Air-Fryer Sausage Patties: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer sausage patties are a quick, easy, and healthy breakfast option. They are simple to make and require no meal prep time, making them perfect for hectic mornings. You can use fresh or frozen sausage patties, and there is no need to defrost the frozen ones before cooking. The air fryer also ensures even cooking without the need for flipping, making it a fuss-free way to get a tasty and crispy breakfast on the table in minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your sausage patties cook evenly and efficiently. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you create the ideal environment for browning and crisping your sausage patties without drying them out.

Different air fryers may have varying preheating times, but generally, it takes around 2-3 minutes to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This short preheating time is one of the advantages of using an air fryer, as it saves you time in the kitchen.

While preheating, you can prepare your sausage patties. Fresh or frozen, it is recommended to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. This arrangement maximises airflow around each patty, promoting even cooking.

Additionally, you can grease the inside of your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy release of the patties once cooked.

Once your air fryer reaches 400°F, you can proceed with placing the sausage patties inside and setting the timer for the desired level of doneness, whether you prefer them simply warmed through or extra crispy.

Grease the air fryer basket

To grease the air fryer basket, you can use non-stick cooking spray or lightly brush or spritz the basket with oil. This will help prevent the sausage patties from sticking to the basket. It is important to note that some air fryers do not require preheating, so be sure to check the instructions for your specific air fryer model. If your air fryer does require preheating, preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) for about 2-3 minutes before adding the sausage patties.

When greasing the air fryer basket, be sure to use only a light coating of oil or non-stick spray. You don't want to use too much, as this can cause smoke and affect the taste of your food. Also, be sure to place the sausage patties in a single layer, with space between them to ensure maximum airflow. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to each other.

If you are using frozen sausage patties, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply place them directly into the preheated air fryer basket and cook according to your desired level of doneness. For flexible, cooked sausage patties, cook for about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer them crispier, cook for about 5-7 minutes.

For fresh, non-frozen sausage patties, aim for a cooking time of 8-10 minutes. Again, you may not need to flip them, but you can do so halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the patties. You are looking for an internal temperature of 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit (71-74 degrees Celsius).

Cook for 8-12 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer, greased the basket, and placed the sausage patties inside, it's time to start cooking! Set a timer for 8-12 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your sausage patties.

If you're using frozen patties, you can cook them straight from frozen without defrosting. Just pop them into the air fryer and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Most frozen patties will take a little longer to cook than fresh ones, around 10-15 minutes.

For fresh patties, 8-10 minutes should be enough to get them golden brown and cooked through. If you're using a meat thermometer, you're aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to 165°F (74°C).

While the patties are cooking, you can prepare the rest of your meal. Air fryer sausage patties are a great, hands-off way to get a tasty breakfast on the table with minimal effort.

Remember, you don't need to flip your patties if you're using an air fryer basket with holes, but if you're using a solid tray, give them a flip halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Flip halfway through

Flipping your sausage patties halfway through the cooking process is a good idea if you want to ensure even cooking on both sides. This is especially important if you are using a solid tray without holes, as the air won't flow around the food in the same way it would in a standard air fryer basket with holes.

If you are cooking your sausage patties from frozen, you don't need to defrost them first. Simply place them straight into the air fryer and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For fresh patties, 8-10 minutes should be enough, and you can also flip these halfway through for more even cooking.

The ideal internal temperature for cooked sausage patties is 160-165°F (71-74°C). To check this, use a meat thermometer. Once the sausages are cooked, let them sit for a couple of minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the patties moist and tasty.

Check the internal temperature

Checking the internal temperature of your sausage patties is a crucial step in ensuring they are cooked properly and safely. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that pork products, including sausage patties, should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C). However, for added safety, especially if you're cooking for children, pregnant women, older adults, or individuals with compromised immune systems, it's recommended to cook pork to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or above.

To check the internal temperature of your sausage patties, you'll need a reliable meat thermometer. There are two main types of meat thermometers commonly used: analog and digital. An analog thermometer will have a dial with a needle that moves to indicate the temperature, while a digital thermometer will have a digital readout that displays the temperature. Both types are effective, but digital thermometers tend to be faster and more accurate.

Insert the thermometer probe into the center of the thickest part of one of the sausage patties. Make sure the probe is not touching any bones, as this will give an inaccurate reading. If your sausage patties are on the thinner side, you may need to insert the probe from the side to reach the center.

Wait for the thermometer to register the temperature. If you're using a digital thermometer, it will beep or flash when it has reached the final temperature. If using an analog thermometer, you'll need to wait about 15-20 seconds to ensure an accurate reading.

If the internal temperature of your sausage patties has reached at least 145°F (62.8°C), they are safe to consume. However, if you prefer your meat well-done or are serving individuals with compromised immune systems, you may want to cook the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or above.

It's important to note that the cooking time for sausage patties can vary depending on the thickness of the patties, the calibration of your air fryer, and your desired level of doneness. Therefore, it's always best to rely on the internal temperature readings rather than solely depending on suggested cooking times.

Frequently asked questions