Can I Cook Sausage Links in the Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can cook sausage links in the air fryer for a quick, crispy, and mess-free meal. Preheat to 375°F, cook for 10–12 minutes, and flip halfway for even browning—no oil needed! Perfect for busy weeknights or batch prep.

Key Takeaways

• Cook sausage links in the air fryer for crispy, juicy results without oil.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
• Arrange sausages in a single layer to avoid overcrowding and promote crispiness.
• Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Check internal temperature to ensure sausages reach 160°F (71°C) for safety.
• Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to retain juices and flavor.

Can I Cook Sausage Links in the Air Fryer? A Quick Guide

Let’s be honest—cooking sausage links can sometimes feel like a high-stakes kitchen gamble. One minute you’re flipping them with confidence, and the next, they’re either undercooked in the middle or charred to a crisp on the outside. I’ve been there. I’ve ruined breakfasts, scared my dog with the smoke alarm, and even questioned my culinary skills over a batch of sad, uneven sausages. But then I discovered the air fryer, and everything changed.

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the kitchen, staring at a package of frozen or fresh sausage links and wondering, “Can I cook sausage links in the air fryer?”—the short answer is a resounding yes. Not only can you, but you should, because the air fryer delivers crispy, juicy, evenly cooked sausages with minimal effort and no smoke. Whether you’re making breakfast links, bratwurst, Italian sausages, or even plant-based alternatives, the air fryer is a game-changer. It’s fast, easy, and perfect for busy mornings, weeknight dinners, or when you just don’t feel like dealing with a greasy stovetop.

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for Cooking Sausage Links

How the Air Fryer Works (And Why It’s Ideal for Sausages)

The air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food from all sides, mimicking deep frying without the oil. It’s essentially a mini convection oven with a powerful fan. When you place sausage links inside, the hot air wraps around each one, cooking them evenly and creating that golden, slightly crisp exterior we all love. Unlike stovetop cooking, where sausages can sit in their own grease or get stuck to the pan, the air fryer’s perforated basket allows excess fat to drip away, resulting in a cleaner, less greasy bite.

Benefits Over Traditional Cooking Methods

Let’s compare the air fryer to other common methods:

• Stovetop: Requires constant flipping, can burn easily, and creates a greasy mess. Plus, you’re tied to the stove.
• Oven: Takes longer to preheat and cook, and you still risk uneven browning. Not ideal for a quick meal.
• Grill: Great flavor, but not practical for cold mornings or indoor cooking. Also, flare-ups can char sausages too quickly.

The air fryer wins on speed, convenience, and consistency. I remember one rainy Saturday when I wanted brunch but didn’t want to stand over a sizzling pan. I tossed in six breakfast sausage links, set the timer, and had coffee and toast ready by the time they were done. No flipping, no smoke, no stress.

Healthier Cooking, Less Mess

Since sausages naturally release fat during cooking, the air fryer lets that grease drip into the basket’s bottom, reducing overall fat intake. You’re not adding oil, and you’re not consuming the excess that would otherwise pool around them. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—just remove the basket, wash it with soap and water, and you’re done. No scrubbing pans or dealing with splattered grease on the stovetop.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Sausage Links in the Air Fryer

Prepping Your Sausages

Start with your preferred type of sausage links: fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked. For fresh or pre-cooked sausages, no thawing is needed. If using frozen, you can cook them directly from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Tip: Lightly pat frozen sausages dry with a paper towel before cooking. This helps the outside crisp up faster and prevents steaming.

Arrange the links in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them—leave a little space between each so the hot air can circulate evenly. If you’re cooking a large batch, cook in two rounds rather than piling them in.

Temperature and Timing Guide

Here’s a general rule of thumb for cooking sausage links in the air fryer:

• Fresh sausage links (pork, chicken, turkey, etc.): 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes
• Frozen sausage links: 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes
• Pre-cooked sausages (like smoked or breakfast links): 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes
• Bratwurst or Italian sausages (larger links): 360°F (180°C) for 14–16 minutes

Flip or shake the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. I like to give the basket a gentle shake at the 6-minute mark for fresh sausages—it helps them roll and cook uniformly.

