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

Turkey sausages are a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausages, and cooking them in an air fryer is an even healthier option. Air fryers are quicker, easier, and less messy than cooking in a frying pan. They also allow you to cook a large batch at once, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick weekday meal.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make delicious, crispy, and juicy turkey sausages in an air fryer. We will also provide some tips and variations to elevate your cooking experience. So, get your air fryer ready, and let's begin!

Choosing the right type of sausage

Turkey sausages are a versatile ingredient, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are also a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausages, with fewer calories and less fat. When choosing the right type of sausage to make in your air fryer, consider the following:

Type of Turkey Sausage

Turkey sausages come in a variety of flavours, including smoked, Italian, or hot and spicy. You can choose between fresh, frozen, or fully cooked sausages. If you are short on time, fully cooked sausages are a convenient option, as they only need to be heated before serving. Frozen sausages are also a great choice if you want to prepare a quick meal, as they can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer. However, they may take a little longer to cook compared to fresh sausages.

Size and Shape

Turkey sausages come in different sizes, ranging from small links to rings of sausage that are approximately 12 inches in length. You can also find them in the form of patties or rolls. When cooking in an air fryer, consider the size and shape that will fit best in your appliance. For example, if you have a compact air fryer, you may need to cook the sausages in batches.

Ingredients and Seasonings

When choosing a turkey sausage, consider the ingredients and seasonings used. Look for sausages made with lean ground turkey and a blend of herbs and spices that suit your taste preferences. Some common seasonings include rosemary, thyme, basil, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also find sausages with added ingredients such as dried apples or beets for extra flavour.

Cooking Method

While air frying is a quick and easy way to cook turkey sausages, not all sausages are created equal. Some sausages may be designed for grilling or frying in a skillet. When choosing your sausage, consider the cooking method and follow the instructions for the best results.

Brand and Quality

Lastly, consider the brand and quality of the sausage. Look for reputable brands that use high-quality ingredients and provide clear nutritional information. Check the package for the ingredients list and nutritional facts to make sure the sausage fits your dietary needs and preferences.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right type of sausage to make delicious and healthy turkey sausages in your air fryer.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. While it's not strictly necessary, it's a good idea to do so whenever possible. Preheating your air fryer helps ensure even cooking and can reduce the overall cooking time.

To preheat your air fryer for turkey sausages, start by setting the temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking turkey sausages is around 350°F (175-176°C). If you're using an air fryer with dual drawers, set both drawers to the same temperature. This ensures consistent cooking in both drawers.

Once you've set the temperature, let the air fryer preheat for a few minutes. The time needed for preheating can vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but generally, a few minutes should be sufficient. If you're unsure, refer to the instructions manual of your air fryer for specific guidelines.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your sausages. If they are frozen, it's best to defrost them beforehand. You can also cook frozen sausages directly, but they will take longer to cook. For fresh or thawed sausages, use a paring knife or a fork to poke a few holes in the casings. This allows the fat to escape, preventing the casings from bursting.

After preheating, place the sausages in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This helps ensure even cooking and browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sausages in batches.

Once the sausages are in the air fryer, you can proceed with the cooking process. Set the timer and let the air fryer work its magic! Remember to follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for the best results.

Preparing the sausages

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, the main ingredient is, of course, turkey sausages. You can use any brand of turkey sausages, or even chicken sausages, depending on your preference. It is also recommended to have some spray cooking oil, such as canola or avocado oil, as this will help to crisp up the sausages and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer.

Once you have your ingredients, it is good practice to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to around 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit (or 175-176 degrees Celsius). Preheating will ensure that your sausages cook evenly and help prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your sausages.

To prepare the sausages, start by pricking them gently with a fork or paring knife. This step helps to prevent the sausages from bursting during cooking and allows the fat to escape easily from the casing. You can also brush the sausages lightly with oil at this stage to further prevent sticking and add moisture.

After preparing the sausages, it is time to place them in the air fryer. Arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sausages in batches. Once the sausages are in the air fryer, give them a light spray with the cooking oil. This will help them brown and crisp up nicely.

With the sausages prepared and in the air fryer, you can now set the timer and let the air fryer do its magic. For thinner breakfast sausages, cook them for around 8-10 minutes. For thicker sausages, such as Bratwurst or Italian sausage, increase the cooking time to 9-12 minutes. It is important to ensure that the sausages are cooked through and no longer pink inside before serving.

And that's it! Your delicious, juicy, and crispy air-fried turkey sausages are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve them as part of a hearty breakfast or brunch, or even as a quick and easy weeknight dinner. They can be paired with a variety of sides, such as eggs, potatoes, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Cooking the sausages

Cooking Sausage Patties

If you're making patties, you'll need to combine your ground turkey with your chosen seasonings and maple syrup, if using. Form the mixture into 8 balls and gently press them into patties. Remember to flatten them quite a bit, as they will puff up during cooking.

Place the patties in a single layer in your preheated air fryer and cook for 5 minutes. Then, flip the patties and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes.

Cooking Sausages in Casings

If you're cooking the sausages in their casings, you'll need to decide whether to defrost them first or cook them from frozen. If cooking from frozen, you can cook them straight in the air fryer, but they will take longer.

For fresh or thawed sausages, use a paring knife or fork to poke holes in the casings to allow the fat to escape. This step is optional but will help you achieve a crispier sausage. Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F.

Cook the sausages for 8 to 12 minutes, until they are well-browned on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer.

Tips

• If you're cooking frozen sausages, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the sausages in batches if necessary.
• If you're cooking thicker sausages, like bratwurst or Italian sausage, they will take closer to 12 minutes to cook.
• Always check that the sausages are cooked through before serving. Cut into one to ensure it's no longer pink inside.
• If you're cooking fully cooked sausages, like kielbasa, you'll only need to heat them through and get some colour on the outside. Slice them and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or leave them whole and cook for about 7 minutes.

Serving suggestions

Turkey sausages are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the time of day and your personal preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air-fried turkey sausages:

Breakfast or Brunch

Turkey sausages are a great breakfast option and pair well with eggs. You can serve them with scrambled or fried eggs, or even incorporate them into an omelette or breakfast hash. If you're feeling creative, make a breakfast sandwich by stacking a sausage patty, egg, and cheese between two slices of toast or a biscuit. For a sweeter option, pair your sausages with pancakes or French toast. If you're serving a larger group, a sheet pan of eggs, like Mexican Sheet Pan Eggs or an Overnight Carrot Cake French Toast Casserole, can be a fun and interactive dish.

Lunch or Dinner

Turkey sausages can be a delicious addition to your lunch or dinner plate. Serve them with a variety of grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes for a well-rounded meal. If you're looking for a heartier option, try a sausage and pepper sandwich by grilling some bell peppers and onions to accompany your sausages. For a more exotic twist, add some tzatziki sauce and serve your sausages Mediterranean-style. You can also experiment with different types of sausages, such as smoked turkey sausages or raw Italian sausage, to change up your routine.

Appetizers or Snacks

Turkey sausages can also make a great snack or appetizer. Try making sausage bites or sliders, or serve them with a variety of dips and sauces. For a festive touch, offer some sauerkraut and mustard on the side, or get creative with your own signature sauce.

Storing and Reheating

If you're cooking for a smaller group, you might have some leftover sausages. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the microwave for 30-50 seconds, depending on your microwave's power.

Frequently asked questions