Delicious Frozen Chicken Sausages In The Air Fryer

Chicken sausages are delicious and healthier than regular pork sausages. Chicken sausages make for an easy meal that everyone will love.

When I see discounted chicken sausages, I always buy them and put them straight in the freezer, as they are such a hit in our house.  Using your air fryer is a great way to quickly serve juicy and crispy chicken sausages every time.

Can I cook frozen chicken sausages in the air fryer?

Yes. You can air fry frozen chicken sausages straight from the freezer. As cooking frozen sausages, they will take a little longer to cook than if defrosted.

If you can’t defrost the sausages before cooking, then you might find the chicken sausages’ texture to be more leathery. However it’s not so noticeable, so if you are rustling up a meal last minute and didn’t have time to defrost the sausages, don’t worry they will still taste delicious if cooked from frozen.

Why cook frozen chicken sausages in the air fryer?

Cooking frozen chicken sausages in an air fryer is the easiest way to cook them. Air fryer chicken sausages from frozen can provide the basis for an easy meal in a short amount of time. They are the perfect basis for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is the same for any type of sausage you are cooking.

Air fryers have a range of advantages over other cooking methods. When it comes to sausages, in our house speed is king. Our air fryer was a game changer as it cooks frozen chicken sausages quickly. 10-15 minutes cook time depending on the size and thickness of the sausages.

There are also other benefits of cooking frozen chicken sausages in the air fryer…

• Perfectly Cooked! If you follow the guidance below, air-fried chicken sausages will cook evenly. Coming out crispy and juicy every time.
• Less Effort! Once the frozen chicken sausages are cooking in your air fryer, you can prepare other parts of your meal. You don’t need to stand next to the pan or grill constantly rotating the sausages to make them cook evenly. You simply need to turn them halfway through the cooking time
• Energy Saving! Unlike a conventional oven, you do not need to heat a vast space. Saving you money and cooking the sausages quicker. 
• Healthier! The air fryer basket also means all the excess grease drains away. Making air fryer chicken sausages’ the healthier option. When compared to those cooked in a conventional oven or frying pan.
• Easy Clean Up! You also don’t have the mess or smell that comes with using a frying pan or grilling. Saving you time to do other things.

How long does it take to air fry a frozen chicken sausage?

The size and thickness of the frozen chicken sausages you are cooking will determine the total time. For example, chipolata-type chicken sausages will take less time than thicker sausages.

Thicker frozen chicken sausages cooked in an air fryer will have a total cooking time of around 15 minutes at 355 degrees Fahrenheit (180c). Thin (chipolata type) frozen chicken sausages will take less time, 10-12 minutes.

Regardless of how thick the chicken sausage is. The best way to ensure your sausage is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. You can use the thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken sausage. To be safe the internal temperature should be over 165F (74c). This will ensure your sausages are juicy, crispy (if desired), and safe to eat.

What do you need to cook frozen chicken sausages in the air fryer?

Air-frying frozen chicken sausages is an easy recipe to follow. It requires very few ingredients (see serving suggestions below) and equipment. To air fry chicken sausages all you need is…

Frozen chicken sausages: The number of frozen chicken sausages you can fit in your air fryer’s basket. Will depend on the size of your air fryer and the size of the sausages. In my 4.2 quarts (4 liters) basket I can comfortably fit six to eight sausages. Try to leave space between each sausage to make sure the sausages are cooked evenly.

Meat thermometer: Different brands and models of air fryers all perform differently. This means that the cooking times provided tend to always be approximate.  A meat thermometer will help you avoid serving up uncooked chicken sausages that aren’t safe to eat. Chicken sausages need to have an internal temperature of 165 F (74c)

If you don’t have one, you can cut the chicken sausages in half to check they are cooked through.

Kitchen Tongs: These will help you turn and take out the chicken sausages safely, reducing the risk of you burning yourself on the side of the hot basket. As an alternative, you could shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. Or use a fork to pick the chicken sausages up to serve.

Optional

Foil or Parchment paper basket liner. You can place foil or parchment paper on the bottom of the air fryer basket. If you want to reduce the time it takes to clean up even more. or you are finding food sticks to the bottom of the air fryer basket.

Both foil and parchment paper will stop food from cooking in the basket, reducing the time it takes to clean up.

If you want to know how to use foil or parchment paper safely. I have written articles on how to use both foil and parchment paper in air fryers.

Oil: As an alternative to foil or parchment paper you can spray some extra oil on the basket. Remember to pick an oil with a high smoke point like Avocado oil or Sunflower oil. I have not found frozen chicken sausages to stick to the bottom of the basket, even with the reduced fat content. I don’t add extra oil, but you can if you want.

Paper Towel: You could use some paper towels to soak up any excess grease on the surface of the sausage. I find though most oil drips to the bottom of the basket and there isn’t much to soak up.  

How to cook frozen chicken sausages in the air fryer?

