Air Fryer Sausage Links: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making sausage links in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and mess-free way to cook up a tasty breakfast with minimal cleanup. You can use fresh or pre-cooked sausage links, and the air fryer will give you perfectly browned, juicy sausages with a slightly crispy skin.

The key to cooking sausage links in an air fryer is to ensure they are in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with a bit of space between each sausage, so the hot air can circulate and cook them evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sausages in batches.

For fresh, refrigerated sausage links, cook them at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. For pre-cooked frozen links, cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, again flipping halfway. You can also cook frozen uncooked links in the air fryer, but you will need to adjust the temperature and cooking time slightly.

So, if you're looking for a convenient, tasty breakfast option with minimal cleanup, give air fryer sausage links a try!

How to cook frozen sausage links in an air fryer

Cooking frozen sausage links in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and satisfying meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-204°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your sausages cook evenly and get crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Links

Place the frozen sausage links in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping and are in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from sticking together.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage Links

Cook the sausage links for 8-10 minutes for smaller sausages, and 10-12 minutes for larger sausages. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of your sausages. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or use tongs to turn the sausages to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

To ensure the sausages are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. They should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71-74°C). The sausages should be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Step 5: Serve

Once the sausages are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. They can be enjoyed as a standalone breakfast item or paired with other breakfast favourites like eggs, pancakes, or hash browns.

Tips:

• You can cook sausage links from frozen, but it is recommended to defrost them first for more even cooking.
• You don't need to add oil or cooking spray to the air fryer as the circulating hot air will crisp up the sausages.
• If you are using a lower-fat sausage, you can lightly brush the basket with oil or use a piece of parchment paper with holes to prevent sticking.
• If you prefer your sausages to be more crispy, cook them for a few extra minutes.
• You can also add vegetables to the air fryer basket along with the sausages for a healthy and delicious meal.

How to prevent sausages from sticking to the air fryer basket

To prevent sausages from sticking to the air fryer basket, it is recommended to use a non-stick insert or a small amount of oil. You can also spray the basket with vegetable oil or use a foil sling. Additionally, ensure that the sausages are placed in a single layer, not touching each other, to prevent them from sticking together.

Before placing the sausages in the air fryer, prick them a few times with a sharp knife or fork. This prevents the skin from splitting and helps drain excess fat.

Use a non-stick insert or basket for your air fryer. This will make cleanup easier and prevent food from sticking.

Apply a small amount of oil to the sausages or the basket. Fat promotes browning and can help food crisp up while making it less likely to stick. Dry the sausages first, then rub them with oil.

Spray the basket lightly with vegetable oil spray, especially if cooking foods prone to sticking, such as fried chicken or chicken Parmesan.

Alternatively, create a foil sling by folding a sheet of aluminum foil and placing it in the basket, pressing it up and into the sides. This prevents sticking and makes removing food easier.

Ensure the sausages are placed in a single layer, with space between each sausage, so they don't touch each other. This allows hot air to circulate freely, cooking them evenly and preventing them from sticking together.

Finally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent uneven cooking and maintain the desired texture.

How to store and reheat leftover sausage links

Storing Leftover Sausage Links

When storing leftover sausage links, wrap them with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Then, cover them with aluminium foil or place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents drying out. Consume the leftover sausage links within 2 to 3 days for the best quality.

If you want to freeze the leftover sausage links, use freezer bags and squeeze out as much air as possible to deter freezer burn and preserve flavour. Label the freezer bag with the date and consume the frozen sausage links within 1 to 2 months.

Reheating Leftover Sausage Links

You can reheat leftover sausage links in an air fryer, oven, stovetop/skillet, or microwave.

Air Fryer: Place the leftover sausage links in the air fryer basket in a single layer and reheat at 350ºF for 3-5 minutes.

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Wrap the leftover sausage links in aluminium foil and heat for 12-15 minutes.

Stovetop/Skillet: Place a skillet on medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and place the leftover sausage links in the pan, ensuring they do not touch. Cook for a few minutes on each side, rotating the sausages frequently, until they reach an internal temperature of 145ºF.

Microwave: Place the leftover sausage links in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached.

How to know when your sausages are cooked

Knowing when your sausages are cooked is crucial to ensure they are safe to eat and have the best flavour and texture. Here are some detailed instructions on how to know when your sausages are cooked:

Firstly, it is important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the type and size of sausages you are using. Thinner sausages, such as breakfast sausages, will generally take around 8-10 minutes to cook, while thicker sausages like bratwurst or Italian sausages may need 9-12 minutes. Always check the instructions on your specific sausage package for recommended cooking times and temperatures.

To ensure your sausages are cooked properly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F for sausage links. If you cut into a sausage, you should ensure that there is no pink meat remaining, but the sausages should still be juicy.

Additionally, you can also look for visual and sensory cues to determine if your sausages are cooked. The sausages should be crispy and browned on the outside, while still juicy on the inside. You can also gently press on the sausages with a spatula or tongs to check their firmness. If they feel firm and spring back slightly, they are likely cooked through.

When cooking sausages in an air fryer, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for specific settings and timings. However, a general guideline is to cook the sausages at a temperature of around 380-400°F for 9-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Remember to let the sausages rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and prevent them from drying out. Enjoy your delicious and safely cooked sausages!

What to serve with air-fried sausages

Air-fried sausages are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried sausages:

Hearty Breakfast Classics

• Eggs: Scrambled, poached, or any style you prefer, eggs make a perfect match with sausage links, providing a protein-packed start to your day.
• Hash Browns or Breakfast Potatoes: Add some crispy, golden hash browns or skillet-cooked breakfast potatoes for a comforting element.
• Pancakes or Waffles: For a sweet and savoury combination, serve your sausages with fluffy pancakes or waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup for an extra treat.

Lighter Healthy Sides

• Fresh Fruit: Add a refreshing touch with berries, melon, or citrus fruits to balance the richness of the sausages.
• Vegetable Stir-fry: Prepare a quick stir-fry with bell peppers, onions, and spinach for a healthier option that adds fibre and nutrients to your meal.
• Toast or English Muffins: A slice of whole-grain toast or an English muffin can soak up the flavours and provide a satisfying crunch. Spread some butter or jam for extra flavour.
• Bagels: Try a toasted bagel with cream cheese, or simply buttered, for a hearty breakfast option.

Sandwich Ideas

If you're on the go, try slicing the sausages and placing them in a sandwich with ketchup or your favourite condiments. You can also make a sausage and egg sandwich by adding a fried egg and cheese to a sliced sausage on a toasted English muffin.

Frequently asked questions