Checking for Doneness

Never guess if your sausages are done. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends:

• 160°F (71°C) for pork, beef, or lamb sausages
• 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey sausages

Even if the outside looks golden, the inside might still be pink or raw. A quick probe with a thermometer gives peace of mind, especially with larger or stuffed sausages.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one sausage open (after cooking) to check for pinkness. But save this as a last resort—no one wants to ruin a perfectly cooked sausage just to test it!

Types of Sausage Links You Can Cook in the Air Fryer

Breakfast Sausage Links

These are the classic small, seasoned pork or turkey links you’ll find in most grocery stores. They cook quickly and are perfect for a fast breakfast. I often cook a batch on Sunday and reheat them during the week. At 350°F, they take about 10 minutes—crispy on the outside, juicy inside.

Flavor tip: Sprinkle a little smoked paprika or black pepper over them before cooking for extra depth. Or, for a sweet twist, add a light drizzle of maple syrup in the last 2 minutes.

Italian Sausage Links (Mild, Hot, or Sweet)

These larger, flavorful sausages are great for pasta, sandwiches, or eating on their own. Because they’re thicker, they need a bit more time—14 to 16 minutes at 360°F. I like to slice them on a diagonal after cooking for a restaurant-style look.

Pairing idea: Serve them with roasted peppers and onions in a hoagie roll, or slice them into a marinara sauce for a quick pasta dish.

Bratwurst and Kielbasa

These European-style sausages are often pre-cooked or smoked, so they just need reheating and browning. Cook them at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, turning once. The air fryer gives them that classic “grilled” look without the grill.

I once made brats for a casual dinner party using the air fryer. Everyone thought I’d grilled them—no one could believe how crisp they were with zero effort.

Plant-Based and Alternative Sausages

Yes, even vegan sausages work great in the air fryer! Brands like Beyond Meat, Impossible, and Field Roast hold up well. Since they’re usually pre-cooked, they only need 6–8 minutes at 350°F. They crisp up nicely without drying out.

Note: Some plant-based sausages have a casing that can burst if cooked too long. Keep an eye on them, and don’t exceed 8 minutes unless you’re using a thicker variety.

Frozen Sausage Links (Store-Bought or Homemade)

One of the best things about the air fryer is that you can cook frozen sausages straight from the freezer. No need to thaw overnight. Just add 3–5 minutes to the cook time and shake the basket halfway through. I keep a bag of frozen breakfast links in my freezer for emergency mornings—12 minutes later, I’ve got a hot, satisfying meal.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air-Fried Sausages

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

This is the #1 mistake people make. Piling too many sausages in the basket blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking. You might end up with some links charred on one side and raw on the other. Always cook in a single layer. If you need to cook more, do two batches. It only takes a few extra minutes and makes a huge difference in quality.

Use a Little Oil (Optional)

Most sausages release enough fat on their own, so you don’t need to add oil. But if you’re using lean turkey sausages or plant-based links, a light spray of avocado or olive oil can help them brown better. Just don’t overdo it—too much oil can smoke and set off the alarm.

Season for Extra Flavor

While sausages are already seasoned, you can enhance them. Try:

• A sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder
• A dash of cayenne for heat
• A brush of honey or maple syrup for a sweet glaze (add in the last 2 minutes)
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (place on top during cooking)

I once added a few crushed fennel seeds to Italian sausage links—it brought out the anise flavor beautifully.

Reheating Sausage Links

Got leftovers? The air fryer is perfect for reheating. Cook at 350°F for 3–5 minutes, depending on size. This revives the crispness better than a microwave, which tends to make sausages rubbery and soggy.

Bonus tip: Reheat sliced sausages in a sauce or gravy by placing them in a small oven-safe dish inside the air fryer basket. Add a splash of broth or sauce to keep them moist.

Cleaning and Maintenance

After cooking sausages, the basket will have some grease. Let it cool slightly, then wash with warm, soapy water. Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, but check your model’s manual. Avoid steel wool or harsh scrubbers—they can damage the non-stick coating.

For stubborn residue, soak the basket in hot water with a little dish soap for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing.

