Air-Frying Pre-Cooked Sausages: Is It Possible?

Cooking pre-cooked sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free option for a mid-week dinner. It is also a healthier alternative to frying, grilling, or barbecuing. The sausages are cooked evenly and quickly, with a crispy exterior and a juicy, succulent centre. Depending on the thickness of the sausages, they can be cooked in an air fryer in about 8 to 15 minutes at 180-200°C (356-392°F).

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking sausages in an air fryer vary depending on the type of sausage, the air fryer model, and personal preferences for doneness. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving the desired results:

Temperature:

• Preheat the air fryer: It is recommended to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the sausages. This helps ensure even cooking.
• Cooking temperature: The cooking temperature depends on the type of sausage and your desired level of doneness. Most sources recommend cooking sausages at temperatures between 360°F and 400°F. A higher temperature will result in a crispier exterior but may increase the risk of the casings bursting.
• Internal temperature: For uncooked sausages, an internal temperature of 160°F is recommended to ensure they are fully cooked. Fully cooked sausages only need to be heated to the desired temperature, usually around 165°F.

Cooking Time:

• Thickness matters: The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your sausages. Thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, will cook faster, typically taking around 8-10 minutes. Thicker sausages, such as Italian sausages, may take 12-15 minutes or longer.
• Flip halfway through: To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to flip the sausages halfway through the cooking process.
• Avoid overcooking: Overcooking sausages can cause the casings to burst. Keep an eye on the sausages, and remove them from the air fryer when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
• Use an instant-read thermometer: To ensure doneness, consider using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausages. This takes the guesswork out of knowing when your sausages are fully cooked.

Pre-heating the air fryer

For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, you can cook them without preheating the air fryer. They will take about 8-10 minutes to cook and get a nice crisp on the outside while remaining fully cooked on the inside. If you are cooking more than 5 or 6 sausages, it is best to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

For pre-cooked sausages, such as wieners or chicken sausages, you can simply heat them in the air fryer without preheating. Place the links in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until they are heated through and browned.

The beauty of cooking sausages in the air fryer is that it is a hands-free, quick, and easy method that delivers juicy sausages with a golden brown exterior. You can cook any kind of sausage in the air fryer, from thin breakfast sausages to thicker ones, and even frozen sausages. The high heat of the air fryer crisps the skin, resulting in a perfectly cooked sausage every time.

How to serve air-fried sausages

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make juicy, golden-brown sausages with a crispy exterior. You can cook any type of sausage in an air fryer, including fresh, pre-cooked, frozen, and thawed sausages.

To cook sausages in an air fryer, first, lightly grease the inside of the air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent grease splatter. Then, place the sausages in a single layer in the basket to ensure even cooking. If using fresh or thawed sausages, poke holes in the casings to allow the fat to escape. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the sausages for 8-12 minutes, depending on their thickness. For sausage patties, cook for 5 minutes, flip, and then cook for an additional 3 minutes. The internal temperature of the sausages should reach 160°F when fully cooked.

Now that you have perfectly cooked air-fried sausages, it's time to serve them! Here are some delicious ways to serve air-fried sausages:

• In a bun with mustard and homemade red cabbage kraut.
• With sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic, served with rice.
• Sliced and served over pasta, such as pesto spaghetti squash, red lentil pasta, or cauliflower gnocchi.
• As part of a sheet pan meal, paired with BBQ tofu and vegetables, or maple mustard chicken.
• Alongside air-fried vegetables, such as frozen broccoli, okra, or mushrooms.

Air fryer vs. other cooking methods

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook food quickly and easily. They are especially useful for cooking small batches of food, reheating frozen foods, or preparing side dishes. Air fryers are also a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they use little to no oil.

Compared to a traditional oven, air fryers have a smaller capacity and can usually only cook one dish at a time. Ovens, on the other hand, can handle multiple dishes or larger portions. Additionally, air fryers do not require pre-heating, whereas ovens need to be pre-heated before cooking. This makes air fryers a more time-efficient option.

Air fryers circulate hot air to cook food and create a crispy exterior, while ovens use still or static air. Ovens with air-fry capabilities are also available, which can be useful for preparing larger quantities of food.

Another advantage of air fryers is that they are hands-free and do not require constant attention during cooking. This is in contrast to cooking methods such as grilling, where you need to watch the food and flip it occasionally.

Air fryers are also versatile and can be used to cook a variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, and frozen foods. They can be particularly useful for cooking foods that are traditionally fried, such as chicken nuggets, fries, and sausages.

In summary, air fryers offer a convenient, quick, and hands-free cooking method that is ideal for small batches of food or reheating frozen items. They are a healthier alternative to deep frying and can produce crispy, golden-brown results. However, they may not be suitable for cooking large quantities of food or multiple dishes at once.

Reheating cooked sausages

Firstly, ensure that your sausages are fully defrosted if they have been frozen. It is important to start the reheating process with sausages that are at room temperature, so take them out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before you plan to cook them.

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy exterior. You can also line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper, but this may affect the crispness of the sausages.

Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and browning. If you are reheating a large quantity of sausages, you may need to do so in batches.

Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and cook the sausages for about 10 minutes. For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, 7-10 minutes should be sufficient. Turn the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking.

Check the internal temperature of the sausages with a meat thermometer to ensure they are reheated thoroughly. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of 70°C (158°F) to be considered safe for consumption.

Once the sausages have reached the desired temperature, turn off the air fryer and serve them. You can enjoy them as is or use them in a variety of dishes, such as in a bun, over pasta, or as a classic sausage and pepper combination.

Reheating sausages in an air fryer is a convenient and mess-free way to enjoy your leftovers. By following these simple steps, you can have tasty, crispy sausages that are heated through without drying out.

Frequently asked questions