Air Fryer Linguica: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Cooking linguica in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this sausage dish. Requiring just 10-12 minutes of cooking time, the air fryer method delivers juicy, golden-brown sausages with a succulent centre. It is also a hands-free cooking method, meaning you don't have to watch, flip or stir the sausages as they cook.

How to cook Linguica in an air fryer

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for linguica in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the sausages and the model of the air fryer. On average, it takes 8 to 12 minutes to cook sausages in an air fryer. For thinner sausages, like breakfast sausages, they will take about 8 to 10 minutes to cook. For thicker sausages, it will take about 10 to 12 minutes. It is important to ensure that the sausages are cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Some air fryer models may require preheating to 390°F (200°C) before adding the sausages. The sausages can then be cooked at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. It is recommended to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

It is worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the number of sausages being cooked. It is always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Preparing the linguica

Next, place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you are cooking other ingredients with the linguica, you can add them now. For example, you can cook potatoes, onions, peppers, and eggs with your sausages. You can also line the basket with tin foil or parchment paper to catch any grease.

Once the sausages are in the air fryer, it is time to set the temperature and cooking time. The temperature and time may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have, the thickness of the sausages, and your desired level of doneness. Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F, and cook for 8 to 12 minutes. For thinner sausages, the shorter end of the cooking time may be sufficient, while thicker sausages may need the full 12 minutes or more. It is recommended to shake or flip the sausages halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Cooking method

Cooking linguica in an air fryer is a quick and easy method that delivers juicy and golden-brown sausages. The cooking time is approximately 10 minutes, and you can cook as many links as your air fryer can fit in a single layer.

To start, remove the sausages from their packaging and give them a quick rinse under cold water. You can choose to leave the sausages whole or cut them to your desired size. For thicker sausages, it is recommended to poke holes in the casings with a fork or paring knife to allow the fat to escape. This step is especially important for Italian sausages, which you should poke about three times.

Place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If desired, line the bottom of the air fryer with parchment paper to catch any grease. Set the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the sausages are golden brown and cooked to your desired consistency. There is no need to flip or monitor the sausages during cooking, as the air fryer will evenly cook and brown them.

For food safety, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the sausages are cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Once cooked, serve the sausages immediately according to your preference.

Serving suggestions

Air fryers are a great way to cook juicy and flavourful linguica sausages. This Portuguese sausage is usually grilled or cooked on a stovetop, but the air fryer offers a simple alternative.

• Sandwiches: Slice open a hot dog bun or Portuguese roll, creating a pocket to hold the sausage. You can lightly toast the bun if you wish. Thinly slice onions and peppers and sauté them in a pan until soft and caramelised. Place one or two slices of the cooked linguica inside the bun, add the onions and peppers, and finish with any other desired toppings, such as mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, or hot sauce.
• With potatoes: Fry potatoes in the fat drippings from the sausages. Add extra oil if needed. Transfer the potatoes to a plate and add chopped onions to the pan. Once the onions have browned, add the sausages and potatoes back to the pan with the onions, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Soup: Boil chicken stock, beans, tomatoes, and linguica in a soup. After 15 minutes, reduce the heat and continue cooking until the tomatoes are tender.
• With other sides: Air-fried linguica can be served with crusty bread and sweet potatoes. You can also cook sides like peppers and onions in the air fryer at the same time as the sausages.
• Pasta: Serve the sausages with pasta and pasta sauce, or add the sausages to a rice dish.

Defrosting and poking holes

If your sausages are frozen, it is best to defrost them before cooking. You can also cook them straight from frozen, but this may affect the cooking time and temperature. For fresh or thawed sausages, use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings. This is to allow the fat to escape easily from the casing. For an average Italian sausage, poke it three times with a knife.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have. As a general guideline, air-frying sausages typically takes around 10 minutes at 400°F. However, thicker sausages may take longer, ranging from 8 to 12 minutes, or even up to 14 minutes, depending on the thickness and the number of sausages in the air fryer.

To ensure food safety, it is recommended to cook the sausages until they are well-browned on the outside and cooked through to the middle. The internal temperature of the sausages should reach a minimum of 160°F to 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausages.

By following these instructions and adjusting the cooking time and temperature as needed, you can cook juicy and golden brown linguica sausages in your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions