Air-Frying Sausage: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-off method to achieve a beautiful crispy golden brown exterior with a juicy, succulent center. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the sausages and the model of the air fryer. For thinner sausages, it will take about 8-10 minutes, while thicker sausages will need 9-12 minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking sausages in an air fryer is between 360-400°F.

How to cook sausages in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Sausages (any type, fresh or frozen)
• Cooking oil spray (optional)
• Parchment paper (optional)

Method

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-off method that delivers perfectly cooked, juicy, and golden brown sausages.

First, if your sausages are frozen, you can either defrost them or cook them straight from frozen. If you're using fresh or thawed sausages, use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings. This allows the fat to escape easily.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 360–400°F (180–200°C) for about 3 minutes. If desired, you can spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. This allows the hot air to circulate around the sausages evenly.

Cook the sausages at 375–400°F (190–200°C) for 8–12 minutes, or until they are well browned and no longer pink inside. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your sausages and the number of sausages in the basket.

For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, cook for 8–10 minutes. For thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage, cook for 9–12 minutes. Flip the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

To check if the sausages are done, insert an instant-read thermometer into the centre of a sausage. It should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (70°C). You can also cut into a sausage to ensure it is no longer pink inside.

And that's it! Your juicy, golden brown sausages are now ready to be enjoyed.

How long to cook different types of sausages

The cooking time for sausages in an air fryer depends on the type and thickness of the sausages. Here is a guide to help you cook your sausages to perfection:

Thin Breakfast Sausages

For thinner breakfast sausages, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. You can also cook them straight from frozen. Poke holes in the casings to allow the fat to escape, and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Thick Breakfast Sausages

For thicker breakfast sausages, such as Brats or Italian sausages, cook at 400°F for 9-12 minutes. As with thinner sausages, you can cook these from frozen, and poke holes in the casings to allow the fat to escape.

Kielbasa

Kielbasa is a fully cooked sausage that just needs to be heated through and browned. Slice it into 3/4-inch-thick pieces and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 4-5 minutes for slices, or 7 minutes for a ring or unsliced link.

Other Fully Cooked Sausages

For other types of fully cooked sausages, such as wieners or chicken sausages, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, until heated through and browned.

Italian Sausages

For Italian sausages, preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 3 minutes. Spray the basket with avocado oil or olive oil cooking spray, and add the uncooked sausages in a single layer. Air fry for 12-13 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. For extra crispy sausages, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Sausage Patties

For sausage patties, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the patties in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a patty reaches 160°F.

Sausage Coil

For a longer sausage coil, follow the same instructions as for sausage links, ensuring the sausage is in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Remember, the cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your sausages and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook. Enjoy your juicy, golden brown sausages!

How to serve air-fried sausages

Air-fried sausages are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Sandwiches

You can serve the sausages in a bun or hoagie roll, topped with peppers, onions, and your choice of condiments. For a heartier sandwich, try a sausage and peppers sandwich or a sausage and broccoli rabe sandwich. You can also warm up some hot dog buns in the air fryer and serve the sausages with hot dog fixings.

With Sides

Air-fried sausages go well with a variety of side dishes. Try serving them with roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes. For a low-carb option, pair them with keto sides like cauliflower mash. You can also serve them with Cannellini beans slow-cooked in tomato sauce or a simple side salad.

In a Main Course

If you're looking for a heartier meal, try serving the sausages with pasta. You can slice the sausages and toss them with your favorite pasta shape and marinara or pesto sauce. For a lighter option, serve the sausages with pesto spaghetti squash or red lentil pasta. You can also try making a sausage, pepper, and onion dish, either as a sandwich filling or served over rice.

Breakfast

Air-fried sausages are a great breakfast option. You can serve them as part of a traditional breakfast with eggs and toast, or get creative and chunk them into an omelet. They also go well with breakfast potatoes or air-fried frozen broccoli.

Appetizers and Snacks

For a quick and easy snack, cut the sausages into bite-sized pieces and serve them with a fork and knife. You can also serve them with some crusty French bread or other types of bread for a heartier snack.

Drinks

If you're serving the sausages as part of a larger meal, consider pairing them with a glass of wine, such as Montepulciano.

How to avoid smoke when cooking sausages in an air fryer

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them golden brown and crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. However, you may experience some light smoking or grease dripping when cooking your sausages. Here are some tips to avoid this:

Firstly, ensure that your air fryer is not overcrowded. Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring none of the links are touching. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sausages in batches.

Secondly, poke holes in the sausage casings to allow the fat to escape easily. This will prevent the casings from bursting and minimise smoke. For an average-sized sausage, poke it about three times with a knife or fork.

Thirdly, line your air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. This will catch any grease or fat that drips from the sausages, reducing the amount of smoke produced.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to the correct temperature before adding the sausages. Most recipes recommend cooking sausages in an air fryer at around 370-400°F for 5-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages. Ensure that you do not overcook them, as this can dry them out.

By following these simple steps, you can minimise the amount of smoke produced when cooking sausages in an air fryer and enjoy perfectly cooked, juicy sausages.

How to cook sausages in an air fryer with vegetables

Ingredients

• Sausages of your choice (breakfast sausages, Italian sausages, Bratwurst, chicken, turkey, etc.)
• Vegetables of your choice (peppers, onions, garlic, broccoli, okra, mushrooms, etc.)
• Non-stick cooking spray (optional)
• Parchment paper (optional)

Instructions

• If your sausages are frozen, defrost them. For thicker sausages like Bratwurst or Italian sausages, you can cook them straight from frozen.
• For fresh or thawed sausages, use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings. This allows the fat to escape easily. For an average-sized sausage, poke it about three times with a knife.
• If desired, lightly grease the inside of the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
• Place your sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Set the air fryer to 375-400°F.
• Cook the sausages for 8-12 minutes, or until they are well-browned on the outside and have an internal temperature of 160°F. Thinner sausages like breakfast sausages will likely take 8-10 minutes, while thicker sausages will take 9-12 minutes.
• While the sausages are cooking, prepare your vegetables.
• Once the sausages are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and set aside.
• Place your vegetables in the air fryer basket and cook according to your desired level of doneness.
• Serve the sausages and vegetables together. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions