Air-Fryer Pork Sausages: The Perfect Timing

Cooking pork sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-off method that results in perfectly juicy and golden brown sausages. The cooking time depends on the type of sausages being cooked, but generally, it takes around 10-15 minutes at a temperature of 180°C or 350°F. For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, the cooking time is around 8-10 minutes, while thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage will take 9-15 minutes.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for pork sausages in an air fryer will depend on the type of sausages you are cooking, the size of your air fryer, and your personal preferences for how well-cooked you like your sausages.

As a general rule, you should preheat your air fryer to between 180°C/350°F and 400°F for around 5 minutes before cooking sausages. The higher the temperature, the crispier the sausages will be on the outside. However, be careful not to burn them!

For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, cook for around 8-10 minutes at 180°C/350°F. For thicker sausages, such as bratwurst or Italian sausages, cook for 9-15 minutes at the same temperature. If you like your sausages extra crispy, you can cook them at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

It's important to ensure that your sausages are cooked all the way through. You can check this by cutting into one of the sausages or using a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature has reached at least 160°F.

Some people recommend pricking the sausages with a fork or sharp knife before cooking to release some of the fat, but others advise against this, as it can dry out the sausages. If you are concerned about the sausages drying out, you can try using parchment paper or aluminium foil to catch the drippings.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.

How to arrange sausages in the air fryer

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a hands-free, quick, and easy way to get delicious, crispy, and juicy sausages. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to arrange sausages in the air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Before placing the sausages in the air fryer, it is recommended to spray the basket with a little oil to prevent the sausages from sticking. You can also line the basket with parchment paper, especially if you notice smoking due to dripping fat.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausages

Prick each sausage a few times with a sharp knife or fork. This step is optional but helps release excess fat and prevents the skin from splitting. However, some people prefer not to pierce the sausages to retain the juices and flavour.

Step 3: Arrange the Sausages in the Air Fryer

Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap or touch. This arrangement allows for even cooking and proper air circulation. The number of sausages you can cook at once will depend on the size of your air fryer and the thickness of the sausages. For larger sausages or smaller air fryers, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 4: Set the Temperature and Timer

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 180°C/350°F and 400°F. The cooking time will depend on the type of sausages you are cooking. For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, set the timer for 8-10 minutes. For thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausages, cook for 9-12 minutes. You may need to adjust the time for frozen sausages or if you are cooking other types of sausages.

Step 5: Flip and Check the Sausages

Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to flip the sausages. After the timer goes off, check the sausages to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Cut into one sausage to make sure it is no longer pink inside before serving.

Should you pierce the sausages?

So, you want to know if you should pierce your sausages before you cook them in the air fryer? Well, it's a bit of a controversial topic!

Some people strongly advise against piercing the sausages, arguing that it will cause the delicious juices and fats to escape, resulting in dry and less flavoursome sausages. They also believe that the skin is there to hold in the juices and that poking holes will defeat its purpose.

However, others, including some experienced air fryer users and recipe developers, recommend piercing the sausages a few times with a sharp knife or fork, especially when cooking at high temperatures. The reasoning behind this is to prevent the sausage casings from bursting and to allow the fat to escape. This is particularly important if you want to avoid greasy sausages. Piercing the sausages can also help prevent the skin from splitting during cooking.

If you're cooking your sausages at a lower temperature, you may not need to pierce them, as the risk of bursting is lower. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether to pierce your sausages or not. If you're concerned about losing the juices and prefer a greasier sausage, then don't pierce them. However, if you want to reduce the amount of fat and prevent the casings from bursting, then piercing them a few times is a good idea.

Frozen vs fresh sausages

If you're short on time and want to get cooking straight away, then frozen sausages are the way to go. You can cook them straight from frozen in your air fryer, and they'll be ready in less than 15 minutes. There's no need to defrost them first, although you might want to run the packaging under cold water for a few minutes to help release the sausages. Simply place them in your air fryer basket, set the temperature to 400°F, and cook for 5 minutes. Then, separate the sausages and return them to the air fryer for another 8 to 10 minutes. They'll be perfectly browned and juicy when they're done.

However, if you have a little more time, fresh sausages might be the better option. Fresh sausages will give you a crispier exterior and a juicier interior. For this method, you'll want to use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings so that the fat can escape. Then, arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 400°F, and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your sausages.

So, if you're short on time and don't mind a slightly less crispy sausage, go for the frozen option. But if you have a little extra time and want the crispiest, juiciest sausages possible, opt for fresh sausages and poke those holes!

How to serve air-fried sausages

Air-fried sausages are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sandwiches and Rolls

For a quick and easy meal, serve your air-fried sausages in a bun or a roll. You can top it with some mustard, kraut, or even homemade red cabbage. If you're feeling extra hungry, add some sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic.

Pasta

Slice up your air-fried sausages and toss them with your favourite pasta. Try pairing it with a marinara or pesto sauce and your choice of pasta shape.

Entrees and Sides

Air-fried sausages go well with a variety of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and potatoes. You can also serve them with a side of air-fried frozen broccoli, okra, or mushrooms.

Keto Options

For a keto-friendly option, serve your air-fried sausages with keto sides like cauliflower mash and other roasted veggies.

Breakfast

Sausages are a breakfast classic. Serve your air-fried sausages as part of a full English breakfast, or keep it simple with some air-fried bacon. You can also enjoy them in a breakfast bap with ketchup or alongside some cocktail sticks with a sticky beer and honey glaze.

Customise Your Sausages

Feel free to season your sausages to your liking. You can add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or any other spices you enjoy.

Reheating and Storage

Leftover sausages can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer!

You can also freeze cooked sausages by letting them cool completely and then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen sausages can be stored for up to 2-3 months and can be reheated straight from frozen in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions