As a busy parent, finding quick, healthy meals for the family can be tough. That’s why I’m excited to share air fryer sausage with you. It’s perfect for a tasty breakfast or a hearty dinner.
Imagine biting into a juicy, golden-brown sausage. The air fryer makes it crispy on the outside and tender inside. It’s a simple way to make delicious meals fast. In this guide, I’ll show you how to air fry sausages, from choosing the right type to cooking them just right.

Key Takeaways
- Air frying sausage is a quick and easy way to prepare juicy, crispy sausages at home.
- Various types of sausages, including pork, turkey, chicken, and lamb, can be cooked in the air fryer.
- The air fryer results in a crispy golden brown exterior and a tender, flavorful centre.
- Cooking sausage in the air fryer takes approximately 10-12 minutes at 400°F, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Air fryer sausage is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with various side dishes for a complete, delicious meal.
Introduction to Air Frying Sausages
Cooking sausage in the air fryer is quick and easy. It makes a tasty, protein-rich meal. The air fryer cooks the Italian sausage in air fryer evenly. This gives a crispy outside and a juicy inside.
This method is better than traditional frying. It’s healthier and cleaner.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Cooking Sausages in an Air Fryer
- Hands-off cooking: The air fryer needs little attention. You can do other things while your air fryer sausage cooks.
- Reduced mess: Air frying means no splatters or grease. Cleaning up is easy.
- Healthier results: Air fryer Italian sausage uses less oil. This makes the dish healthier.
Types of Sausages Suitable for Air Frying
The air fryer can cook many sausage types. You can make breakfast links, Italian, or bratwurst sausages. It’s great for sausage in the air fryer or air fryer Italian sausage.

“The air fryer cooks sausages evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior.”
Preparing Sausages for Air Frying
Before you can enjoy air-fried sausages, a few steps are needed. Whether fresh or frozen, these tips will help. Your sausages will be crispy outside and juicy inside.
Defrosting Frozen Sausages
Start with frozen sausages by defrosting them. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave defrost setting. This ensures even cooking in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Sausage
Air Fryer Sausage 🌭✨ Enjoy juicy, perfectly cooked sausages in just minutes! This simple Air Fryer Sausage recipe is a game-changer for quick weeknight dinners or breakfast. Flavorful and easy to make, these sausages are a must-try!
Ingredients
- 8 breakfast or dinner sausages (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- Cooking spray (optional, for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes.
- Prepare the Sausages: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray (optional). Place the sausages in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching to allow for even cooking.
- Air Fry: Cook the sausages at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/70°C).
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a minute. Serve hot with your favorite sides or in a sandwich. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield 4Amount Per ServingCalories 250Trans Fat 20gCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 600gProtein 15g
Poking Sausage Casings
For fresh or defrosted sausages, poke a few holes in the casing. Use a fork or sharp knife. This lets the fat cook out, making the exterior crispy. But don’t poke too many holes to keep the juices inside.
After defrosting and poking, place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This helps them cook evenly. With these steps, you’re ready to enjoy tasty air-fried sausages.

Air Fryer Sausage Cooking Temperature
For air frying sausages, the best temperature is 400°F (200°C). This heat quickly browns and crisps the outside. It also cooks the sausages through, making them juicy and flavorful inside.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F before adding sausages. This ensures even cooking and a crunchy exterior. The high heat also keeps the sausage’s natural flavours and juices locked in, making every bite delicious.
Sausage Type | Recommended Air Fryer Temperature | Cooking Time |
---|---|---|
Italian Sausage | 360°F | 12-13 minutes |
Smoked Sausage (Pre-Cooked) | 375°F | 10-12 minutes |
Raw Sausage | 375°F | 12-14 minutes |
The cooking time can change based on sausage thickness and type. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be at least 160°F for safety. With the right temperature and time, your sausages will be crispy and juicy every time.
“The key to perfectly cooked air fryer sausages is to use a high heat of 400°F. This ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.”
Air Fryer Sausage Cooking Time
Cooking sausages in an air fryer depends on their thickness and type. Thinner sausages, like breakfast ones, cook faster, needing 8-10 minutes. Thicker sausages, like Italian or bratwurst, take 9-12 minutes.
Cooking Times for Different Sausage Varieties
- Breakfast Sausages: 7-9 minutes
- Italian Sausages: 10-12 minutes
- Bratwurst Sausages: 9-12 minutes
- Turkey Sausages: 9-11 minutes
Watch the sausages while they cook and adjust the time if needed. They should be brown on the outside and not pink inside. A meat thermometer can check if they’re at 160°F, which is perfect.
