There’s something undeniably comforting about crispy potatoes and juicy sausage sizzling together—especially when you can whip them up in the air fryer with almost no mess. This recipe has become one of my go-to meals on busy weeknights when I want something hearty, simple, and satisfying without spending too long in the kitchen. I love how the air fryer turns the potatoes beautifully golden and keeps the sausage perfectly tender with just the right amount of crisp on the edges.
Honestly, this dish checks every box for me. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it makes my kitchen smell amazing. I’ve made it for lazy Sunday brunches and quick weekday dinners, and it never disappoints. Whether you’re new to air frying or already obsessed like I am, this recipe is a must-try for your rotation.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Baby Potatoes: I prefer using baby potatoes because they cook quickly and have a naturally buttery texture. Cut them in half or quarters depending on size to get the best crispy edge in the air fryer.
Smoked Sausage: You can use any fully cooked smoked sausage you like—kielbasa, andouille, or even chicken sausage works great. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the golden potatoes and adds that savory depth we all crave.
Olive Oil: A little bit of olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up and prevents everything from drying out. You only need a small amount, making this dish lighter than traditional skillet versions.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds an aromatic punch without having to mince anything. It seasons everything evenly and makes the whole dish more flavorful.
Paprika: I love adding paprika for a hint of smoky warmth and a beautiful reddish hue. You can use sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your taste preference.
Salt & Pepper: Just the basics, but they matter. Season to taste, especially with the potatoes, which need that boost to bring out their flavor.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley at the end adds a fresh pop of color and a little brightness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the sausage.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Sausage Potatoes
Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the potatoes start crisping right away when they go in.
Prep the Potatoes and Sausage
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes and sliced sausage with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is coated evenly—that’s the key to flavor in every bite.
Cook in Batches (if needed)
Place the mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
Shake and Cook Again
After 10 minutes, shake the basket or gently stir the contents to ensure even cooking. Cook for another 8–10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden and the sausage is slightly crispy on the edges.
Garnish and Serve
Once done, transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately while everything is hot and crisp.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Cut the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate. Smaller pieces get crispier, so keep that in mind.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—air circulation is crucial for crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Feel free to swap in other veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Just keep the pieces around the same size as the potatoes.
- Check at the halfway mark so you don’t overcook. Every air fryer model is a bit different.
- Use precooked sausage since this recipe doesn’t cook long enough to fully cook raw sausage safely.
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or use spicy sausage.
FAQs
Can I use raw sausage instead of precooked?
I wouldn’t recommend it unless you cook the sausage separately first. The air fryer time here is not long enough to fully cook raw sausage through safely.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Baby potatoes or Yukon golds are ideal because they’re creamy inside and crisp up well on the outside.
How do I store leftovers?
Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to get them crispy again.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sausage and potato mix ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just air fry when you’re ready to eat.
Do I need to boil the potatoes first?
Nope! That’s the beauty of the air fryer. Just toss them in raw and let the machine do the magic.