Air Fryer Sausage Perfection: An Australian Guide

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, mess-free, and hands-free option for Australians. It is a simple process that yields juicy sausages with a crispy exterior in under 15 minutes. The air fryer basket catches excess oil, making cleaning easier than using a pan or stovetop. It is also a healthier option as it drains away fat. The sausages can be cooked from frozen and the cooking time depends on the thickness of the sausages, the number of sausages, and the air fryer model.

Air fryer sausages: cooking times and temperatures

Air fryers are a great way to cook sausages, giving them a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. They are a simple, mess-free option for mid-week dinners and require hardly any hands-on time.

The cooking time and temperature for sausages in an air fryer depend on the type of sausage, the size and thickness of the sausage, and the number of sausages in the air fryer. On average, sausages take between 8 and 15 minutes to cook in an air fryer at temperatures ranging from 180°C to 200°C (or 350°F to 400°F).

For example, thinner sausages like breakfast sausages or chipolatas will take less time, around 7 to 10 minutes, while thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausages may take up to 12 minutes or longer. It's important to note that the cooking time may also vary depending on the model of the air fryer.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to turn the sausages halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, piercing the sausages with a sharp knife a few times before cooking can help release excess fat, but this step is optional.

It is also worth noting that sausages can be cooked from frozen in an air fryer, but they will take approximately 5-10 minutes longer to cook.

How to prepare sausages for the air fryer

Preparing sausages for the air fryer is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, if your sausages are frozen, you can either defrost them or cook them straight from frozen. For fresh or thawed sausages, use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings. This is an important step as it allows the fat to escape from the casing. It is recommended to poke each sausage about three times.

Next, spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the sausages from sticking. Then, arrange the sausages in a single layer in the basket. If you are cooking thicker sausages, such as Bratwurst or Italian sausages, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Set the air fryer to the desired temperature, with most sources recommending around 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a crispy texture. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the sausages, the number of sausages, and the model of your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 8-12 minutes for the sausages to cook through.

Finally, check that the sausages are cooked by cutting into one to ensure it is not pink inside before serving. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy, and crispy sausages!

Air fryer sausages: oil or no oil?

Air fryers are a convenient, healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as they require little to no oil. They are also mess-free and simple to use, making them perfect for mid-week dinners.

When cooking sausages in an air fryer, it is not mandatory to use oil, but lightly brushing the sausages with oil can add to their crispiness. Alternatively, you can spray the air fryer basket with oil before adding the sausages.

To cook sausages in an air fryer, first, pierce the sausages a few times with a sharp knife. This helps release fat and prevents the sausages from bursting. Then, arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to between 180°C and 200°C, or 400°F, and cook for 9 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages. For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, cook for 8 to 10 minutes. For thicker sausages such as Bratwurst or Italian sausages, cook for 9 to 12 minutes. Flip the sausages halfway through to ensure even browning, and check that the sausages are no longer pink in the middle before serving.

Sausages from frozen in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook sausages straight from frozen in an air fryer. It's a simple, mess-free option for mid-week dinners and a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook sausages.

To cook sausages from frozen, preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 350°F for at least 5 minutes. Place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket. You don't need to worry about the sausages being frozen together, but do make sure there is enough room for the heat and oil to circulate around each sausage. You can use spray oil on the basket or line it with parchment paper to prevent the sausages from sticking.

Once the sausages are in the basket, cook them for 3 to 4 minutes, and then separate them using a fork. Cook for another 4 minutes, then rotate and cook for a further 4 to 6 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness and are browned evenly. The total cooking time will be between 12 and 15 minutes, or 20 minutes if you don't separate the sausages.

You can also cook sausages from frozen at a higher temperature of 200°C or 400°F for 10 minutes, and then a further 7 minutes. This will give the sausages a crisp and brown exterior, while keeping them juicy on the inside.

If you are cooking raw sausage, make sure the internal temperature is at least 74°C or 165°F before serving. You can check this with a meat thermometer.

Air fryer sausages: cleaning and maintenance

Air fryers are a great way to cook sausages, offering convenience, speed, and healthier results with less oil. But what about the cleaning and maintenance of your air fryer after cooking sausages? Here are some tips to keep your air fryer in top condition:

Cleaning Your Air Fryer:

• Unplug and Cool Down: Always unplug the air fryer and let it cool down completely before cleaning. This is important for safety and to avoid any damage from sudden temperature changes.
• Remove the Basket: Take out the basket and tray, which are typically dishwasher-safe. If you prefer hand washing, fill your sink with warm soapy water and let the basket and tray soak for a while to loosen any stuck-on residue.
• Scrub Gently: Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the basket and tray gently. Avoid harsh scrubbers that can scratch the non-stick surface. Rinse and dry the components thoroughly before reassembling.
• Wipe Down the Main Unit: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the air fryer, being careful not to submerge any electrical parts in water.
• Clean the Heating Element: Grease splatters on the heating element can cause smoke and affect performance. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth, ensuring no grease is left behind.

Maintenance Tips:

• Regular Deep Cleaning: Even with regular cleaning, residue can build up over time. Perform a thorough deep clean periodically to ensure your air fryer's longevity and performance.
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly spray the sausages or the air fryer basket with cooking spray before cooking to prevent sticking and enhance browning. Alternatively, you can use olive oil spray.
• Prick the Sausages: To prevent sausages from bursting, lightly prick them with a fork or make small cuts with a paring knife. This allows steam and fat to escape, reducing the risk of messy explosions.
• Cook in Batches: If cooking a large quantity of sausages, consider doing it in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausages. Pork and beef sausages should reach 160°F (71°C), while poultry-based sausages should reach 165°F (74°C).

Frequently asked questions