Air Fryer Sausage Balls: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Sausage balls are a popular snack or appetiser, and they can be cooked in an air fryer. The process is simple: combine sausage meat, cheese, and Bisquick or flour, roll the mixture into balls, and cook in the air fryer for around 10 minutes. The result is a delicious, crispy snack that's perfect for any occasion.

How to make sausage balls in an air fryer

Sausage balls are a delicious snack or appetizer that can be made in an air fryer in just a few simple steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to make them:

Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• Ground sausage (breakfast sausage or any other variety of your choice)
• Shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, or a blend of cheeses such as parmesan, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack)
• Bisquick or a similar baking mix (you can also use plain flour with a few extra ingredients)
• Milk or water
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, sage, etc.)
• Olive oil spray

Optional Ingredients:

• Sour cream
• Half-and-half or milk
• Butter

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground sausage, shredded cheese, Bisquick or flour, milk or water, and any desired seasonings. You can use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix the ingredients until well combined. The mixture should resemble small pebbles of flour-coated sausage and butter, similar to a biscuit dough consistency.

Step 2: Form the Sausage Balls

Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the sausage mixture into small balls, roughly the size of a quarter or about 2 inches in diameter. Place the formed sausage balls on a piece of parchment paper while you prepare the air fryer.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure the sausage balls cook evenly. Spritz the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Sausage Balls

Place the sausage balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The sausage balls are done when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to 190°F (88°C).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sausage balls from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Serve them as an appetizer or snack, and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch, but cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
• You can also make these sausage balls ahead of time and freeze them uncooked. When ready to cook, air fry them from frozen, adjusting the temperature and time as needed.
• Sausage balls can be served with various dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ketchup, maple syrup, or hot sauce.

How to store and reheat sausage balls

Sausage balls are best stored in an airtight container and can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you want to store them for longer, it's best to freeze them in a zip-lock bag. Frozen sausage balls will keep for up to 6 months.

When you're ready to eat your sausage balls, there are a few different ways to reheat them. You can use an air fryer, an oven, or a microwave.

To reheat in an air fryer, heat the air fryer to 375°F and place the balls on the tray in a single layer. Heat for 4 minutes, then pause the air fryer and turn the balls with tongs. Restart the air fryer and heat for an additional 2 minutes.

To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 400°F and place the defrosted sausage balls on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don't overbake.

To reheat in the microwave, wrap 1-2 balls in a damp paper towel and heat for 5 seconds. Turn the towel packet over and heat for another 5 seconds. For larger quantities, dampen a kitchen hand towel and cover a microwave-safe plate of several sausage balls. Heat for 15 seconds, turn the balls with tongs, and heat for an additional 10 seconds.

It's important to note that sausage balls should only be reheated once, as reheating them multiple times will result in a chewy and unpleasant texture.

What to serve with sausage balls

Sausage balls are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve with sausage balls:

As an Appetizer:

• Dipping sauces: Sausage balls can be served with various dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, spicy horseradish catsup, ranch dressing, comeback sauce, or sweet chili sauce.
• Other appetizers: If serving sausage balls as part of a larger spread, some complementary dishes could include Velveeta Sausage Cheese Dip, Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings, Hot Artichoke Dip, or Garlic Butter and Herb Popcorn.
• Drinks: Beer, ale, or wine are good beverage options to pair with sausage balls.

As a Main Course:

• Egg noodles and a salad: Sausage balls can be served with egg noodles and a side salad, or as a sandwich with squishy rolls, onions, and peppers.
• Potato salad and garden salad: For a heartier meal, serve sausage balls with potato salad and a green salad.
• Pancakes: Breakfast for dinner is always an option! Serve sausage balls with a stack of pancakes for a fun and casual meal.

No matter how you choose to serve them, sausage balls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and the occasion.

What type of sausage to use

Sausage balls are typically made with breakfast sausage, which already has seasonings in it. You can use regular, hot, or sage breakfast sausage, or even a sweeter option like maple. If you want to use a plain sausage, you'll need to add your own seasonings. Italian sausage is another option, but you'll have to remove the casing. You can also use ground pork, turkey, chicken, or beef, but again, you'll need to add your own seasonings. For a healthier option, try turkey sausage.

If you like spice, you can opt for spicy sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your mixture.

How to make sausage balls gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground pork sausage
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of gluten-free Bisquick or gluten-free flour
• 1/4 cup of milk or water
• 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt (optional)
• Olive oil spray

Method:

• Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
• Use your hands to form the mixture into small balls, roughly the size of a golf ball.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the sausage balls in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other.
• Cook the sausage balls at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the sausage balls from the air fryer and enjoy!

You can also make these sausage balls in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Simply bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions