Tiffany Haney
Chicken apple sausage is a tasty, versatile, and healthy meal option that can be cooked in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. It is a great source of protein and can be served in a variety of ways, making it a convenient option for those busy weeknights. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to cook juicy and crispy chicken apple sausage in your air fryer, as well as provide some serving suggestions to elevate your meal. So, get your ingredients ready, and let's begin!
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for chicken apple sausage in an air fryer will depend on whether the sausages are fresh, pre-cooked, or frozen. Fresh sausages will take the longest to cook, while pre-cooked sausages will simply need to be heated through.
To cook fresh chicken apple sausages in the air fryer, preheat the appliance to between 380 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap, and spray them with olive oil or cooking spray. Air fry for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping the sausages halfway through the cooking time. The sausages are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F.
For pre-cooked chicken apple sausages, preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each link to allow hot air to circulate. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also spray the sausages with cooking spray before or after flipping to achieve a crispier texture, if desired.
Frozen chicken apple sausages can be cooked in the air fryer as well. Preheat the appliance to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each link. Cook for 11 to 13 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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How to get a crispy skin
To get a crispy skin on your chicken apple sausage, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure you are using fully cooked chicken sausage, as raw chicken sausage will not produce the same crispy results. If your sausages are frozen, you can still cook them in the air fryer, but you will need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Secondly, preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher the temperature, the crispier your sausages will become. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your sausages by cutting four diagonal slits on the top of each one, about half an inch apart. This will help the heat penetrate the sausages more effectively.
Next, place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each link for the hot air to circulate. This step is crucial, as overcrowding the basket will result in uneven cooking and prevent your sausages from getting crispy. Spray the sausages with olive oil or another type of cooking oil, which will also enhance crispiness.
Now, you are ready to air fry your sausages. Cook them for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on your air fryer's temperature and the desired level of crispiness. For a good sear, cook at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time. Flip the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Once the sausages are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy chicken apple sausages!
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What to serve with chicken apple sausage
Chicken apple sausage is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken apple sausage:
Breakfast Options
- Chicken apple sausage can be served with scrambled eggs and other breakfast items.
- For a hearty breakfast, slice up the sausages and fry them with onions, garlic, and diced sweet potatoes. Add kale, a diced apple, and season with sage, cinnamon, cumin, and pepper. Deglaze the pan with broth, apple cider, a splash of wine, or water. Serve this with rice or quinoa, or use it as a wrap filling.
- Chicken apple sausage can be added to oatmeal and bananas for a filling breakfast.
- Add chicken apple sausage to a bowl of congee (rice porridge) for a quick and easy breakfast.
- Chicken apple sausage can be used in a breakfast hash. Fry the sausages and set them aside, then sauté an onion and add garlic and diced green apple. Add cinnamon, allspice, and cayenne, then toss in the sausage. For an extra boost of protein, add an egg.
- Chicken apple sausage can be sliced and added to quiche.
Lunch and Dinner Options
- Chicken apple sausage can be served with a simple green salad, or sliced fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.
- For a sheet pan meal, combine chicken apple sausage with potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and pantry seasonings.
- Chicken apple sausage can be sliced and served with roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, red and green pepper chunks, zucchini, and red onion.
- Chicken apple sausage can be added to a pasta dish. Try it with pesto, or with a tomato sauce and gnocchi or polenta.
- For a low-carb option, serve chicken apple sausage with cauliflower rice.
- Chicken apple sausage can be sliced and served with sauerkraut.
- Chicken apple sausage can be added to mac and cheese.
- For a hearty meal, serve chicken apple sausage with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes, warm lentils, and whole-grain mustard.
- Chicken apple sausage can be sliced and served with sliced green apple, onion, garlic, cinnamon, and cayenne.
- Chicken apple sausage can be added to a sandwich, such as a sausage parm hero.
- For a quick and easy stir fry, combine chicken apple sausage with Italian-style green beans.
- Chicken apple sausage can be served with sweet potatoes, either regular, Japanese, or purple varieties.
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Storing and reheating chicken apple sausage
Storing your chicken apple sausages correctly is crucial to retaining their flavour, moisture, and texture. Leftover chicken apple sausage should be stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and contamination. Wrap the sausages in aluminium foil or plastic wrap before placing them in the container. This helps maintain their succulence and flavour. Adding chopped apple pieces before storing can preserve the sausage's sweetness. Ensure the sausages are consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
To safely thaw chicken apple sausage, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator 24 hours before reheating. This slow thawing method will help maintain the sausage's texture and flavour. Avoid thawing sausages at room temperature, as this can encourage bacterial growth.
When reheating chicken apple sausage, it is important to ensure that it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and retains its optimal texture and flavour. Reheat the sausages within three to four days of initial cooking. You can use a microwave, oven, skillet, or air fryer to reheat your chicken apple sausages. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the sausages in aluminium foil and place them on a baking sheet. Heat them in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
For the air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausages in the air fryer basket and reheat for about 2-3 minutes or until they are heated through. For the stovetop, heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. Place the sausages in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated thoroughly.
Note: When reheating, it's essential not to overcook the sausages because they can dry out easily.
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Chicken apple sausage brands
Chicken apple sausage is a great option for a quick, protein-packed meal that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. While chicken sausages are generally healthier than pork sausages, it's important that they don't taste dry. Juicy, loose ground chicken sausages with a snap are what you should be aiming for.
There are several chicken apple sausage brands available in the market, each with its own unique flavour profile. Here are some popular options:
Trader Joe's Chicken Apple Sausage
Trader Joe's chicken apple sausage is considered one of the best options available. It offers a good balance of sweetness and smoke, with a nice added texture from the apple. The apple also contributes to the moisture of the sausage, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Whole Foods Chicken Apple Sausage
Whole Foods offers a range of chicken sausages, including a mild Italian sausage made with organic red and green bell peppers, basil, fennel, paprika, vinegar, garlic, chile pepper, black pepper, and sunflower oil. Their sausages are thicker than some other brands and cost around $7.29 for a 12-ounce package.
Nature's Promise Chicken Apple Sausage
Nature's Promise chicken apple sausages are USDA-certified organic and made with antibiotic-free chicken. They are free of preservatives and seasoned with fennel, paprika, black pepper, and dried onions. You can expect to pay around $7.99 for a 12-ounce package.
Target Brand Chicken Apple Sausage
Target's chicken apple sausages offer a nice jalapeño flavour that's not too spicy. The cheddar in these sausages is creamy, and the pork casings provide a nice backbone of flavour.
Bilinski's Chicken Apple Sausage
Bilinski's, available at Whole Foods, offers a delicious chicken sausage without any casing.
Applegate Chicken Apple Sausage
Applegate is another popular brand that offers organic chicken and apple sausages.
Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage
Aidells is a recommended brand for chicken and apple sausages.
When cooking chicken apple sausages in an air fryer, ensure you don't overcrowd the basket and cook in a single layer to achieve an even crispness. Spray the sausages with olive oil and cook at around 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Chicken apple sausages pair well with sweet potatoes, green beans, cauliflower rice, and pasta dishes. They can also be served as a side with scrambled eggs or other breakfast items.
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Frequently asked questions
Set your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is recommended to cook the sausages for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
The sausages are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
Place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each link to allow for proper air circulation. You can also spray them with cooking spray or olive oil to help them get crispier.
Chicken apple sausages go well with various side dishes, such as vegetables, pasta, salad, or a hoagie bun. They can also be added to dishes like pizza or stir-fry.
