Air-Fryer Breakfast Sausage: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Cooking breakfast sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to prepare a hearty breakfast. It's perfect for busy mornings when you need breakfast fast and can be used to cook a variety of sausages, including links and patties, as well as different types of meat such as pork, beef, chicken, and turkey. The air fryer method produces juicy and delicious sausages with a crispy skin, without the hassle of grease splatter or the need to constantly monitor the stove.

Cooking times for fresh vs frozen sausages

When cooking breakfast sausages in an air fryer, you can use both fresh and frozen sausages. The main difference will be the cooking time and temperature. Thicker sausages will take longer to cook and are cooked at a lower temperature, whereas thinner sausages will cook quicker at a higher temperature.

If you are cooking fresh sausages, you should use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and set the temperature to 390°F to 400°F. The cooking time will be around 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages and how many you are cooking. You can turn the sausages halfway through the cooking time. The sausages are done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can check that the sausages are cooked by cutting into them to ensure they are no longer pink inside.

If you are cooking frozen sausages, you can cook them straight from frozen without defrosting them first. Place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. After this, you should be able to separate them using a fork. Then, set the temperature to 390°F to 400°F and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Again, you can turn the sausages halfway through. The sausages are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How to get crispy sausages

To get crispy sausages, you can cook them in an air fryer. This method is great if you want to avoid the mess of cooking sausages on a stovetop. It's also a quick and easy way to cook sausages without having to stand over a skillet and worry about burning them.

First, preheat your air fryer to 390°F. If you're using frozen sausages, there's no need to defrost them first, but you may need to break them apart. Simply place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. This will ensure they cook evenly. If your sausages are very thick, you may need to cook them for longer.

Next, cook the sausages for 10 minutes at 390°F, or 8-10 minutes at 360°F. For frozen sausages, cook for 12 minutes at 390°F, or 10-14 minutes at 360°F. You can also cook sausages at 370°F for 10 minutes, or 12-16 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. If you like your sausages extra crispy, add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. Turn the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Finally, check that the sausages are cooked to the proper temperature. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. If you don't have a thermometer, make sure there is no pink left inside the sausages. Now you're ready to serve your crispy sausages!

How to reheat cooked sausages

To reheat cooked sausages, you can use an air fryer, an oven, a skillet, or a microwave. If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 180°C or 350°F. If your sausages are frozen, increase the temperature to 400°F and the time to 8 minutes. If you're using a microwave, heat the sausages in 30-second increments until they're warmed through.

When reheating sausages in an air fryer, it's important to note that they may not be as juicy and succulent as freshly cooked sausages. To prevent them from drying out, brush them with a little oil before reheating. It's also important to avoid reheating the sausages more than once.

Place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each sausage to allow for even cooking and air circulation. Reheat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through. If you're reheating frozen, pre-cooked sausages, reduce the time to 2 to 3 minutes.

You can also reheat cooked sausages in the oven or a skillet on the stovetop. Simply place the sausages in an oven-safe dish or skillet and heat them until they're warmed through.

How to cook different types of sausages

Cooking breakfast sausages in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to prepare a hearty breakfast without the mess of a greasy stove. This method works for both fresh and frozen sausages, and you can use sausage links or patties.

To cook breakfast sausages in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray. If your air fryer does not have a non-stick surface, you can use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.

For fresh sausage links, cook them for about 10 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. The sausages are done when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, with no pink remaining inside. If you prefer your sausages extra crispy, you can add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

For frozen sausage links, cook them for about 12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and are no longer pink inside. Again, you can add a little extra time if you like them crispier.

You can also cook sausage patties in the air fryer. For fresh patties, cook them at 390 degrees for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through. Frozen patties will take about 12 minutes to cook. As with the links, adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.

Once the sausages are cooked to your liking, you can serve them as part of a hearty breakfast with eggs, hash browns, or an English muffin sandwich.

Different types of sausages can be cooked in the air fryer, including pork, chicken, and turkey sausages. German sausages, such as bratwurst, weisswurst, and blutwurst, can also be cooked using this method. For German sausages, you can follow similar instructions as above, adjusting the cooking time as needed. For example, bratwurst can be cooked in a pan, on coals, or roasted over charcoal or a grill for a charred finish. Weisswurst, or "white sausage," is made from veal and bacon and should be cooked in water just below boiling to prevent the skins from splitting. Blutwurst, or blood sausage, is typically made with pork rind and blood and is usually served warm, though it is often sold pre-cooked. Other varieties of sausages to try in your air fryer include Cajun Andouille sausage, Argentinian sausage, and Polish sausage.

How to clean up after cooking sausages

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal with minimal cleanup required. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean up after cooking sausages in an air fryer:

• Unplug the Air Fryer and Allow it to Cool: Before you begin cleaning, make sure the air fryer is unplugged from the power source and allow it to cool down completely. This is an important safety precaution to prevent any accidents or injuries.
• Remove the Sausage Residue: Once the air fryer has cooled, open the basket and use a pair of tongs or a spatula to remove any leftover sausage pieces or residue. Dispose of the residue appropriately, ensuring it doesn't clog your drain. If there is any excess grease or oil in the basket, use a paper towel or a clean cloth to absorb and wipe it out.
• Clean the Air Fryer Basket and Tray: Fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Remove the air fryer basket and tray from the unit and place them in the soapy water. Let them soak for a few minutes to loosen any remaining grease or food particles. Then, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the basket and tray. Rinse them thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a clean towel or let them air dry before placing them back in the air fryer.
• Wipe Down the Exterior of the Air Fryer: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the exterior of the air fryer, including the top, sides, and front panel. Make sure to clean any buttons, dials, or display screens gently without getting them excessively wet. You can also use a mild cleaning solution or disinfectant wipe for this step, ensuring it is suitable for the surface of your air fryer.
• Clean the Heating Element: If your air fryer has a removable heating element, take it out and use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away any dust or grease buildup. Ensure the element is completely dry before placing it back into the air fryer. If your air fryer has a built-in heating element that cannot be removed, use a soft, dry brush or cloth to gently remove any visible dust or debris.
• Dispose of the Waste: Gather all the paper towels, cloths, or sponges used during the cleaning process and dispose of them appropriately. Ensure that any grease or food residue is disposed of in a sealed bag to prevent clogging your pipes.
• Store the Air Fryer: Once everything is clean and dry, you can store your air fryer in a safe and accessible place until your next use. Make sure to keep it away from moisture and heat sources.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your air fryer is properly cleaned and maintained after cooking sausages. This will help extend the lifespan of your appliance and make your cooking experience more enjoyable and hygienic.

Frequently asked questions