Air-Fried Sausage: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-off method that results in perfectly juicy and golden-brown sausages. This technique eliminates the need for stovetop cooking, which can be messy due to grease splatter, and it also frees up your time and mental capacity to focus on preparing the rest of the meal.

To cook sausages in an air fryer, simply place thawed or frozen sausage links in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Poke holes in the casings to allow fat to escape, although some recipes advise against this to prevent the sausages from drying out. Set the air fryer temperature to between 360-400°F and cook for around 8-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages. For a softer skin, cook for a shorter duration, and for a crispier exterior, increase the cooking time.

Air-fried sausages can be served in a variety of ways, including in buns, with roasted vegetables, in sandwiches, or as part of pasta dishes. They are a versatile and convenient option for busy weeknights and can be paired with various side dishes to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for making sausages in an air fryer depend on the type of sausages you are cooking. For example, thinner sausages like breakfast sausages will take less time to cook than thicker sausages like Italian sausage or bratwurst.

When cooking sausages in an air fryer, it is recommended to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate around the sausages and cook them evenly.

Some recipes recommend poking holes in the sausages before cooking to allow the fat to escape, while others advise against this to prevent the sausages from drying out.

• For thinner sausages like breakfast sausages, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.
• For thicker sausages like Italian sausage or bratwurst, cook at 400°F for 9-12 minutes.
• For fully cooked sausages, such as kielbasa, cook at 400°F for 4-7 minutes, depending on whether they are sliced or unsliced.
• If you are cooking sausage patties, preheat the air fryer to 400°F, cook for 5 minutes, flip the patties, and then cook for about 3 minutes more.
• For Italian sausages that are 1.5 inches thick, cook at 360°F for 12-13 minutes. If you prefer your sausages extra crispy, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
• If you are cooking at a lower temperature of 370°F, cook the sausages for 13 minutes for a softer skin or 14 minutes for a browned exterior.
• If you are cooking at an even lower temperature of 375°F, cook the sausages for 7 minutes per side.
• If your air fryer has a lower temperature setting of 180°C, cook the sausages for 10-15 minutes, turning them every 5 minutes.

Sausage types

Sausages are a versatile food, and there are many different types that can be cooked in an air fryer.

One of the most popular types of sausages to cook in an air fryer is Italian sausage. These can be spicy, sweet, or mild, and are usually made from pork, chicken, or turkey. Italian sausages are also typically gluten-free, making them a good option for those with dietary restrictions.

Another type of sausage that can be cooked in an air fryer is breakfast sausage. These are usually thinner and can be in the form of links or patties. Breakfast sausages can be made from various meats, including pork, turkey, and chicken.

Bratwurst, or Brats, are also a good option for air frying. They are thicker sausages that can be cooked from frozen or fresh.

Kielbasa, a type of Polish sausage, can also be cooked in an air fryer. It can be sliced and cooked for a shorter period of time or cooked whole for a crispier skin.

Other types of sausages that can be cooked in an air fryer include fully cooked sausages, such as wieners and chicken sausages, as well as uncooked sausage links, patties, or coils.

Should you pierce the sausages?

There are differing opinions on whether you should pierce sausages before cooking them in an air fryer. Some sources suggest that you should not pierce the sausages, as this will cause the juices to run out and the sausages to dry out. However, other sources recommend piercing the sausages in a few places with a sharp knife to allow the fat to escape, which can prevent the sausages from bursting.

If you are cooking sausages from frozen, you may not need to pierce them, as they can be cooked straight from frozen in the air fryer. However, if you are cooking fresh or thawed sausages, it is recommended to pierce the sausages before cooking. This is especially important if you are cooking the sausages on high heat, as this increases the risk of the casings bursting.

It is worth noting that piercing the sausages may result in a small amount of smoke, as the fat drips onto the bottom of the air fryer. To avoid this, you can place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer to catch the drippings.

How to serve

Air fryer sausages are a versatile dish that can be served in several ways. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

In a Bun

If it's summer, you might be inclined to throw your air fryer sausage in a bun with some mustard and kraut (homemade red cabbage kraut, perhaps?) You could also add some sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic.

With Pasta

Slice your air fryer sausage and throw it over some pasta. You could serve it with pesto or marinara sauce and your favourite pasta shape. Pesto spaghetti squash makes a great "pasta" base, as does serving it with red lentil pasta or even air fryer cauliflower gnocchi.

As Part of a Hearty Breakfast

You could serve your air fryer sausages as a side for breakfast or in buns.

With Roasted Veggies

Air fryer sausages go well with roasted veggies like broccoli or cauliflower and potatoes. This is a good option if you're serving a keto meal—just be sure to use keto-friendly veggies like cauliflower mash.

Seasoned

Feel free to season your sausages to suit the dish you're serving them with. Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning are all good options.

Avoiding smoke

Sausages are a high-fat food, and the dripping fat can cause some smoke when cooked in an air fryer. Here are some tips to avoid smoking when making sausages in an air fryer:

Use Parchment Paper

Putting a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of your air fryer basket can help catch the drippings and prevent smoke. This method is also recommended when cooking other high-fat foods, such as air fryer cod. However, make sure to use parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers, and follow the instructions for safe use.

Add Water to the Air Fryer Basket

Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket can help reduce smoke. The water will catch the drippings and prevent them from burning and smoking.

Control the Temperature

Cooking sausages at a lower temperature can help reduce smoking. While some recipes recommend cooking sausages at 400°F, you can try lowering the temperature to 370°F or 375°F and increasing the cooking time slightly. This will allow the sausages to cook more slowly, reducing the risk of smoking.

Choose the Right Type of Sausage

Different types of sausages have different fat contents, which can affect how much they smoke during cooking. Choose leaner sausage options or those with less fat to reduce the amount of smoke generated.

Defrost Frozen Sausages Before Cooking

Cooking frozen sausages in the air fryer can increase the amount of smoke generated. To reduce smoke, defrost your sausages before placing them in the air fryer. You can defrost sausages by transferring them to the refrigerator the night before cooking or using the defrost setting on your microwave.

Frequently asked questions