Marianne Martinez
Turkey sausages are a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausages, and cooking them in an air fryer is an even healthier option as the excess fat drains off. They are also quick and easy to cook in an air fryer, with no need to watch, flip, or stir them. You can also cook a lot of sausages at once with very little mess. To cook turkey sausages in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 350–400 °F (175–200 °C). Then, place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 6–15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside.
How to cook turkey sausage links in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350°F/175-176°C or 400°F |
| Cooking time | 6-15 minutes |
| Preparation | Spray oil in the air fryer basket, add thawed uncooked sausages in a single layer, spray oil on the sausages |
| Internal temperature | 160-165°F |
| Clean-up | Less mess than cooking in a frying pan |
| Health | Healthier than traditional pork sausage |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. While it is not always necessary, preheating your air fryer can help ensure your turkey sausage links are cooked evenly and efficiently. It can also help you achieve the desired level of crispiness and browning on the outside of the sausages.
To preheat your air fryer, start by turning it on and setting the desired temperature. For cooking turkey sausage links, most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit (175-200 degrees Celsius). Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to wait a few minutes for it to reach the set temperature.
Some air fryers may have a preheat setting, which you can select to initiate the preheating process. If your air fryer does not have a dedicated preheat setting, you can simply set the temperature and give it some time to heat up before adding your food.
While preheating, you can also prepare your sausage links. Place the desired number of sausage links in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a grill, place the sausages on top of it. Make sure they are not stacked, but it's okay if they touch.
Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can move on to the next step of cooking your turkey sausage links.
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Oil the basket
Oiling the basket of your air fryer is an optional step when cooking turkey sausage links. However, if you want your sausages to brown and have crispy skin, spraying the basket with oil is critical. The oil temperature will also determine the texture of your sausages. For example, cooking at 350°F (176°C) for 12 minutes will give you browned, crispy sausages, while cooking at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes will result in sausages with a deep brown colour.
When oiling the basket, it is recommended to use cooking oil spray, such as canola or avocado oil, as these have a higher smoke point. You should also ensure that the oil spray is propellant-free. If you don't have cooking oil spray, you can use a few pumps of regular oil, but be aware that this may cause more mess and splatter during the cooking process.
The amount of oil you use will depend on the size of your air fryer basket and the number of sausages you are cooking. As a general rule, you should use enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the basket and ensure that all the sausages are covered. If you are using a dual air fryer, be sure to spray the same amount of oil in the second drawer.
It is important to note that if you are using a pre-seasoned or fatty sausage, you may not need to add any additional oil to the basket. The natural fats and oils in the sausage will render and provide enough moisture to prevent sticking. However, if you are using a leaner sausage, such as turkey sausage, adding a small amount of oil can help ensure even cooking and browning.
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$4.65
Place sausages in a single layer
Placing the sausages in a single layer is an important step in cooking turkey sausage links in an air fryer. This ensures even cooking and browning, and helps to avoid any messy splatter. It is fine if the sausages touch, but they should not be stacked on top of each other.
If you are cooking a large batch of sausages, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they are in a single layer. This will also help to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can lead to uneven cooking. It is also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of the sausages, as well as the model of the air fryer.
For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, it is recommended to cook them for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175-176 degrees Celsius) until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside. For thicker sausages, such as Bratwurst or Italian sausages, the cooking time may need to be increased.
When placing the sausages in the air fryer, it is also important to ensure that they are not overcrowded and that there is enough space for the hot air to circulate properly. This will help to ensure even cooking and browning. It is also recommended to grease the air fryer basket or spray the sausages with oil to promote browning and crisping.
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Cook at 350°F for 6-12 minutes
Cooking turkey sausage links in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy method. It is also a less messy option compared to cooking in a frying pan.
To cook turkey sausage links in an air fryer, start by spraying the bottom of the air fryer basket or drawer with a little oil. Then, place the thawed uncooked sausages on the grill in a single layer. Make sure not to stack them, although it's fine if they touch. After that, spray the sausages with oil, which is essential for browning and achieving crispy skin. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 6-12 minutes. For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, they will typically take around 6 minutes to cook. However, thicker sausages may require a couple of minutes longer.
It is important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the sausages. To ensure they are cooked thoroughly, check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F to 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to verify this temperature.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, evenly cooked turkey sausage links with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, all prepared in the convenience of your air fryer.
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Freeze leftovers
If you have any leftover cooked turkey sausages, you can freeze them for later. Freezing leftovers is a great way to reduce food waste and ensure you always have a quick and easy meal option available.
To freeze cooked turkey sausage links, allow them to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. You can also wrap each sausage individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag to prevent them from freezing together. Be sure to label the container or bag with the date and contents. Cooked turkey sausages can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cooked turkey sausages, simply remove them from the freezer and reheat them. You can reheat them in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until they are heated through. If using a microwave, place the sausages on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a paper towel. Heat on high for 35-40 seconds for refrigerated sausages or 60-65 seconds for frozen sausages, or until they are heated through.
It is important to note that the texture and taste of the sausages may change slightly after freezing and reheating. They may become a bit drier and firmer, but this should not significantly impact their overall quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Set your air fryer to 350 degrees F/175-176 degrees C to cook turkey sausages.
Cooking time varies from 6 to 15 minutes depending on the thickness of the sausages.
Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the thawed uncooked sausages on top of the grill in a single layer. Spray oil on the sausages.
The sausages are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160-165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
Poke holes in the sausage casings before cooking to let out steam. You can also cook frozen sausages in the air fryer by increasing the cooking time by a few minutes.
