Marianne Martinez
Cooking turkey sausage links in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this breakfast staple. The air fryer can be used like a mini oven to cook just about anything, and it's especially good for sausage links. The high temperature of the air fryer ensures that the sausages turn out brown and crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. The hot air circulation cooks the sausages to perfection every time, and there's no mess or splattering to clean up afterward.
Cooking Turkey Sausage Links in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F (175-176°C) |
| Cooking time | 6-12 minutes |
| Cooking time (frozen) | Add 3 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 160-165°F (74°C) |
| Pre-cooking | Lightly grease basket, pierce sausages twice |
| Basket arrangement | Single layer, space between sausages |
| Turn sausages | Halfway through cooking |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cooking temperature and time
For turkey sausages, the air fryer should be set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit/175-176 degrees Celsius. Fresh or thawed turkey sausages should be cooked for around 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit/74 degrees Celsius. Frozen turkey sausages can be cooked straight from frozen and will take around 15 minutes.
For other types of sausages, such as Italian sausage, bratwurst, or breakfast sausages, the temperature and time will vary. Some sources recommend cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes, while others suggest lower temperatures of 375-390 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes. The cooking time will also depend on the thickness of the sausages, with thinner breakfast sausages taking less time (around 8-10 minutes) and thicker sausages like bratwurst taking longer (up to 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit).
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and model of the air fryer, so it is always a good idea to check the sausages periodically to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Funnel Cakes: Fryer or No Fryer?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Frozen vs fresh turkey sausage links
Cooking turkey sausage links in an air fryer is a quick and easy process, with minimal cleanup required. The air fryer can cook sausages from frozen or fresh, although cooking from fresh is recommended for more even cooking.
When cooking frozen sausages, separate the links and cook at 370ºF for 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through. You can also cook frozen sausages at 400ºF for 10 minutes, although this may result in the sausages browning before they are fully cooked.
For fresh sausages, preheat the air fryer to 350-375ºF. Place the sausage links in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 6-10 minutes, shaking or flipping the sausages halfway through. Fresh sausages are cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Turkey sausages tend to cook a little quicker than pork sausages, so start with the lower time when cooking turkey sausage links. The high temperature of the air fryer helps to brown the sausages and create a crispy skin, while keeping the inside juicy.
Frying Potatoes in an Air Fryer: How Long Does It Take?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to prepare the air fryer
Preparing your air fryer for use is an important step in the cooking process. Firstly, it is important to note that air fryers are not deep fryers. They are more similar to small, powerful ovens, using air as a vehicle for heat. This means that foods cooked in an air fryer will not be identical to deep-fried foods, but they will be less messy and oil-intensive.
Before you begin cooking, you should prepare your air fryer basket. Lightly coat the basket with an oil spray to prevent sticking, and then distribute your food in a single, even layer. If you are cooking proteins or vegetables, you should spritz or brush them with a light coat of oil and add your desired seasonings before placing them in the basket.
If you are cooking for a few people, you may need to work in batches, as air fryers are compact and may not fit large quantities of food. If you are cooking multiple types of food, it is recommended to cook them separately, as the air fryer is not suitable for combining ingredients. For example, if you are cooking chicken and vegetables, cook the vegetables first, then the chicken, and then add the vegetables back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes to warm them up while the chicken rests.
Finally, it is important to note that each air fryer is slightly different, and you may need to adjust the temperature and timing depending on your specific model. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the most accurate information on how to use your air fryer.
Air-Fried Monte Cristo: A Crispy, Golden Treat?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to prepare the sausage links
Preparing sausage links in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook your sausages with minimal cleanup. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare delicious turkey sausage links in an air fryer:
Step 1: Prepare the Sausages
Firstly, decide whether you want to cook your sausages fresh or frozen. While some prefer to cook their sausage links fresh, you can cook frozen sausages in the air fryer by simply adjusting the cooking time. If you are cooking frozen sausages, make sure to defrost them first. For thicker links like Bratwurst and Italian sausages, you can cook them straight from frozen, even if they are frozen in a clump. For breakfast sausages, you can either defrost them or cook them straight from frozen.
Step 2: Poke Holes in the Casings (Optional)
If you are using fresh or thawed sausages, use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings. This step is optional and does not apply to fully-cooked sausage links. For an average Italian sausage, it is recommended to poke it three times with a knife.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking turkey sausage links is around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175-176 degrees Celsius). However, you can go as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a crispier exterior.
Step 4: Place the Sausages in the Air Fryer
Arrange the sausage links in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each sausage. Do not stack the sausages, but it is okay if they touch. Spray the sausages with oil to ensure even browning and crispy skin.
Step 5: Air Fry the Sausages
Now, it's time to air fry your sausages! Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and set the timer. The cooking time will depend on the type of sausages you are using and your desired level of doneness. For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, cook for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a crispy exterior and a fully cooked interior. For thicker sausages, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Step 6: Turn the Sausages (Optional)
Depending on your air fryer model and preferences, you may need to turn or shake the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking. This step is not necessary if you are using an air fryer that circulates hot air evenly around the sausages.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
Finally, check if your sausages are cooked to your desired level of doneness. The sausages are ready when they are golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. The internal temperature of the sausages should reach 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Air-Fryer Pork Steak: Quick, Easy, and Delicious!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serving suggestions
Turkey sausage links are a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage links, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare them. The air fryer can cook a large batch of sausages at once, with minimal cleanup, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175-176 degrees Celsius).
- Place the thawed turkey sausage links in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not stack. It is okay if the sausages touch.
- Spray the sausages with oil. This step is optional but recommended for crispier sausage links.
- Air fry the sausages for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175-176 degrees Celsius). For thinner breakfast sausages, 8-10 minutes may be sufficient.
- Turn the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Check the internal temperature of the sausages with a meat thermometer. The sausages are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Now, for the serving suggestions:
Turkey sausage links are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Breakfast or Brunch:
- Serve the sausage links with eggs, such as scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, or Mexican Sheet Pan Eggs.
- Pair them with breakfast sides like muffins (blueberry, banana, or pumpkin), hash browns, or crispy potatoes.
- Drizzle some maple syrup over the sausages for a touch of sweetness.
Lunch or Dinner:
- Create a hearty meal by pairing the sausage links with sides like peppers, onions, and fluffy buns.
- Provide condiments such as ketchup and mustard for added flavour.
- For a heartier dish, serve the sausage links with a vegetable-based casserole, such as a Veggie Breakfast Casserole.
Appetizers or Snacks:
- Slice the cooked sausage links and serve them as part of a charcuterie board or appetizer platter.
- Pair the sausage links with a variety of cheeses, crackers, and dips for a tasty snack.
- For a quick and easy option, serve the sausage links with toothpicks for easy grabbing and dipping.
Freezing and Reheating:
- Fully cooked turkey sausage links can be frozen for up to two months and reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes, making them a convenient option for quick meals or snacks.
- You can also reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds if you're in a hurry.
Air-Fryer Spinach: Healthy, Quick, and Crispy Spinach Treats!
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius and cook the turkey sausage links for 12 minutes. Shake the basket or turn the sausages halfway through cooking.
Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the sausages with oil to get crispy skin. Check that the internal temperature of the sausages reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius.
Yes, you can cook frozen turkey sausage links in an air fryer. You don't need to defrost them first. Simply add three minutes to the cooking time.
