Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (2024)

HomeCooking MethodAir Fryer

Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (1)

Cheryl MalikPosted: 03/05/21Updated: 12/07/21

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GFGluten FreeDFDairy FreePPaleoKKetoLCLow Carb30Whole30

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Cooking sausage in the air fryer is our favorite way to get Italian sausage or bratwurst on the table! Hands off and super quick, the air fryer cooks sausage beautifully, with a perfect crisp skin.

Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (2)

What Makes This Recipe So Good

  • This air fryer method is SO easy. No standing over the stovetop while grease splashes everywhere, turning the sausages constantly to make sure they’re browned (not burnt) outside but still perfectly cooked inside. Here the air fryer does all the work, and it’s virtually hands-free! You just need to flip the sausages once, halfway through the cook time.
  • Air fryer sausages come out perfectly cooked, every single time. Stovetop sausages can vary every time you make them if the heat is even slightly off, or if you flip them too many times, or not enough, or any number of little factors. Air fryer sausages are always beautifully crisp outside and outrageously juicy inside.
  • It takes less than 20 minutes to go from fridge to table! Sausages make a great pairing with all sorts of things, too – roasted peppers and onions, potatoes, pasta with a cream sauce… you could even eat the sausages in buns or just on their own!

Key Ingredients

Sausage – Link sausages are literally the only ingredient you need for air fryer sausages! This method will work for any link sausage, so just pick your favorite (or try something new, it’s entirely up to you!). Smaller links, like breakfast sausages, will cook a little faster than thicker sausages like bratwursts. If you’re Whole30, make sure the sausages you use are Whole30-compliant!

Chef’s Tips

  • For larger sausages or smaller air fryers, you may not be able to fit 5 link sausages in the basket at once. That’s okay! You can work in batches if you need to. The key is to make sure they’re laying in one even layer, not touching or overlapping, so the air can circulate completely. Any spot the air can’t reach is a spot the sausage won’t cook completely.
  • Don’t pierce the skin of the sausages before you put them in the air fryer! The skin is there to hold in all the juices, and poking holes in it would just let all those juices run out during cooking.
  • Air fryer smoking? No worries! Sausages are high in fat, and sometimes the dripping fat causes a little smoke. If you run into this, you can try putting a parchment paper made specifically for air fryers in the bottom of the basket, under the sausages. A little water in the bottom of the basket could help, too.
  • Air fryers are phenomenal, but like with any appliance, one can be a little different from another. Keep an eye on your sausages in the air fryer the first time or two you make them, so you know exactly what cook time works best for your air fryer! Remember, with pork sausage, you want an internal temperature of at least 160° Fahrenheit.
Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (3)

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Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (4)

5 from 31 votes

Sausage in the Air Fryer

Prep:5 minutes minutes

Cook:14 minutes minutes

Total:19 minutes minutes

Cooking sausage in the air fryer is our favorite way to get Italian sausage or bratwurst on the table! Hands off and super quick, the air fryer cooks sausage beautifully, with a perfect crisp skin.

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Ingredients

  • 5 sausage links like Italian sausage or bratwurst, about 18 ounces

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

  • Tongs

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 370° Fahrenheit. Place sausages in single layer in basket.

    Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (5)

  • Return basket to air fryer. Cook 13 minutes for a softer skin or 14 minutes for a nice browned exterior. Using tongs, flip sausages once midway through cooking.

    Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (6)

Notes

Recipe yields 5 cooked sausages. Nutritional values shown reflect information for 1 serving, or 1 cooked sausage. Macros may vary slightly depending on the specific brand and type of sausages used.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1sausage | Calories: 388kcal | Protein: 16g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Total Carbs: 1g | Net Carbs: 1g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 819mg | Potassium: 283mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed,notincluding any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (7)

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  1. Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (8)Eleanor Lecker says

    Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (9)
    Perfect sausages.

    Reply

  2. Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (11)Kathleen says

    Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (12)
    A great way to cook sausage. Juicy & crispy skin.

    Reply

    • Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (13)Jessica | Easy Healthy Recipes Team says

      So glad you enjoyed it, Kathleen!

      Reply

  3. Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (14)Beth says

    Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (15)
    Juicyest sausages ever! Cooked evenly slightly crispy on the out side and so juicy on the inside. My new favourite way to cook sausages

    Reply

    • Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (16)Jessica | Easy Healthy Recipes Team says

      So glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for sharing, Beth.

      Reply

  4. Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (17)Lisa Biggs says

    Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (18)
    Wonderful sausages !

    Reply

    • Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (19)Megan | Easy Healthy Recipes Team says

      So glad you enjoyed them, Lisa! Thanks for the review!

      Reply

  5. Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (20)James Schwartz says

    Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (21)
    What is the temperature and length of time for Brats or Italian Sausages

    Reply

    • Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (22)Jessica | Easy Healthy Recipes Team says

      Hi James! We actually have another recipe specifically for brats in the air fryer!

      https://easyhealthyrecipes.com/air-fryer-brats/

      Reply

  6. Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (23)Blackavar says

    Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (24)
    You deserve recognition for this great, simple recipe. My leek and feta sausages turned out perfectly. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (25)Jessica | Easy Healthy Recipes Team says

      So glad they turned out perfectly!

