Air-Fryer Hot Sausage: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking hot Italian sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and versatile method that yields juicy and golden-brown sausages. The air fryer method is also convenient as it requires no additional cookware and makes for easy cleanup. To cook hot Italian sausages in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 360-400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Then, place the sausages in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each sausage. Cook the sausages for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can serve these sausages with pasta, roasted vegetables, or in a bun with peppers and onions.

Characteristics and Values

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for hot sausages in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of sausage, its thickness, and the model of the air fryer.

For fresh or thawed sausages, it is recommended to 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.

If you are cooking hot Italian sausages, preheat your air fryer to between 360 and 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket, leaving room on all sides, and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit as measured with a food thermometer.

For extra crispy sausages, some recipes suggest cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This higher temperature and shorter cooking time can help achieve a crispier exterior while keeping the sausages juicy on the inside.

Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the sausages and the number of sausages in the air fryer basket. Thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, may take less time, around 8 to 10 minutes, while thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausages may take up to 12 minutes or more.

It is important to note that the cooking time may also depend on the model of the air fryer, as different air fryers may cook at slightly different rates. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your sausages during the cooking process and adjust the time and temperature as needed.

Sausage types

Sausages are usually made from ground meat encased in a skin or casing, traditionally made from intestine but sometimes synthetic. They are a traditional food preservation technique, often smoked or cured to last through colder months when food is less plentiful. Sausages are incredibly versatile, and every country has its own unique sausage traditions and twists on the classic meat.

Some of the most famous sausages in the world are European, with German, French, and British varieties being particularly popular. German sausages, or Bratwurst, were invented as a way to use up all parts of the pork and are often made from finely chopped meat. French sausages, or Andouillette, are usually made from pork intestines or chitterlings, and are known for their coarse texture and pungent smell. British sausages are often made from ground pork and a variety of herbs and spices, and are commonly served with a full English breakfast.

Other notable sausage varieties include:

• Salami: Solid, air-dried sausages from the island of Lefkada, intended for slicing very thinly.
• Merguez: A Maghrebi fresh lamb-based and/or beef-based spicy sausage.
• Panchuker: A deep-fried, corn-battered hot dog on a stick.
• Burenwurst: Also called Klobasse when cut from a larger sausage wheel.
• Extrawurst: A refined type of sausage often served with the Austrian bread roll, Extrawurstsemmel.
• Frankfurter Würstchen: An extra-long variant of Extrawurst.
• Streichwurst: A smoked and very soft sausage eaten as a spread.
• Seftalia: Minced meat, usually sheep or pork, wrapped in reticulate fat.

Serving suggestions

There are several ways to serve hot sausages cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Sandwiches or Rolls

You can serve the sausages in gluten-free hot dog buns, hoagie rolls, or sausage rolls. Top with sliced peppers, onions, and mushrooms. You can also add condiments like mayo and ketchup.

Pasta

Hot sausages can be served with pasta and sauce, such as marinara or pesto.

Entree

Serve the sausages with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, corn on the cob, or potatoes.

Sides

Some side dish suggestions include a baked potato, garlic bread, rice, cornbread, mac and cheese, and a side salad.

Breakfast

Hot sausages can be served as part of a breakfast platter, alongside other breakfast meats and eggs.

Appetizer

For a quick and easy appetizer, serve the sausages with a dip or sauce, such as ketchup or mustard.

Snack

Finally, the sausages can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or with some bread for dipping into the juices.

Remember to ensure the sausages are cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.

Defrosting and prep

If your sausages are frozen, you can defrost them or cook them straight from frozen. To defrost, place the sausages in the refrigerator until they are fully thawed. This usually takes about a day. For thicker links like bratwurst and Italian sausages, you can cook them straight from frozen, but they may take a few minutes longer to cook.

If you are using fresh or thawed sausages, use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings. This allows the fat to escape from the casing. For an average Italian sausage, poke it three times with a knife.

Preheat your air fryer basket for 3 to 5 minutes at 360 to 400°F (200°C). You can also preheat to 365°F or 370°F, depending on your preference. Preheating your air fryer allows the food to get crispy on the outside while still thoroughly heating the inside.

Next, arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving room on all sides. If you are cooking peppers and onions alongside the sausages, toss them in olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and place the sausages on top.

Reheating

If you have leftover sausages, peppers, and onions, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When you're ready to reheat, the air fryer is the best way to go! Preheat your air fryer to 360–400 °F and lay the leftover sausage links in a single layer. Reheat for 2–3 minutes until heated throughout.

If you're reheating sausages on a roll, preheat your air fryer to 380 °F and place the sausage sandwich inside for 1–2 minutes until it's nice and hot.

If you're reheating frozen cooked sausages, it's recommended to defrost them first. However, you can also cook them straight from frozen. In this case, preheat your air fryer to 400 °F and cook the sausages for 12–14 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 160 °F.

Remember, the specific reheating time may vary depending on the type and thickness of your sausages, as well as the model of your air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to check that your sausages have reached the recommended internal temperature of 160 °F.

Frequently asked questions