Air-Fryer Chicken Sausages: Perfect Timing For Tasty Treats

Chicken sausages are a great option for a quick, easy, and tasty meal. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes and can be served in a variety of ways, making them a versatile dish for any time of the day. The cooking process is simple and only requires a few basic ingredients, making it a convenient option for those looking for a hassle-free meal.

How long to cook chicken sausages in an air fryer

Chicken sausages are a great option for a quick, easy, and tasty meal, and cooking them in an air fryer is a simple and healthy way to prepare them. The cooking time will depend on whether your sausages are pre-cooked, uncooked, or frozen, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how long to cook chicken sausages in an air fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking chicken sausages is between 360°F and 400°F. Preheating ensures a hot cooking environment, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Prepare the Chicken Sausages:

Choose your preferred chicken sausage flavor. You can select from a variety of options such as Italian, spicy, apple maple, or sun-dried tomato. If using uncooked sausages, poke 3-4 small holes with a sharp knife or prick the sausages with a fork a few times to allow any excess moisture to escape during cooking and prevent them from bursting.

Place the Sausages in the Air Fryer:

Arrange the chicken sausages in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Spray the sausages with avocado oil, olive oil, or your preferred cooking oil to help achieve a crispy texture and prevent sticking.

Air Fry the Chicken Sausages:

Now, you're ready to air fry your chicken sausages! The cooking time will vary depending on the type of sausage and your air fryer model.

• For pre-cooked sausages, cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are brown and slightly crisp, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
• For uncooked or frozen sausages, air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are brown and slightly crisp, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model and adjust the cooking time as needed. It's a good idea to check on your sausages periodically to ensure they don't overcook.

Serving Suggestions:

Once your chicken sausages are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket and serve. You can enjoy them on a plate with your favorite accompaniments like mustard, sautéed onions, or a side salad. Alternatively, slice the sausages and serve them with vegetables, potatoes, and a creamy dijon sauce for a balanced and delicious meal.

Storing and Reheating:

If you have any leftovers, cool the sausages to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat the sausages in a skillet over medium heat or in the air fryer or microwave until warm.

Final Thoughts:

Cooking chicken sausages in an air fryer is a convenient and healthy option, and with these simple steps, you can enjoy crispy and juicy sausages in no time! Adjust the cooking time based on your preferences and the specifications of your air fryer for the perfect result.

How to serve air fryer chicken sausages

There are many ways to serve air fryer chicken sausages. Here are some ideas:

As a Main Course

You can serve the sausages with a side of roasted or grilled vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or air fryer fingerling potatoes. You can also serve them with a salad, such as a Greek spinach salad, or a kale crunch salad. For a heartier meal, pair the sausages with a simple pasta dish, like pasta with a tomato sauce, or a bowl of lemon caper pasta.

As Part of a Hearty Breakfast

For a protein-packed breakfast, serve the sausages with eggs and toast. You can also add some cinnamon rolls, jammy eggs, and fresh fruit for a well-rounded breakfast spread.

As Part of a Simple Meal

Choose your favorite flavor of chicken sausage and pair it with a couple of simple side dishes. For example, you could serve the sausages with Honey Garlic Green Beans or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes.

As Part of a Salad

Slice up the sausages and throw them on top of your favorite salad. They would work well in a Chopped Grinder Salad or a Mediterranean Chopped Salad.

As a Sandwich

Serve the sausages in a bun with your favorite toppings. You can also make a breakfast sandwich with the sausages, or pair them with pancakes or waffles.

As Part of a Stir Fry

Chop up the sausages and add them to a stir fry with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cauliflower rice.

With a Side of Sweet Potatoes

The sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs well with the subtle sweetness in chicken apple sausages. You can also try Japanese sweet potatoes or purple sweet potatoes for a twist.

With Green Beans

Use Italian-style green beans and stir them together with the chicken sausage for a quick and hearty stir fry.

With Cauliflower Rice

If you want to keep the meal low-carb, serve the sausages with cauliflower rice.

With Pasta

The Italian chicken sausage flavor would work well in any pasta dish. Simply add your favorite jarred tomato sauce and any cut of whole wheat pasta.

With a Side of Bell Peppers and Rice

Pair the sausages with some sauteed bell peppers and serve them over jasmine rice with a drizzle of low-sugar barbecue sauce.

Other Ideas

• Potatoes: Try air fryer hash browns or home fries.
• Waffles: Go for banana oat waffles or Nutella waffles.
• Soup: Serve the sausages with a cozy bowl of tomato soup, chickpea soup, or potato soup.
• Grilled Corn: Grilled corn on the cob makes for a delicious seasonal side dish.
• Quinoa or Rice: A healthy grain like quinoa or brown rice is a nutritious and filling side option.

How to store leftover chicken sausages

To store leftover chicken sausages, wait for them to cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They should keep for 3-4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

How to cook chicken sausages in an air fryer

Ingredients:

You will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken sausages (pre-cooked, uncooked, or frozen)
• Avocado oil or olive oil cooking spray
• Optional seasonings (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to a temperature between 360°F and 400°F. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the type of sausages you are using.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Sausages

Place the chicken sausages in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping or stacking the sausages to ensure even cooking. If using uncooked sausages, poke 3-4 small holes with a sharp knife in each sausage to prevent them from bursting during cooking.

Step 3: Add Oil and Seasonings

Lightly spray or coat the sausages with avocado or olive oil. This will help them achieve a crispy texture and prevent sticking. You can also add your favorite seasonings at this point for extra flavor.

Step 4: Air Fry the Sausages

Now it's time to air fry the sausages! The cooking time will depend on the type of sausages you are using:

• Pre-cooked sausages: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• Uncooked or frozen sausages: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Regardless of the type of sausages, the internal temperature of the sausages should reach 165°F to ensure they are cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sausages are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool down for a minute or two. Serve them as a main dish with your favorite sides or as a topping for pizzas or salads. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Flip the sausages halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and a crispy skin.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size and thickness of the sausages, as well as the specific model of your air fryer.
• If you have leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

How long to cook frozen chicken sausages in an air fryer

Frozen chicken sausages can be cooked in an air fryer in about 12 to 15 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparation:

Before cooking frozen chicken sausages in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that your air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature, usually between 360°F and 400°F. It is also important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the frozen sausages in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap, to allow for even cooking and a crispy texture.

Cooking Time:

For frozen chicken sausages, the cooking time in an air fryer is typically around 12 to 15 minutes. However, it is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the sausages, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to check the sausages halfway through the cooking process and adjust the timing as needed.

Temperature:

To ensure that your chicken sausages are fully cooked, it is important to check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe for consumption.

Serving Suggestions:

Frozen chicken sausages cooked in an air fryer can be served in a variety of ways. You can slice them and serve with your choice of vegetables, potatoes, and a creamy dijon sauce. They can also be paired with side dishes such as green beans, broccoli florets, sweet potatoes, or other seasoned vegetables. Additionally, these sausages can be used in pasta dishes, stir-fries, omelets, or as a topping for pizzas or salads.

Storage and Reheating:

Leftover frozen chicken sausages can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When storing, allow the sausages to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. To reheat, you can use a skillet over medium heat or the microwave in short bursts, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Frequently asked questions