Data Table: Cooking Times and Temperatures for Sausage Links

Sausage Type	Temperature	Cook Time (Fresh)	Cook Time (Frozen)	Internal Temp	Notes
Breakfast Links (Pork/Turkey)	350°F (175°C)	10–12 min	12–15 min	160°F / 71°C	Shake basket halfway
Italian Sausage	360°F (180°C)	14–16 min	16–18 min	160°F / 71°C	Flip once
Bratwurst / Kielbasa	350°F (175°C)	8–10 min	10–12 min	160°F / 71°C	Pre-cooked, just reheat
Plant-Based Links	350°F (175°C)	6–8 min	8–10 min	165°F / 74°C	Watch for bursting casings
Chicken/Turkey Links	350°F (175°C)	10–12 min	12–14 min	165°F / 74°C	Leaner, may need oil spray

This table is a handy reference you can save or print. I keep a copy taped to my fridge so I don’t have to guess next time. The times are flexible—always use a thermometer for safety, especially with poultry or pork.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)

Cooking Too Many at Once

As mentioned earlier, overcrowding is a common issue. If your sausages are steaming instead of crisping, you’ve likely packed them too tightly. The fix? Cook in smaller batches. It’s better to have two perfect rounds than one uneven mess.

Not Preheating (Sometimes)

Most air fryer recipes don’t require preheating, but for sausages, I recommend it—especially if you’re after that crisp exterior. Preheat for 3–5 minutes at 350°F before adding the sausages. It helps them start browning immediately.

Exception: If you’re using frozen sausages, you can skip preheating to allow them to thaw slightly during the initial cook.

Ignoring the Flip

Even though the air fryer circulates heat well, flipping or shaking the basket halfway ensures even browning. I’ve seen people skip this and end up with one side pale and the other perfectly golden. Just take 10 seconds to shake or flip—it’s worth it.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Too high, and the outside burns before the inside is cooked. Too low, and you get steamed, rubbery sausages. Stick to the 350–360°F range for most links. Only go higher (up to 400°F) for very thin sausages or if you’re in a rush—but watch them closely.

Forgetting to Check Internal Temp

Don’t rely on color alone. A sausage can look done on the outside but still be undercooked inside. Always use a meat thermometer. It’s the only way to be 100% sure. I keep one in my kitchen drawer and use it for everything—sausages, chicken, even baked potatoes.

So, to answer the big question: Can I cook sausage links in the air fryer? Absolutely. It’s one of the easiest, most reliable ways to get delicious, juicy, crispy sausages with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking breakfast, dinner, or just reheating leftovers, the air fryer delivers consistent results every time. No more greasy pans, no more guesswork, no more smoke alarms. Just golden, flavorful sausages, ready in minutes.

From breakfast links to brats, from fresh to frozen, the air fryer handles it all. It’s fast, clean, and surprisingly forgiving. And the best part? You can set it and forget it—no babysitting required. I’ve used it on lazy Sundays, hectic weekday mornings, and even when hosting friends. It never lets me down.

So go ahead—toss those sausage links in the air fryer, set the timer, and enjoy the smell of perfectly cooked sausage filling your kitchen. You’ll wonder why you ever cooked them any other way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook sausage links in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook sausage links in the air fryer! It’s a quick, mess-free method that delivers crispy, evenly cooked sausages every time. Just preheat the air fryer and adjust cook times based on your sausage type.

How long do you cook sausage links in the air fryer?

Cook sausage links in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Exact time depends on thickness and whether they’re raw or pre-cooked—always verify internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for sausage links?

Preheating the air fryer (3–5 minutes at 375°F) ensures even cooking and crispiness for your sausage links. Skipping this step may result in longer cook times and less consistent results.

Can you cook frozen sausage links in the air fryer?

Yes, cooking frozen sausage links in the air fryer is safe and convenient. Add 2–4 minutes to the cook time and check that the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C) for food safety.

How do I prevent sausage links from drying out in the air fryer?

To keep sausage links juicy, avoid overcooking and lightly spray them with oil before air frying. Poking holes in casings or choosing natural casings can also help retain moisture.

What’s the best way to cook sausage links in the air fryer for crispiness?

For maximum crispiness, cook sausage links in a single layer with space between them to allow air circulation. A light oil spray and flipping halfway through enhances browning and texture.