Air Fryer Sausage: Cooking Jimmy Dean Style

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast option, you may be wondering: can you cook Jimmy Dean sausage in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Jimmy Dean sausage patties are a classic breakfast favourite that can be conveniently cooked in an air fryer with minimal prep time and mess. This cooking method also offers a healthier alternative to pan-frying, as it requires no additional oil and allows the excess fat from the sausage to collect at the bottom of the air fryer basket.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial when cooking Jimmy Dean sausage patties, as it ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy exterior. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to depends on the type of sausage you are cooking. For chicken sausages, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For Italian sausages, preheat to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. For other types of sausages, such as Jimmy Dean sausage patties, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

It is important to note that the preheating temperature and time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so be sure to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. In general, preheating your air fryer for a few minutes should be sufficient.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can proceed with cooking your sausage patties. Place the desired number of patties in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each patty to allow for proper air circulation. Then, follow the recommended cooking time and temperature settings for your specific type of sausage.

By preheating your air fryer and arranging the sausage patties properly, you can ensure that your Jimmy Dean sausages cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness on the outside while remaining juicy and flavorful on the inside.

Arrange the sausage patties

When arranging the sausage patties in the air fryer, it's important to place them in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This promotes even cooking and allows for proper air circulation. Leave a little space between each patty. The number of patties you can fit in a single layer depends on the size of your air fryer basket and the thickness of the patties.

If you are using a basket-style air fryer, you don't need to preheat it as it warms up quickly. However, if your air fryer has a preheat function, it is recommended to use it. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 390°F (204°C) for a few minutes. For frozen patties, you can preheat to 400°F (204°C).

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to arrange the patties. Place the desired number of Jimmy Dean sausage patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you are using frozen patties, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply place them in the air fryer frozen and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Remember, the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the patties, the temperature setting, and the model of your air fryer. For thinner patties, 4-5 minutes on each side at 390°F (190°C) should be sufficient. For thicker patties or if you prefer a crispier texture, increase the cooking time to 6-8 minutes at the same temperature.

If you are using an oven-style air fryer with a solid tray, you will need to flip the patties halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. However, if you are using a basket-style air fryer or a tray with holes, flipping is optional and may not be necessary.

Cook the sausage patties

Cooking Jimmy Dean sausage patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. To start, select your preferred variety of Jimmy Dean sausage patties, which come in different flavors, such as original, maple, or spicy. The quantity will depend on how many sausage patties you want to cook.

Before placing the sausage patties in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit (175-204 degrees Celsius) for a few minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and a crisp exterior.

Next, arrange the sausage patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each patty to allow for proper air circulation. If using frozen patties, you can air fry them directly from their frozen state, but you may need to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes.

Now, you are ready to cook the sausage patties. Place them in the preheated air fryer and cook for 6-12 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the patties. For frozen patties, cook for 4-5 minutes, and for raw patties, cook for 8-10 minutes. Flip the patties halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model, so it is important to keep an eye on them.

To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the sausage patties. The safe internal temperature for cooked pork sausage is 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit (71-74 degrees Celsius) depending on your desired crispiness. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the sausage patties from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute before serving.

Check for doneness

Checking for doneness is an important step in cooking sausages in an air fryer. The last thing you want is to serve undercooked sausage patties. To ensure your Jimmy Dean sausage patties are cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausages. The safe internal temperature for cooked pork sausage is 160°F (71°C).

If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check the doneness of the sausages by looking at their colour. The sausages should be a nice golden brown colour on the outside when they are done cooking. The inside of the sausages should not be pink.

It's important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the patties and the air fryer model. So, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your sausages while they are cooking. If you are cooking frozen sausage patties, they will take a couple of minutes longer to cook than fresh ones.

Once your sausages have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that your sausages are juicy and tender.

Now that you know how to check for doneness, you can confidently cook your Jimmy Dean sausage patties in the air fryer, ensuring that they are always cooked to perfection.

Serve and enjoy

Once your sausages are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute. You can serve them as a delicious breakfast protein, or use them in sandwiches, wraps, or other recipes. They go well with breakfast potatoes, hash browns, eggs, cheese, French toast, and more.

If you have leftovers, make sure the sausages are at room temperature before storing them in the freezer or fridge. You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to six months. To reheat, throw them back into the air fryer for two minutes, or use the microwave for 30 seconds to one minute.

Air-fried sausages are a great option for a tasty, quick, and easy breakfast. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with no extra grease or oil. You can also cook them from frozen, making them a convenient option for a stress-free morning.

Frequently asked questions