Air Fryer Sausage Patties: Quick, Easy Breakfast

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to stovetops and ovens for cooking sausage patties. They can be used to cook frozen or fresh sausage patties, with frozen patties taking a few minutes longer to cook. Preheating the air fryer is not always necessary, but it is recommended to grease the inside of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. The cooking time and temperature vary depending on the type of sausage patty and the desired level of crispiness, but on average, sausage patties take around 8-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Fresh vs frozen sausage patties

Sausage patties can be made from both fresh and frozen sausage meat. The main difference between the two is that frozen patties will take a couple of minutes longer to cook. Frozen patties can be cooked directly from their frozen state, whereas fresh patties can be cooked as is.

Frozen sausage patties are a great option for a quick and delicious breakfast, as they can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes and will turn out tender and juicy. They are also a convenient option for busy mornings, as they can be cooked from frozen without the need for thawing.

Fresh sausage patties can be made from a roll of fresh sausage meat, such as Jimmy Dean's pork sausage. Fresh patties can be cooked in an air fryer in 8-12 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them.

Both fresh and frozen sausage patties can be cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and it is not necessary to flip them during cooking if using a standard air fryer basket with holes. However, if using a solid tray, it is recommended to flip the patties halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Overall, both fresh and frozen sausage patties can be successfully cooked in an air fryer, with the main difference being the slightly longer cooking time for frozen patties.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making sausage patties. The ideal temperature for cooking sausage patties is 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). However, some recipes suggest cooking at slightly lower temperatures, such as 370 degrees Fahrenheit.

The preheating time will depend on your air fryer model and its settings. Basket-style air fryers, for example, don't need to be preheated because they warm up quickly and are more powerful than oven-style air fryers. If your air fryer has a preheat function, it's a good idea to test the same recipe with and without preheating to see if there is a noticeable difference in cooking time and results.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed with the next steps of cooking your sausage patties.

Avoiding grease splatter

Sausage patties can be cooked in an air fryer, and doing so can help you avoid grease splatter all over your stovetop and countertop. However, grease splatter can still occur in an air fryer, especially when cooking foods like bacon. Here are some tips to avoid grease splatter:

Use a splatter guard

A splatter guard is a fine wire mesh on a long handle that can be placed over the air fryer basket to reduce splatter. Silicone splatter guards are also available and tend to be more reliable and easier to clean than wire ones.

Use a deeper dish

Using a deeper dish can help contain the splatter. For example, instead of using a skillet, use a 4+ quart pan.

Cover the air fryer with a metal screen

Covering the air fryer with a metal screen can help reduce splatter while still allowing steam to escape.

Ensure food is dry before placing it in the air fryer

Grease splatter can occur when water or ice hits the oil. Make sure your food is as dry as possible before placing it in the air fryer.

Place a slice of bread at the bottom of the air fryer

A slice of bread can help collect grease and make cleanup easier. This is a great way to use stale bread, and it's also a more environmentally friendly alternative to aluminium foil.

Preheat the air fryer before adding food

Preheating your air fryer can help reduce splatter by allowing the oil to heat up gradually. Simply turn on the air fryer two to three minutes before use or use the preheat setting if your unit has one.

Serving suggestions

Sausage patties cooked in an air fryer are a great breakfast option, especially when served with other morning dishes. They can be served in a breakfast sandwich made with biscuits, toast, bread, or English muffins. You can also cut them up and put them in gravy for your biscuits and gravy. They go well with eggs, waffles, donuts, pancakes, French toast, and crepes.

If you want to make a breakfast burrito, you can dice up the sausage patties and add them to an egg and cheese burrito or a spinach and egg burrito. You can also add them to a bacon, egg, and cheese crescent ring instead of bacon. They can also be served with a vegetable omelette, cottage cheese waffles, and oat or almond milk pancakes.

Storing leftovers

Sausage patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To do this, wrap the patties in foil or place them in an airtight container. If you don't think you'll eat them within 5 days, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, put the patties in an airtight container or a freezer bag lined with parchment paper, or wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from freezing together.

When reheating, you can use a stovetop or an air fryer. Reheat on the stovetop or in the air fryer at 325°F (162.7°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions