Air-Fryer Hot Links: The Perfect, Quick, Crispy Treat

Hot links are a delicious, spicy sausage that can be cooked in many ways, but one popular method is to use an air fryer. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it uses hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior and moist interior without the need for excessive oil. It is also quick, hassle-free, and convenient. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make juicy and crispy hot links in an air fryer, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about this cooking method.

How to Make Hot Links in an Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375–400°F/193–205°C

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your hot links will cook evenly and thoroughly, so it's worth paying attention to the details. Here are some detailed instructions to help you preheat your air fryer to the ideal temperature range of 375–400°F/193–205°C for cooking juicy and flavourful hot links.

Firstly, consult your air fryer's instruction manual to familiarise yourself with the preheating function and temperature settings. Different models may have slight variations, so it's important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Once you're familiar with the controls, set the temperature to somewhere between 375°F/193°C and 400°F/205°C. This temperature range is ideal for cooking hot links, as it will ensure they are cooked thoroughly while maintaining their juicy texture.

After setting the temperature, allow your air fryer a few minutes to preheat. The exact amount of time will depend on your air fryer's model and specifications, so keep an eye on it. Modern air fryers often have indicator lights or sounds to let you know when they have reached the desired temperature. If your model doesn't have this feature, you can estimate the preheating time based on the manufacturer's guidelines or your previous experience with the appliance.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your hot links. If they are frozen, make sure to thaw them beforehand. Prick the hot links with a fork a few times to prevent them from bursting during cooking and to allow excess fat to escape. You can also season them with your favourite spices or herbs at this stage if desired.

Once the air fryer has preheated, it's time to place the hot links inside. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This arrangement allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the hot links in batches.

Now that your air fryer is preheated and the hot links are prepared, you're ready to start cooking. Depending on the specific model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly. Some air fryers maintain a consistent temperature once preheated, while others may require a slight increase or decrease in temperature to stay within the desired range. Refer to your air fryer's instructions for specific guidelines.

By preheating your air fryer to the ideal temperature range, you're now all set to cook juicy and flavourful hot links. Remember to follow the subsequent cooking instructions, such as cooking time and flipping the hot links, for the best results. Enjoy your delicious air-fried hot links!

Pierce the hot links with a fork

When preparing hot links to be cooked in an air fryer, it is important to prick them with a fork a few times. This process helps the sausages cook evenly and allows excess fat to escape. If you are using raw hot links, piercing them with a fork will also prevent them from splitting or popping in the air fryer.

To start, gather your hot links and a fork. Then, before placing the sausages in the air fryer, use the fork to prick each one a few times. Make sure to cover all sides of the hot links with these small punctures. This step will ensure that the hot links are cooked evenly throughout and will help them achieve that desirable juicy texture.

It is also important to note that if your hot links are frozen, you should thaw them before pricking them with the fork and placing them in the air fryer. This will ensure that they cook evenly and properly.

Once you have pricked the hot links with a fork, you can move on to the next steps of preparing your air fryer and arranging the sausages in the basket. Remember to always follow food safety guidelines and ensure that your hot links are thoroughly cooked before serving. Enjoy your delicious and evenly cooked hot links!

Place the hot links in the air fryer basket

When placing the hot links in the air fryer basket, it's important to ensure they are in a single layer, with enough space between them for proper air circulation. This will allow the hot air to circulate evenly and ensure consistent cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the hot links in batches. It is also recommended to prick the hot links with a fork a few times to help them cook evenly and allow excess fat to escape. This is especially important if your hot links are frozen, in which case you should thaw them before cooking.

Before placing the hot links in the basket, spray the basket with cooking spray or lightly coat the hot links with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, carefully place the hot links in the basket, making sure they are in a single layer. If you are cooking sliced hot links, you can place them in the basket in a single layer, allowing both sides of the slices to get crispy.

Once the hot links are in the basket, you can proceed with the cooking process. Set the air fryer temperature to 380-400°F (193-200°C) and cook for 5 minutes. Then, flip the hot links and continue cooking for another 2-5 minutes, depending on your desired texture and the size of the sausages. For crispier hot links, you can air fry at a higher temperature of 400°F (205°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

If you are making hot link sausage dogs, you can place the buns in the air fryer after the hot links are cooked. Air fry the buns for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until they are lightly toasted. Then, place the hot links in the buns and serve with your favourite toppings and condiments.

Cook for 10–12 minutes

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your hot links are ready, it's time to cook. Place the hot links in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with enough space between them for proper air circulation. Set the temperature to 400°F/200°C and cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip the hot links halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.

Depending on the thickness of your hot links and your preferred texture, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For a crispier texture, air fry at a higher temperature of 400°F/205°C for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you prefer your hot links with a bit more colour and crisp, continue air frying for an additional 2-5 minutes.

After the initial cooking time, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hot links. They should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F-165°F to ensure they are safe to eat. If they haven't reached this temperature, continue cooking in 1-minute intervals and check again until they are done to your liking.

Check for doneness with a meat thermometer

Checking for doneness is an important step in cooking hot links in your air fryer. To ensure that your sausages are cooked properly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to measure their internal temperature. This helps to ensure that the sausages are safe to eat and prevents overcooking or undercooking.

Different sources recommend slightly different temperatures as the target internal temperature for your hot links. Some sources suggest that you should cook your hot links to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). However, other sources state that the target temperature should be 165°F (74°C). It is always better to be safe than sorry, so it may be a good idea to aim for the higher temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that any harmful bacteria have been eliminated.

When checking the internal temperature of your hot links with a meat thermometer, it is important to insert the probe into the thickest part of the sausage. This will give you the most accurate reading. If the sausages have not yet reached the desired internal temperature, return them to the air fryer and cook for a few more minutes before checking again.

Depending on the thickness of your sausages and the temperature of your air fryer, it may take a little longer for them to reach the desired internal temperature. As a general rule, thinner sausages will cook faster, while thicker sausages may require additional cooking time. However, it is always important to check the temperature rather than relying solely on cooking time to determine doneness.

In addition to checking the internal temperature, there are a few other signs you can look for to determine if your hot links are done cooking. Firstly, the sausages should be crispy and golden brown on the outside. Secondly, if you have cooked the sausages from raw, you may notice that the juices running out of them are clear rather than pink, which is another indication that they are done. However, using a meat thermometer is still the best way to ensure doneness and food safety.

Frequently asked questions