Air fryer sausage is a quick and easy way to cook juicy, flavourful sausages with beautifully browned skins and minimal effort. Whether you’re making breakfast, preparing a simple weeknight dinner, or adding sausages to a family meal, the air fryer makes cooking them easy with little added oil and less mess.
My Favorite Way to Make Sausage in the Air Fryer
My favourite way to cook sausages in the air fryer is to arrange them in a single layer and let the hot air brown them evenly. You don’t need much oil because sausages already contain fat, and the circulating heat helps create a deliciously browned exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
This method works well with pork, beef, chicken, or turkey sausages. You can also use traditional British breakfast sausages, Italian sausages, or thicker dinner sausages. Just remember that cooking times depend on their size and thickness.
Recipe at a glance
- Prep time: 2 minutes
- Cook time: 10–15 minutes
- Total time: 12–17 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Temperature: 180°C / 360°F
Ingredients
- 8 sausages of your choice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil, optional and usually unnecessary
- Black pepper or your favourite seasoning, optional
Sausages are already seasoned, so you generally don’t need to add salt. If you’re cooking a large batch, work in batches rather than overcrowding the basket.
How to Cook Sausage in the Air Fryer
Cooking sausages in the air fryer requires only a few simple steps. Follow this method for evenly cooked sausages with a nicely browned outside.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
If your air fryer manufacturer’s instructions recommend preheating, set it to 180°C / 360°F. Some models do not require preheating, so follow the guidance for your appliance.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausages
Remove the sausages from their packaging and pat them dry with kitchen paper if they are particularly moist.
You usually don’t need to pierce sausages before cooking. Keeping the casings intact helps retain their juices and flavour.
If you’re using very lean sausages, you can lightly brush them with a little oil, but this is optional.
Step 3: Arrange the Sausages in the Basket
Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them so the hot air can circulate. Avoid stacking or overcrowding them.
If your air fryer is small, cook the sausages in batches for more consistent results.
Step 4: Air Fry the Sausages
Cook at 180°C / 360°F for approximately 10–15 minutes, turning the sausages halfway through cooking.
Smaller breakfast sausages may cook more quickly, while thicker sausages may need 15–20 minutes or longer. Begin checking early and adjust the time according to their size and your air fryer.
Step 5: Check That They’re Fully Cooked
Sausages should be browned on the outside and cooked all the way through. The safest way to check is with a food thermometer inserted into the centre of the thickest sausage.
For common sausage varieties, use these minimum internal temperatures:
- Pork and beef sausages: 71°C / 160°F
- Chicken and turkey sausages: 74°C / 165°F
Follow the package instructions if they specify a higher temperature or different cooking guidance. Colour alone isn’t a reliable way to determine whether sausages are fully cooked.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Carefully remove the sausages from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy them whole, sliced into a meal, or tucked into your favourite sandwich roll.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Air Fryer Sausage
A few simple tricks can help you get tasty, evenly cooked sausages every time.
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Leave a little space between each sausage. Good airflow helps them brown evenly and prevents some areas from steaming instead of roasting.
2. Turn Them Halfway Through
Turning the sausages halfway through cooking helps them brown more evenly. If your air fryer cooks very evenly, you may not need to turn them, but it’s a useful step for most models.
3. Avoid Piercing the Casings
Piercing sausages allows some of the juices and fat to escape, which can leave them drier. Keep the casings intact unless the product instructions specifically recommend otherwise.
4. Adjust the Cooking Time to Their Size
Thin breakfast sausages cook faster than thick pork or Italian sausages. Use the suggested times as a starting point, then check the internal temperature to confirm they’re done.
5. Skip Extra Oil Unless Needed
Most sausages release enough fat during cooking, so additional oil is often unnecessary. If you use very lean sausages, a light brush of oil can help prevent sticking.
6. Keep an Eye on Excess Fat
Sausages can release a fair amount of fat. If your model has a removable drawer or drip tray, handle it carefully and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Never pour water into a hot air fryer to deal with grease.
7. Cook Similar-Sized Sausages Together
Using sausages of a similar thickness makes it easier to get consistent results. If you cook different sizes together, remove the smaller ones once they’re safely cooked and continue cooking the larger ones as needed.
8. Check Before Adding Extra Seasoning
Many sausages already contain salt, herbs, and spices. Taste them first before adding extra seasoning, especially if you’re serving them with salty sides such as bacon or cheese.
What to Serve with Air Fry Sausage
Air fryer sausages are versatile and work for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here are some easy serving ideas.
Classic Sausage and Mash
Serve sausages with creamy mashed potatoes, peas, and onion gravy for a comforting British-style dinner. The gravy pairs especially well with browned pork sausages.
Air Fryer Sausage and Eggs
For a hearty breakfast, serve sausages with fried or scrambled eggs, toast, grilled tomatoes, and mushrooms. You can cook the sausages first and keep them warm while preparing the other ingredients.
Sausage Sandwiches
Place the cooked sausages in a soft bread roll or sliced bread. Add fried onions, mustard, ketchup, or brown sauce for a simple and satisfying meal.
Roasted Potatoes and Vegetables
Pair sausages with crispy potatoes, carrots, peppers, onions, or broccoli. You can cook vegetables separately in the air fryer or prepare them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Sausage Pasta
Slice the cooked sausages and add them to tomato pasta, creamy garlic pasta, or a simple pasta bake. They add plenty of flavour and make an easy meal for the whole family.
