Air-Fryer Turkey Sausage: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking turkey sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this popular breakfast food. Air fryers can be used like a mini oven to cook food, and they are particularly good for cooking sausages, as they produce a juicy sausage with a crisp and brown exterior. The air fryer also reduces the grease in the meal and makes cleaning up easier.

Cooking temperature and time

For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, a cooking time of 8 to 10 minutes is recommended. This will ensure that the sausages are crisp on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. If you prefer your sausages to be extra crispy, you can cook them at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

For thicker sausages, like Italian sausages or bratwurst, the cooking time will be longer, ranging from 10 to 15 minutes. It is important to ensure that the sausages are cooked thoroughly, with no pink remaining inside. The internal temperature of the sausages should reach a minimum of 160°F to 165°F for food safety.

When cooking a large batch of sausages, it is advisable to cook them in a single layer, without stacking them, to ensure even cooking. Additionally, spraying the sausages with oil before cooking can help achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Cooking turkey sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this protein-packed food. The air fryer's ability to drain excess fat and its hands-free cooking method make it a convenient and mess-free option for busy cooks.

Oil spray

Using oil spray is an essential step when cooking turkey sausages in an air fryer, as it ensures the sausages brown and crisp up nicely. The oil spray also helps to prevent the sausages from sticking to the air fryer basket.

When using oil spray, it is important to choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado or canola oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of air frying without smoking or burning. It is also recommended to use a non-propellant spray, as aerosol cooking sprays with propellants can damage the surface of the air fryer and cause flaking.

To use the oil spray, start by spraying the bottom of the air fryer basket or drawer with a light coating of oil. Then, add your thawed uncooked turkey sausages to the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they do not stack. Spray the sausages with another 3-4 pumps of oil, ensuring they are well coated. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy, browned exterior.

After spraying the sausages, set your air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time. For turkey sausages, it is recommended to air fry at around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages. Be sure to check on them halfway through and give them a shake or flip to ensure even cooking.

Frozen vs fresh turkey sausage

Turkey sausages are a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausages. They are even healthier when cooked in an air fryer because the excess fat drains off and is deposited at the bottom of the drawers, not being reabsorbed into the sausages.

When cooking frozen sausages in an air fryer, it is not necessary to defrost them first. You can cook them straight from frozen, and they will defrost during the cooking process. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the sausages and the model of the air fryer. For example, thinner sausages will cook quicker at a higher temperature, and thicker sausages will take a bit longer at a lower temperature. The sausages are ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

To cook frozen sausages in an air fryer, first, add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent excessive smoke. Then, place the frozen sausages into the basket. If the sausages are stuck together, air fry them together for 2-3 minutes, then separate them and continue cooking. Distribute them evenly across the air fryer to allow the heat and oil to circulate around each sausage. For even cooking, rotate the sausages after 4 minutes, then cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until they reach the desired level of crispiness and brown evenly.

Fresh or thawed sausages can also be cooked in an air fryer. To prepare the sausages, use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings to allow the fat to escape easily. However, some people prefer not to poke holes in the casings to retain the delicious fats. Next, arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350°F to 400°F and cook the sausages for about 8-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages and the number in the basket. They are ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Internal temperature

When cooking turkey sausages in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are cooked thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses. The best way to do this is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausages.

The recommended internal temperature for cooked turkey sausages varies slightly depending on the source. Some sources recommend an internal temperature of 160°F, while others suggest 165°F. To ensure the sausages are fully cooked, it is advisable to aim for the higher temperature of 165°F (74°C). This will ensure that any harmful bacteria have been eliminated.

To achieve the desired internal temperature, set your air fryer to 350°F (175-176°C). Place the thawed turkey sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Spray the sausages with cooking oil to ensure even browning. Cook the sausages for 10-12 minutes, depending on their thickness. For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, the cooking time may be shorter, around 8-10 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the sausages. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the sausages with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached the recommended temperature. If the sausages have not reached the desired temperature, you can continue cooking them in the air fryer in 2-minute intervals until they are done.

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

Serving suggestions

Turkey sausages are a great breakfast option and go well with eggs, such as Mexican sheet pan eggs and old-fashioned fruit salad. They can also be paired with a side salad for a healthy, easy meal.

If you're serving a larger meal, turkey sausages can be added to a skillet with peppers and onions. You can par-cook the sausages in the air fryer, and then remove them and cook the onions and peppers in the same skillet. Then, add the sliced sausage back into the mix.

You can also serve air-fried turkey sausages as they are, in a bun, over pasta, or in a classic sausage and peppers preparation.

If you're cooking for a big family, you can also use the air fryer to make breakfast sandwiches. Form sausage meat into patties and cook them in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400°F.

Frequently asked questions