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

Making smoked sausage in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that can be done in less than 10 minutes. The first step is to preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare the sausage by cutting it into 1-inch pieces or leaving it whole. Once the air fryer is heated, place the sausage inside and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping it halfway through if cooking in pieces. The sausage is now ready to be served and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course.

Preheat the air fryer to 370-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. For this recipe, you should preheat your air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F.

Preheating ensures that your sausages cook evenly and efficiently. It also helps to reduce the cooking time, so you can have your meal ready in under 10 minutes.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your sausages. If you are cooking them whole, simply remove them from their packaging. If you are cooking them sliced, cut them into pieces of around 1-1.5 inches. You can also add small slits across the sausages to prevent them from bursting.

Once your air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can add the sausages and follow the remaining steps to cook them to perfection.

Cut the sausage into 1-inch pieces

When preparing smoked sausage to be cooked in an air fryer, it is important to cut the sausage into 1-inch pieces. This ensures that the sausage cooks evenly and thoroughly in the air fryer. Depending on the size of the sausage, you will end up with around 4 pieces per sausage.

When cutting the sausage, use a sharp knife to ensure a clean slice. You can also use a meat cleaver or a meat slicer if you have one. Start by cutting the sausage into equal halves, and then cut each half into equal-sized pieces.

It is important to note that the sausage should be cut into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This will prevent some pieces from being overcooked or undercooked.

Additionally, cutting the sausage into 1-inch pieces allows for better air circulation in the air fryer, which results in crispier sausage pieces.

Air fry for 5-10 minutes

Air fryers are a great way to cook your smoked sausage, and it only takes 5-10 minutes!

If you're cooking sliced smoked sausage, you'll want to air fry for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. If you're cooking the sausage whole, you'll want to air fry for 8-10 minutes.

For whole sausages, you can also add the buns to the air fryer for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, so they're warm when you're ready to serve.

If you're cooking raw sausages, you'll want to cook them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes, but make sure to check the internal temperature before serving.

Serve with a dip or in a bun

If you're serving your smoked sausage in a bun, you can toast the bun in the air fryer along with the sausage. Place the sausage in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes at 375°F. Add the bun for the last 2-3 minutes. Let the sausage rest for 3 minutes before serving.

You can also slice the sausage into 1-inch pieces and toss with barbecue sauce. Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 7-8 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through. Serve with extra barbecue sauce.

If you're serving your sausage with a dip, you can slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces and serve with barbecue sauce and spicy brown mustard. You can either drizzle the sauces over the sausages or serve them on the side with toothpicks.

Clean-up tips

Air fryers are a great way to cook juicy sausages without the mess of grease splatter. But what about cleaning up after cooking? Here are some detailed tips to keep your air fryer clean and working like new:

Step-by-Step Clean-up Tips:

• Unplug and Cool: Always start by turning off and unplugging your air fryer. It's important to let it cool down completely before you begin cleaning to avoid any burns or accidents.
• Wash Removable Parts: Remove the basket, tray, and pan. These parts can be washed with warm, soapy water in the sink. Many air fryers have dishwasher-safe components, but hand washing may help prolong the non-stick coating.
• Wipe Down Interior and Exterior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer. Avoid using abrasive materials, as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• Dry Thoroughly: Ensure that all parts are completely dry before reassembling your air fryer. Moisture can impact the performance of your air fryer and may even lead to malfunctions.
• Clean the Heating Element: The heating element should never be soaked. Instead, use a damp microfiber cloth or soft brush to gently wipe away any grease or residue. Make sure the heating element is dry before reassembling.
• Reassemble and Store Properly: Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Store your air fryer in a clean, dry place when not in use to prevent dust or grime buildup.

Additional Tips for Easier Clean-up:

• Use air fryer liners or parchment paper to line the basket. These catch food drippings and make clean-up easier.
• Wipe down your air fryer regularly, even if you're not doing a full clean. This helps prevent buildup and makes deep cleaning less daunting.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket. Overfilling can cause food to touch the heating element or create excess splatter, leading to more mess.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials like steel wool or metal utensils. These can damage the non-stick coating and other parts of the air fryer.
• If you notice a smell coming from your air fryer, sprinkle baking soda into the basket and let it stand overnight to absorb odours.

Frequently asked questions