Air-Fryer Chorizo: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food, resulting in a healthier alternative to deep frying. One food that can be cooked in an air fryer is chorizo, a type of sausage that is popular in Spain and Portugal. Cooking chorizo in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this spicy, smoky-flavoured sausage.

Should you slice chorizo before air frying?

Yes, you can cook chorizo in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to cook this spicy sausage, resulting in a healthier option that still packs a flavour punch.

This is a matter of personal preference. You can cook chorizo whole in an air fryer, but slicing it first will result in a more even cook and a crispier texture. If you like your chorizo with a little bit of crispiness, slicing it before air frying will give you that exact result.

If you want to cook sliced chorizo, preheat your air fryer to 360°F to 380°F. Slice your chorizo into 1- to 2-inch slices and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring enough space between each piece for air circulation. Set the temperature to 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the chorizo when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Tips for cooking chorizo in an air fryer:

• If cooking whole, preheat your air fryer to 380°F and cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
• If you are cooking sausages that are still frozen, it may take a little longer.
• Check your chorizo after the first 7 minutes of cooking, as some air fryer brands will cook faster than others.
• Always read your air fryer manual before using it.
• Avoid piercing the skin of the sausage, as this will let the juices out and make the sausage dry.
• If you are cooking Mexican chorizo, form it into smaller pieces or patties to ensure even cooking and allow excess fat to render effectively.
• If cooking Spanish chorizo, slicing it before cooking can enhance the texture and flavour.

What temperature and duration should you air fry chorizo at?

Air-frying chorizo is a quick and easy way to get this spicy sausage on your table in no time. The air fryer's hot air cooks your food, resulting in a healthier option that still packs a flavour punch.

To make air fryer chorizo, start by preheating your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Then place your chorizo sausages into the air fryer and set the temperature to 10 to 12 minutes for whole sausages or 8 to 10 minutes for sliced sausages. The chorizo is done when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of chorizo you are using and the brand of your air fryer. Some air fryer brands will cook faster than others, so it's always good to monitor the chorizo after the first 7 minutes of cooking. Additionally, if you are cooking sliced chorizo, it is recommended to slice the sausages into 1 to 2-inch slices for the best results.

If you are cooking other ingredients with your chorizo in the air fryer, such as potatoes or vegetables, the cooking time may also vary. In this case, you may need to cook the chorizo and other ingredients separately, or adjust the cooking time accordingly.

For those who like their chorizo a little crispy, it is recommended to slice the sausages before air frying. This will result in a more even cooking method and give the edges a nice crispiness. However, if you prefer your chorizo juicy, cooking it whole may be a better option, although it will take longer to cook.

What internal temperature should chorizo reach when air frying?

Yes, you can cook chorizo in an air fryer. To ensure that your chorizo is cooked safely, it should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Cooking sausages can be tricky. You want to keep the skin intact to prevent the juices from running out, but you also have to prevent the internal temperature from reaching 212°F (100°C), the boiling point. Above 212°F (100°C), the sausage will swell and burst.

To cook chorizo in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking results. If you want your chorizo to be crispy, coat it with a light drizzle of olive oil before placing it in the air fryer. Spread the chorizo evenly in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

If you are cooking sliced chorizo, transfer the sliced sausages to the air fryer and cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked, flipping halfway.

If you are cooking chorizo sausage links, cook them in the air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What sides go well with air-fried chorizo?

Air-fried chorizo is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Scrambled Eggs and Avocado

A popular choice is to pair air-fried chorizo with scrambled eggs and sliced avocado. This combination makes for a delicious and hearty breakfast. The creaminess of the avocado and eggs complement the spiciness of the chorizo, creating a well-rounded dish.

Diced Potatoes

If you're looking for a heartier option, diced potatoes are a great choice. You can par-boil and then air fry them for a crispy texture, or simply cook them in an air fryer for a quicker approach. Potatoes provide a neutral base that allows the flavour of the chorizo to shine through.

Shrimp

For a more sophisticated pairing, consider serving air-fried chorizo with shrimp. The seafood flavour of shrimp blends surprisingly well with the smokiness of the chorizo. You can cook the shrimp separately or, for added convenience, cook them together in the air fryer for a quick and tasty dish.

Garlic and Pasta

For a more substantial meal, toss your air-fried chorizo with garlic and pasta. The garlic enhances the savoury notes of the chorizo, while pasta provides a filling base that transforms this into a satisfying dinner option.

Hash Browns

If you're looking for a crispy and indulgent side, hash browns are an excellent choice. You can cook them in your air fryer for added convenience and a healthier option. The combination of hash browns and air-fried chorizo creates a delicious and hearty meal, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Bell Peppers and Cheese

For a colourful and flavourful addition, consider bell peppers and cheese. The peppers add a crisp texture and a mild, sweet flavour, while the cheese melts beautifully and brings everything together. This combination is especially tasty when served with a fried egg on top.

Should you pierce the skin of chorizo before air frying?

Air-frying chorizo is a quick and efficient method that brings out the bold flavours of this versatile sausage, whether you're using Mexican chorizo, Spanish chorizo, or a homemade variety. It is important to adjust the settings of your air fryer depending on the type of chorizo you are using.

For fresh Mexican chorizo, you may want to form it into smaller pieces or patties to ensure even cooking and to allow the excess fat to render effectively. For cured varieties like Spanish chorizo, slicing them before air frying can enhance their texture, making them nicely crisp.

Preheat your air fryer to medium heat

Preheat your air fryer to medium heat, usually around 360°F to 380°F. Place the chorizo in the air fryer basket, ensuring enough space between each piece for air circulation. This method cooks the chorizo evenly, giving it a delightful texture on the outside while keeping it juicy on the inside.

Cooking time in an air fryer

The cooking time in an air fryer will vary based on the type of chorizo. Fresh chorizo, such as homemade Mexican chorizo or store-bought fresh pork chorizo, may take around 8 to 10 minutes, while cured chorizo could take a bit less time.

Some people recommend piercing the skin of the chorizo with a toothpick 2-3 times to prevent the sausage from bursting. However, others advise against this, as it can cause the juices to run out, resulting in a dry sausage.

The decision to pierce the skin of chorizo before air frying is ultimately a matter of personal preference. If you are concerned about the sausage bursting, you can try piercing it with a toothpick a few times. However, if you want to retain the juices and moisture in the sausage, it is best not to pierce the skin.

Frequently asked questions