Air-Fryer Chorizo Sausage: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Cooking chorizo in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, spicy sausage on your table in no time. Chorizo is a type of sausage that is popular in Spain and Portugal, and is made with pork, garlic, and paprika. It typically has a smoky flavour and can be eaten on its own or used in dishes like paella and bolognese.

To cook chorizo in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can then place your chorizo sausages into the air fryer and set the temperature to 10-12 minutes for sliced sausages, or 15 minutes for thicker, unsliced sausages. You can also cook frozen sausages in the air fryer, but they may take a little longer.

There is some debate about whether to pierce the skin of the sausages before cooking. Some people say that piercing the skin will let out the juices and make the sausages dry, while others recommend piercing the skin to prevent the sausages from bursting. It may depend on the quality of the sausage, with cheaper sausages benefiting from a little poking to let out the juices.

Preheat settings

Firstly, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to a temperature of around 380 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature setting is crucial as it ensures the chorizo sausage cooks thoroughly without drying out. The high heat also helps to create a crispy exterior, which is a desirable texture for chorizo sausage.

When preheating, set a timer for 5 minutes. This duration is sufficient to ensure the air fryer reaches the desired temperature before you begin cooking the chorizo sausage.

Once the air fryer has preheated, it's time to add the chorizo sausage. You can choose to cook the sausage whole or sliced. If you prefer a crispier texture and more even cooking, slicing the sausage into 1- to 2-inch thick pieces is recommended. This reduces the cooking time and allows for a crispier exterior.

After placing the chorizo sausage in the air fryer, set the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on your preference for doneness and the thickness of the sausage slices.

For food safety, it is essential to ensure the chorizo sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the chorizo sausage from the air fryer and serve.

By following these preheat settings and cooking instructions, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, crispy, and safely cooked chorizo sausage from your air fryer.

Cooking times

Cooking from Frozen

Chorizo sausages can be cooked from frozen in the air fryer. For thicker links like Bratwurst and Italian sausages, cook from frozen for 9-12 minutes at 400°F. For breakfast sausages, defrost before cooking, or cook from frozen for the same amount of time.

Cooking Sliced Sausage

To cook sliced chorizo sausage, preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Slice the chorizo into 1- to 2-inch slices. Transfer the sliced sausages to the air fryer and cook at 380°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Cooking Whole Sausage

To cook whole chorizo sausages, preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Place the sausages in the air fryer and cook at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Internal temperature

When cooking chorizo in an air fryer, achieving the right internal temperature is crucial to ensure the sausage is cooked thoroughly without becoming dry or bursting. The target internal temperature for chorizo sausage is 160°F.

To prevent the sausage from bursting, it is important to keep the internal temperature below 212°F, which is the boiling point. At temperatures above 212°F, the sausage will swell and burst, causing the juices to run out. Therefore, monitoring the internal temperature is essential to avoid overcooking.

For raw chorizo sausages, it is recommended to cook them at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. This timing applies to both sliced and whole chorizo sausages. However, it is worth noting that cooking whole sausages may take longer to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, it is advised to slice the chorizo into 1- to 2-inch thick pieces before air frying for a crispier texture and more even cooking. By slicing the sausage, you can also monitor the internal temperature more effectively.

When cooking frozen sausages, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the frozen chorizo for 12-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through. It is crucial to use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the sausages reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F.

In summary, achieving the right internal temperature is the key to cooking chorizo in an air fryer successfully. By following the recommended temperatures and timings, you can ensure your chorizo sausages are cooked thoroughly while remaining juicy and intact.

Slicing the sausages

To start, use a sharp knife to slice the chorizo sausages into 1 to 2-inch thick slices. This will ensure that the heat is distributed evenly throughout the sausage, allowing it to cook thoroughly without drying out.

The thickness of the slices will depend on your personal preference and the desired level of doneness. Thicker slices will result in a juicier, slightly rarer sausage, while thinner slices will be crispier and more well-done.

It's important to note that slicing the sausages is not the only preparation method. Some people choose to poke holes in the casing to allow the fat to escape, preventing the sausage from drying out. However, this is a controversial technique, as it can also cause the sausage to lose its juices and become dry.

Ultimately, the decision to slice or poke holes in the sausages is up to you. Slicing the sausages will definitely speed up the cooking process and result in a crispier texture, but if you prefer your chorizo juicy and intact, you may want to leave it whole or try pokeing a few holes to let the fat escape.

Serving suggestions

Chorizo is a versatile sausage that can be served in many ways. It is a type of sausage that is popular in Spain and Portugal and is made with pork, garlic, and paprika. It typically has a smoky flavor and can be eaten on its own or used in dishes like paella, bolognese, or tacos. Here are some serving suggestions for air-fried chorizo sausage:

Breakfast

Air-fried chorizo sausage goes well with scrambled eggs and sliced avocado on the side. You can also add it to a breakfast taco with scrambled eggs or make a chorizo and potato hash with fried eggs on top.

Appetizers and Sides

As an appetizer or side dish, air-fried chorizo sausage can be served with caramelized leeks and artichoke quiche, egg white quiche, elote avocado toast, or bacon bombs.

Main Course

For a heartier meal, air-fried chorizo sausage can be the star of a simple dinner. Try making a chorizo and potato hash with fried eggs on top, or serve it with diced potatoes, shrimp, or pasta.

Other Dishes

Air-fried chorizo sausage can also be used in various other dishes such as crescent bacon breakfast rings, breakfast pizza waffles, breakfast casseroles with bacon, broccoli, and cheddar, or mini quiche muffins.

No matter how you serve it, air-fried chorizo sausage is a delicious and easy way to add some spice and flavor to your meal!

Frequently asked questions