Air-Fryer Breakfast Sausage: Timing And Tips

Cooking breakfast sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, crispy breakfast. Whether you're using frozen or fresh sausages, an air fryer can cook your breakfast in less than 15 minutes, with minimal clean-up required.

How to cook frozen breakfast sausages

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and mess-free way to cook frozen breakfast sausages, then your air fryer is your best friend! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen breakfast sausages to perfection.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

First, get your air fryer ready. If your air fryer model requires it, preheat it to 325°F (162.7°C). Some air fryers don't need preheating, but it's a good idea to check your model's instructions. If you're using an air fryer with a non-stick tray, there's no need for any additional preparation. However, if your air fryer doesn't have a non-stick surface, a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray will make cleanup a breeze. Just be sure to avoid using cooking spray if your air fryer has a non-stick coating, as it can damage the surface.

Step 2: Arrange the Frozen Sausages

Now it's time to add the frozen sausages. Place the frozen sausage links or patties in a single layer in your air fryer basket or tray, making sure they're not crowded. Leave a little space between each sausage to allow hot air to circulate properly. If you have a large batch of sausages, you might need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Timer

Once your sausages are nicely arranged, it's time to get cooking! Set your air fryer's temperature to 390°F (198.8°C). For frozen breakfast sausages, the cooking time will be around 12 minutes. However, if you like your sausages extra crispy, feel free to add a couple of extra minutes to the timer.

Step 4: Flip and Cook

Halfway through the cooking time, give your sausages a little flip or turn to ensure even browning. This will help them cook evenly on all sides.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Your sausages are almost ready! After the timer goes off, check to see if they're done to your liking. Breakfast sausages are typically cooked when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71.1°C). If you don't have a meat thermometer, that's okay! Simply cut into one of the sausages to ensure there's no pink left inside. If they're not quite done, you can always put them back in the air fryer for a few extra minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your sausages have reached the perfect level of doneness, it's time to serve them up! Place them on a plate, add your favorite sides, and enjoy a delicious and hassle-free breakfast.

Cooking frozen breakfast sausages in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to start your day. So, the next time you're craving sausages but don't want the mess of a greasy stove, give this air fryer method a try!

How to cook fresh breakfast sausages

Breakfast sausages are a great choice for a quick, easy, and tasty meal. Using an air fryer to cook them is an even better choice as it's faster, easier to clean up, and produces great results. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook fresh breakfast sausages in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Firstly, you'll want to prepare your air fryer. If your air fryer model requires it, preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 325°F and 400°F (163°C and 200°C). Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Arrange the Sausages

Place the fresh breakfast sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave enough space between each sausage to allow for proper air circulation. If you have a large batch, cook the sausages in multiple batches for the best results.

Step 3: Cook the Sausages

Once the sausages are arranged, place the basket back into the air fryer and cook for 8 to 12 minutes at the desired temperature. For a common breakfast sausage, a temperature of 360°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C) is recommended.

Step 4: Flip and Cook Further

For even cooking, it's a good idea to flip the sausages halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure that they brown and cook evenly on all sides. Depending on your desired level of doneness, you may want to cook them for a few minutes longer.

Step 5: Check the Temperature

To ensure your sausages are cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The sausages are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for pork sausage or 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey sausage.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sausages have reached the desired internal temperature, they are ready to be served and enjoyed! You can serve them with eggs, hash browns, or any other breakfast sides of your choice.

Tips and Variations:

• For easier cleanup, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil, but be cautious of grease circulation.
• You can also cook frozen sausages in the air fryer without thawing them first. Simply increase the cooking time to 10-14 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages.
• If you're cooking thicker sausages like brats or Italian sausage, you'll need to cook them longer, up to 14 minutes.
• You can also cook sausage patties in the air fryer. Simply form the sausage meat into patties, add your favorite spices, and cook for 10 minutes at 370°F (188°C).

How to reheat cooked sausages

To reheat cooked sausages in an air fryer, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that you can reheat both refrigerated and frozen sausages in the air fryer. If you are reheating refrigerated sausages, set your air fryer to 180°C and heat the sausages for 4-6 minutes. Frozen sausages will need a little longer, so set your air fryer to 400°F and heat for 6-8 minutes.

If you are reheating a large batch of sausages, it is best to cook them in batches to ensure even heating. Arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough room between each sausage for the hot air to circulate.

You can also line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil to catch any mess and make cleaning easier. However, please note that the sausages may not brown as evenly.

For best results, check that the sausages are heated through before serving. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausages, which should be 160°F for pork sausage and 165°F for chicken or turkey sausage.

How to cook different types of sausages

Sausages are a tricky food item to cook. They can end up charring on the outside but raw on the inside, or burnt and dry. However, there are a few methods you can use to cook sausages properly. The type of sausage you are cooking and your desired outcome will determine the best cooking method.

Air Frying

The most energy-efficient and fastest way to cook sausages is by air-frying. This method ensures a crispy exterior while retaining moisture in the centre to keep your sausages juicy. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 325°F to 390°F, and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through. If your sausages are frozen, cook them for 12 minutes.

Pan-Frying

Cooking sausages in a pan on a stovetop is a more accessible method for everyday sausage meals. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, then add the sausages. Turn the sausages in the hot fat to coat them, and cook for 15-20 minutes, moving them around in the pan and turning them over regularly so they cook evenly.

Boiling and Grilling

If you plan to grill your sausages, it is recommended to boil them first to ensure they are cooked through. Bring a large saucepan of water to a simmer and cook the sausages for 8-10 minutes. Drain the water and place the sausages on a barbecue grill for 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through.

Simmer-Then-Sear Technique

This two-step technique involves gently cooking the sausages in water first and then crisping them in a hot pan. Drop your sausages into a large pot or saucepan and fill it with enough cold water to just cover the sausages. Put the vessel on the stove, turn the heat to medium-high, and cook until the water reaches a gentle simmer (about 6-8 minutes). Then, turn off the heat, slice the sausages in half lengthwise, and grease a pan with a bit of oil. Place the sausages in the pan and sear until you get your desired level of crispness.

How to store cooked sausages

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a great way to avoid a greasy stove and messy cleanup. But what about storing your cooked sausages? Here are some detailed instructions on how to store cooked sausages to keep them fresh and safe to eat.

Refrigerating Cooked Sausages:

• Leftover cooked sausages can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Use an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
• Make sure the sausages are completely cooled before storing them in the fridge.
• Regularly check the sausages for any signs of spoilage, such as an odd smell, texture, or colour changes.

Freezing Cooked Sausages:

• If you don't plan on eating the sausages within 3-4 days, freezing is a great option.
• Fully cook the sausages before freezing them.
• Allow the sausages to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Line the freezer bag with parchment paper to prevent the sausages from freezing together.
• Store the sausages in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Label the container or bag with the date of freezing and consume within the recommended time frame.

Reheating Cooked Sausages:

• You can easily reheat cooked sausages on the stovetop or in the air fryer.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
• In the air fryer, reheat at 325°F for 5-8 minutes.
• Ensure the sausages are heated to an internal temperature of 160°F for pork sausages and 165°F for chicken or turkey sausages.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your air-fried breakfast sausages throughout the week and even freeze some for later!

Frequently asked questions