How To Cook Bulk Sausages In An Air Fryer

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-free method that delivers juicy and crispy results. It is a convenient alternative to frying, grilling, or cooking sausages on the stove, as it requires little to no oil and produces less mess and splatter. Air fryers are also versatile, accommodating various types of sausages, including frozen ones, with only minor adjustments to temperature and cooking time.

Cooking times and temperatures for different types of sausages

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and healthy way to enjoy tasty sausages. The cooking time and temperature depend on the type and thickness of the sausages, as well as the model of the air fryer. Here is a guide to help you cook different types of sausages to perfection:

Thin Pork Sausages:

According to sources, thin pork sausages, such as breakfast sausages, Richmond thin sausages, or chipolatas, should be cooked at 180°C/350°F for about 10-12 minutes.

Thick Pork Sausages:

For thicker pork sausages like Cumberland, Lincolnshire, Italian sausages, or British bangers, it is recommended to cook them at the same temperature of 180°C/350°F but for a longer duration of 12-15 minutes.

Beef or Lamb Sausages:

For heartier options like beef or lamb sausages, increase the cooking time to 15-20 minutes while maintaining the temperature at 180°C/350°F.

Chicken or Turkey Sausages:

Chicken or turkey sausages are leaner options, and they require slightly less cooking time. Cook these at 180°C/350°F for 12-15 minutes.

Vegan Sausages:

Vegan sausages are also an option and can be cooked in the air fryer. They typically take around 10-12 minutes at 180°C/350°F.

Frozen Sausages:

You can cook frozen sausages directly in the air fryer without defrosting. Simply add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time, depending on the thickness and type of sausage.

Bratwurst:

For larger sausages like German Bratwurst, a higher temperature of 190°C-200°C is recommended, and they will need about 15 minutes to cook through.

Kielbasa:

Kielbasa, a type of Polish sausage, can be sliced and cooked in the air fryer at 400°F for 4-5 minutes or left unsliced and cooked for about 7 minutes.

Breakfast Sausages:

Breakfast sausages are typically thinner and will cook faster. At 400°F, they will take around 8-10 minutes to get a crisp exterior and fully cook inside.

Italian Sausage:

Italian sausages are thicker and will need about 9-12 minutes at 400°F to ensure they are well-browned and cooked through.

Fully Cooked Sausages:

For fully cooked sausages that just need to be heated and coloured, cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until they are browned in places.

Remember to always check that the sausages are cooked through before serving. The minimum safe internal temperature for pork sausages is 160°F, while for other types, it is 71°C. Enjoy experimenting with different types of sausages in your air fryer!

How to prepare sausages for the air fryer

Preparing sausages for the air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Defrosting Frozen Sausages:

If you are using frozen sausages, you have the option to defrost them before cooking. Thick sausages like Bratwurst and Italian sausages can be cooked straight from frozen, even if they are frozen in a clump. For breakfast sausages, it is recommended to defrost them first.

Poke Holes in the Casings:

For fresh or thawed sausages, use a sharp knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings. This step is optional, but it helps release excess fat and prevents the sausages from bursting. For an average-sized sausage, poking it 3-4 times is usually sufficient.

Arrange the Sausages in the Air Fryer Basket:

Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking. You can cook as many sausages as your air fryer basket can accommodate in a single layer.

Set the Air Fryer Temperature and Cooking Time:

The recommended temperature and cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the sausages. As a general guideline, set the air fryer temperature to between 180°C and 200°C for 8-12 minutes. For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, the cooking time may be shorter, around 8-10 minutes. For thicker sausages like Bratwurst or Italian sausages, cook for 9-12 minutes.

Check for Doneness:

To ensure the sausages are fully cooked, cut into one of the sausages to check that it is no longer pink inside. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the sausages has reached 75°C or 160°F.

Tips for making the best air-fried sausages

Air fryers are a great way to cook sausages, offering a quick, convenient, and healthier alternative to frying or grilling. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results when cooking sausages in your air fryer:

Temperature and Timing

The ideal temperature for cooking sausages in an air fryer is between 370°F and 400°F. This will ensure the sausages develop a nice, crispy brown crust on the outside without drying out. Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the sausages, but generally, thinner sausages will take around 8-12 minutes, while thicker sausages will take 12-20 minutes. It's important to ensure the internal temperature of the sausages reaches 70°C/160°F to make sure they are fully cooked.

Preparing the Sausages

When preparing the sausages for the air fryer, avoid piercing holes in them. This is contrary to popular belief, but poking holes will only cause the juices to seep out, resulting in dry sausages and a mess in your air fryer. Instead, use a paring knife or a fork to make small pricks or cuts on the casing to allow the fat to escape easily. If you're cooking frozen sausages, ensure they are completely defrosted before cooking.

Cooking in Batches

If you're cooking a large batch of sausages, work in batches to ensure even cooking. Arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each sausage for proper air circulation. Overcrowding the basket will lead to uneven cooking.

Avoiding Smoking

Sausages are high in fat, and the dripping fat can sometimes cause smoking. To avoid this, line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil to catch the drippings. Adding a little water to the bottom of the basket can also help reduce smoking.

Easy Clean-up

One of the benefits of using an air fryer is the ease of cleaning. There is less mess and splatter compared to frying or grilling, so you'll find it much simpler to clean your air fryer after cooking sausages.

How to serve air-fried sausages

Air-fried sausages make a great meal, and there are many ways to serve them. Here are some ideas:

In a Bun

A classic way to enjoy a sausage is in a bun. You can add some mustard and homemade red cabbage kraut—but definitely no ketchup!

With Sauteed Peppers, Onions, and Garlic

For a quick and easy dinner, serve your air-fried sausages with some sauteed peppers, onions, and garlic. This meal goes well with rice and is also great for meal prepping.

Over Pasta

Slice your air-fried sausages and throw them over some pasta. Try a pesto spaghetti squash, red lentil pasta, or air fryer cauliflower gnocchi for a unique and tasty base.

As Part of a Full English Breakfast

If you're making a full English breakfast, cook the sausages first as they take the longest. You can then add bacon rashers, mushrooms, and toast to complete the classic fry-up.

With Other Air-Fried Foods

Make your entire meal in the air fryer! Serve your sausages with some easy air-fried sides like frozen broccoli, okra, or mushrooms.

Other Tips

Before air-frying your sausages, you can poke holes in the casings to let the fat escape. This will prevent the casings from bursting and make the sausages less greasy. However, some people prefer to keep all the fat in the sausages, so this step is optional.

When cooking, remember to arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried sausages!

How to cook sausages in an air fryer without making a mess

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to prepare a tasty meal. Here are some detailed instructions to help you cook sausages in an air fryer without creating a mess.

Prepare the Sausages

Before placing the sausages in the air fryer, use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings. This step is important to let the fat escape easily and prevent the sausages from bursting. For an average-sized sausage, poking it three times should be sufficient. If you are using fully-cooked sausages, you don't need to poke holes in the casings.

Arrange the Sausages in the Air Fryer

Place the sausages in a single, non-overlapping layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching or overlapping, as this will ensure even cooking and allow the air to circulate completely. The number of sausages you can fit will depend on the size of your air fryer, so you may need to work in batches.

Cook at the Right Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 370°F and 400°F. The higher temperature will give your sausages a crispier texture, but you'll need to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or drying out.

Cooking time will depend on the type and thickness of the sausages. Thin sausages, like breakfast sausages, will take around 8-10 minutes, while thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausages will need 9-12 minutes. If you are cooking frozen sausages, add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.

Flip the Sausages Midway

To ensure even cooking, use tongs to flip the sausages once midway through the cooking process. This will help you achieve a nice, even browning on both sides.

Check the Internal Temperature

To ensure your sausages are fully cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check their internal temperature. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (70°C) for food safety.

Avoid Piercing the Sausages

While some recipes suggest piercing the sausages to release juices, this can create a mess in your air fryer and dry out your sausages. The skin of the sausage is meant to hold in the juices, so it's best to avoid piercing it.

Use Parchment Paper

If you're concerned about smoking or grease dripping, you can place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of your air fryer to catch any drippings. This will also make cleanup easier.

By following these steps, you can cook sausages in your air fryer without creating a mess, resulting in juicy and perfectly browned sausages every time.

Frequently asked questions