Air-Fryer Pork Sausage: How Long To Fry?

Cooking pork sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-off method that delivers juicy, golden brown sausages with a crisp exterior. The cooking time depends on the type of sausage and the desired crispness of the skin. For example, thinner sausages like breakfast sausages typically take 8-10 minutes, while thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage may take 9-12 minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking sausages in an air fryer is around 360-400°F, and it is recommended to arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

How to prepare pork sausage for the air fryer

Preparing pork sausage for the air fryer is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Defrosting and Preparing the Sausages:

Start by defrosting your sausages if they are frozen. You can either let them thaw at room temperature or cook them straight from frozen, depending on your preference. If you choose to defrost, ensure they are completely thawed before proceeding.

Poking Holes:

This step is optional and slightly controversial. Some people recommend poking the sausages with a sharp knife or fork a few times to allow the release of fat during cooking. Others argue that this dries out the sausages. If you choose to poke holes, use a paring knife or fork to make about three punctures in each sausage.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking sausages is between 360-400°F (180-200°C). Preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes to ensure it reaches the correct temperature.

Preparing the Air Fryer Basket:

Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment paper to catch any grease drippings. This step is optional but can make cleanup easier. Lightly grease the parchment paper or the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Arranging the Sausages:

Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overlapping and have enough space for the air to circulate. The number of sausages you can fit will depend on the size of your air fryer. For oven models, you can fit around 8-10 sausages, while basket models may hold 5-8 sausages.

Cooking the Sausages:

Air fry the sausages at the preheated temperature for 10-15 minutes. For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, 8-10 minutes should be sufficient. Thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage may take up to 12-14 minutes. Flip the sausages once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Checking Doneness:

To ensure your sausages are fully cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (75°C). You can use an instant-read thermometer or meat thermometer to check the temperature. Additionally, cut into one of the sausages to ensure it is no longer pink inside.

Serving:

Your juicy and crispy pork sausages are now ready to be served! You can enjoy them as a side for breakfast, in buns, with roasted vegetables, in sandwiches, or however you prefer.

Preparing pork sausages in the air fryer is a convenient and hands-off method that delivers delicious results. Enjoy experimenting with different types of sausages and serving options!

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The cooking time for pork sausages in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the sausages and the temperature at which they are cooked. For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, they will take around 8-10 minutes to cook at 400°F (200°C). Thicker sausages, such as bratwurst or Italian sausages, will take a little longer, around 9-12 minutes at the same temperature.

It is important to ensure that the sausages are cooked through and are no longer pink inside. This can be checked by cutting into one of the sausages. If you have a meat thermometer, you can also check that the internal temperature of the sausages has reached 160°F (70-75°C).

Some recipes suggest cooking the sausages at a lower temperature of 360°F to 370°F (180-190°C) for around 13-15 minutes. This will result in a softer skin on the sausages. If you prefer a crispier skin, you can cook them at a higher temperature for a shorter time, or increase the cooking time by a minute or two at the lower temperature.

For extra crispy sausages, some people like to cook their sausages at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

When arranging the sausages in the air fryer, make sure they are in a single layer so that the air can circulate evenly around them. This will ensure that they cook through completely.

How to serve air-fried pork sausage

Air-fried pork sausage is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sandwiches and Rolls

For a quick and easy option, serve your air-fried pork sausages in a bun or a hoagie roll. You can top it with some mustard, kraut, or bell peppers and onions. This is a perfect choice for a summer meal.

Sauteed Veggies

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, pair your sausages with some sauteed peppers, onions, and garlic. This combination goes well with rice or pasta. It's also a great option for meal prepping, as it can be easily reheated.

Pasta

For a heartier dish, serve your sausages with pasta. You can choose from a variety of pasta shapes and sauces, such as marinara or pesto. The sausages will add a juicy and flavorful element to your pasta dish.

Roasted Veggies

For a healthier option, serve your air-fried pork sausages with roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes. This is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies while still enjoying a tasty and satisfying meal.

Keto Options

If you're following a keto diet, don't worry, there are plenty of options for you too. Serve your sausages with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower mash and other roasted veggies. This will ensure you stay on track with your diet while still enjoying a delicious meal.

Remember, the beauty of air-fried pork sausages is their versatility. You can easily adjust the serving suggestions based on your preferences and what you have available in your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and creating your own signature sausage dish!

Tips for cooking pork sausage in an air fryer

Temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking pork sausages in an air fryer is 400°F. This ensures that the sausages develop a nice, crispy brown crust on the outside without drying out. Depending on the thickness of your sausages, the cooking time will vary between 8 to 12 minutes for thinner sausages like breakfast sausages, and 9 to 12 minutes for thicker options like bratwurst or Italian sausage.

Preparing the sausages

If your sausages are frozen, you can either defrost them or cook them straight from frozen. For fresh or thawed sausages, use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings to allow the fat to escape easily. Arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Cooking the sausages

Place the sausages in the air fryer basket and cook until they are well-browned on the outside and have an internal temperature of at least 160°F. Cut into one of the sausages to ensure it is no longer pink inside before serving.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer pork sausages are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Enjoy them as a side for breakfast or in buns, or pair them with roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, or potatoes. You can also serve them with pasta and marinara sauce or pesto, or in sandwiches with gluten-free hot dog buns or hoagie rolls topped with bell peppers and onions.

How to check if pork sausage is cooked

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a hands-free, quick, and easy method that results in sausages that are brown and crispy on the outside, and juicy in the middle. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the sausages. For thinner sausages, like breakfast sausages, they’ll take about 8-12 minutes to get crisp on the outside and fully cooked inside. For thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage, it will take 9-12 minutes.

Now, how do you check if your pork sausage is cooked?

Firstly, it's important to note that you shouldn't rely on the colour of the sausage to determine if it's cooked. Sausages have a large percentage of fat, which cooks faster than the meat content, so the sausage can look cooked even though it isn't.

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage. It should read between 160 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Check that the sausage is firm with clear juices. If the juices are pink, the sausage needs more time.
• Slice the sausage open and check for a brown or taupe colour. It should be mostly brown or taupe inside, with no pink or red meat visible.
• If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also boil the sausages for 30 minutes and then fry them for 5 minutes to ensure they're cooked through.
• Alternatively, poach the sausages on low heat until the internal temperature reaches 150 °F (66 °C), and then transfer them to a grill on high heat for about 5 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 160 to 165 °F (71 to 74 °C).

Frequently asked questions