Ella Walter
Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-free way to make juicy sausages with a crispy exterior. It's a versatile cooking method that works with raw, fully-cooked, and frozen sausages, and it doesn't require any additional cookware or oil, making cleanup a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked sausages ready to be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to pasta.
How to cook a sausage in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 360°F-400°F |
| Time | 8-15 minutes |
| Frozen sausages | Can be cooked straight from frozen |
| Fresh or thawed sausages | Poke holes in the casings |
| Arrangement | Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket |
| Internal temperature | Minimum of 160°F |
| Oil | Spray basket with cooking spray |
| After cooking | Sausages will wrinkle the longer they sit |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times and temperatures for different types of sausages
When cooking sausages in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook them in a single layer, and turn them halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type and thickness of the sausages.
For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, chipolatas, or thin pork sausages, cook at 180°C/350°F for 8-10 minutes.
For thicker sausages, such as Bratwurst, Italian sausages, or British bangers (Cumberland, Lincolnshire), cook at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. For Italian sausages that are 1.5 inches thick, you can cook them at 350°F for 12-13 minutes, or at 400°F for 10 minutes for
For frozen sausages, it is recommended to defrost them overnight in the fridge before cooking. However, some sources suggest that frozen sausages can be cooked straight from frozen, and may need a couple of extra minutes of cooking time.
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How to prepare sausages before cooking
Preparing sausages before cooking in an air fryer is simple and only requires a few steps. Firstly, consider the type of sausage you are cooking. If you are using frozen sausages, 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. However, some sources suggest not poking holes in the sausages to prevent the juices from leaking out.
Once your sausages are ready, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each sausage to ensure even cooking. If desired, you can add a slice of bread under the tray in the bottom of the basket to absorb excess grease and prevent smoking.
Additionally, you can spray the basket with a cooking spray or avocado/olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy exterior. However, this step is optional, and some people choose not to use any additional oil.
Lastly, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature for cooking sausages is around 360°F to 400°F, depending on your preference for doneness and the capabilities of your air fryer. Keep in mind that thicker sausages may take longer to cook, and you may need to adjust the timing accordingly.
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How to arrange sausages in the air fryer
When arranging sausages in the air fryer, it is important to ensure they are in a single layer, with space between each sausage. This allows the heat to circulate evenly and ensures even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sausages in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
For raw or fresh sausages, it is recommended to poke holes in the casings before placing them in the air fryer. This allows the fat to escape, preventing splattering and smoking. You can use a paring knife or a fork to make these holes. However, if you are cooking pre-cooked sausages, it is important not to pierce the links, as this will cause the juices to leak out, drying out the sausages.
When placing the sausages in the air fryer basket, leave a little space around each sausage to ensure even cooking. You can cook sausages in the air fryer without any additional oil, but if you prefer a crispier texture, you can spray the basket with a light coating of cooking spray or avocado oil before adding the sausages.
If you are cooking thicker sausages, like bratwurst or Italian sausages, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thicker sausages may take longer to cook, so it is important to monitor them to ensure they are cooked through. An instant-read thermometer can be helpful to check the internal temperature of the sausages and ensure they have reached the recommended minimum of 160°F.
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How to know when sausages are cooked
Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The air fryer does all the work for you, browning the sausages evenly without the need to flip them. In just 10 to 15 minutes, you can have juicy sausages with a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
To know when your sausages are cooked, there are a few key things to look out for. Firstly, the internal temperature of the sausages is the most accurate indicator of doneness. Using an instant-read thermometer, check that the centre of the sausages has reached the recommended temperature for the type of meat you are cooking. For raw pork and beef sausages, the internal temperature should be a minimum of 70°C (160°F), while for raw turkey and chicken sausages, it should be 75°C (165°F).
If you don't have a meat thermometer, don't worry. You can also check the doneness of your sausages by looking at their appearance. Cooked sausages will have a golden-brown exterior and will no longer be pink in the centre. To check this, simply cut into one of the sausages to ensure it is cooked throughout.
Additionally, the time taken to cook sausages in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the sausages and the number being cooked. Thinner sausages, like breakfast sausages, will typically take around 8 to 10 minutes to cook. However, thicker sausages may take up to 12 minutes or slightly longer. If cooking frozen sausages, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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What to serve with sausages
Sausages cooked in an air fryer turn out brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining juicy in the middle. This cooking method is hands-free and quick, taking under 15 minutes.
Now, what to serve with sausages? Here are some ideas:
Mashed potatoes and onion gravy
A classic British dish, bangers and mash, is a beloved combination. The gravy can be made by sauteeing onions in butter with a little salt and pepper.
Pasta
Pasta is a versatile option that goes well with sausages. You can try plain angel hair pasta, spaghetti with tangy red sauce, or a more complex dish like smoked sausage fra diavolo, weeknight chicken sausage pasta, or creamy pumpkin pasta with apple chicken sausages. For Italian sausages, consider adding a splash of garlic to the pasta to enhance the flavours.
Mac and cheese
Mac and cheese is a creamy and delicious option that pairs well with sausages, especially spicy ones. If serving with chorizo, add some smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Baked potatoes
Baked potatoes topped with cheese and bacon are a tasty side for sausages, especially bratwurst.
Applesauce
Applesauce adds a touch of sweetness to the meal and pairs well with grilled sausages, helping to balance spicy flavours.
Vegetables
Grilled vegetables like onions, bell peppers, eggplant, and squash are healthy and flavourful options to serve alongside sausages.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 8-15 minutes to cook sausages in an air fryer, depending on the thickness of the sausages and the temperature of the air fryer.
You can cook sausages at a range of temperatures in an air fryer. Some sources suggest 360°F, while others suggest 375°F or 400°F.
You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your sausages. The sausages should reach a minimum of 160°F for raw pork, beef, and most other sausages. For raw turkey and chicken sausages, the minimum temperature is 165°F.
You can cook sausages from frozen or fresh. If they are frozen together in a clump, you can cook them like that without defrosting. Fresh or thawed sausages should be poked with a fork or knife a few times to let the fat escape. Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one.
Sausages cooked in an air fryer can be served in a roll with peppers and onions, or sliced up and added to pasta, pizza, or a salad.
