This Air Fryer Sausages recipe teaches you the easy and hands-off way of cooking your favorite sausages: in the air fryer! This method works for any type of sausage, from Italian sausages to chorizo to frozen breakfast links, and takes less than 15 minutes.
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It’s no surprise that I’m completely obsessed with my air fryer. It’s one of my favorite hands-off kitchen tools because it cooks everything, from impressive buffalo wings to simple roasted garlic, to crispy perfection without needing much excess oil.
So, after mastering sausages cooked in the oven, I knew I had to try them in the air fryer! The result? Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside sausages without the greasy mess of pan-frying or grilling.
This Air Fryer Sausages recipe is foolproof and can be made with any type of sausage, whether it’s sweet Italian, spicy Andouille, or hearty bratwurst. Best of all, they’re ready to eat in less than 15 minutes.
Serve your cooked sausages with these perfectly paired side dishes, slice them up and toss them in your favorite pasta dish, or enjoy them with breakfast. The serving options are endless, and since they’re so simple to cook, they’re a must-have for your weekly meals!
What kind of sausages can you air fry?
You can air fry any type of fresh or frozen sausage. It simply depends on whether you’re planning on serving the sausages as a standalone dish, slicing them up for sandwiches, incorporating them into pasta dishes, and more.
Sweet Italian sausages are my go-to’s and what I used for this recipe because they’re full of crave-worthy Italian flavors and are incredibly versatile. Whether they’re served in buns or added to pasta dishes, air fried Italian sausages are always a hit!
Here are more types of sausages to try for quick and easy meals:
- Chorizo
- Andouille
- Breakfast Sausage (links or patties)
- Kielbasa
- Chicken Sausage
- Turkey Sausage
- Plant-Based Sausage
How to cook sausages in an air fryer
You can cook any type of sausage in the air fryer using these same instructions:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F.
- Place Sausage in Basket: Arrange the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space in between each one.
- Cook: Air fry the sausages until they’re cooked through and crispy, flipping halfway.
- Rest: Transfer the sausages to a cutting board and let them rest for up to 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips and tricks
- Remember to preheat your air fryer! Just like cooking sausages in the oven, preheating your air fryer allows the sausages to start cooking immediately, leading to more even, crispy results.
- Always cook the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Stacking or overcrowding can cause the sausages to steam rather than crisp. Cook them in two or three batches if necessary!
- Piercing the fresh sausages with a fork will prevent them from bursting during cooking.
- The best way to check that the sausages are done cooking is with a meat thermometer. Pork sausages are safe to eat when their internal temperature reaches 160°F. Another way to check is by slicing a sausage open to ensure the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
- Craving sausages with an extra crispy skin? Spray or brush the outsides with some vegetable oil before cooking.
- Did you forget to thaw your frozen sausages? You can air fry frozen sausages without thawing. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and increase the temperature slightly.
Serving suggestions
These air fryer Italian sausages are fantastic when served on a crusty hoagie roll with sauteed peppers and onions. Add your favorite condiments on top, such as ketchup, honey mustard, sauerkraut, relish, or zesty mojo sauce, then enjoy!
You can also slice the air fryer sausages and use them as a delicious pizza topping, pierce them with toothpicks for a simple appetizer (just like these Sausage Bites), or toss them into a hearty soup or stew.
Want to make them the star of dinner? Slice the sausages and serve them over a bed of creamy polenta, pasta, or gnocchi with marinara sauce, rose sauce, or sun dried tomato sauce. Don’t forget the freshly grated parmesan cheese on top!
Did you air fry breakfast sausages? There’s no better way to enjoy them than alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon, crispy hash browns, pancakes, buttered toast, and fresh fruit for a classic breakfast feast.
You may also get some serving inspiration from this list of 30+ Best Sausage Appetizers! Or, try one of these 25+ sides for kielbasa!
FAQs
What is the best temperature for air frying sausages?
I recommend air frying the sausages at 370°F because they all cook evenly and at the same time while still developing a crispy crust on the outside.
How long do sausages need to cook in the air fryer?
The total cooking time can vary depending on the size and type of sausages you’re cooking, but generally, fresh sausages take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to air fry. Just remember to flip them halfway through cooking for even browning.
Why is my air fryer smoking while cooking the sausages?
It’s normal for fatty meats like sausages to smoke a little while they’re air frying. To minimize the smoke, consider placing a small amount of water in the bottom of the air fryer basket or lining it with aluminum foil to catch the drippings.
Storing
Wrap each cooked and cooled sausage tightly in plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.
Allow the leftovers to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat them in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.
More easy air fryer recipes
Did you make sausages in the air fryer?
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Full Recipe
Air Fryer Sausages
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 package sweet Italian sausage (or other favorite sausages)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees.
- Arrange sausages in a single layer and air fry for 13-15 minutes, flipping sausages halfway through.
- Remove from the air fryer and enjoy!
Notes
-
Remember to preheat your air fryer! Just like cooking sausages in the oven, preheating your air fryer allows the sausages to start cooking immediately, leading to more even, crispy results.
-
Always cook the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Stacking or overcrowding can cause the sausages to steam rather than crisp. Cook them in two or three batches if necessary!
-
Piercing the fresh sausages with a fork will prevent them from bursting during cooking.
-
The best way to check that the sausages are done cooking is with a meat thermometer. Pork sausages are safe to eat when their internal temperature reaches 160°F. Another way to check is by slicing a sausage open to ensure the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
-
Craving sausages with an extra crispy skin? Spray or brush the outsides with some vegetable oil before cooking.
-
Did you forget to thaw your frozen sausages? You can air fry frozen sausages without thawing. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and increase the temperature slightly.
- Wrap each cooked and cooled sausage tightly in plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.
- Allow the leftovers to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat them in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.
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