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

Cooking raw sausage links in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast. It's a convenient, low-fuss method that delivers mouth-watering results with minimal clean-up. The air fryer ensures even cooking, browning the sausages to a crisp while keeping the insides juicy and succulent. It also reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying, making it a healthier option. With just a preheat and a short cook time, you can have a hearty breakfast ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.

How to cook raw sausage links in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in ensuring your sausages cook evenly and get that desirable crispy skin. The temperature and duration of preheating your air fryer may vary depending on the model. Some air fryers have a preheat button, while others do not. If your air fryer does not have a preheat button, set the temperature to 350°F and the timer to 5 minutes, then let it run without any food inside. You can also preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 400°F for 2 minutes.

If you are cooking frozen sausages, you can preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes, then cook them at 400°F for 7-8 minutes. You can also preheat your air fryer to 370°F and cook the sausages at the same temperature for 12-15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

Cook at 350-400°F for 8-15 minutes

Cooking raw sausage links in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. After preheating your air fryer to 350-400°F, place your sausages in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, cooking the sausages evenly. Depending on the thickness of your sausages, cook them for 8-15 minutes at this temperature.

For example, for refrigerated sausages, cook them for 5 minutes at 400°F, then flip them and cook for another 5 minutes. This will give you a total cooking time of 10 minutes. If you like your sausages a little more charred, you can cook them for 6 minutes at 390°F. For uncooked frozen sausages, cook them at 350°F for 5 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes at 400°F. This cooking time will depend on your preference for doneness and the thickness of your sausages.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the sausages. To ensure your sausages are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F.

With this cooking method, you can enjoy juicy sausages with a crispy exterior, all without the hassle of traditional frying.

Flip halfway through

Flipping your sausages halfway through cooking is an important step when cooking raw sausage links in an air fryer. Not only does it ensure your sausages cook evenly, but it also helps prevent them from sticking to the basket.

When cooking raw sausages in an air fryer, you should always arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. This is because the hot air needs to be able to circulate freely around each sausage. The sausages will cook at different rates if they are overlapping or stacked.

You should also preheat your air fryer to ensure the sausages cook evenly. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to is around 350-380°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F.

Once preheated, place the raw sausages in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your sausages and the model of your air fryer. Thicker sausages will take longer to cook, and you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

If you are cooking frozen raw sausages, the process is slightly different. You will need to cook at two different temperatures. Start by cooking at 350°F for 5 minutes, then flip the sausages and increase the temperature to 400°F for 7-8 minutes. Again, be sure to flip the sausages halfway through the cooking process.

Flipping your sausages halfway through will ensure they are browned evenly on all sides and will help you achieve that perfect level of crispiness on the outside, while keeping the inside juicy and succulent.

Check internal temperature

Checking the internal temperature of your sausages is a crucial step in ensuring they are cooked through and safe to eat. The recommended internal temperature for sausages is at least 160°F (71°C). This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria have been eliminated, making the sausages safe for consumption.

To check the internal temperature, you will need a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer probe into the centre of one of the sausages. Make sure it is not touching the air fryer basket or any other surface, as this will give an inaccurate reading. Allow a few seconds for the thermometer to register the temperature. If the temperature is below 160°F, continue cooking the sausages in increments of 2-3 minutes until they reach the desired temperature.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the type of sausage, the thickness, and the model of your air fryer. For example, thinner sausages like breakfast sausages will cook faster and at a lower temperature compared to thicker varieties like bratwurst or Italian sausages. Therefore, it is always recommended to check the internal temperature of your sausages, regardless of the suggested cooking time, to ensure they are fully cooked.

Additionally, when checking the internal temperature, be aware of cross-contamination risks. Wash your hands and the thermometer probe with soap and warm water after handling raw sausages to prevent the spread of bacteria. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your air-fried sausages are not only delicious but also safe for you and your family to enjoy.

Add cheese, onions, or garlic

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that results in juicy sausages with a crispy exterior. While sausages can be cooked in the air fryer with no additional ingredients, you can also add cheese, onions, or garlic to elevate the flavor of your dish.

Cheese

For a delicious breakfast sandwich, slice a cooked sausage link and place it on a toasted English muffin with a fried egg and a slice of cheese. Alternatively, you can stuff your sausages with shredded cheese before cooking them in the air fryer.

Onions

Onions can be added to your sausage dish in a variety of ways. You can cook onions in a skillet to serve as a side dish with your sausages, or you can create a vegetable medley by air-frying onions, bell peppers, and zucchini together. For a heartier meal, you can also stir bite-sized pieces of sausage into scrambled eggs.

Garlic

Garlic can be used to season your sausages before cooking them in the air fryer. You can also serve your sausages with a side of garlic pasta or garlic-flavored vegetables.

By following these simple tips, you can easily incorporate cheese, onions, or garlic into your air-fried sausage links, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions