Air Fryer Sausage Links: The Perfect Timing Guide

Air Fryer Sausage Links are a quick, easy, and convenient breakfast option. They are less greasy than cooking on a stovetop, with no splattering mess, and can be cooked from frozen. The air fryer's circulating hot air ensures even cooking and a crispy texture without the need for oil or cooking spray. The sausages are ready in under 15 minutes, making them a perfect addition to your breakfast table.

Preheat the air fryer to 370-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It helps to ensure even cooking and crispiness, and it's especially important if you want your sausage links to have a nice golden colour. The ideal temperature range for preheating your air fryer is between 370°F and 400°F.

If you're using a lower temperature of 370°F, it's recommended that you preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. This will give your basket tray a chance to get nice and hot before you put your sausage links in. Having a preheated basket tray will help you achieve that desired crispy exterior.

When preheating your air fryer to 370°F, you should expect the total cooking time for your sausage links to be around 12-15 minutes. It's important to remember to flip your sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. If you're using thicker sausage links or cooking more than one package, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

On the other hand, if you're cooking at a higher temperature of 400°F, you may not need to preheat your air fryer at all. However, some recipes do recommend preheating to 400°F for a few minutes before adding your sausage links. The total cooking time at this temperature is typically around 10-12 minutes, and you should still flip your sausages halfway through for even browning.

Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of crispiness and the thickness of your sausage links. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring the internal temperature of your sausage links reaches 160°F.

Cook for 8-15 minutes

Cooking thawed sausage links in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. You can have delicious, juicy sausages on your plate in under 15 minutes.

First, preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F. Place the thawed sausage links in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a bit of space between each sausage. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the sausages evenly.

Once the air fryer has preheated, place the basket inside and set the timer. For sausages that are 1/2" across, cook for 8-10 minutes at 400°F. For thicker sausages, allow a few extra minutes and cook for 12-15 minutes at 370-400°F. Flip the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Keep an eye on your sausages, as cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of crispness and the thickness of your sausage links. If you're using a lower-fat sausage, you may need to lightly brush the basket with oil or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Your sausages are ready when they are golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 160°F. Serve them hot and enjoy!

Flip halfway through

Cooking sausage links in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty breakfast with minimal cleanup. The air fryer method produces juicy, golden-brown sausages with a slightly crispy skin, without the mess of grease splattering all over your stovetop.

When cooking thawed sausage links in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the sausages are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with a bit of space between each sausage, so that the hot air can circulate evenly and cook the sausages properly. Depending on the thickness of your sausage links and your desired level of crispness, the cooking time will vary. For thinner sausage links, cooking for 8-10 minutes at 400°F should be sufficient. Flip the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.

For thicker sausage links or if you are cooking more than one package, allow a few extra minutes of cooking time. You can cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. To check if the sausages are done, use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the sausages has reached 160°F.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, evenly cooked sausage links with minimal fuss and cleanup.

Check internal temperature

When cooking sausage links in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are thoroughly cooked before serving. The best way to check this is to use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the sausages. The internal temperature of the sausages should reach 160°Fahrenheit to be considered safe to eat.

To use a meat thermometer, insert the probe into the centre of one of the sausage links. Make sure that the probe is not touching the air fryer basket or tray, as this will give an inaccurate reading. Leave the thermometer in the sausage for a few seconds to allow the temperature to register. If the temperature is below 160°Fahrenheit, continue cooking the sausages in increments of a few minutes until they reach the desired temperature.

It is important to note that the cooking time for sausage links in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the sausages and the model of the air fryer. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the sausages, even if they look browned on the outside. Overcooked sausages may become dry, so be careful not to leave them in the air fryer for too long.

If you do not have a meat thermometer, there are a few other ways to check if your sausage links are cooked. One way is to cut into one of the sausages to see if it is no longer pink inside. However, this method may not be as accurate as using a thermometer, as the sausage may still be raw in the middle even if it appears cooked on the outside. Another way to check doneness is to feel the sausages with your fingers. If they are firm to the touch, they are likely cooked through. However, this method may not be suitable if you are cooking a type of sausage that is meant to be juicy and slightly pink in the middle.

Allow to cool before storing

Air fryer sausage links are a fast and easy breakfast option, especially on busy mornings. They are also less greasy than cooking them on a stovetop. You can cook them straight from frozen or thawed. If you are cooking thawed sausage links in your air fryer, shorten the cooking time by about five minutes.

It is important to let your cooked sausage links cool before storing them. This is because large amounts of hot food placed in the refrigerator can raise the temperature of the appliance, which may cause the growth of bacteria. To cool your cooked sausage links quickly, separate them into portions and place them in shallow containers. Cover the food to retain moisture and prevent them from picking up odors from other foods. Food must be cooled to 21°C within two hours. Once the food has cooled to 21°C, it must be put in the fridge, cool room, or freezer to cool to below 5°C in the next four hours.

Frequently asked questions