Air-Fryer Chorizo: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook chorizo, giving it a crispy texture while retaining its smoky flavour. Chorizo is a type of sausage that is popular in Spain and Portugal, typically made with pork, garlic, and paprika. It can be eaten on its own or used in dishes like paella, bolognese, and tacos. Cooking chorizo in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that only takes a few minutes to prepare and cook.

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your chorizo will cook evenly and efficiently. By preheating your air fryer to 380°F, you create the ideal environment for cooking juicy, flavourful chorizo. This temperature is hot enough to cook the sausage through without drying it out, and will give your chorizo a nice crispy texture.

To preheat your air fryer to 380°F, start by turning on your appliance and selecting the air fryer setting. Allow it to heat up for around 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature. This is a crucial step, as it impacts the cooking time and quality of your chorizo. Once preheated, you can proceed with cooking your chorizo.

When preheating, it's important to follow the instructions in your air fryer's manual. Different models may have specific guidelines, so refer to the manual to ensure you're using your appliance correctly and safely. Always exercise caution when handling hot appliances.

After preheating, you can place your chorizo sausages into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 10-12 minutes for whole chorizo or 8-10 minutes for sliced chorizo. Remember to flip the sausages halfway through cooking for even browning.

By preheating your air fryer to 380°F, you create the perfect environment for cooking juicy and flavourful chorizo with a nice crispy texture.

Slice the chorizo sausages

To make chorizo in an air fryer, you'll want to slice the chorizo sausages into 1- to 2-inch-thick pieces. This will help achieve more even cooking and give them a crispy texture.

When slicing the chorizo sausages, it's important to use a sharp knife and to be careful of your fingers. Here are some steps you can follow:

• Place the chorizo sausage on a clean cutting board.
• Hold the sausage firmly with your non-dominant hand, making sure your fingers are clear of the knife's path.
• With your dominant hand, slice the sausage slowly and carefully.
• Continue slicing the sausage until you have several pieces that are roughly 1 to 2 inches thick.
• If you need to slice multiple sausages, repeat this process until you have enough for your recipe.

By slicing the chorizo sausages, you'll not only ensure more even cooking but also increase the surface area that gets deliciously crispy. This technique is perfect for those who like their chorizo with a bit of crunch!

Cook for 10-12 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and placed your chorizo sausages inside, it's time to cook them for 10-12 minutes. Set the timer accordingly, but note that the sausages will be done when they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure they are cooked safely and thoroughly.

During the cooking process, it is a good idea to flip the sausages halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides. Depending on your air fryer brand, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Some air fryers cook faster than others, so it is recommended to monitor the chorizo after the first 7 minutes of cooking.

If you are cooking sliced chorizo, the cooking time will be slightly shorter, around 8 to 10 minutes. This will result in crispy yet juicy chorizo, perfect for serving with scrambled eggs and avocado for a delicious breakfast.

For a more complex dish, you can combine the cooked chorizo with other ingredients, such as potatoes, bell peppers, and spices, to create a chorizo and potato hash. In this case, you would cook the chorizo and potatoes separately, chop them, and then combine them in the air fryer with the remaining ingredients for a final cook of 10-12 minutes.

Serve with sides of your choice

Chorizo is a versatile sausage that can be served in many ways. It is a delicious standalone dish, but it also pairs well with other flavours. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried chorizo:

Breakfast

Air-fried chorizo is a great breakfast option. You could serve it with scrambled eggs and sliced avocado, or with fried eggs and shredded cheddar cheese. For a more substantial breakfast, you could make a chorizo and potato hash, served with fried eggs, sour cream, salsa, and tortilla chips. If you're feeling adventurous, try a breakfast taco with air fryer scrambled eggs, or an air fryer breakfast pizza waffle.

Lunch/Dinner

Chorizo can be served with mashed potatoes, in wraps, tossed through pasta or rice, or with a salad. For a more Spanish-inspired option, serve it with Greek roast potatoes. If you're after something more substantial, try an air fryer chicken and chorizo dish, or a chicken and chorizo paella.

Sides and snacks

Chorizo is also a great snack option. Try serving it with air fryer caramelized leeks and artichoke quiche, air fryer egg white quiche, air fryer elote avocado toast, or air fryer bacon bombs. For something more indulgent, try air fryer crescent bacon breakfast ring, air fryer cherry oatmeal breakfast bake, or air fryer homemade biscuits.

Clean the air fryer

Cleaning your air fryer is important to maintain its performance and ensure food safety. Regular cleaning after each use, along with occasional deep cleaning, is key. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide on how to clean your air fryer:

Steps for a Quick Clean After Each Use:

• Unplug and Cool: Always unplug the air fryer and let it cool down before cleaning.
• Wash Removable Parts: Remove the basket and tray and wash them with warm, soapy water in the sink. Many air fryers are dishwasher-safe, but handwashing may help the non-stick coating last longer.
• Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer.
• Dry: Ensure everything is completely dry before reassembling the air fryer.

Steps for a Deep Clean:

• Allow to Cool: Before you start deep cleaning, ensure that the air fryer has cooled down completely.
• Unplug: Unplug the air fryer from the power outlet to prevent any electrical accidents.
• Remove Removable Parts: Carefully take out the removable parts, such as the basket, tray, and pan, and set them aside for separate cleaning.
• Clean Removable Parts: Wash the removable parts with hot water and mild dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any food residue or grease. If preferred, you can also place them in the dishwasher for deeper cleaning.
• Clean the Interior and Exterior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they may damage the surface.
• Clean the Heating Element: Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the heating element if it has accumulated grease or residue. Be careful not to damage the heating coil or dislodge any components. Ensure the heating element is completely dry before reassembling.
• Reassemble: Once all the parts are clean and dry, reassemble the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure everything is properly aligned and securely in place.
• Store Properly: Store your air fryer in a clean, dry place when not in use to prevent dust or buildup of grime.

Tips for Keeping Your Air Fryer Cleaner for Longer:

• Use liners or parchment paper to catch food drippings and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
• Wipe down the air fryer regularly, especially after cooking greasy foods.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent food from touching the heating element or creating excess splatter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges, or metal utensils. Stick to mild dish soap and water to protect the non-stick coating.
• Skipping the cleaning of the heating element, as grease can accumulate and reduce efficiency over time.
• Not drying the components properly before reassembling. Moisture can affect the performance of your air fryer and may even cause it to malfunction.

Frequently asked questions