Air Fryer Sausage: A Quick, Easy, And Tasty Treat

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-free method that results in sausages with a crisp and brown exterior and a juicy and succulent interior. The air fryer can be used like a mini oven to cook just about anything, including sausage links, sausage patties, and the longer sausage coil. The cooking time is short, usually around 10 minutes, and the texture and taste of the sausages are spot on.

Should you poke holes in the sausages?

There are differing opinions on whether you should poke holes in sausages when cooking them in an air fryer. Some sources suggest that you should not pierce the skin of the sausages, as this will allow the juices to run out during cooking, leading to dry sausages and a mess in the bottom of your air fryer.

However, other sources recommend poking the sausages in three places with a sharp knife to break through the casing. This is to allow the fat to escape easily from the casing. This is especially important if you are cooking the sausages on high heat, as the casing may burst and split.

If you choose to poke holes in your sausages, be aware that you may lose some of the juices and fat, which could dry out the sausages. On the other hand, if you do not poke holes, the casing may burst, and you may end up with a mess in your air fryer. It is a matter of personal preference and cooking style.

How long do you cook them for?

The cooking time for sausages in an air fryer depends on the type of sausages you are cooking. For thinner sausages, like breakfast sausages, you can expect them to take around 8-10 minutes to cook. For thicker sausages like Italian sausage or bratwurst, the cooking time will be slightly longer, around 9-12 minutes.

If you are cooking sausage patties, these will take around 8 minutes in total to cook, flipping them halfway through.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the number of sausages you are cooking and the size of your air fryer. It is recommended to cook the sausages in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping, so the air can circulate completely and cook the sausages evenly.

Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of doneness. For a softer skin, cook the sausages for a shorter amount of time, and for a crispier exterior, cook them for a few minutes longer.

If you are cooking fully cooked sausages, you are simply looking for the desired colour, so the internal temperature is not as important. However, if you are cooking raw sausages, it is recommended to ensure an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety and to achieve a juicy cooked centre.

To check if your sausages are cooked, cut into one and ensure that it is not pink inside before serving.

What temperature should the air fryer be?

The ideal temperature for cooking sausages in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the sausages develop a nice, crispy brown crust on the outside without drying out. Depending on the thickness of the sausages, the cooking time will vary from 8 to 12 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the number of sausages being cooked at once. It is recommended to arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, 8-10 minutes at 400°F will be sufficient. On the other hand, thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage may require up to 12 minutes at the same temperature.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 360°F or 370°F and cooking the sausages for 12-13 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This results in a softer skin and a slightly lower internal temperature.

It is also worth mentioning that the desired level of doneness can be adjusted by modifying the cooking time. For a softer skin, a lower temperature or a shorter cooking time may be preferred. Conversely, for a crispier exterior, a higher temperature or a longer cooking time can be utilised.

Can you cook frozen sausages in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen sausages in an air fryer! It's an easy and quick way to cook frozen sausages, and you don't need to do anything extra. The sausages will be cooked through, with a crispy browned skin and a juicy, tender centre.

How to Cook Frozen Sausages in an Air Fryer:

First, remove the sausages from their packaging. If they're stuck together, run the packaging under cool water for a few minutes or microwave it for 30 seconds. Place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket and cook them for 3 minutes to defrost. After this, separate the sausages with a fork and distribute them evenly across the air fryer basket.

Then, cook the sausages for 4 minutes, rotate them, and cook for a further 4-6 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. The sausages are ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Tips for Best Results:

• If your sausages are stuck together, separate them after 2-3 minutes of cooking.
• Don't defrost the sausages before cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer.
• Flip the sausages halfway through cooking.
• Check the sausages halfway through cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

The total cooking time will be 12-15 minutes, or less.

Yes, you can cook sausages from frozen in an air fryer. It's a simple process and a great way to quickly defrost and cook your sausages.

How to Cook Sausage with No Casings in the Air Fryer:

The method for cooking sausage with no casing is the same as for sausages with casing.

Storing Leftovers:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It's best not to freeze leftovers.

Reheating Leftovers:

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer, either whole for a few minutes at 360°F (180°C), or cut into bite-size pieces.

What are the benefits of cooking sausages in an air fryer?

There are several benefits to cooking sausages in an air fryer. Here are some of them:

Quick and Easy

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook sausages, with most recipes taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish. This makes them a convenient option for busy weeknights or when you're short on time. The high heat of the air fryer also means that you don't have to spend time preheating it, as you would with a traditional oven.

Hands-Free Cooking

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is mostly hands-free, which means you don't have to stand over the stove and constantly turn the sausages to ensure even cooking. You only need to flip them once halfway through the cooking time. This gives you the freedom to focus on preparing other parts of your meal or attending to other tasks.

Consistent Results

Air fryers provide consistent results every time you cook sausages. Unlike stovetop cooking, where the heat can vary, or grilling, which requires constant attention, air fryers ensure that your sausages are always beautifully crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. This takes the guesswork out of cooking and guarantees perfectly cooked sausages.

Minimal Mess

Cooking sausages on a stovetop often results in grease splattering everywhere, making a mess that can be tedious to clean up. Air fryers, on the other hand, contain the grease within the appliance, making the cooking process much cleaner and reducing the amount of post-meal cleanup required.

Versatility

Air fryers can cook a variety of sausage types, including Italian sausage, bratwurst, breakfast sausages, and more. They can also handle both fresh and frozen sausages, making them a versatile option for whenever you're in the mood for a juicy, crispy sausage.

Frequently asked questions