Air-Fryer Italian Sausage: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to make juicy, delicious, and versatile Italian sausages. You can make them crunchy on the outside and keep them juicy on the inside, with minimal cleanup required. You can also cook frozen Italian sausages in an air fryer, with no need to thaw them first.

How to make Italian sausage in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Uncooked Italian sausages (mild, sweet, or spicy)
• Cooking oil spray (e.g. avocado oil or olive oil)
• Peppers and onions (optional)

Method:

Preheat your air fryer to 360–375°F (around 180–190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking oil spray.

Add the uncooked sausages in a single layer and air-fry for 10–13 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the sausages should be a minimum of 160°F (70°C). Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the sausages. For extra crispy sausages, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

You can also add sliced peppers or onions to the air fryer basket at the same time as the sausages. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place the sausages on top.

Serving Suggestions:

Italian sausages are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Pasta: Serve with marinara sauce or pesto and your favorite pasta shape.
• Sandwiches: Serve in gluten-free hot dog buns or hoagie rolls topped with bell peppers and onions.
• Entree: Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, and potatoes.
• Keto: Sausages are typically low-carb, so serve with keto sides like cauliflower mash and roasted veggies.

Storing and Reheating:

Store leftover sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer before serving.

You can also freeze cooked sausages by letting them cool completely, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen sausages can be stored for up to 2–3 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer.

How to serve Italian sausage

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

Pasta

A classic way to serve Italian sausage is with pasta. You can cook the sausage in a marinara or arrabiata sauce, or try something different like a mustard sauce. For a heartier dish, add vegetables such as peppers, kale, or broccoli rabe, or legumes like beans or lentils. Choose a short pasta shape like gemelli or rigatoni, or go for a unique option like rice cakes.

Sandwiches

For a quick and easy meal, serve Italian sausage in sandwiches. Gluten-free hot dog buns or hoagie rolls are perfect for this. Top the sausages with bell peppers and onions, or go for a sausage and pepper sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, try a sausage egg and cheese burrito or a sausage, pepper, and egg sandwich.

Entrée

Italian sausage also works well as an entrée, especially when served with roasted vegetables. Try it with broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower mash. You can also pair it with polenta or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.

Keto

Italian sausage is typically low-carb, so it's a great option for those on a keto diet. Serve it with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables.

Seasoning

Feel free to season your Italian sausage to suit your taste or the dish you're serving it with. Some popular options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.

Other Ideas

• Slice the sausage and add it to a pizza
• Make a sausage and pepper skillet
• Stuff zucchini, acorn squash, or eggplant with sausage and other fillings
• Add to soups or stews
• Use in a meatloaf or meatballs
• Serve with pierogi, biscuits and gravy, or polenta
• Make sausage-stuffed olives or zucchini boats
• Grill on a barbecue

How to reheat Italian sausage in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook Italian sausages in an air fryer! Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to reheat Italian sausages in an air fryer, adapted from several sources.

Preparation:

Before reheating your Italian sausage, it is important to ensure that it has been stored correctly. Leftover Italian sausages should be placed in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, use a freezer-safe container or bag, and consume within 1-2 months.

When reheating frozen sausages, it is best to thaw them slowly by transferring them from the freezer to the fridge, allowing them to defrost overnight. Alternatively, for a quicker method, place the sausages in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

Before reheating, let the Italian sausages sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to promote even heating.

Air Fryer Reheating Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between them for optimal air circulation. Reheat for 6-8 minutes, flipping the sausages halfway through to ensure even heating.

Check that the sausages have reached an internal temperature of 165°F, which is the safe minimum temperature for consumption. This can be done using a meat thermometer.

Tips for Maintaining Juiciness and Flavor:

To retain the juiciness and flavor of the sausages, it is crucial to not overheat them. Avoid reheating for too long, and only heat the sausages until they reach the minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

Additionally, when reheating multiple sausages, be mindful of their size and adjust the heating time accordingly. Smaller sausages will require less time than larger ones to reach the appropriate temperature.

For extra crispy sausages, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F. However, this may also increase the risk of drying out the sausages, so be cautious and monitor the heating process closely.

Serving Suggestions:

Italian sausages are versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas:

• With eggs (scrambled, fried, or in an omelet) for breakfast.
• In sandwiches with peppers, onions, and condiments like mustard or marinara sauce.
• As part of a sausage casserole.
• Sliced and added to pasta dishes, such as penne or spaghetti, with sundried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy sauces.
• In soups, such as minestrone or lentil soup, for added depth of flavor.

Enjoy your delicious, juicy Italian sausages!

How to cook frozen Italian sausage in an air fryer

Cooking frozen Italian sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious dinner. It's also a healthier option than traditional frying methods as it uses less oil. Plus, you can go from freezer to plate in no time!

Ingredients:

• Frozen Italian sausages (mild, hot, or sweet)
• Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
• Optional seasonings: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360-375 degrees Fahrenheit. If your model doesn't require preheating, you can skip this step.
• Spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
• Place the frozen sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not touching. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook for about 12-14 minutes, then flip the sausages. Continue cooking for another 7-15 minutes, depending on the size of your sausages and your air fryer model.
• The sausages are done when they have a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
• Remove the sausages from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the sausages even more flavorful.

Serving Suggestions:

• Slice the sausages and toss them into a pasta dish with your favorite sauce.
• Make a hearty sausage sandwich with sautéed peppers and onions.
• Serve them alongside a crisp salad for a low-carb option.
• Cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them to a breakfast scramble or frittata.

Storing Leftovers:

• Let the sausages cool to room temperature before storing.
• Place the sausages in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes.

What to serve with Italian sausage

Italian sausages are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Italian sausage:

Pasta

A classic combination is to serve Italian sausage with pasta. You can create a hearty dish by adding a marinara or arrabbiata sauce, or a creamy mustard sauce. For a vegetarian option, you can also add vegetables like broccoli, squash, or zucchini to the pasta.

Sandwiches and Hoagies

You can serve Italian sausages in sandwiches, hoagie rolls, or hot dog buns. Top them with peppers, onions, cheese, or marinara sauce for extra flavour.

Vegetables

Italian sausages go well with a variety of roasted or pan-fried vegetables. Some options include broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, green beans, carrots, or corn on the cob. You can also try frying them with cabbage, onions, garlic, and mashed potatoes for a unique twist.

Keto Options

If you're looking for low-carb options, Italian sausages can be served with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower mash and roasted vegetables.

Soups

Italian sausages can be a great addition to soups. Try them in a sausage and kale soup, a lentil soup, or a cabbage soup.

Pizza

Italian sausages can be a tasty topping for pizza. Remove the casing and spread the sausage on the pizza, or form it into a patty to place on top.

Breakfast Options

For a breakfast option, you can make sausage, egg, and cheese burritos or biscuits and gravy.

These are just a few ideas, but the versatility of Italian sausage means you can get creative and experiment with different combinations!

Frequently asked questions