Cody Casey
Cooking raw breakfast sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to prepare a delicious breakfast. The air fryer ensures even cooking and browning, resulting in juicy sausages with a crispy exterior. This method is suitable for both frozen and fresh sausages, and the cooking time can be adjusted accordingly. The convenience of the air fryer also allows for easy meal prep, making it a perfect option for busy mornings when a hearty breakfast is needed.
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What You'll Learn
Cook time and temperature settings
The cooking time and temperature settings for your raw breakfast sausages in the air fryer will depend on whether you are cooking sausage links or patties, and whether they are fresh or frozen.
If you are cooking sausage links, it is recommended that you cook them at 390°F for 10 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. If your sausages are frozen, you can cook them at the same temperature for 12 minutes, again turning halfway through. The sausages are done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F, with little to no pink inside. If you like your sausages extra crispy, you can add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
If you are cooking sausage patties, the cooking time and temperature settings are the same as for links: 390°F for 10 minutes, turning halfway through. Frozen patties should be cooked for 12 minutes at the same temperature, and again, you should aim for an internal temperature of 160°F with little to no pink remaining. As with the links, you can add a couple of minutes to the cooking time if you prefer your patties extra crispy.
It is worth noting that some sources recommend cooking sausages at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages and how many you are cooking. The higher temperature ensures a crispy brown crust, and the shorter cooking time means they are less likely to dry out.
If you are cooking frozen sausages, it is recommended that you separate them before cooking to ensure they cook evenly. One source suggests cooking frozen sausages at 370°F for 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through.
Overall, the cooking time for raw breakfast sausages in the air fryer will range from 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the type of sausage, whether they are frozen or fresh, and your preferred level of doneness. The ideal temperature setting is generally agreed to be between 370°F and 400°F.
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How to prepare the sausages before cooking
Preparing sausages before cooking them in an air fryer is simple and can be done in a few steps. Firstly, decide whether you want to cook your sausages from frozen or fresh. If you are cooking from frozen, separate the sausages and cook them at a slightly lower temperature of 370ºF for 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through. If you are cooking from fresh, use a paring knife or a fork to poke holes in the casings. For an average Italian sausage, poke it three times with a knife.
If you are cooking fresh or defrosted sausages, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. This will prevent them from sticking together and allow them to cook evenly. If your air fryer does not have a non-stick tray, you can use a non-stick cooking spray for easier cleanup. However, do not use this if your air fryer has a non-stick coating.
If you are cooking sausage links, you may want to check that they are dairy-free and compliant with any dietary requirements, such as Whole30, by checking the ingredient label.
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How to cook frozen sausages
Cooking frozen sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that can be done in 12 to 15 minutes. This method works whether you are using raw frozen sausages or previously cooked frozen sausages.
First, remove the sausages from their packaging. If they are stuck together, run a little cool water over the package for a few minutes or microwave for 30 seconds. Do not pierce the skin of the sausages, as this will let moisture and fat out, leaving you with dry meat.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 400°F for at least 5 minutes. If your sausages are frozen together, air fry them together for 2 to 3 minutes, then separate them and continue cooking. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Thinner sausages will cook quicker at a higher temperature, and thicker sausages will take a bit longer at a lower temperature. You can also cook them at 390°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Once the sausages are done, remove them from the air fryer and serve warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
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How to store leftovers
Once you've cooked your sausages to perfection, you'll want to make sure any leftovers are stored properly so they stay fresh and tasty. Here's how to do it:
Firstly, it's important to let the sausages cool down. Don't worry, they'll still be delicious when you reheat them! Then, you can either wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. If you go for the container option, you can choose between a labelled snap-lock bag or a plastic sealed container. Just make sure that whatever option you choose is airtight.
Once your sausages are packaged up, it's time to decide if you want to refrigerate or freeze them. If you plan on eating them within the next few days, stick them in the fridge. They'll stay fresh for 4-5 days as long as they're not too close to their expiry date. If you want to keep them for longer, pop them in the freezer. They'll last for 2-3 months, or even up to 6 months if stored properly, and will be just as tasty as the day you cooked them.
When you're ready to enjoy your sausages again, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you're in a hurry, you can use the cold-water method by sealing the sausages in a waterproof bag and submerging them in cold tap water. Once they're thawed, you can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or skillet until they're nice and hot.
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What to serve with the sausages
There are many options for what to serve with your air-fried breakfast sausages. If you're looking for a protein-packed breakfast, you could pair the sausages with eggs, cooked to your preference. This could be scrambled eggs, an omelette, or even hard-boiled eggs, all of which can be cooked in your air fryer for added convenience.
You could also serve your sausages with hash browns, which can be cooked in a skillet or air fryer. For a more indulgent option, top your hash browns with cheese and sliced tomato, and serve with an egg on top. Alternatively, you could create a breakfast sandwich by placing your sausage and egg on an English muffin with cheese.
If you're looking for something more substantial, a sausage casserole is a great option. This simple dish combines sausage, bread, and cheese, and can be served with maple syrup for a sweet and savoury breakfast. For a healthier option, serve your sausages with a side of air-fried bacon, and a little bit of local maple syrup and sugar-free ketchup to keep the carbs low.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 10 minutes to cook raw breakfast sausages in an air fryer. However, some recipes suggest cooking for up to 12-16 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages.
Set the air fryer to 390-400°F.
If your sausages are frozen, you can either defrost them first or cook them straight from frozen. If you are cooking fresh or thawed sausages, use a fork or paring knife to poke holes in the casings.
Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them so they cook evenly. Cook for 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and there is no pink meat remaining.
Cooking sausages in an air fryer results in juicy sausages with a crispy, brown exterior. It is also a quick and easy method that requires minimal cleanup, as there is no grease splatter on your stove or countertops.
