Making Smoked Sausage In The Air Fryer: A How-To Guide

Air fryers are a convenient and healthier alternative to deep frying. They can be used to cook a variety of foods, including smoked sausage. Smoked sausage is typically precooked, so preparing it in an air fryer simply involves reheating it. The process is straightforward and can be done in under 10 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process. It ensures that your food cooks evenly and efficiently. When preparing smoked sausage in your air fryer, you'll want to preheat your appliance to the right temperature to achieve the best results.

The ideal temperature range for cooking smoked sausage in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. Preheating your air fryer within this range will ensure that your sausages are cooked thoroughly while also achieving a desirable texture and taste.

For instance, preheating your air fryer to 350°F is a good starting point, as it falls within the recommended temperature range. This temperature will allow your sausages to cook through without drying them out.

If you're looking for a slightly crispier exterior, you can preheat your air fryer to 370°F or 375°F. This higher temperature will give your sausages a nice golden-brown colour and a bit more texture without compromising the juiciness of the meat.

On the other hand, if you're cooking frozen smoked sausages, you might want to preheat your air fryer to a slightly lower temperature, such as 360°F. This will ensure that the sausages are heated through without becoming overly charred or dried out.

Regardless of the temperature you choose, it's important to remember that all air fryers are different, and you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly to suit your particular appliance. Always keep an eye on your sausages during the cooking process to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Cut the sausage into 1-inch pieces

Cutting the sausage into 1-inch pieces is a crucial step in preparing smoked sausage in an air fryer. Here's a detailed guide to help you master this step:

First, gather your ingredients. For this method, you'll need smoked sausages, which are typically pre-cooked and packaged. You can use any variety of pre-cooked or cured smoked sausage, such as Andouille, Kielbasa, beef, or pork sausage.

Now, let's get into the cutting technique. Using a sharp knife, cut the sausage into pieces that are approximately 1 inch thick. It's important to aim for uniformity in the size and thickness of the pieces to ensure even cooking. You can cut each sausage link into 3-4 pieces, depending on its length. This will give you bite-sized chunks that are perfect for appetizers or snacks.

When cutting the sausage, it's best to use a serrated knife. This type of knife will help you achieve clean cuts without squishing the sausage. Work on a clean cutting board, and if you're slicing multiple sausages, it's a good idea to wipe down the knife between cuts to prevent any cross-contamination.

Once you've cut the sausage into 1-inch pieces, you're ready to move on to the next step in the air fryer cooking process. Remember, this step is important because it ensures that the sausage cooks evenly and thoroughly in the air fryer. It also creates bite-sized pieces that are perfect for dipping and serving as appetizers or snacks.

So, take your time and cut those sausages with precision. Before you know it, you'll be enjoying delicious, crispy smoked sausage straight from your air fryer!

Cook for 5-10 minutes

When cooking smoked sausage in an air fryer, the cooking time will depend on the type of sausage and whether it is cooked or uncooked. For uncooked sausage, set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 8-9 minutes. For cooked sausage, set the air fryer to a lower temperature of 275-300°F and cook for 5-10 minutes.

It is important to flip the sausages halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking sliced sausages, you can simply shake the basket to flip them over.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so it is recommended to keep an eye on the sausages during the cooking process and adjust the time as needed.

Additionally, creating steam by adding a few drops of water to the air fryer basket can help prevent the sausages from drying out. You can also lightly brush the sausages with olive oil if they start to look dry.

Flip halfway through

Flipping your smoked sausage halfway through the air-frying process is a crucial step to ensure even cooking and browning. Depending on the thickness of your sausage slices, cooking times can vary from 5 to 10 minutes. Flipping the sausage halfway through ensures that both sides cook evenly and achieve the desired level of doneness. This step is especially important if you are cooking in an air fryer with a basket, as shaking the basket to flip the sausage helps prevent the sausage from sticking and promotes even cooking.

When cooking frozen smoked sausage, the cooking time will be longer, typically around 8 to 10 minutes per side. Flipping the sausage halfway through remains an essential step to ensure even cooking. It is important to note that frozen sausage should be sliced into equal pieces before cooking to ensure consistent cooking throughout.

Additionally, creating steam by adding a few drops of water to the air fryer basket can help prevent the sausage from drying out during the cooking process. If the sausage starts to look dry, you can lightly brush it with olive oil or cooking oil before placing it back in the air fryer for the second half of the cooking time.

By following these simple steps and flipping your sausage halfway through, you can achieve juicy, evenly cooked smoked sausage with a mouthwatering caramelized exterior, ready to be served as a quick and easy meal or appetizer.

Serve with BBQ sauce or mustard

There are many ways to serve smoked sausage from the air fryer, and BBQ sauce or mustard are classic accompaniments. Here are some ideas for serving smoked sausage with these sauces:

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is a popular choice for dipping smoked sausage. You can simply serve the sauce as a dip alongside the sausage, or you can drizzle it over the sausage before serving. If you're serving the sauce on the side, it's a good idea to provide toothpicks so your guests can easily pick up the sausage.

If you want to get creative, you can brush the sausages with BBQ sauce before air frying. This will give them a sweet and tangy twist. You can also try serving the smoked sausage with a side of BBQ-glazed veggies, like bell peppers and onions, or even potatoes.

Mustard

Mustard is another classic condiment to serve with smoked sausage. Spicy brown mustard is a popular choice, adding a tangy and slightly spicy kick that complements the savoury flavours of the sausage. You can serve the mustard as a dip or drizzle it over the sausage.

For a more sophisticated presentation, try serving a smoked sausage and cheese platter with your favourite cube cheese, chopped pickles, and a generous sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning. This combination of flavours and textures will impress your guests and make for a simple yet satisfying appetizer.

Combination of Sauces

You don't have to choose just one sauce! You can set out a variety of dipping sauces, including BBQ sauce, mustard, ranch, hot sauce, or even a cheese sauce. This will allow your guests to mix and match, finding their favourite combinations.

Other Serving Ideas

In addition to sauces, there are endless ways to serve smoked sausage from the air fryer. Here are some ideas:

• Keep it simple and serve the sausage on a bun, like a giant, fancy hot dog.
• Slice up the sausage and air fry it with onions and peppers. This makes for a delicious entree, especially when served over rice.
• Wrap the sausage in crescent rolls before air frying for a twist on pigs in a blanket.
• Add the sliced sausage to other dishes like nachos, baked beans, or rice bowls.
• Make a charcuterie board with the smoked sausage, along with cheeses, crackers, dips, and other savoury goodies.

No matter which sauce or serving style you choose, air-fried smoked sausage is a quick, easy, and delicious option for any gathering.

Frequently asked questions