages, increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For thinner sausages, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Some sources suggest cooking thinner sausages at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, while others recommend cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes for a crispier exterior. If you are cooking frozen sausages, add 5-6 minutes to the cooking time.

It is important to note that the internal temperature of the sausages should reach a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature if needed. Additionally, you can poke holes in the sausages with a knife to help release some of the juices, but this is not necessary.

The air fryer provides a quick and easy way to cook Italian sausage links, resulting in juicy sausages with a crispy exterior. It is also a healthier alternative to pan-frying, as the fat drips off during the cooking process.

Cooking from frozen

Yes, you can cook frozen Italian sausage links in an air fryer. This is a great option if you're short on time and don't want to defrost them first. The air fryer will cook them evenly, and you'll end up with juicy sausages with a crispy, brown exterior.

To cook frozen Italian sausage links in your air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 375 or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the frozen sausage links in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching each other. This may require cooking in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cooking time will vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the size of the sausages. As a guide, cook the sausages for about 12 to 17 minutes, then flip them over and continue cooking for another 7 to 15 minutes. The sausages are done when they have a golden-brown exterior and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness for food safety reasons.

If you're using cooking spray, spritz the air fryer basket before adding the sausages to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. If your sausages are frozen in a clump, you can break them apart after placing them in the air fryer. It is also recommended to check on the sausages after 2 minutes of cooking to separate any that are stuck together, ensuring even cooking.

Sausage types

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 easy to clean up. The sausages turn out crispy and brown on the outside and juicy on the inside.

There are many types of sausages that can be cooked in an air fryer, including Italian sausages, bratwurst, breakfast sausages, and patties. You can also cook regular thick pork sausages, chipolatas, or any flavoured sausages. For vegetarian options, you can cook tofu sausages or sausage links.

The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the sausages and the temperature of the air fryer. Thinner sausages, like breakfast sausages, will take about 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Thicker sausages, like Italian sausages or bratwurst, will take 9-13 minutes at the same temperature. It is recommended to flip the sausages halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

You can also cook sausages from frozen in the air fryer. For frozen sausages, increase the cooking time by a few minutes. You can also cook fully cooked sausages in the air fryer; just heat them until they reach your desired colour.

Sausage toppings

Sausages are a versatile food that can be topped with a variety of ingredients to add flavor and texture. Here are some ideas for sausage toppings, with a focus on Italian sausages:

Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions offer a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. You can use Vidalia onions for a sweeter taste or standard yellow onions. Slice the onions and cook them in butter or oil on a stove until they are softened and translucent. Then, keep cooking until they caramelize and turn brown. You can also deglaze with wine, season with sauces, and add a pinch of celery seed to enhance the flavor.

Peppers

Peppers, especially sautéed red, green, and yellow peppers, are a traditional and tasty choice to top Italian sausages. They add a nice crunch and work well with other toppings. You can also add some spice with jalapeño peppers, either fresh or from a jar. If you want a milder heat, try green chiles instead of jalapeños.

Mustard

Mustard is a classic condiment for sausages, and there are many varieties to choose from. You can opt for yellow or spicy brown mustard, or try something different like Dijon, beer mustard, or whole-grain mustard. Mustard with whole seeds will add texture as well as flavor to your sausage.

Ketchup

Ketchup is an all-purpose condiment that is simple yet satisfying. For a twist, try curry ketchup, a popular German street food topping known as currywurst. You can also sprinkle on some extra Madras curry powder for an extra kick.

Cheese

Cheese is always a great topping to add to sausages. You can go for a drizzle of cheese sauce or melt some Swiss cheese on top. If you're feeling indulgent, try nacho-style cheese or white queso. For an Italian sausage sandwich, mozzarella or provolone cheese pairs well with marinara sauce.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a more divisive topping, but those who love it swear by the sharp tanginess it adds to a sausage. It goes well with spicy chili sauce like sriracha and can be paired with cream cheese on a bun for a unique flavor combination.

Relish

Pickle relish is a classic condiment for hot dogs, but it also works well on sausages. It adds sharpness and crunch to your meal. If you want something sweeter, try sweet pickle relish or marinated tomatoes. For a bolder flavor, you can make a castelvetrano-giardiniera relish by blitzing Italian-style pickled veggie relish with castelvetrano olives and capers.

Aioli

Aioli is a delicious sauce that can take your sausage to the next level. Try a garlic aioli or, for a summery twist, make a lemony basil aioli by blending mayonnaise, basil, garlic, lemon zest, and juice.

Storing and reheating

Storing cooked Italian sausages is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to maintain their quality and safety. When storing cooked Italian sausages in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This prevents the sausages from drying out and absorbing flavours from other foods in the fridge. It is also recommended to slice the sausages before storing them, as this makes reheating quicker and more even, and it ensures food safety. Additionally, it is important to label the containers with the cooking date, so you can keep track of freshness and maintain quality. The refrigerator temperature should be maintained at or below 40°F (4°C).

Leftover cooked Italian sausages should be stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking and consumed within three to four days for the best quality and safety. However, they can be safely frozen for longer-term storage. To freeze cooked sausages, let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container with the freezing date, and store them in the freezer for up to two to three months.

When you are ready to enjoy your frozen sausages, proper thawing is key. The safest way to thaw frozen sausages is in the refrigerator. Place the frozen sausages on a plate and let them thaw overnight. For a quicker option, try the cold water method. Put the sealed bag of frozen sausages in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes. It is important to never thaw sausages at room temperature, as this can cause harmful bacteria to grow.

Reheating Italian sausages requires attention to safety and temperature to prevent foodborne illness and ensure doneness. It is crucial to always reheat Italian sausages to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This kills any bacteria that may have grown during storage. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature. Overheating Italian sausages can lead to a dry and unpleasant texture, so monitor the size and cooking time accordingly. Smaller sausages will take less time to reach the appropriate temperature than larger ones.

Frequently asked questions