I absolutely love cooking with my air fryer because it’s quick, convenient, and leaves me with perfectly cooked meals every time. One of my favorite recipes to make is Air Fryer Sausage Links. It’s incredibly simple but delivers such delicious results that you’ll want to make it over and over again. Whether you’re preparing a hearty breakfast or looking to add a savory side to your meal, air-fried sausages always hit the spot. They’re juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and just the right balance of savory and smoky.
The best part? You don’t have to worry about making a mess on the stove or using up a lot of time. With just a few basic ingredients and the magic of your air fryer, you’ll have golden, flavorful sausages in no time. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make these savory sausage links and how you can get them perfectly cooked!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Sausage Links: Sausage links are the star of this recipe. You can use any kind you like—pork, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages if that’s your preference. Be sure to pick sausages that are tightly packed for the best results in the air fryer.
Olive Oil: A light spritz of olive oil helps the sausages crisp up nicely while keeping them moist inside. It adds a rich flavor and aids in achieving that golden-brown exterior.
Seasoning: While sausages are already full of flavor, a dash of seasoning like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning can bring them to the next level. It’s an optional step but definitely adds an extra touch of yum!
Air Fryer: Of course, you’ll need an air fryer to cook your sausages. The air fryer is the perfect tool to achieve that crispiness without any excess oil.
Ingredients list
- Sausage Links: 4-6 sausage links (choose your preferred type)
- Olive Oil: 1 teaspoon (for light spraying)
- Seasoning: Optional, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite seasoning blend
How to Make Air Fryer Sausage Links
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your sausages cook evenly and crisp up perfectly from the moment they go in. Preheating is key to achieving the best texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausages
Take your sausage links and pat them dry with a paper towel if they have excess moisture. Lightly spray each link with olive oil to help them crisp up during cooking. If you’re adding any seasonings, sprinkle them on now for added flavor.
Step 3: Arrange the Sausages in the Air Fryer
Place the sausage links in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overcrowded so the hot air can circulate and cook the sausages evenly. You can place them in a crisscross pattern if necessary, but avoid stacking them.
Step 4: Air Fry the Sausages
Set the air fryer to cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Check halfway through and flip the sausages for an even golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking, as cooking time may vary depending on the size of your sausages and your air fryer model.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sausages are cooked through and crispy on the outside, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. You’ll be left with juicy, flavorful sausages that are ready to enjoy!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Adjust Cooking Time for Different Sausages: If you’re using smaller or thinner sausages, they might cook faster than larger links. Start with 10 minutes and check for doneness.
- Do Not Overcrowd: To ensure crispiness, it’s best to arrange the sausages in a single layer. Overcrowding can cause them to steam, and you won’t get that perfect crispiness.
- Try Different Flavors: Experiment with different types of sausages, like spicy Italian, chorizo, or breakfast sausages, for unique flavors.
- Use Tongs: When flipping the sausages, use tongs to avoid piercing them, which can cause the juices to leak out.
- Clean the Air Fryer Basket: After cooking sausages, make sure to clean your air fryer basket well, as sausage grease can accumulate and affect the air fryer’s performance.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook sausages in an air fryer?
It typically takes 12-15 minutes to cook sausages at 375°F (190°C), depending on the size of the sausages. Always check to ensure they are fully cooked with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for pork sausages.
Can I use frozen sausages in the air fryer?
Yes! You can cook frozen sausages in the air fryer, but they may need a few extra minutes. Start with 15-18 minutes at 375°F and check for doneness. No need to thaw them before cooking.
Do I need to pierce sausages before air frying?
No, you do not need to pierce sausages before cooking them in the air fryer. The air fryer will allow the sausages to cook evenly without causing them to burst. Just make sure they’re properly seasoned or oiled.
Can I make these sausages ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these sausages ahead of time, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your air fryer sausages, and happy cooking!