Air Frying Hot Links: How Long Does It Take?

Hot links are a type of spicy sausage that is popular in the Southern United States. They are often served at barbecues and can be cooked whole or sliced and added to casseroles, stews, soups, and other Cajun recipes. Cooking hot links in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep frying or grilling. The time it takes to cook hot links in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the sausages and the temperature used, but it typically takes between 7 to 15 minutes.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your hot links will cook evenly and efficiently. The first step is to set your air fryer to the desired temperature. For cooking hot links, most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). However, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly based on the specific brand and model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

Once you've set the temperature, let the air fryer preheat for a few minutes. The amount of time needed will depend on your air fryer's model and specifications. Some air fryers may take longer to preheat than others, so it's important to be patient and allow it to reach the desired temperature before adding your food. While you're waiting, you can gather your ingredients and prepare the hot links.

If your hot links are raw, it is recommended to pierce a few holes in them to prevent them from splitting or popping in the air fryer. You can also lightly coat them with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and enhance browning. If you're cooking pre-cooked sausages, you're mainly aiming for browning and heating them through, so they don't need to be pierced.

When preheating your air fryer, it's important to ensure that it is clean to prevent smoking. Adding a few splashes of water to the bottom of the air fryer before using it can help reduce smoke. Additionally, some people suggest adding a slice of bread to the bottom to soak up any grease, but this may be a waste of good bread!

Temperature and timing

The cooking time for hot links in an air fryer typically ranges from 7 to 15 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. For smaller links, a few minutes at 400°F will suffice, resulting in plump and juicy sausages. If you prefer your hot links sliced, the cooking time will be even shorter. For thicker sausages, you may need to adjust the timing by adding or subtracting a minute or two.

When cooking hot links in an air fryer, it is essential to ensure even cooking and browning. To achieve this, arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow the hot air to circulate. Halfway through the cooking process, shake the basket or flip the sausages to ensure even browning and cooking.

Additionally, for pre-cooked sausages, the goal is to achieve browning and heat them thoroughly. These sausages only need to be cooked for a shorter duration, typically around 5 to 6 minutes at 370°F, until they are heated through and browned.

Oil and seasoning

Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, so you don't need to add oil to cook sausages in an air fryer. However, if you want to enhance the browning and crispiness of your hot links, you can lightly spray or brush them with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil, before placing them in the air fryer.

If you are cooking breakfast sausages, you can drizzle some maple syrup over them before serving. You can also experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your perfect combination. For example, you can serve your hot links with mustard, ketchup, or barbecue sauce. You can also serve them with an assortment of dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, hot mustard, or honey sriracha.

If you are cooking raw sausages, it is recommended to pierce a few holes in them to prevent them from splitting or popping in the air fryer.

Cooking and browning

The cooking time for hot links in an air fryer varies depending on their size and thickness. The recommended temperature for cooking hot links in an air fryer is typically around 400°F (200°C). However, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly based on the specific brand and model of your air fryer. It is best to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer.

For pre-cooked sausages, you are looking for browning and the sausages to be heated through. A high temperature of 400ºF is key for the perfect browning without overcooking. The exterior of the breakfast sausages should be brown to indicate doneness. You can also use a meat thermometer to make sure the sausage has reached an internal temperature of 160°F-165°F.

Before cooking hot links in the air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature. Place the hot links in a single layer in the air fryer basket. To prevent sticking, lightly coat them with olive oil or cooking spray. Cooking time will be around 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

If you are cooking raw sausages, pierce a few holes in them to prevent them from splitting or popping in the air fryer. The time it takes to cook raw sausages in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the sausages and the temperature you are cooking at (most recipes fall between 8-15 minutes).

Serving suggestions

Hot links cooked in an air fryer are a great option for a quick, tasty, and relatively healthy meal. They are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Hot Link Sausage Dogs

For a classic and convenient option, serve your air-fried hot links in a bun with your favorite toppings. You can warm and crisp the buns in the air fryer as well, for a truly toasty treat. This is a great option if you're feeding a crowd, as it's easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Breakfast or Brunch

Hot links are an excellent breakfast or brunch option, especially when served with eggs. Scrambled, fried, or boiled, eggs can provide a great protein boost to keep you full until lunch. You can also serve them with some toast or muffins on the side. If you're feeling indulgent, drizzle some maple syrup over your hot links for a sweet and savory combination.

Appetizers and Snacks

Air-fried hot links make a great addition to any appetizer spread, especially when served with an assortment of dipping sauces. Try barbecue, ranch, blue cheese, hot mustard, or honey sriracha for a range of flavors. You can also slice the hot links and add them to nachos, baked beans, or rice for a heartier snack.

Soups, Stews, and Casseroles

Hot links are a fantastic way to add spice and flavor to any dish. Try slicing them up and adding them to your favorite soup, stew, or casserole. They are particularly good in Cajun-style recipes and can be a great way to add protein and spice to your meal.

Barbecues

Hot links are a staple of American barbecue culture, especially in the Southern United States. They are a great alternative to traditional grilled sausages if you don't have access to an outdoor grill. Serve them alongside other barbecue favorites like burgers, ribs, and corn on the cob.

No matter how you serve them, air-fried hot links are a delicious and convenient option that can be tailored to your taste preferences. Experiment with different seasonings, sauces, and serving methods to find your perfect combination.

Frequently asked questions