Are you craving perfectly cooked Italian sausage without the hassle of thawing? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to cook frozen sausage in an air fryer, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that will be ready in less than 20 minutes. Whether you prefer it with rice, potatoes, salad, or even on a hot dog bun, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
How to Make Frozen Italian Sausage in Air Fryer
This recipe is unbelievably simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. Start by removing the Italian sausages from the freezer. If they are sitting in a plastic tray, run hot water on the backside of the package for about a minute. This will help loosen the sausages from the tray, making them easier to remove. Make sure the tray is not stuck anymore and can be easily pulled off.
For this recipe, we recommend using Johnsonville brand Italian sausage. It’s a popular choice known for its quality. If you prefer a mild flavor, go for the mild variety. If you like it spicy, opt for the hot version. Get your air fryer basket and lightly spray it with your preferred oil, such as olive or avocado oil.
Place a block of sausages in the air fryer basket and close the air fryer. Cook them at 360 degrees for 10 minutes to ensure they thaw properly. Then, switch the temperature to 400 degrees and cook for another 10 minutes until they are perfectly cooked.
Can I Make It in Ninja Foodi?
Absolutely! If you have an Aircrisp lid, you can follow the instructions in this recipe exactly. Alternatively, you can try making this recipe using your pressure cooker. Place the Italian sausages in the Ninja Foodi pot, add ½ cup of water, and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Once done, quick-release the pressure. The sausages will be incredibly delicious and juicy. For some added color and flavor, you can brown them further by transferring them to the Ninja Foodi air fryer basket and air frying for a couple of minutes.
What Is Traditional Italian Sausage?
Italian sausage stands out from other types of sausages due to its distinctive flavor profile. It is primarily seasoned with fennel seed, anise, coriander, garlic, salt, and pepper. Additionally, it comes in three variations: mild, hot (with the addition of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes), and sweet (with the addition of sweet basil). Traditionally, this sausage is made from pork shoulder or pork butt.
How to Cook Fresh Italian Sausage
If you have thawed your sausages or have fresh ones, here’s the recommended cooking time and temperature. Cook them in the air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, ensuring that the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. It’s important not to consume raw sausage. Remember to lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why this air fryer frozen sausage recipe is a winner:
- No defrosting required: Forget about planning your dinner ahead of time. With this recipe, just pull out the Italian sausages and cook them in the air fryer from frozen in under 20 minutes.
- Less clean-up: This recipe only requires an air fryer and possibly a cutting board if you decide to slice the sausages afterward.
- No need to babysit: Once you put the sausages in the air fryer, you can forget about them until they’re done.
- Works with any sausage: This recipe is flexible and can be used with any uncooked dinner sausage, be it Italian, brats, turkey, or any other variety.
Side Dishes
When serving air fryer frozen sausage, there are numerous side dish options to choose from. Some popular choices include sauerkraut, potatoes (mashed, boiled, or pan-fried with garlic and butter), sautéed bell peppers and onions, coleslaw salad, grilled vegetables, or even baked beans. Get creative and build your perfect plate!
Leftovers
Leftover sausages can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use an airtight container or a ziplock bag to keep them fresh. If you have more than you can consume within that time frame, you can also freeze them for 2-3 months. Just make sure to remove any excess air from the container or bag to prevent freezer burn.
You may also be interested in these air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Orange Roughy
- Air Fryer Stuffed Clams
- Air Fryer Frozen Tilapia
- Air Fryer Chicken Hearts
- Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets
So, next time you’re in the mood for a quick and tasty meal, try cooking frozen Italian sausage in an air fryer. You’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious it can be!
