Name: Air Fryer Sausage
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds raw sausage ((about 6 links)); Olive oil spray

Jump to Recipe

Tired of splattering stovetops and waiting ages for your favorite sausages to cook? Get ready to transform your breakfast, lunch, or dinner game because we’re diving headfirst into the glorious world of Air Fryer Sausage! This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a declaration of independence from greasy pans and long cooking times. Imagine perfectly browned, juicy links with minimal fuss and cleanup. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, pinch yourself, because this dream is about to become your delicious reality. Your air fryer is about to become your new best friend for crispy, savory sausages every single time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Sausage recipe, and here are four sizzling reasons why:

Speed Demon in the Kitchen: From prep to plate, you’re looking at a mere 12 minutes! That’s faster than most delivery services, making it perfect for busy mornings or lightning-fast weeknight meals.

Effortless Cleanup: Say goodbye to scrubbing stubborn grease! A quick spray of olive oil or a silicone liner means your air fryer basket stays mostly pristine, making post-meal tidying a breeze.
Perfectly Crispy & Juicy: The air fryer’s circulating hot air works magic, creating a beautifully browned, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside wonderfully juicy and tender. No more dry, sad sausages here!

Healthier & Happier: With just a touch of olive oil spray, you get all the flavor without excess grease. Plus, the paper towel trick at the end helps soak up any remaining extra fat, making these sausages a lighter option you can feel good about.

Ingredients with Measurements

Ready to get cooking? You only need two simple ingredients for this Air Fryer Sausage masterpiece!

🥓 1.5 pounds raw sausage (approximately 6 links)
🫒 Olive oil spray (just a light mist!)

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions How to Make the Recipe

Let’s turn those simple ingredients into a plate of deliciousness! Follow these easy steps for perfect Air Fryer Sausage every time.

Preheat for Perfection: First things first, get your air fryer good and hot! Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This ensures immediate crisping and even cooking. For a super easy cleanup and to keep things a bit healthier, give the basket a light spritz with olive oil spray, or if you have one, pop in a handy silicone liner.
Arrange with Care: Carefully take your raw sausage links and arrange them in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket. The key here is to not overcrowd! Make sure there’s a little bit of breathing room around each link. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, ensuring every side gets that coveted crispy, golden-brown finish.

First Fry & Flip: Close the air fryer and let those sausages cook for an initial 8 minutes. Once the timer dings, it’s flip time! Open the basket, and using tongs, give each sausage link a gentle turn to cook evenly on the other side.
Finish & Check Temp: Continue cooking for another 3 minutes. At this point, your sausages should be beautifully browned. To ensure they’re perfectly safe and cooked through, grab an instant-read thermometer and check the internal temperature. You’re looking for a lovely 160°F (71°C). If they need a minute or two more, pop them back in until they reach the magic number.
Rest & Serve: Once cooked, carefully transfer your sizzling Air Fryer Sausage to a plate that’s lined with a paper towel. This little trick helps to absorb any excess oil, ensuring your sausages are light, delicious, and ready to be devoured!

Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 345 kcal
Total Carbs: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Fats: 30.1g
Protein: 17.1g

Detailed Different Ways You Can Present the Recipe and How to Serve It

Your perfectly cooked Air Fryer Sausage is incredibly versatile! Here are some fun and delicious ways to present and serve them, transforming a simple ingredient into a mealtime star:

Classic Breakfast Plate: Pair your crispy sausages with fluffy scrambled eggs, a side of toasted bread or hash browns, and perhaps some sliced avocado for a hearty start to your day. Don’t forget a dollop of your favorite hot sauce!

Sausage & Peppers Hero: Slice the cooked sausages and toss them with sautéed bell peppers and onions. Pile this flavorful mixture onto a crusty hoagie roll with a sprinkle of provolone cheese for a fantastic sandwich.
Pasta Power-Up: Slice the sausages into coins and add them to your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce. They’ll infuse the sauce with incredible flavor and add a satisfying protein boost to any pasta dish.
Sheet Pan Wonder: For a complete meal, toss some chopped potatoes, onions, and bell peppers with a little oil and seasoning. Cook them in the air fryer for about 10-15 minutes before adding the sausages for the last 11 minutes, creating an all-in-one feast!

Salad Topper Extraordinaire: Slice the sausages and let them cool slightly, then add them to a vibrant green salad for a savory, protein-packed punch. They pair wonderfully with a vinaigrette dressing.
Skewered Appetizer: If using smaller sausages, cut them into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves for a fun, flavorful appetizer.

How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last

Got leftovers? No problem! Your delicious Air Fryer Sausage can be stored and enjoyed later with ease.

Refrigeration: Once your sausages have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re great for quick breakfasts or adding to salads and sandwiches throughout the week!
Freezing for Later: If you’ve made a big batch or want to meal prep, cooked sausages can be frozen. Place the cooled sausages in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This prevents them from sticking together. They will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- From the fridge: Pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the air fryer will bring back some of that crispy texture.
- From the freezer: For best results, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat in the air fryer as you would refrigerated sausages. You can also reheat from frozen by air frying at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until heated through.

FAQs Sections

Got questions about cooking Air Fryer Sausage? We’ve got answers!

Can I cook frozen sausage in the air fryer? Yes, you can! Increase the cooking time by about 5-8 minutes, cooking at the same temperature. Make sure to flip them halfway and check the internal temperature for doneness.
How do I prevent my sausages from drying out? The key is not to overcook them. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F (71°C) and then remove them promptly. The air fryer helps keep them juicy, but going past the ideal temperature can dry them.
Can I use different types of raw sausage (e.g., chicken, turkey, spicy)? Absolutely! This method works for most raw link sausages. Just be sure to always check the internal temperature, as cooking times might vary slightly depending on the thickness and type of meat.

What if I don’t have an instant-read thermometer? While highly recommended for food safety, if you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of a sausage. It should be opaque throughout with no pink, and the juices should run clear.
How do I clean my air fryer after cooking sausage? For easy cleanup, use a silicone liner or spray lightly with olive oil. After cooking, let the basket cool, then wash it with warm soapy water. For stubborn bits, a non-abrasive sponge or brush works well.
Can I cook vegetables with the sausages? Yes, you can! Heartier vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or potatoes can be added to the basket. Add them in during the first 8 minutes of cooking, then add the sausages for the remainder of the time.

Is air fryer sausage a healthy option? Compared to pan-frying, air frying uses less added oil and the draining process helps remove excess fat, making it a generally healthier cooking method for sausage.
Why isn’t my sausage getting crispy? Ensure your air fryer is preheated and you’re not overcrowding the basket. Proper airflow is crucial for crisping. Also, make sure to flip them for even browning.
How do I adjust the recipe for more or fewer links? For fewer links, cooking time might reduce slightly (check internal temp). For more, you might need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage links in the air fryer? Yes! Pre-cooked sausages will heat up much faster. Air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, just until heated through and lightly browned.