Every air fryer cooks differently, so check your sausages often. Also, don’t poke holes in the casings and preheat the air fryer for the best results when air frying sausages.
air fryer sausage
Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a great way to make a quick, protein-rich meal. You get a crispy, flavorful outside and a juicy inside. It works well with breakfast links, Italian sausage, and more, keeping the natural flavours and texture perfect.
One big plus of air frying sausages is how fast and efficient they are. It usually takes about 12 minutes per 450 grams (1 lb) at 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) to get them crispy and golden.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is a top-rated air fryer for sausages. It’s one of the best air fryers, according to The Spruce Eats. It’s great for cooking different types of sausages easily.
Air-fried sausages have about 637 calories, 60g of fat, 23g of saturated fat, 125mg of cholesterol, and 1233mg of sodium. They also have 23g of protein. Remember, these numbers can change based on the sausage type and brand.
It’s best to store leftover air-fried sausages in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Or freeze them for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy them again later.
Air frying sausages is a safe and tasty way to cook. It makes the outside crispy and the inside juicy and flavorful. Pricking the sausage casings before cooking helps avoid any exploding issues, making it a stress-free method.
Adding air-fried sausages to your meals is a smart choice. They’re quick, delicious, and packed with protein. With the right temperature and time, you’ll get amazing results every time.
Serving Suggestions for Air-Fried Sausages
Air-fried sausages are a tasty and flexible protein option. They’re great for quick weeknight meals or backyard barbecues. These sausages go well with many side dishes.
Side Dish Pairings for Air-Fried Sausages
Try pairing air-fried sausages with creamy mashed potatoes or tangy sauerkraut for a classic taste. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or peppers add colour and flavour.
For a fuller meal, serve sausages over fluffy rice or with pasta. Or, put them in a soft hoagie roll or bun for a tasty sandwich.
Air-fried sausages are perfect for any meal, from family dinners to outdoor events. Experiment with different side dishes to find your favourite ways to enjoy them.
“The air-fried sausages were a hit at our backyard BBQ! The crispy skin and juicy interior paired perfectly with the roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes.”
Reheating Air-Fried Sausages
If you have leftover air-fried sausages, you can easily reheat them in the air fryer. Just put the sausages back in the basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until they’re hot.
This quick method keeps the sausages crispy on the outside and juicy inside. It’s a great way to enjoy leftovers.
Refrigerated leftover sausage takes about 6 minutes to reheat in the air fryer. Frozen precooked sausage takes about 8 minutes. This makes sure your sausages are hot and ready to eat.
For the best results, use the air fryer settings that match the original cooking. This keeps the sausages’ texture and flavour just right. You’ll get to enjoy the same delicious taste as when they were first air-fried.
Sausage Type | Reheating Time in Air Fryer |
---|---|
Refrigerated Leftover Sausage | 6 minutes |
Frozen Precooked Sausage | 8 minutes |
By following these simple reheating guidelines, you can enjoy your air-fried sausages again and again. They’ll stay delicious and flavorful. The air fryer makes reheating easy.
Variations: Sausage and Vegetable Medley
For a complete and satisfying meal, air-fried sausages can be combined with various roasted vegetables in the air fryer. This versatile one-pan dish allows you to easily customize the ingredients based on your personal preferences and what’s available in your fridge.
Vegetable Options for Sausage Medley
- Cubed potatoes
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- Onions (white or red)
- Zucchini squash
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli florets
- Cauliflower florets
- Green beans
- Mushrooms
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
Seasoning Ideas for Sausage Medley
To add flavour to your air fryer sausage and vegetable medley, try tossing the ingredients with a combination of these seasonings:
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Cajun or Creole seasoning
- Herbs de Provence
- Salt and pepper
The key is to coat the sausage and vegetables lightly with olive oil before air frying. This helps the seasonings stick and creates a delicious caramelized flavour.
“This air fryer sausage and veggie recipe is a game-changer! The sausages come out perfectly crispy, and the vegetables are roasted to perfection. It’s a complete meal that’s so easy to throw together.”
Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Sausages
Getting crispy sausages in your air fryer is easy with a few tips. First, poke small holes in the sausage casings before cooking. This lets the fat out, making the outside crispy.
Put the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This helps them brown and crisp evenly. Remember to toss or flip them often for even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Too many sausages can make them steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches to keep air flowing well.
