Air-Fried Sausage: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking hot Italian sausage in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make perfect juicy sausages every time. It is also a cleaner method than pan-frying, as there is no splatter.

To make hot Italian sausage in an air fryer, you will need:

- 3-5 Italian sausage links of your choice (pork, chicken, or turkey)

- Optional seasonings: dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or fennel seeds

- Perforated parchment paper (optional)

- Clean your air fryer basket to prevent smoking.

- Place the raw Italian sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with space in between each sausage.

- (Optional) Sprinkle your choice of seasonings on top of the sausages.

- Preheat the air fryer to 360-400°F for 3-5 minutes.

- Cook the sausages for 8-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.

- Let the sausages cool for 2-5 minutes before serving.

You can serve air fryer Italian sausages with roasted garlic mashed cauliflower, Caprese salad, sautéed spinach with garlic and lemon, grilled or roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, ratatouille, Caesar salad, or garlic butter orzo.

Choosing the right type of sausage

Type of Meat

You can choose from a variety of meats for your sausages, including pork, chicken, turkey, or even lamb. The type of meat you select will depend on your personal preference and dietary needs. For instance, if you don't eat pork, chicken sausage is a great alternative.

Flavor and Spiciness

Sausages come in a wide range of flavors and spice levels. You can opt for mild, sweet, or spicy Italian sausages, or explore other flavors like chicken sausage with various seasonings. If you're serving guests, it's a good idea to offer a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes.

Size and Thickness

The size and thickness of sausages can vary, and this will impact your cooking time. Thinner sausages, like breakfast sausages, will cook faster (around 8-10 minutes), while thicker options like bratwursts or Italian sausages will need a bit more time (9-12 minutes or more). If you're using thinner sausages, keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Gluten-Free and Dietary Options

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, make sure to choose sausages that align with your needs. For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, look for gluten-free options. Additionally, if you're following a specific diet like Whole30, ensure the sausages you select comply with your dietary guidelines.

Fresh, Frozen, or Precooked

You can cook fresh or thawed sausages in your air fryer, but you can also cook frozen sausages without thawing them first. Precooked sausages are another option, and they require less cooking time. Simply heat them through and achieve the desired level of browning.

Brand and Quality

Different brands offer varying qualities of sausages. While you can opt for your favorite brand, it's worth noting that standard-size uncooked sausages are typically recommended for even cooking. Deli counter sausages, for example, tend to be larger and may take longer to cook.

Remember, the key to choosing the right sausage is to select a type that aligns with your taste preferences, dietary needs, and cooking convenience. By considering these factors, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering air-fried sausage dish.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is the first step to making delicious, juicy, and crispy sausages. While the exact temperature and timing may vary slightly depending on the type and size of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of your sausages, there are some general guidelines to follow.

First, it is important to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and to create the ideal environment for your sausages. Set your air fryer to a temperature between 360-400°F (182-204°C) for preheating. The exact temperature within this range can be adjusted based on your preference for a softer or crispier sausage. A lower temperature will result in a softer sausage, while a higher temperature will produce a crispier exterior.

The preheating time can vary from 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your air fryer's model and specifications. It is crucial to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines. By preheating your air fryer, you create a consistent temperature that will allow your sausages to cook evenly and efficiently.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed to the next steps of preparing your sausages for cooking. Remember to always handle raw meat with care and ensure your work surfaces and utensils are clean to avoid cross-contamination.

In summary, preheating your air fryer is a crucial first step in making delicious sausages. By setting the right temperature and timing, you can create the perfect cooking environment for your sausages, ensuring they turn out juicy and crispy every time.

Seasoning the sausages

Seasoning your sausages is a great way to add extra flavour and make them even more delicious. You can season your sausages before or after cooking them in the air fryer.

If you want to season your sausages before cooking them, you can use a variety of spices and herbs. Some popular options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simply sprinkle the desired amount of seasonings onto the sausages and rub them in before placing them in the air fryer. This will give your sausages a nice crust and enhance their flavour.

You can also season your sausages while cooking them in the air fryer. To do this, prepare a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then, add your desired vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, to the bowl and toss them in the mixture. Place this vegetable mixture in the air fryer basket first, and then place your sausages on top. This will allow the flavours of the seasonings and vegetables to infuse into the sausages as they cook.

Additionally, you can season your sausages after cooking them. This can be done by sprinkling your desired seasonings on top of the cooked sausages or by serving them with a dipping sauce. For example, you can serve your air-fried sausages with a marinara sauce or pesto for added flavour.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and serving suggestions to find your favourite combinations!

Cooking the sausages

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

First, ensure your air fryer is clean to prevent the sausages from smoking. If you're cooking a large batch of sausages, clean the air fryer between batches. Alternatively, you can use perforated parchment paper to prevent smoking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausages

Place 3-6 raw Italian sausage links in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are evenly spaced with space in between each sausage. You can use any type of Italian sausage, such as mild, sweet, or spicy, or chicken sausage. If you want crispier sausages, you can poke holes in the casings to allow the fat to escape. However, this is optional, as some people prefer to retain the juices.

Step 3: Season the Sausages (Optional)

You can sprinkle various seasonings on top of the sausages to add extra flavor. Here are some suggestions:

• Classic Italian blend: dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
• Garlic and onion powder: for a savory kick.
• Spicy: red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Fennel seeds: for a distinctive Italian sausage flavor.
• Citrus zest: grated lemon or orange zest for a zesty twist.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer and Cook the Sausages

Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F for 3-5 minutes. Then, cook the sausages for about 10-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your sausages and your air fryer model. For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, cook for 8-10 minutes. For thicker sausages like Italian sausage or brats, cook for 9-12 minutes.

Step 5: Let the Sausages Rest and Cool

Once the sausages are well-browned and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-10 minutes to allow the juices to distribute evenly. Then, serve them with your favorite sides or use them in various recipes.

Serving suggestions

Hot sausages cooked in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas:

• Sandwiches: Slice the sausages and serve them in gluten-free hot dog buns or hoagie rolls, topped with peppers and onions. You can also add your favourite condiments, such as mustard or ketchup.
• Entree: Serve the sausages as the main course alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes.
• Pasta: Chop the sausages into pieces and toss them with your favourite pasta and sauce. Marinara or pesto sauce pairs well with Italian sausage.
• Keto: For a low-carb option, serve the sausages with keto sides like cauliflower mash and roasted vegetables.
• Breakfast: If you're using breakfast sausages, you can serve them with traditional breakfast items like eggs and toast.
• Appetizer: Make mini sausages or sausage bites and serve them as an appetizer or snack.
• Salads: Chop the sausages and add them to a salad for a protein boost. They go well with green salads or pasta salads.
• Rice bowls: Sausages can be a tasty addition to rice bowls. Try pairing them with cooked rice, sauteed vegetables, and a tasty sauce or dressing.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftover sausages, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer and serve them as desired.

Frequently asked questions