Cody Casey
Cooking hot sausage links in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare a tasty breakfast. The air fryer method is versatile, allowing you to cook various types of sausages, including fresh, frozen, or precooked links, with minimal cleanup. It also frees up your stovetop and saves you from the mess of grease splatters. To achieve juicy sausages with a crispy exterior, simply place the links in a single layer in the air fryer basket, set the temperature, and let the air fryer work its magic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F to 400°F |
| Cooking Time | 8-12 minutes |
| Cooking Method | Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket, shake or flip halfway through |
| Sausage Type | Breakfast sausage links, Italian sausage links, bratwurst, chicken sausage, pork sausage |
| Frozen or Fresh | Can be cooked from frozen, fresh, or pre-cooked |
| Oil | No additional oil required |
| Clean-up | Quick and easy, no grease splatter |
| Serving Suggestions | Eggs, toast, hash browns, potatoes, pancakes, waffles, cinnamon rolls, pasta, roasted vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for fresh, frozen, and precooked sausage links
When cooking hot sausage links in an air fryer, the cooking time varies depending on whether the sausages are fresh, frozen, or precooked. Here are the cooking times and instructions for each type:
Fresh Sausage Links
For fresh sausage links, it is recommended to cook them at 400°F for 8 to 12 minutes. Arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap so that hot air can reach them evenly. You can poke holes in the casings with a paring knife or fork, but some people advise against this as it can dry out the sausages. Fresh sausages are cooked when the exterior is brown and the interior is no longer pink, with a juicy texture.
Frozen Sausage Links
Frozen sausages can be cooked straight from frozen, and it will take a little longer, around 10 to 15 minutes at 400°F. You can defrost them first or cook them in a block. If cooking from frozen, you will need to take them out halfway through to separate them. Frozen sausages will be ready when they are perfectly browned and juicy, with a crispy exterior.
Precooked Sausage Links
There is no specific mention of cooking times for precooked sausages in an air fryer. However, since they are already cooked, reheating them in the air fryer would likely take significantly less time than cooking raw sausages. You can reheat precooked sausages in the air fryer until they are heated through and crispy, if desired.
Additionally, it's important to note that there may be some smoking when cooking sausages due to the high-fat content. To reduce smoking, ensure your air fryer is clean before use, and you can add a few splashes of water to the bottom or use bread to soak up the grease.
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How to prevent smoking
To prevent your air fryer from smoking when cooking hot sausage links, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean before using it, as burnt food, leftover crumbs, and grease can cause smoking. Adding a few splashes of water to the bottom of the air fryer before cooking can also help to dilute the fat and prevent smoking. Another option is to put a piece of bread underneath the basket to soak up the grease, although some people consider this a waste of good bread.
To further reduce the chances of smoking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will allow the hot air to circulate freely around each sausage, cooking them evenly and preventing them from sticking together. Place the sausages in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook the sausages in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Additionally, when cooking frozen sausages, start with a lower temperature for the first 3-5 minutes to allow them to thaw. Then, increase the temperature and cook for the remaining time. This will help prevent the sausages from sticking to the basket.
Finally, if you are cooking raw hot links, pierce a few holes in them before air frying. This will prevent them from splitting or popping in the air fryer.
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How to season sausage links
To season sausage links, you can add your favourite herbs and spices before air frying them. You can also add some vegetables to your meal by tossing in some onions, bell peppers, or garlic with the links. You can even sprinkle shredded cheese on top halfway through cooking to allow it to melt without dripping into the basket.
If you are cooking for a larger group, it is recommended to split the sausage links into smaller batches for the best results. You can serve them as they are ready or keep them warm on a platter tented with foil. It is also important to note that different brands and sizes of air fryers may require different cooking times, so adjustments may be necessary.
To check if the sausages are done, you can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The exterior of the sausages should also be brown and crispy. If you are cooking thicker sausages, such as bratwurst or Italian sausages, you can cook them straight from frozen. However, for breakfast sausages, it is recommended to defrost them first.
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How to store leftovers
To store leftovers of hot sausage links cooked in an air fryer, let the sausages cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Store the sausages in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally at a temperature of 4°C or 40°F or lower. Consume the leftover sausages within 3 to 4 days.
If you wish to store the leftovers for a longer period, you can freeze them. Allow the sausages to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container and placing them in the freezer. Frozen, cooked sausages can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the leftover sausages, you can use a microwave or an air fryer. If you choose to reheat them in the air fryer, be aware that they may produce some smoke due to leftover crumbs and grease in the appliance. To prevent this, you can add a few splashes of water to the bottom of the air fryer before reheating.
It is important to note that the above guidelines are for fully cooked sausages. If you are storing raw sausages, they will only last 1-2 days in the fridge, and you should always check for spoilage before cooking.
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What to serve with sausage links
Sausage links are a versatile food that can be served with a variety of side dishes. They are a great source of protein and can be cooked in an air fryer for a quick and easy meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with sausage links:
Breakfast
Sausage links can be served as part of a classic breakfast with eggs and toast. You can also add hash browns, pancakes, or even French fries for a heartier meal. For a quick breakfast sandwich, serve the sausage links in a pretzel roll, gluten-free hot dog bun, or a hoagie roll topped with bell peppers and onions.
Lunch or Dinner
Sausage links are a great option for lunch or dinner as they are versatile and protein-packed. Here are some ideas for main courses and side dishes:
- Pasta: Sausage links can be removed from their casing, browned on a stovetop, and mixed with marinara sauce or pesto before being served over your favorite pasta shape.
- Sandwiches: In addition to the breakfast sandwich options mentioned above, sausage links can be served in a traditional sausage hot dog bun or a pretzel roll.
- Entree: Sausage links can be served as a main course alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and potatoes.
- Sheet-pan dinner: Try roasted sausages with apples and onions, or a cassoulet with smoked sausage.
- Soup or stew: Sausage links can be added to a soup or stew, such as the Polish "hunter's stew" which combines multiple types of meat, or Fabada Asturiana, a Spanish bean stew with chorizo and blood sausage.
- Jambalaya: Smoky andouille sausage adds flavor to this Creole dish.
- Pizza: Sausage is a great topping for pizza.
- Casserole: Sausage can be baked in a casserole, such as a foot-long quiche.
Sides
There are many side dishes that pair well with sausage links, including:
- Blooming onion
- French fries
- Radish chips
- Crispy green beans
- Hummus
- Sweet mashed potatoes
- Sauerkraut
- Baked beans
- Mac and cheese
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Corn on the cob
- Dipping sauces: Marinara, mustard, or a spicy or tangy sauce
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 10 minutes to cook hot sausage links in an air fryer. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the sausages and the model of the air fryer.
If the frozen hot sausage links are precooked, cook them for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If they are not precooked, cook them at two different temperatures. First, cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, then flip them and cook for another 7-8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes. Place the sausage links in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each link to allow for proper air circulation. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the sausages halfway through to ensure even browning.