Follow these tips to make air-fried sausages that are golden, juicy, and tasty. Serve them with your favourite sides for a quick, tasty meal.
Key Tips for Crispy Air-Fried Sausages:
- Poke holes in sausage casings to allow fat to render out
- Arrange sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket
- Toss or flip sausages periodically during cooking
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent steaming
Follow these tips to enjoy perfectly crispy sausages from your air fryer. Try different sausages and sides for a quick, tasty meal.
Cooking Fully Cooked Sausages in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is great for more than just raw sausages. It’s perfect for reheating and crisping up fully cooked sausages too. Whether you have leftover sausages or need to quickly heat up store-bought links, the air fryer makes it easy.
Preparing and Heating Precooked Sausages
To reheat air fry pre-cooked sausage, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes. Flip the sausages halfway through to crisp up the outside and keep the inside juicy.
Unlike raw sausages, you don’t need to poke holes in pre-cooked links. The air fryer will heat them evenly without drying them out. Reheating sausage in an air fryer is easy and quick.
When the sausages are heated through and lightly browned, they’re ready. Serve them with your favourite sides for a tasty meal.
Sausage Variety | Air Fryer Cook Time |
---|---|
Fully Cooked Pork Sausage | 5-7 minutes |
Fully Cooked Chicken Sausage | 5-7 minutes |
Fully Cooked Turkey Sausage | 5-7 minutes |
Keep an eye on the sausages while they’re air frying. This way, they won’t overcook and get dry. Adjust the time based on the size and thickness of your sausages.
The air fryer makes reheating fully cooked sausages quick and easy. It helps restore their crispy outside and juicy inside. Try it for a delicious and easy sausage dish.
Nutritional Information for Air-Fried Sausages
Cooking sausages in an air fryer is healthier than frying them the old way. Air frying uses hot air to cook, needing less oil. This means fewer calories and fat than frying or deep-frying.
The air fryer also crisps the sausages outside, so you might not need as much oil or butter.
But remember, sausages are high in fat and sodium. They should be part of a balanced diet and not eat too much. Here’s what a serving of air-fried sausages (based on 4 servings) looks like:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
Air-fried sausages are better than fried ones but watch your portions. They’re quick and easy to make, making them a great choice for a tasty meal.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Protein | 14g |
Fat | 22g |
Carbohydrates | 3g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sodium | 850mg |
Conclusion
Air fryer sausage is a quick, easy, and delicious meal option. By following the tips in this article, you can cook sausages perfectly. They will have a crispy outside and a juicy inside every time.
Try different sausages, vegetables, and seasonings to make endless variations. The air fryer cooks sausages evenly and uses less electricity than ovens. This makes it a great choice for busy cooks.
Remember, the secret to great air fryer sausage is knowing the right cooking times and temperatures. Use a meat thermometer and follow the guidelines for each sausage type. This way, you’ll get sausages that are safe and delicious.
Embrace the air fryer’s convenience and versatility. It can take your sausage dishes to a whole new level. Enjoy making and eating these tasty meals.
FAQ
How long should I cook sausages in an air fryer?
Cooking time for air fryer sausages varies by sausage type and thickness. Thinner breakfast sausages need 8-10 minutes. Thicker sausages like Italian or bratwurst might take 9-12 minutes.
Check the sausages often. They should be browned outside and not pink inside. Adjust cooking time based on your sausages.
What temperature should I use to cook sausages in the air fryer?
Use 400°F (200°C) to cook sausages in an air fryer. This high heat crisps the outside and cooks the inside well.
How do I prepare sausages for air frying?
Prepare sausages before air frying. Defrost frozen sausages first. Use a fork or sharp knife to poke holes in the casing.
This helps the fat render out, making the exterior crispy.
Can I cook different types of sausages in the air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry almost any sausage type. The air fryer cooks them evenly, making them crispy outside and juicy inside.
How do I reheat leftover air-fried sausages?
Reheat leftover sausages in the air fryer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This keeps them crispy without drying out.
Can I cook sausages and vegetables together in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook sausages with vegetables in the air fryer. Add cubed potatoes, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts. Toss with olive oil and seasonings before cooking.
Are air-fried sausages a healthier option?
Air-frying sausages is healthier than frying. It uses hot air, needing less oil. This can cut down on calories and fat.
But remember, sausages are still high in fat and sodium. Eat them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Source Links
- https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/air-fryer-sausage/ – Easy Air Fryer Sausage – Perfectly Cooked in Minutes!