      Reply

  7. Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (26)Anita Dunkin says

    Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (27)
    It sounds scrumptious cooking it now

    Reply

    • Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (28)Jessica | Easy Healthy Recipes Team says

      Hope you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  8. Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (29)Tim says

    Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (30)
    I’ve done this cooking process with country garlic sausage about 4 times now. Doing it again tonight. Airfryer sausage is absolutely amazing. Recomend a little water in your tray if it starts smoking. So GOOD.

    Reply

    • Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (31)Jessica Jarratt says

      Country garlic sausage sounds delish! Thanks for sharing, Tim!

      Reply

  9. Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (32)StephG2017 says

    Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (33)
    Thank you so much for sharing this amazing, easy recipe!!

    Reply

    • Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (34)Megan | Easy Healthy Recipes Team says

      So happy you enjoyed it, Steph!

      Reply

Older Comments

Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Are sausages in an air fryer healthy? ›

So if you often eat deep-fried foods, switching to an air fryer could be helpful. If you're cooking a food that you wouldn't normally add fat to when you cook it, whether that's ready-made oven chips, bacon, sausages or breaded chicken, being cooked in an air fryer is unlikely to make it healthier.

What is the healthiest way to cook a sausage? ›

Sausages can be cooked in numerous ways. In general, boiling and baking are the healthiest methods, as they don't require much oil. However, pan- and stir-frying are good options as long as you choose a healthy oil. Conversely, deep frying is the least healthy way because of the fat and calories it adds.

What is the best way to cook sausages in an air fryer? ›

Pierce the sausages a few times all over using a sharp knife (this is optional, but will help release more fat). Arrange the sausages in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 180C and cook for 10-15 mins, turning every 5 mins, until the sausages are cooked through.

How long to heat fully cooked sausage in air fryer? ›

Heating Fully-Cooked Sausages In The Air Fryer

Cook them for 4-5 minutes at 400°F, just until lightly browned in places. For a kielbassa ring, or unsliced kielbassa link, I cook it about 7 minutes at 400F, just to get some crispy skin. You can get other kinds of fully-cooked sausage links at the grocery store.

Is there anything unhealthy about an air fryer? ›

Air-frying equipment is not known to cause cancer, but the process of air frying does result in the formation of certain compounds, like acrylamide, that are linked to cancer development. Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen.

Do you poke holes in sausages when air frying? ›

Do NOT poke holes in the sausages, or all the juices will leak out. Air Fry for 5 and half minutes and then flip the sausages over and cook for another 5 and a half minutes until the internal temperature of the sausages is 160°F. Let the sausages rest & cool for about 5 minutes, then slice them up and enjoy!

Is there such a thing as a healthy sausage? ›

If you want to eat sausage often, however, consider choosing healthier types of sausage, such as those made with chicken or turkey. You can also make your own to get the freshest variety with none of the harmful additives or high-fat meat.

Is it better to fry or bake sausages? ›

The great thing about cooking sausages in the oven is that there's less risk of burning them, and you don't need to turn them quite so frequently as you would when frying. The oven does most of the work for you. To cook sausages in the oven, preheat your oven to around 350 F.

Is sausage healthy yes or no? ›

While sausage is a good source of protein, it is best consumed minimally due to its high sodium and saturated fat content. So if you're looking for lean protein options or require a low sodium diet, it might be hard to include this food in your day-to-day meal plan.

How do you clean an air fryer after cooking sausages? ›

Clean the Interior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the air fryer, paying attention to the heating element and any crevices where food debris may have accumulated. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

Can you put foil in an air fryer? ›

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

How do you cook fully cooked sausage? ›

Fully Cooked Sausage Links
  1. Preheat grill to medium-low.
  2. Add Sausage.
  3. Grill for 10-12 minutes or until heated through, turning links often.

How to know if sausage is cooked? ›

Keep cooking for 15-20 mins, moving them around in the pan and turning them over regularly so they all cook evenly. The sausages are ready when the outside is a deep golden brown and the inside is pale, with no pink meat. Any meat juices running off should be clear.

At what temperature is sausage fully cooked? ›

To prevent foodborne illness, uncooked sausages that contain ground beef, pork, lamb or veal should be cooked to 160°F. Uncooked sausages that contain ground turkey and chicken should be cooked to 165°F. Ready-to-eat sausages are dry, semi-dry and/or cooked.

What foods are healthier in a air fryer? ›

An air fryer is a healthier option than deep frying foods and can be an inventive way to fry not only meats and potatoes but other nutritious foods such as broccoli, yams, tofu, or eggs. Compared with deep-frying, using an air fryer can reduce the amount of fat, calories, and potentially harmful compounds in your food.

What is the disadvantage of air fryer? ›

What are Disadvantages of Using an Air Fryer? Air fryers vary in the amount of foods they can hold, but usually do not have a large capacity. Air fryers may not be convenient when cooking for large groups. Foods that are air fried have different sensory characteristics than foods that are deep fried.

How many calories are in 2 air fried sausages? ›

Nutritional information & Macros
Amount Per Serving
Calories150
Fat13g
Protein8g
Total Carbs0g
1 more row

Which is healthier microwave or air fryer? ›

Which is better: an air fryer or a microwave? An air fryer is ideal for cooking healthier, crispy dishes, while a microwave is best for quick reheating and defrosting. Choose the appliance that aligns with your specific cooking needs and preferences.

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