Air Frying Frozen Italian Sausage: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking frozen Italian sausages in an air fryer is an easy and convenient way to prepare a tasty meal. It's quicker than cooking them in the oven and produces juicy, evenly browned sausages with a crisp exterior. The process is simple: preheat your air fryer to 360–400°F, place the frozen sausages inside, and cook for 10–15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can serve these sausages in a variety of ways, including in sandwiches, with pasta, or as a keto option with low-carb sides.

How to cook frozen Italian sausage in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen Italian sausages (any variety)
• Optional: frozen peppers and onions
• Avocado oil spray or cooking spray (optional)
• Digital meat thermometer (optional but highly recommended)

Method

Cooking frozen Italian sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, browned, and evenly cooked sausages.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausages

Place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket. It's okay if they're in a solid block, but if they're stuck together, run a little cool water over the package for a few minutes to help separate them.

Step 3: Air Fry

Air fry the sausages for 8-14 minutes at 400°F. Check on the sausages after 2 minutes of cooking and separate any that are stuck together. After 6 minutes of cooking time, flip them over and continue cooking for another 6-7 minutes.

If you're adding frozen peppers and onions, toss them with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pepper before placing them in the air fryer basket first, and then placing the sausages on top.

Step 4: Check the Internal Temperature

Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the sausages have reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F. The sausages are safe to eat at this temperature, but you can continue cooking until they reach up to 190°F if you prefer them more browned.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the sausages rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to distribute throughout the meat. Enjoy!

Tips:

• You can cook frozen Italian sausages straight from frozen, with no need to thaw them first.
• It's important not to pierce the sausage casings before cooking, as this can cause valuable juices to leak out and dry the sausages.
• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and to get a crispy exterior.
• If you're cooking just the sausages without any vegetables, cook at 370°F for 8-10 minutes.
• You can store leftover sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

How long does it take to cook frozen Italian sausage in an air fryer?

Cooking frozen Italian sausages in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to make a delicious meal. The best temperature to cook your sausages is subject to debate, but many sources recommend cooking them at 400°F. However, some sources suggest cooking them at 360°F or 370°F.

If you are cooking your sausages at 400°F, you should preheat your air fryer for five minutes and then place the frozen sausages in the air fryer basket. Cook the sausages for 8-10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

If you are cooking your sausages at 360°F, you should preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes and then place the sausages in the air fryer basket. Cook the sausages for 10-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

If you are cooking your sausages at 370°F, you should preheat your air fryer and then place the sausages in the air fryer basket. Cook the sausages for 8-10 minutes, rotating them every 5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your sausages and the model of your air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your sausages are cooked to the correct internal temperature.

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

When cooking frozen Italian sausages in an air fryer, the temperature setting depends on the level of crispiness you want to achieve. For a crispier sausage, set the air fryer to 400°F. This higher temperature will also reduce the cooking time, so the sausages are less likely to dry out.

For a slightly less crispy sausage, you can set the air fryer to 360°F or 370°F. This will increase the cooking time, so you may need to leave the sausages in the air fryer for a few minutes longer.

Regardless of the temperature you choose, make sure to preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the sausages. This will ensure that your sausages cook evenly.

It's also important to note that the cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your sausages. Thicker sausages, like Italian sausages, will typically take 9-14 minutes to cook at 400°F. If you're cooking at 360°F, you may need to add a few minutes to this cooking time.

To ensure your sausages are cooked properly, use a digital meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the sausages reaches at least 160°F.

How to serve Italian sausage

Italian sausage is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve Italian sausage for a delicious and satisfying meal:

Sandwiches and Rolls

A classic way to serve Italian sausage is in a sandwich or roll. You can use Italian crusty bread or a soft roll, such as a sausage roll, and top it with sautéed peppers and onions, marinara sauce, cheese, or garlic bread. This makes for a hearty and flavourful meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Side Dishes

Italian sausage pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some options:

• Vegetables: Sautéed broccolini, zucchini and squash casserole, roasted potatoes, or a salad (e.g. Caprese salad, mandarin orange salad, or a classic Italian salad).
• Carbohydrates: Polenta, buttered noodles, mac and cheese, rice, or garlic bread.
• Cheese: A cheese board with a variety of cheeses such as gruyere, sharp cheddar, brie, and blue cheese.

Main Course Ideas

If you're looking to make Italian sausage the star of your meal, here are some main course ideas:

• Pasta: Italian sausage can be served with pasta in a variety of ways. Try it with a spicy arrabbiata sauce, in a cabbage-and-sausage pasta, or with orecchiette and broccoli rabe.
• Meat and Sausage Combinations: Italian sausage can be served with chicken, as in an Italian sausage sub, or with chicken apple sausages. You can also make a sausage and ricotta pizza or sausage-stuffed fried olives.
• One-Pot Meals: Italian sausage can be added to a frittata or scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast, or combined with beans and rice in dishes like Sausage and Rice Skillet.

Cooking Methods

Italian sausage can be cooked in a variety of ways, including air frying, baking, or frying. When using an air fryer, it is recommended to cook the sausages at around 360-400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. You can also cook frozen Italian sausages in the air fryer by increasing the cooking time to 12-14 minutes.

How to store leftover Italian sausage

Storing leftover Italian sausage is a straightforward process, and there are several ways to do it. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your leftovers stay fresh and safe to eat:

Storing in the Refrigerator

It is essential to store leftover Italian sausage in an airtight container. You can use a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid or a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. Leftover Italian sausage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Freezing Leftovers

If you don't plan on eating the leftover Italian sausage within four days, freezing is a great option. Place the sausages in an airtight container or a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container or bag with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to two to three months.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover Italian sausage, you can reheat them in the air fryer, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If using the air fryer, preheat it to 360°F and cook the sausages for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. For stovetop reheating, place the sausages in a pan and heat them over medium heat until warmed. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F and heat the sausages for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Food Safety

It is important to handle leftover Italian sausage safely to prevent foodborne illness. Always use clean utensils and containers when storing leftovers, and do not leave them at room temperature for more than two hours. Ensure that your refrigerator is set to 40°F or below to keep food safe.

Creative Leftover Ideas

While you can simply reheat and enjoy your leftover Italian sausage, you might want to get creative and try something new. Here are some ideas for dishes you can make using leftover Italian sausage:

• One-Pot Leftover Sausage Pasta
• Cheesy Breakfast Pizza
• Goulash with Smoked Sausage and Potatoes
• Smoked Sausage and Potato Hash
• Sausage and Scallion Egg Muffins
• Italian Sausage Calzone
• Bisquick Sausage Balls
• Sausage and Egg Breakfast Rolls

Frequently asked questions