Quick and Easy Air Fryer Sausages

If you are looking for a quick and easy meal for the whole family, then this is it. Cooking sausages in the air fryer could not be easier.

Your air fryer will allow you to serve up perfectly browned and juicy sausages every time. And the best part is the easier cleanup compared to frying or grilling.

Can I cook sausages in an air fryer?

Yes. You can cook sausages in an air fryer. Air fryers cook sausages quickly, 8-14 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the sausages.

Why would I cook sausages in an air fryer?

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

Air fryers have a range of advantages over conventional ovens, frying, and grills. When it comes to sausages, in our house speed is king. An air fryer will cook your sausages quickly, 8-14 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the sausages.

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

• Perfectly Cooked! If you follow the guidance below, air-fried sausages will be cooked evenly. Coming out crispy and juicy every time.
• Less Effort! Once the 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 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.

Can I cook any sausage type?

Yes. All types of sausage, from all different brands can be cooked in an air fryer. 

It doesn’t matter what kind of sausages you want to cook. All your favorite sausages can be cooked in an air fryer. 

Can I air fry cooked, frozen or raw sausages?

Yes, you can, the time to cook will be slightly different. Raw sausages will take longer than cooked sausages, but not by much.

It is best to defrost frozen sausages before cooking them in your air fryer.

As a rule, do not mix uncooked sausages and cooked sausages. If you are cooking a mix of sausages, cook them in separate batches.

Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer before serving. You should look for an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees c)

How long does it take to air fry a sausage?

Thicker sausages cooked in an air fryer have a total cooking time of 12-14 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190c). Thin sausages will take less time, 8-10 minutes. 

The size and thickness of the sausages you are cooking will determine the total time. For example, chipolatas will take less time than breakfast sausages.

The best way to ensure your sausage is cooked how you like them is to add an extra couple of minutes until the sausage is ready.

You should always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage. The target temperature is 160F (71c) for pork sausages. Chicken sausages need an internal temperature of 165F (74c). Using a meat thermometer will mean your sausages are juicy, crispy (if desired), and safe to eat.

Here is a guide for how long you should cook lots of different kinds of sausages. I have included the internal temperature they need to be to be safe to eat.

Thick Pork Sausages – 10-12 mins (approx. 2.5cm thick) – 160F (71c)

Chicken Sausages – 8-10 mins – 165F (75c)

Beef Sausage – 10-12 mins (approx. 2.5 cm thick) – 160F (71c)

Chipolatas – 8-10 mins (approx. 1.5 cm thick) – see above for pork or chicken

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

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

Sausages: The number of 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 under cooked sausages that are not safe to eat. Pork sausages need to have an internal temperature of 160 F (71c)

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

Kitchen Tongs: These will help you turn and take out the 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 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. Sausages in my experience do not to stick to the bottom of the basket due to the high-fat content.

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 a sausage easily and quickly in an air fryer?

Step 1 – Prepare the air fryer

Add 2-3 teaspoons of water below the basket of your air fryer. This will reduce the amount of smoke produced by the excess fat burning.

Preheat your air fryer to 375F (190c)

Step 2 – Add the sausages

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

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 them so they are juicy

Step 3 – Cook the sausages

Cook for 6 mins at 375F (190c)

Step 4 – Turn the sausages

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

Step 5 – Check the sausages

After 12 minutes total cooking time check the sausages

Check with a meat thermometer, looking for an internal temperature of 160F (71c)

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

Step 6 – Cook for longer (if required)

If the sausages are not cooked or you like them crispier, cook for a couple of extra minutes and then repeat steps 5 and 6 until ready to eat.

Step 7 – 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

I used my 4-liter Tower basket-style air fryer when cooking.

What to serve with cooked 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 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 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.

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

High fat: Sausages are high in fat, as they cook the excess fat will drip into the bottom of the air fryer basket. This excess grease will generate smoke. If you want to avoid this a piece of parchment paper at the bottom, a small amount of water or some stale bread also works.

Once you have finished cooking, this tip 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 to ensure your sausages are cooked perfectly every time.

Check: When cooking 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 sausages more crispy or darker in color, air fry for a little bit more time. An extra 1-2 minutes.

Always use a meat thermometer: Using a meat thermometer will avoid you eating undercooked sausages.

Extras, if space: Once you have added your 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.

Common questions

How do you store cooked sausages?

If you have cooked too many 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 3 days, maybe for a quick and easy breakfast sandwich.

How to reheat cooked sausages?

If you want to reheat them. Add the sausages to the air fryer basket and heat for 2 minutes. This will be enough to warm them.

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 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 pork and beef sausages need to reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees f (71 degrees c) before serving. Chicken sausages need to reach 165 degrees f (74 degrees c).

Related articles

Amazing Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes – A collection of air fryer breakfast recipes to inspire you to mix things up at breakfast times.

Air Fried Sausage Patties – A step by step guide to cooking sausage patties from frozen in an air fryer.

Air Frying Frozen Chicken Sausages – If you have some frozen chicken sausages in the back of the freezer. Here is a how to air fry them to add something extra to your breakfast menu.

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