I’ll admit, I’ve always been a fan of a hearty breakfast that doesn’t take forever to prepare. Sausage patties, with their rich and savory flavor, have been my go-to for pairing with fluffy pancakes or scrambled eggs. But when I discovered how easy it is to cook them perfectly in an air fryer, my mornings became so much simpler! The air fryer not only gives the patties a crisp exterior, but it also locks in the juicy goodness.
What I love most is that this recipe isn’t just for breakfast. These patties are versatile enough to make a quick protein-packed snack or even act as a savory addition to sandwiches. If you’re looking for an easy, efficient, and flavorful way to cook sausage patties, let me walk you through everything you’ll need to know.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Sausage Patties: Pre-made sausage patties, whether store-bought or homemade, are the star of this dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own by seasoning ground pork with a mix of salt, pepper, garlic, and your favorite spices.
Cooking Spray: A light mist of cooking spray is essential to prevent sticking and ensure the patties cook evenly. While most sausage patties contain their own fat, this step is helpful for air fryer success.
Air Fryer: This is the key piece of equipment that makes the magic happen. The air fryer circulates hot air to cook the patties quickly while creating a crisp texture on the outside.
Ingredients List
- 6 sausage patties (store-bought or homemade)
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Sausage Patties
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 2-3 minutes. Preheating ensures the patties cook evenly and develop that golden-brown exterior.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Patties
If your sausage patties are homemade, shape them into even rounds about 1/2-inch thick. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Arrange the Patties in the Air Fryer
Place the sausage patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. This allows the hot air to circulate properly for even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Cook the sausage patties at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are browned and cooked through. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should read at least 160°F (71°C) for pork sausage.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making them even more flavorful. Serve immediately with your favorite breakfast sides or as a snack!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Leave space between the patties to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensuring the sausage is fully cooked is crucial for food safety and flavor. Aim for 160°F (71°C).
- Homemade sausage bonus: If you want to customize your patties, try adding spices like paprika, fennel, or sage to ground pork for a unique flavor.
- Batch cooking: If you’re cooking for a crowd, keep the cooked patties warm in a low oven (200°F/93°C) while the rest are cooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen sausage patties in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time and make sure to flip halfway through.
2. What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
You can use pork, turkey, or even chicken sausage. Adjust the cooking time slightly for leaner options like chicken or turkey.
3. Do I need to add oil to the sausage patties?
Most store-bought patties have enough fat, but a light spray of cooking oil can help achieve extra crispiness.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F to maintain crispiness.
5. Can I make these patties ahead of time?
Yes! Shape and season homemade patties, then freeze them raw with parchment paper between layers. Cook directly from frozen when needed.
With this easy recipe and a few helpful tips, your air fryer sausage patties will come out perfectly every time. Breakfast (or snack time) just got a whole lot better!