Air-Fried Chicken-Apple Sausage: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Chicken apple sausages are a tasty, healthier alternative to traditional pork sausages. They're also incredibly versatile, making them an excellent addition to any meal. In this article, we'll show you how to make juicy, golden chicken apple sausages in an air fryer in just a few simple steps. So, whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious protein-packed lunch, this recipe is definitely one to try!

Choosing the right chicken sausage brand

When it comes to choosing the right chicken sausage brand, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to look for a brand that prioritises quality and flavour. Some brands, like Bilinski's, are dedicated solely to chicken sausages, and their focus shows in the taste of their products. They use humanely-raised, free-range, antibiotic-free chickens and only real ingredients to flavour their sausages, with no artificial additives.

Another factor to consider is availability. While some brands like Trader Joe's offer delicious options, they may not be widely available at a range of grocery stores. On the other hand, brands like Applegate Organics can be found at various stores, including Kroger, Harris Teeter, and Whole Foods.

Price is also a consideration. Trader Joe's chicken sausages, for example, typically come in packs of five for around $3.99, depending on the flavour.

If you're looking for unique flavours, Bilinski's offers options like Carrot, Ginger, and Quinoa, or Spicy Mango Cajun. For more classic flavours, Al Fresco's Sweet Italian Style sausage has been rated highly by tasters. Their other flavours include Teriyaki Ginger and Buffalo Style.

Lastly, if you're cooking for a crowd, Premio is a good option, as they offer their sausages at wholesale retailers like Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart.

• Bilinski's: Known for their dedication to chicken sausages, offering unique flavours with no artificial ingredients.
• Trader Joe's: Delicious options, but availability may be limited.
• Applegate Organics: Widely available at various grocery stores, committed to non-GMO and antibiotic-free meats with no artificial ingredients.
• Al Fresco: Offers a wide range of flavours and is accessible at many grocery stores.
• Premio: Ideal for larger quantities, found at wholesale retailers like Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart.

Preparing the air fryer

First, gather your ingredients. You'll need chicken apple sausages, of course, and you can choose to use either pre-cooked or raw sausages. If you're using pre-cooked sausages, simply skip to the next step. If you're starting with raw chicken sausage, you'll need to cook it before adding it to the air fryer. This can be done on the stovetop or in the oven, following your preferred method for cooking sausage. Once the sausage is cooked, let it cool slightly before handling.

Next, you'll want to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat for around 5 minutes. This step helps ensure even cooking. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your sausages.

If your sausages are raw, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each link for the hot air to circulate. If you're using pre-cooked sausages, you can also add vegetables to the air fryer at this point for a one-dish meal. Onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and green beans are all great options that cook quickly.

Once your sausages and vegetables are in the air fryer, you can lightly coat them with olive oil cooking spray. This will help them crisp up and turn a beautiful golden brown. If you don't have cooking spray, you can brush the sausages and vegetables with extra virgin olive oil.

Now you're ready to start cooking! Air fry your chicken apple sausages for 8-12 minutes, depending on their thickness and whether they're pre-cooked or raw. If you're cooking raw sausages, aim for the longer end of that range, and be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

And that's it! Your air fryer is now prepared and ready to cook your delicious chicken apple sausages to crispy, juicy perfection.

Cooking the sausages

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the sausages. Place the chicken sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with some space between each sausage. This will ensure that the hot air can circulate properly and crisp up the outsides of the sausages. If you are cooking more than four sausages, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Next, spray the sausages with some olive oil or olive oil cooking spray. This will help the sausages develop a crispy skin. If you don't have a cooking spray, you can brush the sausages with extra virgin olive oil instead.

Now, it's time to cook the sausages. Air fry them for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages and your desired level of doneness. For thinner sausages, 8 minutes should be enough, while thicker sausages may need the full 12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and flip the sausages to ensure even cooking and crisping. At this point, you can spray the sausages with olive oil again if you want them to be extra crispy.

Once the sausages are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a minute or two before serving.

If you are using frozen or raw chicken sausages, they will need a longer cooking time. Raw sausages will take around 10-12 minutes to cook, and you should ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Frozen sausages will take 11-13 minutes to cook.

And that's it! You now have delicious, juicy, and crispy chicken apple sausages cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Chicken apple sausages cooked in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Main Course

You can serve the sausages as the star of the plate, accompanied by a variety of sides. Some options include:

• Sautéed bell peppers—you can serve them on the side or slice the sausages and mix them with the peppers for a hearty stir-fry.
• Jasmine rice—drizzle some low-sugar barbecue sauce over the sausages and rice for extra flavour.
• Sweet potatoes—opt for Japanese or purple sweet potatoes for a unique twist that complements the subtle sweetness of the sausages.
• Green beans—Italian-style green beans go well with the sausages.
• Cauliflower rice—a low-carb option that adds extra nutrition to the meal.
• Pasta—the Italian chicken sausage flavour pairs well with pasta. Simply add your favourite jarred tomato sauce and any cut of whole wheat pasta.

As a Side

Chicken apple sausages also make a tasty side dish. Try serving them with:

• Scrambled eggs—the sausages can be cut into slices and tossed with onions and bell peppers for a hearty breakfast.
• Hash browns—another breakfast option for a savoury start to the day.
• Eggs, in a bun—a simple yet satisfying meal.
• Seasoned vegetables—the sausages go well with a variety of veggies, such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and stir-fry veggies.

In a Salad

Slice up the sausages and throw them on top of your favourite salad recipe. They add a boost of protein and flavour to your greens.

On a Pizza

Swap out the classic pepperoni or meatballs with chicken apple sausages. This works especially well if you're following a low-carb diet and opting for a pizza bowl instead of a traditional dough base.

Storing leftovers

If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the cooked sausages for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the air fryer to ensure they're heated all the way through.

For reheating, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the leftover sausages inside in a single layer. Cook them for 3-4 minutes or until they're heated through.

Frequently asked questions