Are you looking for a hassle-free way to cook sausages that guarantees a crispy exterior and mouthwatering juiciness? Look no further than the air fryer! While it may have initially seemed like a device exclusively for frying, the air fryer proves to be a versatile mini oven that can handle a variety of dishes, including sausages.
Temperature For Cooking Sausages
Setting the right temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch and succulent center. When cooking sausages in the air fryer, I recommend cranking up the heat to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a delectable brown crust on the outside while preventing them from drying out.
How Long To Cook Them
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the sausages. Thinner sausages, like breakfast sausages, will take approximately 8-10 minutes to achieve a crispy exterior and fully cooked interior. On the other hand, thicker sausages such as Brats or Italian sausage may require 9-12 minutes. Always remember to check that the sausages are completely free of any pinkness inside before serving.
Why Cook Sausages In The Air Fryer?
Aside from its convenient hands-free cooking approach, the air fryer offers an even browning and cooking experience. Unlike stovetop cooking, you won’t need to constantly monitor or flip the sausages. Simply place them in the air fryer, and they’ll cook to perfection on all sides, resulting in a sausage with a crisp, browned exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior.
How To Cook Sausages In The Air Fryer
The cooking method varies depending on whether your sausages are frozen or fresh. If they’re frozen, you can either defrost them or cook them straight from frozen. For fresh or thawed sausages, start by poking a few holes in the casings to allow the fats to escape easily. Then, arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook until the sausages are well-browned on the outside and cooked through. The cooking time typically ranges from 8-12 minutes, depending on the sausage thickness and quantity.
Types Of Sausages You Can Air Fry
The air fryer welcomes all kinds of sausages, whether they’re thin breakfast links, thick sausages, sliced fully-cooked sausages, or even frozen ones. The high heat of the air fryer creates a crispy skin while ensuring the inside is no longer pink, resulting in irresistibly juicy sausages.
Embedding an image of Air Fryer Sausages here
Heating Fully-Cooked Sausages In The Air Fryer
Fully-cooked sausages that only require a little color and reheating can also be prepared in the air fryer. For kielbasa, slice it into 3/4-inch thick pieces and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 4-5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until lightly browned in spots. If you have a kielbasa ring or link, cook it for about 7 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for that perfect crispy skin.
You can also explore various other fully-cooked sausage options available at the grocery store, such as wieners and flavored chicken sausages. Simply place the links in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook them at 400°F (200°C) until heated through and lightly browned, typically 5-7 minutes. No need to poke holes in these casings before cooking!
So, if you’re looking for a delicious, quick, and effortless way to cook sausages, embrace the air fryer. Enjoy the irresistible combination of a crispy, browned exterior and a tender, juicy interior. Try it out today and discover why sausages are at their best when prepared in the air fryer. -Christine xo
Print: This article was originally published in June 2020 and was revised and republished in March 2021.
