Air Fryer Frozen Sausages: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking frozen sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. It takes less than 15 minutes to cook frozen sausages in an air fryer, and you don't need to defrost them first. The air fryer gives you a crispy browning on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. It's also healthier than traditional frying methods as it uses less oil.

Cooking times and temperatures for different sausage types

Yes, you can cook frozen sausages in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy way to cook frozen sausages, and you don't need to defrost them first. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of sausage and the desired crispiness, but on average, it takes 12 to 15 minutes.

Frozen Sausages

For frozen sausages, you can place them straight into the air fryer without defrosting. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 5 minutes. Then, remove the basket, separate the sausages, and redistribute them in the basket. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. The sausages will be perfectly browned and cooked through.

Thin Sausages

For thin sausages, such as breakfast sausages, set the air fryer temperature to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 12-14 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Thick Sausages

For thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage, set the air fryer temperature to 360°F (180°C) and cook for 12-14 minutes. As with thin sausages, flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Sausage Patties

For sausage patties, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the patties in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the patties and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a patty reaches 160°F (70°C).

Italian Sausage or Bratwurst

For Italian sausage or bratwurst, preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Place the sausages in a single layer in the basket and cook for 13 minutes for a softer skin or 14 minutes for a browned exterior. Flip the sausages once midway through cooking.

Previously Cooked Frozen Sausage

For previously cooked frozen sausage, set the air fryer temperature to 350°F/180°C and cook for 12 minutes or less. Place the frozen sausages into the basket and cook for 3 minutes. Separate the sausages with a fork and redistribute them evenly across the basket. Cook for 4 minutes, then rotate and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

How to prepare frozen sausages for the air fryer

Step 1: Remove the Sausages from their Packaging

If the sausages are stuck together, run the packaging under cool water for a few minutes or microwave it for 30 seconds.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Place the Sausages in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the frozen sausages in the air fryer basket. If they are stuck together, you can air fry them for 2-3 minutes and then separate them. You can also use cooking spray or line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Make sure the sausages are in a single layer and not touching, as this will ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Sausages

For thin sausages, cook at 390°F for 12-14 minutes. For thicker sausages, cook at 360°F for 12-14 minutes. Flip the sausages halfway through the cooking time.

Step 5: Check the Doneness of the Sausages

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the sausages have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This is the minimum safe temperature for consuming sausage.

Step 6: Serve the Sausages

Sausages are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips:

• To prevent smoking, add a little bit of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• If your sausages are prone to bursting, turn down the heat or cook at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.
• Do not pierce the sausage casings, as this can cause the sausages to dry out during cooking.

How to serve air-fried sausages

There are many ways to serve air-fried sausages. Here is a guide on how to cook and serve them.

Cooking the Sausages

First, remove the sausages from their packaging. If they are stuck, run the package under cool water for a few minutes or microwave it for 30 seconds. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F. For thinner sausages, cook them for around 12 minutes, and for thicker sausages, cook them for 13 to 15 minutes. You can also separate the sausages halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Serving the Sausages

You can serve air-fried sausages in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions:

• 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
• With easy air-fried frozen broccoli, okra, or mushrooms
• With classic sides such as fries or mashed potatoes and a side of ketchup or barbecue sauce
• In a Swedish "flatbread roll" ("tunnbrödsrulle"), where the sausages are rolled in thin flatbread with mashed potatoes, salad, and ketchup

Tips

• If your sausages are frozen, you can cook them straight from frozen, but they may take a little longer.
• It is recommended not to pierce the sausages before cooking, as this can cause them to dry out.
• If your air fryer smokes, add some water to the bottom of the basket to prevent the fat from burning.

How to store leftover sausages

Yes, you can cook frozen sausages in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy process that can be done in 15 minutes or less.

Leftover sausages can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. It is important to store them in an airtight container. Sausages should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking to maximise their shelf life.

To further extend the shelf life, you can freeze cooked sausages. They will maintain their best quality for about one to three months. To freeze, use covered airtight containers, heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil or freezer wrap.

When checking if a sausage has gone bad, look out for three things: a funky, acidic aroma; an odd texture, either too slippery or too hard; and a change in colour, such as grey or brown, green, or black spots.

Tips and tricks for optimal results

Don't Overcrowd

Make sure to space out the sausages in the air fryer basket. Crowding can lead to uneven cooking, and you want each sausage to cook evenly.

Turn for Even Cooking

Halfway through cooking, turn the sausages. This will help them get an even, golden-brown colour all around.

Preheat is Key

If your air fryer has a preheat option, use it. Starting with a hot environment helps the sausages cook more evenly, and it can shorten the cooking time a bit too.

Check the Temp

Invest in a digital meat thermometer. It’s the best way to ensure your sausages are cooked through to a safe temperature without cutting into them and losing those precious juices. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

Rest Before Serving

Let the sausages rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, which means every bite will be as juicy as the first.

Avoid Overcooking

To maintain a juicy interior, avoid overcooking and ensure the sausages are not overcrowded in the basket.

Add More Flavour

Consider adding fennel seeds, additional seasoning, or even a brush of barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking time.

Avoid Excessive Smoking

If your air fryer is prone to producing a lot of smoke, add some water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. When the fat drips off the sausages, it can burn and create smoke. Adding water prevents this.

Frequently asked questions