Sausage and Beans
Serve the sausages with baked beans and buttered toast for a quick breakfast or casual dinner. This is an especially easy option when you need a filling meal with minimal preparation.
Sausage Salad
For a lighter meal, slice cooked sausages and serve them over a green salad with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and your favourite dressing.
Air Fryer Sausage FAQs
How Long Do Sausages Take in the Air Fryer?
Most standard sausages take approximately 10–15 minutes at 180°C / 360°F. Thicker sausages may need 15–20 minutes or more, while small breakfast sausages can cook faster. Always confirm that they have reached the appropriate internal temperature.
What Temperature Should I Use for Air Fryer Sausages?
A temperature of 180°C / 360°F is a good starting point for most fresh sausages. If your sausages are browning too quickly before cooking through, lower the temperature slightly and continue cooking until the centre reaches a safe temperature.
Do I Need to Add Oil?
Usually not. Sausages naturally release fat as they cook. A small amount of oil is optional if the sausages are very lean or tend to stick to your basket.
Should I Pierce Sausages Before Air Frying?
No, piercing is generally unnecessary. Leaving the casings intact helps retain moisture and flavour. Turn the sausages during cooking instead of piercing them to help them brown evenly.
Can I Cook Frozen Sausages in the Air Fryer?
Yes, provided the packaging and your air fryer instructions allow it. Frozen sausages usually need longer than fresh ones, and they may cook unevenly if frozen together in a solid clump. Separate them when safe to do so, arrange them in a single layer, and check the centre of the thickest sausage with a food thermometer. Follow any specific package instructions.
Can I Cook Different Types of Sausages Together?
You can cook different types together if they are similar in size and have compatible cooking requirements. However, chicken, turkey, pork, and beef sausages may have different safe internal temperature recommendations. Check each type individually and remove sausages as soon as they are fully cooked.
Why Are My Air Fryer Sausages Dry?
Sausages can become dry if they are overcooked, particularly if they are lean. Check them towards the end of the estimated cooking time and use a thermometer to avoid cooking them for longer than necessary.
Why Aren’t My Sausages Browning?
Overcrowding can restrict airflow and cause the sausages to cook unevenly. Leave space between them, turn them halfway through, and continue cooking for a few extra minutes if needed. Make sure they reach a safe internal temperature before serving.
Can I Cook Sausages Without Preheating the Air Fryer?
Yes, if your air fryer allows cooking without preheating. The sausages may need slightly longer, so check them towards the end of the expected cooking time and verify their internal temperature.
Can I Reheat Cooked Sausages in the Air Fryer?
Yes. Place refrigerated, previously cooked sausages in the basket and heat at around 160°C / 320°F for 3–5 minutes, turning if necessary. Larger sausages may need longer. Reheat until steaming hot throughout, and avoid repeatedly cooling and reheating the same leftovers.
How Should I Store Leftover Sausages?
Refrigerate cooked sausages in a covered container within two hours of cooking. Use them within 3–4 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat leftovers until steaming hot throughout.
Can I Cook Sausages and Vegetables Together?
Yes, as long as your basket has enough space for air to circulate. Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces and choose vegetables with cooking times that work well with the sausages. You may need to add the vegetables at different times or cook everything in batches.
Air fryer sausage is an easy way to prepare a delicious meal with minimal preparation and cleanup. Start at 180°C / 360°F, turn the sausages halfway through, and adjust the cooking time to their size. Whether you serve them with mash, eggs, pasta, or vegetables, they’re a simple favourite for breakfast or dinner.
PrintAir Fryer Sausages
Air fryer sausages are so quick and easy this recipe tells you the temperature and time for cooking fresh or frozen sausages.
This air fryer method can be used for British bangers such as Cumberland, Lincolnshire, simple thick pork sausages, sweet or spicy Italian sausages.
Keep the temperature but adjust cooking time to suit for smaller sausages, such as thin pork breakfast sausages, cocktail sausages or my kid’s favourite chipolatas.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
- 6 Sausages
- 3 squirts Spray Oil
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C/350°F for 5 minutes
- Prick each sausage a few times with a sharp knife
- Spray the base of the air fryer with a couple of squirts of spray oil to prevent sausages from sticking.
- Use a pair of tongs to carefully place sausages in (do not allow them to touch for even cooking)Put the timer on for 12 minutes (adjust the time for smaller, bigger, or frozen sausages see the notes section below)
- Halfway through cooking turn over using tongs.
- After 12° minutes check, cook for longer if needed.
- Serve with your chosen meal
Notes
How long to cook different types of sausages in air fryer?
We used fresh British Cumberland sausages for this post.
The same temperature and time listed above will also work for most thick pork sausages, such as Lincolnshire sausages and Italian sausages, as well as chicken or beef sausages.
To cook thin pork sausages, breakfast, or chipolatas, lower time to 10 minutes on 180°C/350°F.If cooking larger sausages such as Bratwurst they will need 15 minutes to cook through.
Can I cook frozen sausages in the air fryer?
Yes, sausages that are purchased already frozen from the supermarket have been specially prepared to be safe to cook from frozen.
So they can safely be cooked in an air fryer. They may need a couple more minutes than fresh sausages.
However, if you have frozen, fresh sausages yourself. It is recommended to defrost ahead of time in the fridge (overnight) before cooking them in the air fryer.
