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

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and hands-off method to achieve juicy, golden-brown sausages with a crisp exterior. It is also a healthier alternative to frying sausages in a pan, as it uses less oil.

Choosing the right sausages

Type of Sausage

You can choose from a variety of sausages, such as Italian sausage, bratwurst, breakfast sausage, or any other type of sausage links. The type of sausage you choose will depend on your personal preference and the availability of options in your area.

Meat Type

Sausages can be made from different types of meat, including pork, turkey, chicken, or lamb. Select the type of meat that you prefer or that aligns with your dietary preferences or restrictions.

Fresh or Frozen

You can cook sausages in an air fryer whether they are fresh, thawed, or frozen. However, if you're starting with frozen sausages, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may take longer to cook through.

Thickness

The thickness of the sausages will impact the cooking time. Thinner sausages, like breakfast sausages, will cook faster (around 8-10 minutes), while thicker sausages like Italian sausage or bratwurst will take a bit longer (around 9-12 minutes).

Cooking Method

If you're using fresh or thawed sausages, you can choose whether or not to poke holes in the casings. Poking holes will allow the fat to escape, resulting in a less greasy sausage. However, some people prefer to retain the juices and flavour by keeping the casing intact. If you do poke holes, use a paring knife or a fork to make a few small punctures in each sausage.

Cooking Temperature

Most recipes recommend cooking sausages in the air fryer at a temperature of around 400°F (204°C). This high temperature helps to create a crispy, brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy. However, you can also cook them at slightly lower temperatures, such as 360°F (182°C) or 380°F (193°C), and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

By considering these factors when choosing your sausages, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy, and juicy air fryer sausages.

Cooking from frozen

Cooking sausages from frozen in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that can be done in less than 20 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (180-200°C) for at least 5 minutes. It is best to put food into a hot basket, so preheating is recommended.

Step 2: Prepare the Frozen Sausages

Remove the sausages from their packaging. If they are stuck together, run the package under cool water for a few minutes or microwave it for about 30 seconds to loosen them. You can also wait until they are partially cooked and then separate them with a fork.

Step 3: Cook the Sausages

Place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket. If they are stuck together, don't worry; you can separate them after a few minutes of cooking. Set the timer for 5 minutes initially, and then cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your sausages. For thinner sausages, cook for a total of 12-14 minutes, and for thicker sausages, cook for 15-16 minutes.

Step 4: Flip and Cook Further

After the initial 5 minutes, remove the basket and flip the sausages. You can also separate them if they were stuck together. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for the remaining time.

Step 5: Check Doneness

To ensure your sausages are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of at least 160-165°F (74°C). If they haven't reached this temperature, cook them for a few minutes longer.

Step 6: Serve

Once the sausages are cooked, you can serve them immediately. They will have a crispy snap on the outside and a tender, juicy centre. Enjoy!

Poking holes in the sausages

Poking holes in sausages before air frying is a controversial topic. Some people are against it, arguing that it causes the sausages to dry out as the juices and fats escape. However, others, like Sew White, argue that poking holes in the sausages helps to prevent them from bursting and releasing their juices into the air fryer, creating a mess. If you choose to poke holes in your sausages, be careful not to go too deep, as this will cause the juices to escape and the sausages to dry out.

If you decide to poke holes in your sausages, you can use a paring knife, fork, or toothpick. For an average Italian sausage, poke it about three times with a knife. This will allow the fat to escape easily from the casing. Poking holes in the sausages can also help to prevent them from bursting and sticking to the bottom or sides of your air fryer.

Some people also recommend brushing the sausages lightly with oil after poking holes in them. This will help them to brown evenly. You can use any type of oil, such as vegetable, olive, or sunflower oil.

It is important to note that pokING holes in the sausages is not necessary. If you choose not to poke holes, your sausages may still cook evenly and brown nicely. However, there is a risk of the sausages bursting, so it is a good idea to keep an eye on them while they are cooking.

Oil or no oil?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook sausages, and you may be wondering whether you need to add oil to the cooking process. The answer is that it depends on the type of sausage and your personal preference.

No Oil Needed

Some people find that they get good results without adding any oil at all. Air fryers use hot air to cook food, so they don't require oil in the same way that a frying pan does. Sausages are a fatty food, and the fat will render during the cooking process, providing some lubrication.

Benefits of Oil

On the other hand, a small amount of oil can help keep your sausages moist and give them a golden brown colour. If you do decide to use oil, it's best to toss the sausages in a few teaspoons of vegetable or olive oil before placing them in the air fryer. You can also brush melted butter onto foods that call for it, like dough or sandwiches.

Tips

• Avoid using non-stick spray in your air fryer, as it can damage the non-stick coating.
• If you're cooking a food that already has oil, like frozen fries, you may not need to add more.
• If you want to add oil, it's best to spray it directly onto the food rather than the air fryer basket or tray.
• If you're cooking meat, a light coating of oil can help prevent it from drying out.

In conclusion, whether or not you use oil when cooking sausages in an air fryer is up to you. You may find that you get good results without it, or you may prefer the colour and moisture that a small amount of oil provides.

Serving suggestions

Sausages cooked in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

In a Bun

A classic way to enjoy a sausage is by placing it in a bun. You can top it with mustard, kraut, or even some sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic. This makes for a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed by everyone.

With Pasta

Air fryer sausages go well with pasta. Try serving them with marinara sauce or pesto and your favourite type of pasta. For a healthier option, you can use pesto spaghetti squash, red lentil pasta, or air fryer cauliflower gnocchi as a base.

As a Side

These sausages can also be served as a side dish. They make a great addition to breakfast or brunch, and can be paired with bacon, eggs, and other breakfast favourites. You can also serve them alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and potatoes for a more substantial meal.

Sandwiches and Hoagies

For a heartier option, serve the sausages in gluten-free hot dog buns or hoagie rolls. Top them with bell peppers and onions for added flavour and texture.

Keto and Low-Carb Options

Air fryer sausages are typically low in carbs, making them a great option for those on a keto or low-carb diet. Serve them with keto sides like cauliflower mash and other roasted vegetables.

Seasoning

Feel free to season your sausages to suit your taste preferences or the dish you're serving them with. Some popular seasoning options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.

Frequently asked questions