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

Cooking breakfast sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to make a delicious and nutritious breakfast. This guide will show you how to make juicy, evenly browned, and crispy breakfast sausages in an air fryer, with minimal clean-up required.

How to cook frozen breakfast sausages in an air fryer

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and mess-free way to cook frozen breakfast sausages, then your air fryer is your best friend! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve juicy sausages with a crispy exterior.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Sausages

Start by placing your frozen sausages in the air fryer basket. It's best not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking. If your sausages are stuck together, try to break them apart as much as possible. You don't need to worry about defrosting them first.

Step 2: Set the Temperature and Cook

Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F/200°C. This higher temperature will give your sausages a nice, crispy exterior. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to preheat it to this temperature before adding the sausages.

For frozen sausages, cook them for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, especially after the 10-minute mark, as you don't want them to overcook. It's a good idea to flip the sausages or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Step 3: Check for Doneness

Your sausages are done when their internal temperature reaches 160°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can check by cutting into one of the sausages. Make sure there is no pink left inside, and they are cooked through.

Step 4: Adjust Cooking Time (Optional)

If you prefer your sausages with a darker, crispier exterior, feel free to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Tips:

• If your air fryer basket is not non-stick, you can use a non-stick cooking spray for easier cleanup. However, do not use this if your air fryer already has a non-stick coating.
• To store leftover sausages, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze cooked sausages for up to 2 months.
• If you're cooking fresh sausages, most sources recommend cooking them at 400°F/200°C for 8-10 minutes.

How to cook fresh breakfast sausages in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Fresh breakfast sausages (any brand or flavor)
• Non-stick cooking spray (optional)

Method

• Place the sausages in the air fryer basket or on the tray, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have space around each sausage.
• If your air fryer does not have a non-stick surface, you can use a non-stick cooking spray for easier cleanup. Do not use this if your air fryer has a non-stick coating.
• Set the temperature to between 360°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C).
• Cook for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the type of air fryer you have. For a basket-style air fryer, cook for 8 to 10 minutes. For an oven-style air fryer, cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
• Flip the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Check the internal temperature of the sausages with a meat thermometer. The sausages are done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cook until there is no pink inside.
• Once the sausages are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and serve.

Tips

• You can cook frozen sausages in the air fryer by increasing the cooking time. Frozen sausages will take between 10 and 14 minutes to cook, depending on their thickness.
• For crispier sausages, add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
• If cooking sausage patties, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

How to reheat cooked sausages in an air fryer

To reheat cooked sausages in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F–400°F. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat for 6–8 minutes, flipping the sausages halfway through. Check that the sausages have reached an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Reheating sausages in an air fryer is a quick and convenient method that retains their juiciness while ensuring a crispy exterior. The high heat from air frying helps to crisp the skin, and the even heat distribution ensures that the sausages are heated thoroughly.

Before reheating, it is important to distinguish between cooked and uncooked sausages, as they will have different reheating times. Cooked sausages are firmer and darker in colour compared to uncooked sausages. They will also take less time to reheat.

For optimal results, it is recommended to bring the sausages to room temperature before placing them in the air fryer. This promotes even heating and prevents the sausages from drying out.

Additionally, it is crucial to use the proper storage methods for leftover sausages to maintain their quality. For short-term storage, place the sausages in an airtight container or wrap them tightly before refrigerating for up to four days. For longer storage, utilise freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within one to two months.

How to make sausage patties in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Sausage meat (a mix of ground turkey and pork works well)
• Spices (e.g. dry-rubbed sage, fennel, garlic powder, paprika, salt, thyme)
• Real maple syrup (optional)

Method

• Mix together your chosen spices in a small bowl.
• In a larger bowl, combine the meat with the spices and maple syrup (if using).
• Roll the mixture into balls and flatten to form patties.
• Lightly grease the inside of your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
• Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Set your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and cook for 10 minutes. There is no need to flip the patties as the hot air will cook them evenly on all sides.
• If you are cooking from frozen, simply add a few minutes to the cooking time.

Tips

• You can make a Keto/Whole30 version by omitting the maple syrup.
• For an extra spicy kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook the patties in the oven instead. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to make homemade sausage for your air fryer

Making your own sausages at home is a great way to ensure you know exactly what's going into your food, and it's easier than you might think! Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious homemade breakfast sausages in your air fryer.

Ingredients

• Ground pork (or you can use all ground turkey)
• Real maple syrup (optional)
• Spices: dry-rubbed sage, fennel, garlic powder, paprika, salt, thyme

Method

Start by mixing your chosen spices together in a small bowl. Then, in a larger bowl, mix together your ground meat with the spices. You can also add in some optional maple syrup for a slightly sweet taste.

Once your meat and spices are combined, roll the mixture into evenly-sized balls and gently press them down to form patties. If you prefer links, you can shape the mixture into sausage links instead.

Place your sausage patties or links into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Set your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the sausages for around 10 minutes. If you're using an oven-style air fryer, you may need to cook them for a little longer, up to 12 minutes. For extra crispy sausages, you can cook them for an additional minute or two.

For frozen sausages, simply place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

And that's it! Your homemade breakfast sausages are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve them with eggs, bacon, toast, or any other breakfast favorites.

Frequently asked questions