Air-Fried Pork Sausage: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Cooking pork sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a kitchen staple. Air-fried sausages are a healthier alternative to traditionally fried sausages as they require little to no oil, and the high heat of the air fryer helps to crisp up the skin. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the sausages, but generally, it takes around 8-12 minutes for thin sausages and 12-14 minutes for thicker sausages.

Choosing the right temperature

The specific temperature you choose within this range will depend on the type of sausage you are cooking and the desired level of crispness. For example, cooking sausages at 180°C for 10-15 minutes will result in juicy sausages with a slightly less crispy exterior. On the other hand, increasing the temperature to 400°F will yield sausages with a nice, crispy brown crust on the outside, while keeping the inside juicy.

It's important to note that the cooking time will also depend on the thickness of your sausages. Thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, will take around 8-10 minutes to cook, while thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausages will require 9-12 minutes.

Additionally, always preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the sausages. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent the sausages from burning or being undercooked.

Remember, the goal is to cook the sausages until they are no longer pink in the centre, with a juicy texture, and a golden brown exterior.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for pork sausages in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the sausages, the temperature setting, and the number of sausages being cooked.

For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, cook for about 8-10 minutes at 180°C/350°F or 10 minutes at 200°C/400°F. For thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausage, it will take 9-12 minutes at 180°C/350°F or 17 minutes at 200°C/400°F.

It's important to ensure that the sausages are cooked through and not pink in the centre. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the sausages have reached a temperature of 75°C in the middle.

If you are cooking frozen sausages, they will need a couple of extra minutes. For example, thick pork sausages will take 14-15 minutes, while chipolatas and other thin sausages will take 8-10 minutes.

Always ensure that the sausages are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket with some space between them to allow for even cooking.

How to prepare the sausages

Preparing pork sausages in an air fryer is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve crispy and juicy sausages:

Step 1: Prepare the Sausages

Use a sharp knife or a fork to prick each sausage a few times. This step is optional but helps release excess fat and prevents the sausages from bursting during cooking. It is also recommended to brush the sausages with a bit of oil if desired.

Step 2: Arrange the Sausages in the Air Fryer

Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Leave some space between the sausages to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of sausages, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Timer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking sausages is between 180°C and 200°C (approximately 350°F to 400°F) . You can also spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the sausages from sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Sausages

Place the sausages in the air fryer and cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on their thickness. For thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, cook for 8-10 minutes. For thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausages, cook for 9-12 minutes. Flip the sausages halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

Step 5: Check the Doneness

To ensure the sausages are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The sausages should reach a temperature of 75°C (approximately 170°F) in the thickest part. Alternatively, cut into one of the sausages to ensure it is no longer pink inside.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the sausages are cooked, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring optimal flavour and tenderness. Serve the sausages as a side for breakfast, in buns, or with your favourite sides.

How to serve

Now that you've cooked your pork sausages in the air fryer, it's time to serve them! Here are some classic serving suggestions:

• Air fryer sweet potato fries and air fryer corn on the cob
• Full English breakfast (fry-up)
• Sausage bap or baguette for breakfast
• Sausage sandwich or in buns
• Caramelised onions
• As a side for breakfast

You can also serve your air fryer sausages with a variety of side dishes, such as:

• Bacon
• Air fryer roast potatoes
• Air fryer chicken wings with BBQ sauce
• Air fryer chips
• Air fryer chicken drumsticks
• Air fryer stuffing balls
• Air fryer baked potatoes
• Air fryer cauliflower
• Air fryer butternut squash

Reheating and storing

Once you've cooked your sausages in the air fryer, you can store them in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for up to three months. To store them, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in cling film or aluminium foil.

When you're ready to eat the sausages again, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C and add the sausages to the basket, cooking them for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave or oven, but they may not turn out as juicy and succulent as when they were first cooked. To prevent them from drying out, brush the sausages with a little oil before reheating. It's best to avoid reheating the sausages more than once.

Frequently asked questions