Air Frying Chicken Sausage: How Long Does It Take?

Chicken sausages are a great, healthy option for a quick and easy meal. They can be cooked from frozen, raw or pre-cooked and can be ready in as little as 8 minutes. The air fryer is a great way to cook chicken sausages as they come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken sausages cook evenly and efficiently. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for preheating your air fryer:

Firstly, it is essential to understand the role of preheating. Preheating your air fryer means turning it on and letting it reach the desired temperature before adding your food. This step is crucial because it ensures that your chicken sausages start cooking at the right temperature from the very beginning. It also helps to create a consistent cooking environment, so your sausages cook evenly.

When preheating your air fryer, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model. Different air fryers may have slightly different preheating procedures, so refer to the user manual for precise directions. In general, however, here are some standard guidelines:

• Set the temperature: Adjust the temperature dial or settings to reach the desired temperature. For cooking chicken sausages, most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer between 360°F and 400°F. This temperature range will ensure your sausages cook through properly and develop a crispy exterior.
• Allow sufficient time: Give your air fryer enough time to reach the set temperature. Depending on the model and its power, this process can take a few minutes. For example, smaller air fryers may only need to run for about 3 minutes, while larger ones might require up to 5 minutes.
• Use the preheat function: If your air fryer has a dedicated preheat function or setting, use it. This function is designed to bring the appliance to the desired temperature efficiently. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, you can manually turn it on and adjust the temperature to the desired level.
• Consider the food's initial temperature: If you're cooking frozen chicken sausages, they will take longer to cook, and preheating becomes even more critical. The frozen sausages will lower the air fryer's temperature when added, so a proper preheat ensures that the cooking process starts effectively.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: When placing your chicken sausages in the air fryer, ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This arrangement allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. It also helps maintain the temperature you've set during preheating.
• Oil or spray the sausages: Before or after preheating, you can lightly spray or brush your sausages with oil. This step is optional but can help ensure a crispier exterior and prevent sticking.

Preheating your air fryer is a simple but crucial step in cooking chicken sausages. It ensures your sausages cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious, crispy exterior and juicy interior. By following the instructions provided by the manufacturer and the guidelines outlined above, you'll be well on your way to perfectly cooked chicken sausages every time.

Cooking times for different types of chicken sausage

Chicken sausages are a great alternative to traditional pork or beef sausages, offering a leaner and healthier option that's packed with flavour. They're incredibly versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in an air fryer.

When it comes to cooking chicken sausage in an air fryer, the timing will depend on whether you're using precooked, raw, or frozen sausages, as well as the thickness of the sausages. Here's a breakdown of the cooking times for each type:

Precooked Chicken Sausage

For the best results, preheat your air fryer to 370°F for about 5 minutes. Place the precooked sausages in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not stacked on top of each other and leaving some space in between. You can lightly coat them with olive oil or cooking spray, or cook them without any oil. Cook the sausages for a total of 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking process. The internal temperature of the sausages should reach 165°F.

Raw Chicken Sausage

If you're using raw chicken sausage links, the cooking time will be slightly longer. Preheat your air fryer as you would for precooked sausages. Place the raw sausages in the air fryer basket, ensuring they're not stacked and spaced evenly. You can add a light coating of oil or cooking spray if desired. Cook the sausages for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they're fully cooked.

Frozen Chicken Sausage

Cooking frozen chicken sausages in an air fryer is also possible. Simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Preheat your air fryer and place the frozen sausages in the basket, following the same guidelines for spacing and oil application as above. Cook for a total of 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Different Types of Chicken Sausage

Chicken sausages come in a variety of flavours and styles, and the cooking time in the air fryer will generally remain consistent across different types. Here are some popular varieties:

• Italian Chicken Sausage: This type often includes flavours like fennel and peppers and goes well with a variety of dishes.
• Chicken Apple Sausage: A sweet and savoury option that can be a tasty addition to breakfast or brunch.
• Andouille Chicken Sausage: Spicy and full of flavour, Andouille chicken sausage is perfect for those who like a kick.
• Spinach and Feta Chicken Sausage: A tasty option for those who want to add some extra greens to their meal.

No matter which type of chicken sausage you choose, the cooking process in the air fryer remains largely the same, with only minor adjustments needed for different preparation states (precooked, raw, or frozen).

Oil or spray the sausages

Oil or spray is an important step in the process of cooking chicken sausages in an air fryer. It ensures that the sausages become crispy and prevents them from sticking to the air fryer basket. You can use a variety of oils for this purpose, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray.

If you are using a cooking spray, lightly coat the sausages with it before placing them in the air fryer. On the other hand, if you are using olive oil or avocado oil, it is recommended to spray or lightly coat the sausages with oil after placing them in the air fryer basket. This is because the oil can help to get a crispy skin on the sausages.

It is important to note that the sausages should not overlap in the air fryer basket and should be placed in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and allows the sausages to get crispy. If your sausages are uncooked, it is also recommended to poke 3 to 4 small holes in each sausage with a sharp knife before air frying. This prevents the sausages from bursting and allows excess steam to escape.

