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

Chicken sausages are a great option for a quick, easy, and tasty meal. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes and are a versatile addition to your favorite dishes. Here's a simple guide on how to make delicious chicken sausages in an air fryer.

Choosing the right chicken sausages

When it comes to selecting the best chicken sausages for your air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision:

Brand Options

While you can choose from a variety of brands, some popular options include:

• Aidells Chicken Sausage: They offer a delicious chicken and apple sausage with 170 calories and 13g of protein per serving (1 link).
• Applegate Dinner Sausage: Their chicken and apple dinner sausage strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory.
• Alfresco Chicken Dinner Sausage: This brand offers minimally processed sausages with no added fillers or antibiotics.

Nutritional Considerations

When choosing chicken sausages, it's important to consider their nutritional value. Here are some tips:

• Lean Protein: Chicken sausage is a good source of lean protein, providing plenty of protein for fewer calories and less fat compared to traditional pork sausage.
• Sodium Content: Watch out for high sodium levels, as they can contribute to increased blood pressure and heart problems. Aim for sausages with a sodium content of 20% or less of your daily value, which is around 460 milligrams per serving.
• Limit Saturated Fat: Compare the total fat and saturated fat on the nutrition label. Opt for sausages with lower saturated fat, ideally under 20% of your daily value, which is about 3 grams.
• Avoid Added Sugars: Flavored sausages may contain added sugars. Keep an eye on the nutrition label and choose options with no more than 5 grams of added sugar per link.
• Nitrates and Nitrites: Choose brands that are nitrate and nitrite-free. These preservatives are linked to a higher risk of cancer and age-related diseases but are commonly found in sausages and deli meats.

Flavor and Variety

Chicken sausages come in a wide range of flavors to suit different tastes and dishes:

• Italian: Spicy or mild Italian chicken sausages are versatile and can be used in pasta dishes, salads, or as a pizza topping.
• Apple: Chicken and apple sausages offer a sweet and savory combination, perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their meat.
• Spinach and Feta: This variety adds a tangy twist to your dish.
• Smoked Gouda: For a smoky and savory flavor, smoked gouda chicken sausages are a great option.
• Sun-dried Tomato: Sun-dried tomato chicken sausages provide a burst of flavor and pair well with various side dishes.

Cooking and Storage

When selecting chicken sausages, consider your cooking and storage preferences:

• Pre-cooked or Raw: Decide whether you want fully cooked sausages that are quicker to prepare or raw sausages that you can cook from scratch.
• Storage: Choose sausages that can be easily stored. Look for those that can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days after cooking.

Remember, when in doubt, always read the nutrition labels carefully and opt for sausages that align with your dietary preferences and health goals. Happy cooking!

Preparing the air fryer

Preheat Your Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to create a hot cooking environment. The ideal temperature range is between 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, you can turn it on and let it run at the desired temperature for 2 to 5 minutes before adding the sausages. For smaller air fryers, 2-3 minutes should be sufficient, while larger models may need the full 5 minutes.

Prepare the Chicken Sausages:

Select your preferred flavor of chicken sausages, whether it's Italian, spicy, apple maple, or any other variety. It's essential to use fully cooked chicken sausages for this cooking method. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap or stack on top of each other. Spacing them evenly allows for even cooking and helps achieve that crispy texture.

Oil the Sausages:

Lightly spray or brush the sausages with olive oil or avocado oil. This step not only helps prevent the sausages from sticking to the air fryer basket but also contributes to that desirable crispy exterior. If you want to take it a step further, you can brush the sausages with a mixture of melted butter and honey or maple syrup for an even more mouthwatering appearance and flavor.

Temperature and Timing:

Now that your air fryer and sausages are ready, it's time to cook! Set the temperature between 375°F to 410°F (190°C to 204°C) and air fry the sausages for 8 to 16 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the sausages and the specific model of your air fryer. For thinner sausages, 8-10 minutes should be enough. However, thicker sausages may require up to 16 minutes. It's always a good idea to check your sausages halfway through the cooking process and flip them to ensure even browning on all sides.

Check the Internal Temperature:

To ensure your chicken sausages are safely cooked, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature reading indicates that your chicken sausages are ready to be enjoyed!

Cooking the sausages

Cooking chicken sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, protein-rich meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried chicken sausage:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a high temperature. The ideal temperature range is between 375-410 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating ensures a hot cooking environment, which is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Sausages

Place the chicken sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch or overlap. This arrangement promotes even cooking and browning. It is essential to use pre-cooked chicken sausages for this method; raw sausages require a different cooking process.

Spray the sausages with a light coating of olive oil or avocado oil. This step is optional but helps to create a crispier texture and prevents sticking. You can also brush the sausages with a mixture of melted butter and honey for enhanced browning and flavour.

Step 3: Air Fry the Sausages

Close the air fryer and cook the sausages for approximately 8-16 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the sausages and the model of your air fryer. For thinner sausages, 8-10 minutes should be sufficient, while thicker sausages may require up to 16 minutes.

Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to flip the sausages. This ensures even browning and helps achieve the desired crispiness on all sides.

Step 4: Check Doneness and Serve

After the allotted cooking time, check the internal temperature of the sausages using a meat thermometer. The sausages are fully cooked and safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the sausages from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving.

Your air-fried chicken sausages are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a main course with your favourite sides or as a tasty addition to salads, pizzas, or pasta dishes.

Serving suggestions

Chicken sausages cooked in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air-fried chicken sausages:

Pasta

A bowl of pasta is the ultimate way to enjoy these juicy sausages. Pair them with your favourite pasta sauce, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and sides like garlic bread and roasted broccoli. For a healthier option, you can use cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Salads

Air fryer chicken sausage links make a wonderful salad topper. Slice them up and add them to your favourite salad recipe. They provide a boost of protein and flavour to your salad.

Pizza

Swap out the classic pepperoni or meatballs with chicken sausages on your homemade pizza. This is a great way to use up any leftover sausages. For those on a low-carb diet, opt for a cottage cheese pizza bowl instead of a traditional pizza base.

Greek Bowl

Depending on the flavour of the chicken sausage, it can be a delicious addition to a Greek-inspired bowl. Try it with roasted vegetables, hummus, tzatziki, and other Mediterranean flavours.

Simple Meal with Sides

Chicken sausages are a perfect option for a quick and easy dinner. Choose your favourite flavour and pair it with simple side dishes. Some suggested sides include honey garlic green beans, sweet potato cubes, sautéed bell peppers, and jasmine rice with barbecue sauce.

Breakfast

Chicken sausages are not just for lunch or dinner. They make a great breakfast option, too. Serve them with cinnamon rolls, jammy eggs, and fresh fruit for a well-rounded breakfast.

Refrigerator Clean-Out

Use leftover chicken sausages in a stir-fry with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, cauliflower rice, white rice, and marinara sauce. It's a great way to clean out your refrigerator and create a delicious meal.

Storing leftovers

If you have a large amount of leftovers, you can also freeze cooked sausages for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Leftover chicken sausages are versatile and can be used in various recipes. Chop them up and add them to pasta dishes, stir-fries, omelets, pizzas, or salads. You can also use them as a protein source alongside side dishes such as green beans, broccoli, or sweet potatoes.

Frequently asked questions