Smoked Sausage In The Air Fryer: Quick And Easy!

Cooking smoked sausage in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to prepare a tasty meal. It is versatile and can be served as an appetizer, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The air fryer helps to create a juicy, tender, and crispy sausage without the mess of pan-frying in oil. Smoked sausages are usually precooked, so you only need to heat them up, and they can be ready in under 10 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 370-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your food cooks evenly and efficiently. To preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature of 370-400°F, follow these steps:

• Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 370°F or 400°F, depending on your preference or the specific recipe you are following.
• Allow the air fryer to heat up for a few minutes until it reaches the set temperature. Most air fryers will have a ready light or an audible alert to indicate when it has reached the desired temperature.
• Once the air fryer has preheated, you can proceed with adding your smoked sausage.

It is important to note that preheating times can vary depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to refer to your user manual for specific instructions. Additionally, when preheating, ensure that there is adequate airflow around the air fryer to prevent any potential safety hazards.

By preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature range of 370-400°F, you can be confident that your smoked sausage will cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious and crispy treat!

Cooking times for different sausages

Smoked sausages are typically pre-cooked, so you only need to heat them up in the air fryer. This means that they don't need to be cooked for very long.

The cooking time for sausages in an air fryer depends on the type and size of the sausage. For example, for frozen sausages, it is recommended to defrost them overnight in the fridge before cooking. For thicker sausages, such as Bratwurst and Italian sausages, you can cook them from frozen, and they will take around 15 minutes. For breakfast sausages, you can also cook them from frozen, or defrost them first. For fresh or thawed sausages, use a knife or fork to poke holes in the casing.

Regular-sized sausages should be cooked for around 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F), turning them over after 5 minutes. If they are not browned all over, return them to the air fryer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Smaller sausages, such as chipolatas, will cook faster, so check on them after 7 minutes.

For sliced sausages, preheat the air fryer to 390°F and cook for 8 minutes. Then, flip the slices and cook for another 5 minutes. Sliced sausages can also be cooked at 370°F for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

How to serve smoked sausage

Smoked sausage is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

As a Main Dish

If you want to make the sausage the star of the show, there are a few ways to do so. You can serve it as a main dish alongside some sides, such as sautéed peppers, onions, and potatoes. You can also wrap the sausage in crescent rolls before air frying to make pigs in blankets. Another option is to create a charcuterie board with dips, chips, and other savoury goodies.

In a Bun

A simple way to serve smoked sausage is in a bun, like a hot dog. You can dress it up with your favourite condiments, such as BBQ sauce, mustard, or mayo. For a heartier option, add some chili and cheese.

As Part of a Larger Meal

Smoked sausage can be a great addition to a larger meal. You can slice it up and add it to dishes like nachos, baked beans, rice, or even grilled, pan-fried, or baked recipes. It can also be a tasty protein boost to recipes like frittata or tossed with roasted vegetables.

Appetizers and Snacks

For a quick snack or appetizer, air fry some bite-sized pieces of smoked sausage. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch, blue cheese, hot mustard, or honey sriracha.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover smoked sausage, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until heated through.

Reheating smoked sausage

To reheat smoked sausage in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using pre-cooked sausage, you only need to heat it up, so 5-6 minutes in the air fryer should be enough. You can also cut the sausage into 1-1.5-inch pieces to make bite-sized chunks, which will cook faster. If you are cooking the sausage in slices, be sure to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you are cooking the sausages whole, you may need to cook them in batches. Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking for even results. If you prefer your sausage more charred, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

If you are reheating a smoked sausage that has been cooked from raw, you will need to cook it for longer. One source suggests cooking the sausages for 8 minutes, then flipping them and cooking for another 5 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Another source recommends cooking the sausages for 6 minutes, shaking the basket at the 3-minute mark, and then pausing the cooking process to add a bun to the air fryer to warm for the final minute.

Smoked sausages can be served on a bun like a hot dog, or sliced up and served with onions and peppers, which go well with rice. They can also be served with barbecue sauce, spicy brown mustard, or an assortment of other dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or honey sriracha.

Sauces and dips to serve with smoked sausage

Smoked sausage cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of sauces and dips. The most commonly recommended option is barbecue (BBQ) sauce, which can be brushed on the sausage before cooking for a sweet and tangy twist, or served as a dip on the side.

Other popular sauces and dips include:

• Spicy brown mustard
• Ranch dressing
• Buffalo sauce
• Blue cheese
• Honey sriracha
• Hot mustard
• Homemade taco seasoning
• Cajun seasoning (like Old Bay)

You can also add a little cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your sausage for some extra heat.

Frequently asked questions