Additionally, the type of oil or spray you use can affect the taste and texture of the sausages. For example, avocado oil or olive oil cooking spray can help to ensure crispy chicken sausages. Using olive oil or avocado oil can also add a subtle flavour to the sausages.

In summary, oil or spray is an essential step in cooking chicken sausages in an air fryer. It helps to ensure that the sausages become crispy and prevents them from sticking to the air fryer basket. The type of oil or spray used, as well as the timing of when it is applied, can vary depending on personal preference and the specific recipe being followed.

How to store and reheat chicken sausages

Storing and reheating chicken sausages is a straightforward process. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Storing Chicken Sausages:

If you have leftover chicken sausages, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two to four days. This will ensure the sausages remain fresh and suitable for consumption.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze cooked chicken sausages for up to three months.

Reheating Chicken Sausages:

There are several methods to reheat chicken sausages, and the choice depends on your preference and equipment availability:

• Microwave: Place the sausages on a microwave-safe plate or container. Cover them with a damp paper towel or cloth. Heat on low power for 30 seconds to one minute. Check if the sausages are steaming hot inside. If not, continue heating in 30-second intervals until done.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the sausages on a baking sheet or Pyrex dish. Reheat for 10-15 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer; it should be 165°F. If they are not fully reheated, leave them in for another five minutes.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F for five minutes. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch or overlap. Spray the sausages with cooking oil or olive oil, though this is optional. Cook for eight to 10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
• Stovetop: Cut the sausages lengthwise into two halves and add a small amount of water to prevent them from drying out. Reheat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Remember to follow food safety guidelines and ensure your sausages are thoroughly reheated to avoid any foodborne illnesses. Enjoy your chicken sausages!

What to serve with chicken sausages

Chicken sausages are a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausages, with less than half the fat and calories. They are also incredibly versatile and can be served at any meal, from breakfast to dinner. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken sausages:

Breakfast

• Soft and creamy scrambled eggs
• Fried eggs or an omelette with diced chicken sausage
• Sausage and vegetable breakfast bowls
• Sausage, egg, and cheese on toast
• Sausage breakfast sandwiches or breakfast tacos
• Sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast burrito bowls
• Sausage, egg, and vegetable breakfast skillets

Lunch

• Chicken sausage sandwiches with grilled onions, peppers, and spicy brown mustard on a pretzel bun, Italian bread, or hoagie roll
• Chicken sausage on a homemade pretzel bun with mustard, peppers, and onions
• Chicken sausage with polenta
• Chicken sausage with apple cider chicken quinoa skillet
• Chicken sausage with Israeli couscous, onion, celery, and feta
• Chicken sausage with couscous and stuffed acorn squash
• Chicken sausage with kale and fennel skillet
• Chicken sausage with Italian sausage and provolone skewers
• Chicken sausage with sweet potato and onion hash
• Chicken sausage with butternut squash polenta
• Chicken sausage with rice and vegetables
• Chicken sausage with fried potatoes and onions
• Chicken sausage with toasted garlic bread
• Chicken sausage with a refreshing cucumber yogurt salad

Dinner

• Chicken sausage with pan-roasted potatoes
• Chicken sausage with potato wedges, sweet potatoes, or roasted veggies
• Chicken sausage with jambalaya
• Chicken sausage with chorizo and grits
• Chicken sausage with spicy roasted potatoes, peppers, and sausage
• Chicken sausage with sausage-tomato coconut curry
• Chicken sausage with ravioli and apple chicken sausage
• Chicken sausage with smoked gouda spinach pizza
• Chicken sausage with gnocchi and spinach
• Chicken sausage with apple sausage salad and cinnamon vinaigrette
• Chicken sausage with Bavarian apple-sausage hash
• Chicken sausage with kale and sausage dinner tart
• Chicken sausage with chicken and sausage jambalaya
• Chicken sausage with sausage spinach salad
• Chicken sausage with lentil and chicken sausage stew
• Chicken sausage with andouille sausage soup
• Chicken sausage with butternut squash and sausage soup
• Chicken sausage with sausage chicken jambalaya
• Chicken sausage with chorizo burrito bowls
• Chicken sausage with banh mi sandwiches
• Chicken sausage with beans and rice
• Chicken sausage with chicken sausage and vegetable skillet dinner
• Chicken sausage with sausage and vegetable skewers
• Chicken sausage with chicken sausage and peppers
• Chicken sausage with apple chicken sausage and honey mustard
• Chicken sausage with chicken sausage and polenta
• Chicken sausage with chicken sausage, potatoes, and peppers
• Chicken sausage with chicken sausage and apple Chardonnay
• Chicken sausage with chicken sausage and pretzel buns
• Chicken sausage with chicken sausage and potato bake
• Chicken sausage with chicken sausage and sweet potato cubes
• Chicken sausage with chicken sausage and roasted veggies
• Chicken sausage with chicken sausage and a simple green salad
• Chicken sausage with chicken sausage and potato wedges
• Chicken sausage with chicken sausage and mac and cheese

Frequently asked questions