Name: Air Fryer Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 19 min
Cuisine: Various
Ingredients: 5 sausage links (like Italian sausage or bratwurst, about 18 ounces)

If you’re looking for a ridiculously easy, utterly delicious weeknight dinner or hearty breakfast addition, Air Fryer Sausage is about to be your new obsession. Crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle—these sausages turn out perfectly every time, all with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning-Fast Dinner Solution: From fridge to table in under 20 minutes—Air Fryer Sausage makes busy weeknights a breeze!
Incredible Texture, Every Time: You get snappy skins and juicy centers, with no standing over a splattering pan.
No-Fuss, Low-Mess: Everything happens right in the air fryer basket, so cleanup is practically nonexistent.
Totally Versatile: Serve these sausages with breakfast, pile them in a bun, or slice into pasta—the possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe truly shines with its simplicity, letting the full flavor of your favorite sausages be the star. Just a single essential ingredient—plus your trusty air fryer—gives you that crave-worthy result!

Sausage links (like Italian sausage or bratwurst, about 18 ounces): Choose your personal favorite—mild, spicy, pork, or chicken. Fresh sausages with natural casings will develop the best sizzle and snap in the air fryer.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about air frying sausage is how easily you can tweak it to match your cravings, dietary needs, or whatever you have in your fridge. Here are a few ways to make the recipe your own:

Chicken, Turkey, or Plant-Based Sausage: Swap in chicken, turkey, or your favorite vegetarian sausages for a lighter or meat-free spin. Cooking time may vary slightly, so just keep an eye on them.
Add Peppers & Onions: Toss sliced bell peppers and onions into the basket alongside your sausages. They’ll pick up flavor and texture as they cook together—hello, sausage sandwich night!
Seasoning Boost: Brush your sausages with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of smoked paprika or Italian herbs before air frying for an extra punch of flavor.
Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausages, chorizo, or add crushed red pepper flakes midway through cooking for a little extra heat.

How to Make Air Fryer Sausage

Step 1: Preheat and Arrange

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. This step ensures your sausages get that signature crispy snap as soon as they hit the basket. Arrange the sausages in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching so hot air can circulate and help them brown evenly.

Step 2: Air Fry and Flip

Slide the basket back into your air fryer and set the timer for 13–14 minutes. About halfway through, open the basket and use tongs to flip the sausages. That flip is the secret to gorgeous, evenly browned sausages on all sides!

Step 3: Check for Doneness

Air Fryer Sausage is ready when the outside is deliciously browned and the interior reaches at least 160°F (for pork or beef). If you prefer sausage with a softer skin, check at the 13-minute mark. For darker, extra-crispy skins, go the full 14 minutes—or even a minute more!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Sausage

Choose High-Quality Sausage: Look for sausages with natural casings for that irresistible snap and maximum juicy flavor inside.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give the sausages space so the hot air circulates around each one for optimal browning and crisping.
Flip for Even Crisp: Flipping the sausages halfway through ensures the browning is beautifully even (and it’s super satisfying to see those grill marks form!).
Check Temperature, Not Just Color: While a deep golden exterior is the goal, double-check the internal temperature for food safety (160°F for pork or beef sausages).

How to Serve Air Fryer Sausage

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil instantly adds color and a whiff of freshness. For an even bigger flavor punch, try a drizzle of grainy mustard, a spoonful of sauerkraut, or a shower of shaved Parmesan—anything goes!

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Sausage plays so well with others! Serve alongside buttery mashed potatoes, a simple green salad, grilled veggies, or nestle them into a fluffy bun with coleslaw on the side. For breakfast, pair with eggs and roasted potatoes for a serious morning treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Toss sausage slices into pasta, pile them onto pizzas, fold them into breakfast burritos, or add to grain bowls. Slice and skewer them for party-ready appetizers, or go all-in with a build-your-own sausage sandwich bar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Air Fryer Sausage cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days in the refrigerator—ready for quick lunches or snacks!

Freezing

Freeze fully cooked sausages for up to two months. Wrap them individually or lay them in a single layer so they don’t stick, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for best results.

Reheating

To restore that signature crisp, simply pop sausages back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes, or reheat in the microwave if you’re short on time (though the skin won’t be quite as crisp).

FAQs

Can I cook frozen sausage in the air fryer?

Yes, you absolutely can! Add a few extra minutes to the cook time and make sure to check that the center reaches a safe temperature. No need to thaw first—just separate frozen links and follow the same steps.
What types of sausage work best for air frying?

Both pork and chicken sausages work beautifully. Whether you like classic Italian, bratwurst, or even veggie sausages, the air fryer method brings out their best flavor and texture. For extra snap, choose sausages with natural casings!
Do I need to poke holes in the sausages before air frying?

It’s not necessary, and actually, it’s better not to! Keeping sausages intact helps retain all those amazing juices and flavors inside. The air fryer cooks them evenly without risk of bursting.
How do I prevent the sausages from sticking to the basket?

Just give the basket a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray before adding your sausages, or use a parchment liner designed for air fryers. It’s rare for sausages to stick, but this step makes removal extra easy.

Final Thoughts

It’s honestly amazing how Air Fryer Sausage delivers so much flavor with so little effort. Give it a try next time you want a no-fuss meal that’s big on comfort and even bigger on taste—I promise, it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen!