Air-Fryer Chicken Sausage: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken sausage is a versatile dish that can be served at any meal, from breakfast to dinner. It's a quick and easy way to add protein to your plate and is perfect for busy weeknights. Cooking chicken sausages in an air fryer is a healthy option that yields juicy and flavourful results. The air fryer's ability to cook with minimal oil ensures a crispy exterior and tender interior. This foolproof method works with any brand or flavour of chicken sausage and can be prepared in a variety of ways.

How to cook chicken sausage in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a good idea to ensure your chicken sausages cook evenly. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, use that. If not, you can manually preheat it by running the machine at 375°F (190°C) for 2-5 minutes. Smaller air fryers should only need around 3 minutes, while larger ones will need closer to 5 minutes.

Once preheated, you can add your chicken sausages to the air fryer basket. It's important not to stack the sausages on top of each other and to leave some space between them to ensure even cooking. You can add other ingredients like sliced peppers and onions at the same time as the sausages, but if you want your vegetables to be softer, you can add them later in the cooking process.

Place chicken sausages in the basket

Placing the chicken sausages in the air fryer basket is a crucial step in the cooking process. It is important to ensure that the sausages are placed in a single layer, with space in between each sausage to allow for even cooking. Overlapping or stacking the sausages is not recommended as it can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the sausages from getting crispy.

When placing the sausages in the basket, it is also important to consider the size and thickness of the sausages. If you are using a larger air fryer, you may be able to fit more sausages in a single layer. However, if your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the sausages in batches to ensure they are not overcrowded.

Additionally, the type of sausage you are using can impact how you place them in the basket. For example, if you are using raw or frozen sausages, you may need to adjust the spacing to ensure they cook evenly. Pre-cooked sausages, on the other hand, may require less space as they are already cooked and only need to be heated through.

Some recipes also suggest pricking the sausages with a fork a few times before placing them in the basket. This helps to release excess moisture and prevents the sausages from bursting during cooking. Whether you use pre-cooked or raw sausages, this step can be helpful in ensuring the sausages do not split open during cooking.

Overall, placing the chicken sausages in the air fryer basket is a straightforward step, but it is important to consider spacing, sausage type, and size to ensure optimal cooking results.

Spray with oil

Spraying the chicken sausages with oil is an important step in the cooking process. It helps the sausages achieve a crispy texture and prevents them from sticking to the air fryer basket. You can use a variety of oils for this purpose, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. If you're using a baking tray, you might prefer to line it with parchment paper instead of aluminum foil, and you can use a non-stick spray like avocado oil to prevent sticking.

When spraying the sausages with oil, it's important to ensure that they are in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. This helps to avoid overcrowding and ensures even cooking. You should also leave some space between each sausage.

In terms of the amount of oil to use, a light or thin coating is generally recommended. You can use a spray bottle or an oil mister to ensure an even and controlled application. It is important not to use too much oil, as it can drip off the sausages and into the air fryer, potentially causing smoke or affecting the taste of the food.

Some recipes suggest spraying the sausages with oil a second time, halfway through the cooking process. This can help to ensure that the sausages get crispy all over and can also help to prevent sticking if they are moved or flipped during cooking.

Cook for 8-15 minutes

Cooking chicken sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, healthy, and versatile meal. It's perfect for a busy weeknight, and you can serve chicken sausage with breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Once you've selected your preferred chicken sausage flavor, you can choose to defrost the chicken sausage in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking or put the frozen chicken sausage directly in the air fryer. If you're using raw chicken sausage, you can follow the same steps as for frozen chicken sausage.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Place the chicken sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Spray the sausages with olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil to help achieve a crispy texture and prevent sticking.

Now, it's time to air fry your chicken sausages! The cooking time will depend on the type of chicken sausage you're using. For pre-cooked chicken sausages, cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer.

If you're using raw or frozen chicken sausages, increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes at 375°F, still flipping halfway. Again, adjust the cooking time as needed for your specific air fryer model.

Once the sausages have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), they are ready to be enjoyed! Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. You can serve them with your favorite sides, such as vegetables, potatoes, rice, or pasta.

With these simple steps, you can have delicious, crispy and juicy chicken sausages prepared in your air fryer in no time!

Serve with your favourite sides

Chicken sausages cooked in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be served with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are a great source of protein and can be paired with a variety of side dishes.

For a simple meal, serve the air fryer chicken sausages with your favorite vegetables and potatoes. You can also add a creamy dijon sauce to this combination for a balanced dinner. To make the sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of tahini, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of cold water, and garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

Chicken sausages can also be served with rice or pasta dishes. For example, you can pair them with Mediterranean rice or Italian pasta with peas. If you prefer something simpler, mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes are also great options.

Additionally, you can serve the sausages with buckwheat kasha, which is a great alternative to rice. If you're looking for a more substantial meal, chicken sausages go well with a big bowl of pasta. Choose your favorite sauce, add some freshly grated parmesan cheese, and enjoy! You could also include a side of cheesy garlic bread and roasted broccoli.

For a quick and easy lunch or dinner, chicken sausages can be paired with a couple of simple side dishes. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you need to get a meal on the table in no time.

Air fryer chicken sausages are a versatile and tasty protein option that can be served in a variety of ways to suit your preferences.

Frequently asked questions