Air Fryer Sausage: The Perfect Timing For Crispy Links

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-free method that results in sausages with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the sausages and the desired level of doneness, but generally, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook sausages in an air fryer.

How to get a browned exterior

To get a browned exterior when cooking sausages in an air fryer, you should cook them for around 10-15 minutes at a temperature of 360-400°F. The exact cooking time will depend on the type of sausage you are cooking, with thinner sausages such as breakfast sausages taking less time to cook than thicker sausages such as Italian sausages or bratwurst. It is also important to ensure that the sausages are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking.

Some recipes suggest poking holes in the sausages before cooking to allow the fat to escape, but this is not recommended as it can cause the sausages to dry out. Instead, you can cook the sausages at a high temperature to achieve a crispy brown crust without drying them out. If you are concerned about the sausages bursting, you can try cooking them at a lower temperature or placing a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer to catch any drippings.

To check if your sausages are done, you can use a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 160°F. You can also cut into one of the sausages to make sure it is no longer pink inside.

By following these tips, you can achieve a beautifully browned exterior on your air-fried sausages while keeping them juicy and cooked perfectly on the inside.

How to avoid drying out sausages

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy, golden brown sausages. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid drying them out.

Firstly, avoid piercing holes in the sausages. This may seem counterintuitive, as many recipes suggest poking holes to release the fat. However, doing so will only let the juices seep out, resulting in dry sausages and a messy air fryer.

Secondly, control the temperature and cooking time. Set your air fryer to 400°F for thinner sausages, like breakfast sausages, and cook for 8-10 minutes. For thicker sausages, such as Italian sausage or Brats, increase the cooking time to 9-12 minutes. Make sure the sausages are arranged in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, consider using parchment paper. Lining the bottom of your air fryer with parchment paper will catch any grease and drippings, making cleanup easier and reducing the risk of smoking.

Finally, if you're reheating sausages, wrap them in parchment paper before placing them in the air fryer. This will help retain moisture and prevent them from drying out. Set the temperature to 355°F/180°C and cook for about 12 minutes.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked sausages that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, without drying them out.

Whether to pierce sausages

Whether or not to pierce sausages before air frying is a matter of personal preference. Some recipes suggest poking holes in the sausages with a fork or paring knife to allow the fat to escape, which can prevent the casings from bursting. However, others advise against this, as it can cause the sausages to dry out.

If you choose not to pierce your sausages, be aware that there is a risk of the casings bursting, especially if you are cooking at a high temperature. To reduce this risk, you can cook your sausages at a lower temperature or follow the tip below to catch any drippings.

If you do decide to pierce your sausages, it is recommended to poke them about three times with a sharp knife, breaking through the casing. This will allow the fat to escape and help prevent the casings from bursting.

Additionally, if you are concerned about the mess or smoke that may be caused by the drippings, you can place a piece of parchment paper or aluminium foil at the bottom of your air fryer to catch them. Just be sure to follow the instructions for safe use if using aluminium foil.

How to cook sausages from frozen

If you're in a hurry to cook some sausages, then using an air fryer is a great option. You can cook sausages from frozen in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes.

First, remove the sausages from their packaging. If they are stuck, run the packaging under cool water for a few minutes or microwave it for 30 seconds.

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Place the sausages into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. If your sausages are frozen together, air fry them for 2-3 minutes, then separate them before continuing.

Cook the sausages for 5 minutes, then remove the basket and separate the sausages. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. The sausages are ready when they are browned and have an internal temperature of 160-165°F.

Serve the sausages immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How to clean up after cooking sausages

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a meal, but cleaning up afterward is just as important to ensure your kitchen stays sanitary and mess-free. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean up after cooking sausages in an air fryer:

• Unplug the Air Fryer and Allow it to Cool: Before you start cleaning, make sure the air fryer is unplugged from the power source and allow it to cool down completely. This is important for your safety, as you don't want to risk burning yourself on any hot components.
• Remove the Basket and Tray: Take out the basket or tray from the air fryer. Most air fryers have a removable basket or tray that holds the food during cooking. This will make it easier to access all the surfaces and compartments for cleaning.
• Dispose of Grease and Drippings: If there is any grease or drippings in the bottom of the air fryer or the basket, use a paper towel or absorbent cloth to wipe it out. You can also line the bottom of the air fryer with parchment paper before cooking to catch the grease and make cleanup easier, as some recipes suggest. Dispose of the grease appropriately; do not pour it down the sink as it can cause clogging.
• Wash the Basket and Tray: Fill your sink with warm water and add a mild dish soap. Place the basket and tray in the soapy water and let them soak for a few minutes to loosen any remaining grease or food residue. Then, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub away any remaining residue. Rinse them thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Wipe Down the Air Fryer: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior and interior surfaces of the air fryer, including the heating element and any other compartments. Make sure to get into any nooks and crannies to remove any grease or food residue. You can also use a mild, non-abrasive multi-surface cleaner for this step.
• Dry the Air Fryer: Once you've finished wiping down the air fryer, use a clean, dry cloth to dry all the surfaces. Make sure no water is left on any electrical components to prevent damage or safety hazards.
• Reassemble the Air Fryer: Put the basket or tray back into the air fryer and ensure it is properly secured in place.
• Clean Surrounding Areas: If there are any spills or splatters on your countertop or nearby surfaces, wipe them down with a damp cloth and an appropriate cleaning solution.
• Wash Utensils: Don't forget to wash any utensils, plates, or other items used during the cooking process. This includes tongs, knives, or any other tools used to handle the sausages.
• Dispose of Food Waste Properly: If you have any leftover sausages or food scraps, make sure to wrap them in a disposable bag and throw them away in a sealed bin to prevent attracting pests or creating unpleasant odors.

By following these steps, you'll be able to maintain a clean and sanitary cooking environment after preparing sausages in your air fryer. Remember always to refer to your air fryer's user manual for any specific cleaning instructions or precautions provided by the manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions