Air Fryer Sausage Links: How Long To Fry?

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare a tasty breakfast. It's a healthier option that reduces the need for excess oil and still maintains the sausages' juiciness and flavour. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cooking sausage links in an air fryer and provide a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the perfect results.

How to cook frozen sausage links in an air fryer

Ingredients:

Frozen sausage links

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Method:

• Place the frozen sausage links in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. This is important as it allows the hot air to circulate freely around each sausage, cooking them evenly and preventing them from sticking together.
• If your sausages are precooked, cook them for 10 minutes at 350°F. Flip them halfway through.
• If your sausages are uncooked, cook them at two different temperatures. Start by cooking them at 350°F for 5 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for another 7-8 minutes.
• Due to varying thicknesses and differences in air fryer models, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the sausages has reached at least 160°F before serving.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• If your sausages are frozen in a clump, you can cook them straight from frozen without defrosting.
• You don't need to add any oil or cooking spray to the sausages in the air fryer.
• To prevent the sausages from sticking to the basket, you can lightly brush the basket with oil or use a piece of parchment paper with holes.
• To store leftovers, allow the sausages to cool, then place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions:

• Sausage and peppers sandwich
• Over rice with peppers and onions
• Chunked in an omelet
• Simmered in pasta sauce
• With eggs, hash browns, or pancakes for a hearty breakfast

How to prevent sausages from sticking to the air fryer basket

To prevent sausages from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can try the following:

Use a small amount of oil

A small amount of oil can help prevent sticking and promote browning. You can dry the sausages and then rub them with oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Spray the basket lightly with vegetable oil spray

Spraying the basket with vegetable oil spray can create a protective layer that prevents sticking. This is especially useful for foods prone to sticking, such as fried chicken or chicken Parmesan.

Make a foil sling

You can create a barrier between the sausages and the basket by folding a sheet of aluminum foil and placing it in the basket. This prevents sticking and makes removing the food easier.

Prick the sausages

Before placing the sausages in the air fryer, use a fork or sharp knife to prick them a few times. This prevents the sausages from bursting during cooking and helps drain excess fat.

Use parchment paper

Parchment paper can be used as a liner in the air fryer basket. It allows for consistent heat distribution and prevents sticking, making it easier to turn the sausages during cooking.

How to reheat leftover sausage links

There are a few ways to reheat leftover sausage links, including using a microwave, stovetop, or air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to reheat leftover sausage links in an air fryer to maintain their flavour and texture:

• Preheat your air fryer: Before adding your sausages, always preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This ensures even cooking and a desirable level of crispiness.
• Arrange the sausages: Place the leftover sausage links in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other. Overcrowding can affect cooking consistency and texture.
• Cook the sausages: Reheat the sausages for 3-5 minutes at 350°F or until they are thoroughly heated. You can flip them halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify that the sausages have reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F. This temperature ensures they are safe to consume.
• Serve immediately: Once heated to your desired level, remove the sausages from the air fryer and serve while hot.

Tips for Reheating Sausage Links:

• Avoid overcrowding: For even cooking and optimal texture, ensure the sausages have enough space in the air fryer basket.
• Flip halfway: Turning the sausages halfway through the reheating process helps maintain even browning and heating.
• Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausages have reached the recommended internal temperature of 160°F.
• Avoid overcooking: Be cautious not to overcook the sausages, as this can lead to dryness.
• Experiment with different types of sausages: Feel free to reheat various kinds of sausages, such as spicy Italian sausage links or sweet apple-infused varieties.
• Adjust cooking time: Depending on the thickness of your sausages, you may need to adjust the reheating time accordingly. Thicker sausages may require slightly longer.

What to serve with air fryer sausage links

Air-fried sausage links are a great, easy option for a quick and tasty breakfast. They are less greasy than their stovetop counterparts and require minimal cleanup. Plus, you can cook them while preparing the rest of your breakfast!

Classic Breakfast Options:

• Eggs: Scrambled, fried, or over easy, eggs are a perfect protein-packed companion to sausage links.
• Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns are a classic breakfast side that pairs well with sausage links.
• Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes with a drizzle of syrup create a sweet and savoury breakfast combination.
• Toast: Buttered toast is a simple yet tasty addition to your breakfast plate.

Hearty Breakfast Meals:

• Omelet: Try a breakfast omelet with bell peppers and onions for a colourful and flavourful start to your day.
• Biscuits and Gravy: Crumble your air-fried sausage into some sausage gravy and serve it with flaky biscuits for a comforting breakfast.
• The Classic: Combine your sausage links with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and buttered toast for a traditional breakfast feast.

Sweet Treats:

• Muffins: Try banana, blueberry, or pumpkin muffins on the side for a sweet and fluffy treat.
• Maple Syrup: Drizzle some maple syrup over your sausage links for a touch of sweetness.
• Fresh Fruit: Pack your breakfast with vitamins by serving your sausage links with fresh fruit.

How to cook different types of sausages in an air fryer

Bratwurst

This German sausage is usually made from pork, veal, or beef. To cook it in an air fryer, first, use a paring knife or fork to poke holes in the casing. This allows the fat to escape. Then, arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 9-12 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Italian Sausage

This type of sausage is typically made with a base seasoning of fennel and anise and is commonly found in sweet, mild, or hot varieties. To cook Italian sausages in an air fryer, poke holes in the casing to allow the fat to escape. Then, arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Breakfast Sausage

Breakfast sausages are usually made from pork and come in link or patty form. They tend to be sweeter than their English counterparts and are typically heavily seasoned. To cook breakfast sausages in an air fryer, follow the same instructions as for Italian sausages. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Chorizo

There are two main types of chorizo: Spanish and Mexican. Spanish chorizo is typically made from pork, beef, or a combination of the two, and is smoked and cured. Mexican chorizo, on the other hand, is made from raw pork and must be cooked before eating. To cook chorizo in an air fryer, first determine which type you are using. For Spanish chorizo, simply slice and arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 4-5 minutes, or until lightly browned. For Mexican chorizo, remove the casing and break up the sausage into small chunks in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned and cooked through.

Merguez

Merguez is a spicy sausage from Maghrebi cuisine, typically made with lamb or beef. To cook merguez in an air fryer, poke holes in the casing to allow the fat to escape. Then, arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Kielbasa

Kielbasa is a smoked Polish sausage that can be sliced or left whole before cooking in an air fryer. If slicing, arrange the slices in a single layer and cook at 400°F for 4-5 minutes, or until lightly browned. If cooking whole, poke holes in the casing and cook at 400°F for 7-12 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Tips for Cooking Sausages in an Air Fryer:

• Always arrange sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each sausage to ensure even cooking.
• For thicker sausages, increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
• To check if sausages are cooked, cut into one and ensure there is no pink meat remaining. The internal temperature should be at least 160°F.

Frequently asked questions