Step 1 – Prepare the frozen chicken sausages

It may be necessary to allow the chicken sausages to thaw slightly to allow you to separate them

Approx 5 minutes at room temperature should be sufficient

Step 2 – Prepare the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 355F (180c)

If you find your air fryer smokes, add a couple of tablespoons of water to the basket of your air fryer.

Step 3 – Add the frozen chicken sausages

If you have decided to use aluminum foil, parchment paper or oil add it to the bottom of the basket now.

If the sausages are linked together, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the sausage links

Add a single layer of sausages to the basket

Ensuring none are touching with space between them for best results

Do not poke holes in the frozen sausages so they are juicy

Step 4 – Cook the sausages

Cook for 6 mins at 355F (180c)

Step 5 – Turn the sausages

After 6 minutes turn the sausages using tongs and cook for a further 6 mins

Step 6 – Check the sausages

Check with a meat thermometer, you want an internal temperature of the sausage of 165F (74c)

If cooking large or thick frozen chicken sausages likely they will need more time

Step 7 – Cook for longer (if required)

If due to the size of the sausages they are not cooked, or you like them to have a crispy skin. Cook for a couple of extra minutes and then repeat steps 6 and 7 until ready to eat.

Step 8 – Remove sausages to eat

Using tongs remove the sausages one at a time from the air fryer basket. 

Place them on a paper towel to soak up any remaining grease.

Step 9 – Serve your sausages and enjoy

What to serve with cooked chicken sausages?

Sausages are so versatile you can serve them up in so many ways. Some of our family favorites include…

• A simple sausage sandwich – great for breakfast on the go or cold as part of a packed lunch.
• A delicious breakfast – Combine with hash browns, bacon, baked beans, and some eggs. For the traditional big breakfast.
• Hot dogs – put them in a hot dog roll, add some sauces, and some onions. Nice and simple.
• Mash potato and vegetables – an easy and traditional family favorite. Especially when served with lots of gravy.
• Pasta and Pesto – Super easy to make. Great for those evening meals when no one has much time to prepare anything complex.
• In a salad – Make a salad, add some sliced chicken sausages. Two or three of your five a day plus some yummy hot sausages to mix it up a bit.
• On their own – with or without a dipping sauce like mustard or tomato ketchup.

Top tips

Leave Space: To make sure your chicken sausages cook evenly there must be space between them. This allows for the hot air to circulate freely and ensures all your sausages are cooked. Make sure the sausages are placed in a single and even layer.

Turn Sausages: To have chicken sausages crispy all over, I suggest turning your sausages halfway through. Use some tongs to rotate each sausage.

High fat: Chicken sausages tend to have less fat than other sausages. But you might still find some excess fat will drip into the bottom of the air fryer basket. This excess grease will generate smoke. If you want to avoid this, put a piece of parchment paper at the bottom. A small amount of water or some stale bread also works. This tip also reduces your cleaning time.

Pre-heating: Some air fryers need to pre-heat and others do not. Check your air fryer’s user manual. Follow the instructions accordingly. This will help ensure the frozen chicken sausages are cooked perfectly every time.

Check: When cooking frozen chicken sausages for the first time. To avoid them being overcooked it is a good idea to check them a few times.

More crisp or darker color: If you like your chicken sausages more crispy or darker in color, air fry for a little bit more time. An extra 1-2 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer will stop you from serving undercooked chicken sausages.

Extras, if space: Once you have added your chicken sausages to your air fryer basket, if you have space, you could add some extras. Maybe onions or peppers. If using a smaller air fryer, make sure there is still room for the air to freely circulate. Do not overfill or try to do too much.

Resting: When cooking meat and sausages are no exception, it is always a good idea to let it rest before eating. This allows the juices to redistribute ensuring they taste the best they can.

Common questions

How to store cooked chicken sausages?

If you have cooked too many chicken sausages, let them cool to room temperature. Then put them in an airtight container or freezer bag in the refrigerator.

You can use these within three days, maybe for a quick and easy breakfast sandwich.

How do I reheat my cooked chicken sausages?

If you want to reheat them, add the chicken sausages to the air fryer basket and heat for two minutes. This will be enough to warm them.

What is a chicken sausage?

A chicken sausage is a sausage made from ground chicken. Different herbs and spices are added depending on the brand or type you buy. I used frozen Italian chicken sausages in the photographs for this article.

Does the skin need to be pierced?

If you want to serve up juicy sausages, I recommend not piercing the skin. This helps the sausages retain their flavor.  Sometimes the sausage’s skin splits when cooking, there is not much you can do about that.

Are chicken sausages pre-cooked?

It depends, the sausages in the photos were not pre-cooked. I could have bought pre-cooked ones. Check the labels on the packaging. Pre-cooked or raw chicken sausages need to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees f (74 degrees c) before serving.

Related articles

Amazing Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes – A collection of air fryer breakfast options that will inspire you to try something different for breakfast.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes – A range of chicken recipes that are perfect for cooking in your air fryer.

Best Air Fryer Frozen Food Recipes – All the best frozen food recipes in one place to help you make the most of your air fryer.

Recipe card