Air Fryer Raw Sausage: How Long To Cook?

Cooking raw 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 thickness of the sausages and the temperature of the air fryer. For example, thinner sausages like breakfast sausages will take about 8-12 minutes to cook at 400°F, while thicker sausages like bratwursts or Italian sausages may take 9-12 minutes at the same temperature. Alternatively, at 180C, thicker sausages will take 10-15 minutes to cook.

Should you pierce the sausages before cooking?

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy sausages with a crispy exterior. But should you pierce the sausages before cooking? Well, it depends on who you ask!

Some sources recommend poking holes in the sausages with a sharp knife or fork before placing them in the air fryer. This is to allow the fat to escape from the casing, reducing the risk of the sausages bursting and making a mess in your air fryer. This is especially important if you are cooking the sausages at a high temperature. It is recommended to poke each sausage three times for an average-sized Italian sausage.

However, other sources strongly advise against piercing the sausages. They argue that poking holes in the sausages will cause the juices to seep out, resulting in dry sausages and a greasy mess in your air fryer. Instead, they suggest cooking the sausages at a lower temperature to prevent the casings from bursting.

Ultimately, the decision to pierce or not to pierce the sausages before air frying is a matter of personal preference. If you are concerned about the mess and don't mind losing some of the fat, then poking holes may be a good idea. However, if you prefer your sausages to be as juicy as possible, skip the piercing and cook them at a lower temperature to avoid bursting.

Now that we've addressed the piercing question, let's talk about the cooking time and temperature for raw sausages in an air fryer. It is recommended to cook raw sausages in an air fryer at a temperature of between 375 to 400°F for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages. Thinner sausages, like breakfast sausages, will take about 8 to 10 minutes, while thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage may take up to 12 minutes. Be sure to arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket and flip them halfway through the cooking time. Always check that the sausages are cooked through and no longer pink inside before serving.

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The optimal temperature for cooking sausages in an air fryer depends on the desired outcome. For a softer skin, a lower temperature of 370° Fahrenheit (180° Celsius) is recommended, while a higher temperature of 400° Fahrenheit (204° Celsius) will produce a crispier exterior. However, it is important to note that cooking at higher temperatures may increase the risk of the sausages bursting and should be monitored closely.

For those who prefer their sausages with a nice browned exterior, cooking at 400° Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes is recommended. This will give the sausages a beautiful golden-brown colour and a juicy centre. However, if you are looking for a softer skin, cooking at 370° Fahrenheit for 13 minutes will do the trick.

Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the sausages and the number of sausages in the air fryer basket. Thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, will take approximately 8-10 minutes, while thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage may require 9-12 minutes.

It is also worth noting that some recipes suggest poking holes in the sausages before cooking to release excess fat, while others advise against it to prevent the sausages from drying out. This is a matter of personal preference and cooking style.

In conclusion, the ideal temperature for cooking sausages in an air fryer depends on the desired texture and doneness of the sausages. Adjustments may be necessary depending on the thickness of the sausages and the number of sausages being cooked.

How long does it take to cook raw sausages in an air fryer?

Cooking raw sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy sausages with a crispy exterior. The time it takes to cook raw sausages in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the sausages and the number of sausages in the air fryer basket.

For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, it will take around 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. For thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage, it will take 9-12 minutes. It's important to ensure that the sausages are cooked through and are no longer pink inside before serving. This can be checked by cutting into one of the sausages or using a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 75°C or 160°F.

When cooking raw sausages in an air fryer, it is recommended to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook in batches if necessary. This ensures even cooking and allows the air to circulate completely around each sausage.

Some recipes suggest poking holes in the sausages before cooking to release fat and prevent bursting, while others advise against this to prevent the sausages from drying out. It is also recommended to line the bottom of the air fryer with foil or parchment paper to catch any grease and drippings.

The air fryer temperature for cooking raw sausages is typically set between 370°F and 400°F. Preheating the air fryer is not necessary, and the sausages should be cooked for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Cooking raw sausages in an air fryer is a convenient and hands-off method that delivers perfectly cooked sausages every time.

What types of sausages can be cooked in an air fryer?

You can cook any type of sausage in an air fryer, from thin breakfast sausages to thicker options like bratwurst and Italian sausage. You can also cook sliced or whole fully-cooked sausages, such as kielbasa, wieners, and chicken sausages. Frozen sausages can also be cooked in an air fryer, although it is recommended to defrost them first.

To cook raw sausages in an air fryer, it is suggested to cook them at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. However, some sources suggest cooking at 375°F or 180°C for 10-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.

How should you serve air-fried sausages?

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

On a Bun

If it's summer, you might be inclined to throw your air-fried sausage in a bun with some mustard and kraut (homemade red cabbage kraut, perhaps?).

With Peppers, Onions, and Rice

You could also serve your sausage with some sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic. This meal goes well with rice and is also great for meal prepping.

Over Pasta

Slice up your air-fried sausage and throw it over some pasta. Pesto spaghetti squash, red lentil pasta, or air-fried cauliflower gnocchi are all great bases for this dish.

As Part of a Sheet Pan Meal

If you're making a sheet pan meal, it might not make sense to use the air fryer for your sausages. In this case, you can cook your sausages on a grill or in the oven.

With Other Air-Fried Foods

Alternatively, 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.

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