Link Sausages In The Air Fryer: Quick Cooking Times

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-free method that results in brown and crispy sausages on the outside, and juicy sausages on the inside. The cooking time depends on the type of sausage and whether they are frozen or not. Fresh or thawed sausages should be poked with a fork or paring knife to allow the fat to escape easily from the casing. Frozen sausages can be cooked straight from frozen, but they will take a little longer. On average, sausages take around 8-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer, but this can vary depending on the thickness of the sausages and the model of the air fryer.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time for link sausages in an air fryer depends on the type of sausage and whether they are fresh, frozen, or precooked.

Fresh sausages

For fresh link sausages, most sources recommend cooking at 400°F for 8–12 minutes. However, some sources suggest a lower temperature of 375°F for 10 minutes, or even 350°F for 5 minutes followed by 7–8 minutes at 400°F.

Frozen sausages

For uncooked frozen sausages, it is recommended to cook at 350°F for 5 minutes, then 7–8 minutes at 400°F, or 400°F for 8–12 minutes.

Precooked sausages

Precooked frozen sausages can be reheated in an air fryer at 350°F for 10 minutes. For precooked sausages that have not been frozen, a few sources suggest cooking at 400°F for 5 minutes, then 5 minutes at 350°F, while another suggests cooking at 450°F for 6 minutes.

How to serve air-fried sausages

There are many ways to serve air-fried sausages. Here are some ideas:

The Classic Breakfast

Air-fried sausages go well with eggs, whether they are scrambled, fried, or made into an omelet with bell peppers and onions. You can also serve them with a side of hash browns, toast, or grits.

Biscuits and Gravy

Make an easy breakfast by crumbling your air-fried sausages and sprinkling them into some sausage gravy. Serve with flaky biscuits made from canned dough.

In a Bun

If it's summer, you might want to serve your air-fried sausages in a bun with some mustard and kraut (but hold the ketchup!)

With a Side

You can serve air-fried sausages with some sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic. This meal is great served with rice and is also excellent for meal-prepping.

On a Charcuterie Board

You can add air-fried sausages to a breakfast charcuterie board, along with other breakfast meats, cheeses, and condiments.

Over Pasta

Slice your air-fried sausages and throw them over some pasta. They go well with pesto spaghetti squash, red lentil pasta, or air-fried cauliflower gnocchi.

As Part of a Bigger Air-Fried Meal

You can make your entire meal in the air fryer and serve your sausages with some easy air-fried sides, such as frozen broccoli, okra, or mushrooms.

With a Drizzle of Maple Syrup

If you're serving breakfast sausages, you could take inspiration from one air fryer who loves to drizzle their breakfast sausages with maple syrup before serving.

With a Side of Eggs and Fruit

One air fryer serves their sausages with hard-boiled eggs and fresh fruit as a protein-packed breakfast or snack.

Reheating precooked sausages

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a lower temperature than you would use for cooking sausages from scratch, as you are simply reheating them.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausages

Place the precooked sausages in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each sausage. This allows the air to circulate and cook the sausages evenly.

Step 3: Reheat the Sausages

Cook the sausages for 2-3 minutes at 320 degrees Fahrenheit. If your sausages are frozen, you may need to reheat them for a little longer, around 5-7 minutes. You can also reheat frozen sausages at a higher temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Check the Sausages

To ensure your sausages are ready to eat, check that they are heated through to the middle. Cut into one of the sausages to make sure it is no longer pink inside. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit for pork sausages and 165 degrees Fahrenheit for turkey sausages.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your sausages are heated through, they are ready to serve and enjoy! You can serve them with your favourite breakfast foods, such as eggs, hash browns, or pancakes.

Freezing and refrigerating sausages

When it comes to freezing and refrigerating sausages, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure food safety and maintain the best quality. Here are some detailed guidelines:

Freezing Sausages:

• Freezing sausages is a great way to extend their shelf life and have them readily available for quick meals.
• To freeze raw sausages, arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each sausage. Place the tray in the freezer for 1-2 hours to pre-freeze individually.
• For pre-cooked sausages, allow them to cool to room temperature before freezing.
• After pre-freezing, place the sausages in a vacuum-seal or zipper freezer bag. Leave at least 2 inches of headroom between the meat and the top of the bag. If using a non-vacuum seal bag, squeeze out as much air as possible.
• Alternatively, wrap individual sausages in plastic wrap before storing them in non-vacuum seal bags or freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the bags or containers with the contents, date packaged, and whether they are cooked or raw. You can also include the use-by date or your own suggested use-by date.
• Sausages can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Refrigerating Sausages:

• Raw sausages can be refrigerated for 1-2 days after purchasing. The "sell-by" date on the package may expire during this time, but the sausages remain safe to use if properly stored.
• Keep unopened raw sausages in their original store packaging when refrigerating. Do not open the package until you are ready to use them.
• For cooked sausages, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. They will stay good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• When storing raw meats in the refrigerator, arrange them in a top-to-bottom order. Place ready-to-eat foods like dairy products on the top shelf, followed by leftovers and other packaged foods. Keep raw meat, poultry, and fish in sealed containers on the bottom shelf, with produce in the vegetable drawers.
• Always keep sausages refrigerated. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature, and some organisms can create toxins that survive cooking.

Why cook sausages in an air fryer?

Cooking sausages in an air fryer has many benefits. Here are some reasons why you might want to cook sausages in an air fryer:

Hands-Free and Quick

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a hands-free process, meaning you don't need to watch, flip, or stir them. You can simply put them in the air fryer and let them cook, allowing you to focus on other tasks or dishes. The cooking time is also relatively quick, taking around 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages.

Even Cooking and Browning

Air fryers cook sausages evenly all the way around, resulting in a consistent browning on the outside. You don't need to worry about turning or flipping the sausages to ensure even cooking, as the hot air circulates around the sausages in the air fryer.

Juicy and Crispy Results

The high heat of the air fryer helps create a crisp and brown exterior on the sausages, while the inside remains juicy and fully cooked. This combination of textures makes for a delicious sausage experience.

Minimal Grease Splatter and Mess

Cooking sausages in a pan on a stovetop often results in grease splatter all over the stove and surrounding counters. Air fryers contain the grease within the appliance, making for a much cleaner and mess-free cooking experience.

Versatility

Air fryers can cook various types of sausages, including thin breakfast sausages, thick sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage, sliced or whole fully-cooked sausages, and frozen sausages. You can also cook other foods in the air fryer alongside the sausages, such as hash browns, eggs, and pancakes, without taking up additional stove space.

Convenience

Air fryers are convenient for cooking smaller batches or for a few people. They are also useful for meal prep, as you can cook sausages ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for quick and easy breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Frequently asked questions