Making Sausage Links In An Air Fryer: A How-To Guide

Cooking sausage links in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a classic breakfast favourite. It's a healthier option that requires little to no preparation and can be cooked from frozen. The air fryer method also reduces the need for oil and prevents grease splatter, making it a convenient and mess-free way to cook sausages.

How to cook sausage links in an air fryer

Air-frying your sausage links is a great way to cook your breakfast favourite with minimal fuss and mess. It's healthier, too, as you don't need to add any extra oil and there's no splattering grease. Plus, you can make your eggs or coffee while the sausages cook.

How to cook them

First, preheat your air fryer to somewhere between 370-400°F. Then, place your sausage links inside the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. This allows the hot air to circulate freely and cook them evenly.

Cooking time varies depending on the model of your air fryer, the thickness of your sausages, and whether they are fresh or frozen. As a general rule, fresh sausages will take around 10 minutes, and frozen sausages will take 12-15 minutes. You should flip the sausages halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly.

To check if your sausages are cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure they've reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F. They should be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Storing and reheating

If you have leftovers, allow the sausages to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-5 minutes, taking care not to overcook.

Tips

• You don't need to add any oil or cooking spray to the air fryer.
• If you're using a lower-fat sausage, you can lightly brush the basket with oil or use a piece of parchment paper with holes to prevent sticking.
• Don't pierce the sausages before cooking, as this can make them drier.
• Resist the temptation to open the air fryer during cooking, as this will release heat and increase cooking time.
• If you're cooking from frozen, start with a lower temperature for the first 3-5 minutes to allow the sausages to defrost slightly.
• You can stuff your sausages with shredded cheese, onions, or other fillings, or stir them into scrambled eggs for a more hearty meal.

Cooking times and temperatures

For fresh, refrigerated sausage links, cook at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping the sausages halfway through. For even cooking, arrange the sausages in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.

For uncooked frozen links, cook at two different temperatures to ensure they are thoroughly cooked. Start by cooking at 350°F for 5 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for another 7-8 minutes. Check that the internal temperature of the sausages has reached 160°F before serving.

Precooked frozen links can be cooked at 350°F for 10 minutes. Flip or shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

If you are cooking frozen links, it is recommended to thaw them first for the best results. However, if you choose to cook them from frozen, start with a lower temperature of around 360°F for 3-5 minutes, then increase to 380°F and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes.

The high temperature is important for achieving the perfect browning, but be careful not to overcook the sausages, as they can dry out.

Reheating and storing sausage links

Once you've cooked your sausage links in the air fryer, you'll want to store and reheat them correctly to maintain their flavour and texture.

Storing Sausage Links

Allow the sausage links to cool down to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container or wrap them securely in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to four days.

If you don't think you'll eat the sausages within this time, you can freeze them. Wrap the links individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight to avoid bacterial growth.

Reheating Sausage Links

To reheat, pop the sausages back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until they're hot throughout. You can also reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out.

There you have it! Sausage links cooked, stored, and reheated with minimal fuss and maximum flavour.

Air fryer vs stovetop cooking

Air fryers are a popular alternative to traditional cooking methods like stovetop frying, oven roasting, and rotisserie cooking. They use rapidly circulating heated air to cook food, resulting in crispy exteriors without the need for excess oil. Here's a detailed comparison of air fryer cooking versus stovetop cooking:

Cooking Process:

Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it in a contained space, creating a dry environment that promotes even browning and crisping. Stovetop cooking, on the other hand, typically involves direct contact with a hot surface, such as a pan or grill, and may require the addition of oil or fat to prevent sticking and enhance flavour.

Cooking Time:

Air fryers are known for their quick cooking times. They preheat quickly and can cook food in a fraction of the time compared to stovetop methods. This makes them ideal for busy individuals or families who want to spend less time cooking.

Clean-up:

One of the biggest advantages of air fryers is the ease of clean-up. There is no grease splatter or mess on your stovetop, and most air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe. With stovetop cooking, you may need to scrub pans or deal with greasy residue.

Space and Capacity:

Air fryers are typically countertop appliances, so they don't take up much space. However, they have limited capacity and are best suited for cooking smaller batches of food. Stovetop cooking allows for more flexibility in terms of batch size, as you can use different sized pans or pots.

Versatility:

While air fryers are excellent for cooking certain foods like sausage links, chicken tenders, and fries, they may not be as versatile as stovetop cooking. Stovetop cooking allows for a wider range of cooking techniques, such as sautéing, stir-frying, and simmering, making it easier to prepare diverse dishes.

Flavour:

Air fryers can produce delicious, juicy, and crispy results, especially for foods like sausages. However, stovetop cooking can offer a different flavour profile, as the direct contact with the cooking surface can create a unique sear or crust that some people prefer.

In conclusion, both air fryers and stovetop cooking have their advantages. Air fryers excel in convenience, clean-up, and producing crispy food with minimal oil. Stovetop cooking offers more versatility, flavour options, and the ability to cook larger batches. The best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

What to serve with air fryer sausage links

Air fryer sausage links are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with air fryer sausage links:

Hearty Breakfast Classics:

• Eggs: Scrambled, poached, or any other style of eggs go well with sausage links, providing a protein-packed start to the day.
• Hash Browns or Breakfast Potatoes: Add some crispy, golden-brown hash browns or skillet-cooked breakfast potatoes for a comforting texture contrast.
• Pancakes or Waffles: For a sweet and savoury combination, serve sausage links with fluffy pancakes or waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup for an indulgent touch.

Lighter Healthy Sides:

• Fresh Fruit: A refreshing side of berries, melon, or citrus fruits can balance the richness of the sausages.
• Vegetable Stir-fry: Prepare a quick stir-fry with bell peppers, onions, and spinach to incorporate more vegetables into your meal.
• Toast or English Muffins: Whole-grain toast or an English muffin can add a satisfying crunch and soak up the flavours of the dish. Spread with butter or jam for extra flavour.
• Bagels: Try a toasted bagel with cream cheese for a hearty and flavourful breakfast option.
• Sandwich: For a quick breakfast on the go, slice the sausages and place them on buttered bread with ketchup for a simple, satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions