Can I Put Sausages in the Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Perfection

Yes, you can absolutely cook sausages in the air fryer—and they come out perfectly juicy inside with a crispy, golden-brown exterior in under 15 minutes. No preheating, minimal oil, and easy cleanup make this the ultimate method for fast, delicious results every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can air fry sausages for crispy, juicy results with minimal oil.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and perfect browning every time.
• Use 375°F (190°C) for optimal crispiness without drying out the sausages.
• Cook in a single layer to allow hot air circulation for uniform texture.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispness and no hot spots.
• Check internal temperature—160°F (71°C) for pork or 165°F (74°C) for poultry.

Can I Put Sausages in the Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Perfection

Let’s be honest: few things beat the smell of sausages sizzling in the morning. That smoky, savory aroma fills the kitchen and promises a hearty start to your day. But if you’ve ever stood over a hot stove, flipping sausages to avoid burnt edges or greasy messes, you’ve probably asked yourself: Can I put sausages in the air fryer?

Spoiler alert: yes, you absolutely can—and it might just change your breakfast game forever. I remember the first time I tossed a few breakfast links into my air fryer, skeptical but hopeful. Ten minutes later, I pulled out golden-brown, perfectly crisp sausages with zero oil and almost no cleanup. It was a revelation. No more smoke alarms, no more greasy pans, and no more uneven cooking. The air fryer, once just a gadget on my countertop, became my go-to tool for fast, delicious, and healthier sausage meals.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking sausages in the air fryer. From timing and temperature tips to handling different types (pork, chicken, plant-based, and more), I’ve tested it all. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prepper, or just someone who loves crispy, juicy sausages without the fuss, this guide is for you. Let’s dive in and discover how to achieve crispy perfection with every bite.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Sausages

Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. Why is the air fryer such a fantastic tool for cooking sausages? It comes down to science, convenience, and taste.

How Air Frying Works (Without the Fry)

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food. Think of it like a mini convection oven that surrounds your sausages with heat from all angles. This method mimics deep frying by creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside juicy—but without submerging your food in oil. The result? Sausages that are golden, crunchy, and full of flavor, with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying.

Unlike a skillet, where heat comes from below and you have to flip constantly, the air fryer’s 360-degree heat exposure means even browning with minimal effort. No more worrying about one side being raw while the other burns. Just set it and forget it (well, almost).

Benefits of Air Frying Sausages

• Less mess: No splattering grease or sticky pans. Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe.
• Faster cooking: Most sausages cook in 8–12 minutes, compared to 15–20 in a pan.
• Healthier results: Less oil means fewer calories and less saturated fat—perfect if you’re watching your intake.
• Consistent results: Even cooking with no hot spots or cold zones.
• Versatile: Works for fresh, frozen, raw, pre-cooked, and even plant-based sausages.

One of my favorite things? You can cook sausages while simultaneously roasting potatoes or veggies in the same batch. Multitasking in the kitchen has never been easier. I once made a full breakfast of sausages, hash browns, and peppers in under 15 minutes—all in one air fryer. My family thought I’d hired a chef.

What Types of Sausages Work Best in the Air Fryer?

Not all sausages are created equal—and some work better in the air fryer than others. The good news? Most types do just fine. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from different kinds, along with tips for getting the best results.

Pork Sausages (Breakfast Links, Brats, Italian)

These are the MVPs of the sausage world, and they shine in the air fryer. Pork sausages have a higher fat content, which helps them stay juicy while developing a beautiful crust.

• Breakfast links: Thin and quick-cooking. Perfect for morning meals. Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Bratwurst: Thicker and juicier. Best at 390°F for 12–14 minutes. I love adding sliced onions and peppers to the basket for a one-pan meal.
• Italian sausages: Whether sweet or hot, these do great at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. Great for meal prepping or tossing into pasta later.

Chicken and Turkey Sausages

Leaner than pork, so they can dry out if overcooked. But with the right technique, they’re still fantastic in the air fryer.

• Use 375°F and cook for 8–10 minutes.
• Spritz with a little olive oil or cooking spray before cooking to help crisp the skin.
• Check internal temp—165°F is safe. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure.

I once tried turkey sausage links from a health-focused brand. I was worried they’d be dry, but with a quick oil spray and careful timing, they came out juicy and flavorful. My kids didn’t even notice they weren’t pork!

Plant-Based and Vegan Sausages

Yes, you can air fry vegan sausages! Brands like Beyond Meat, Impossible, and Field Roast hold up surprisingly well.

• Cook at 360–375°F for 8–10 minutes.
• Flip halfway for even browning.
• Don’t overcrowd—give them space to crisp up.

One tip: some plant-based sausages release moisture as they cook. If you notice water pooling, gently pat them dry with a paper towel before serving. It helps the texture stay firm instead of mushy.

Pre-Cooked and Cured Sausages (Pepperoni, Kielbasa, Chorizo)

These are already fully cooked, so you’re just heating and crisping them up. Ideal for snacks, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards.

• Use 350–375°F for 5–8 minutes.
• Great for reheating leftovers without drying them out.
• Chorizo gets extra crispy and smoky—perfect for tacos or scrambled eggs.

Pro tip: I love slicing kielbasa into coins and air frying them until they curl at the edges. They’re a hit at parties and take less than 6 minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Sausages in the Air Fryer

Now that you know what works, let’s walk through the exact steps to cook sausages perfectly every time. This method works for most fresh or thawed sausages.

Step 1: Prep Your Sausages

• Remove sausages from packaging. No need to prick them—air fryers don’t have the same pressure as grills, so they won’t burst.
• For lean sausages (chicken, turkey, vegan), lightly spray or brush with oil. This helps them brown and prevents dryness.
• Pat dry with a paper towel if they’re wet. Excess moisture can steam instead of crisp.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional but Helpful)

Most air fryers don’t require preheating, but doing so for 2–3 minutes at 375°F ensures even cooking from the start. I do this for thicker sausages like brats or Italian links.

Step 3: Arrange in the Basket

• Place sausages in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding = steaming, not crisping.
• If your air fryer has a divider, use it to separate types (e.g., pork and chicken).
• For links, lay them flat. For patties, place them on their side.

Step 4: Set Time and Temperature

Here’s a quick reference based on sausage type:

Sausage Type	Temperature	Cook Time	Notes
Pork Links	375°F	8–10 min	Flip halfway
Bratwurst	390°F	12–14 min	Add veggies for one-pan meal
Chicken/Turkey	375°F	8–10 min	Spray with oil
Vegan/Plant-Based	360–375°F	8–10 min	Don’t overcrowd
Pre-Cooked (Kielbasa, Chorizo)	350–375°F	5–8 min	For reheating or crisping
Frozen Sausages	390°F	12–15 min	Add 2–3 min; check internal temp

Step 5: Cook and Flip

• Start cooking. Set a timer for the lower end of the time range.
• After 5–6 minutes, flip or rearrange the sausages for even browning.
• Use tongs—don’t pierce the casing. You want to keep the juices inside.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

• Look for golden-brown color and slight curling at the edges.
• Use a meat thermometer: 160°F for pork, 165°F for chicken/turkey.
• If sausages are thick or still pink inside, add 2–3 more minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let sausages rest for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, so every bite is juicy—not dry. Serve with your favorite sides: eggs, toast, roasted veggies, or in a bun with mustard.

I once rushed this step and cut into a sausage right away. Juices poured out, and it tasted dry. Lesson learned: patience pays off.

Tips and Tricks for Crispy, Juicy Sausages Every Time

Even with perfect timing, small tweaks can make a big difference. Here are my favorite pro tips to level up your air fryer sausage game.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. When sausages touch, they steam instead of crisp. Leave at least a thumb’s width between each one. If you’re cooking a big batch, do it in two rounds. Trust me—it’s worth the extra 10 minutes.

Use Oil (But Just a Little)

A light spray or brush of olive oil, avocado oil, or even a neutral oil like canola helps browning—especially for lean sausages. But don’t drown them. Too much oil can cause smoke or flare-ups.

Flip or Shake Halfway

Even though air fryers circulate heat, flipping ensures both sides get equal exposure. I use tongs for links and a spatula for patties. For small pieces (like sliced kielbasa), just shake the basket gently.

Try a Wire Rack (For Extra Crispiness)

If your air fryer has a multi-level rack or you have a compatible one, place sausages on it. This lifts them off the bottom, letting hot air circulate underneath. I use this trick for breakfast links—they come out extra crispy on all sides.

Experiment with Add-Ins

Why stop at sausages? Add chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even potatoes to the basket. They’ll cook in the same time and soak up the sausage flavor. I call this my “everything breakfast bowl” method.

Reheat Like a Pro

Got leftover sausages? Don’t microwave them—they’ll turn rubbery. Instead, air fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh. I do this all the time for meal prep lunches.

Clean Up Quickly

While the basket is still warm (but not hot), wipe it down with a damp cloth or soak it in soapy water. Grease is easier to remove before it hardens. Most baskets are dishwasher-safe, but check your model first.

One time, I left my basket overnight. The grease baked on and took 20 minutes of scrubbing to clean. Now I rinse it right after use. Small habit, big payoff.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the best cooks make mistakes. Here are the most common air fryer sausage blunders—and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Overcooking Lean Sausages

Chicken, turkey, and plant-based sausages dry out fast. The fix? Cook at a slightly lower temp (360–375°F) and check early. Use a meat thermometer. If it hits 165°F, it’s done—even if the timer isn’t up.

Mistake 2: Not Flipping

Some people skip the flip, assuming the air fryer does it all. But the bottom often browns faster. Flipping prevents one side from getting too dark while the other stays pale.

Mistake 3: Cooking Frozen Sausages Without Adjusting

Frozen sausages need more time and heat. Don’t just use the same settings as fresh. Increase time by 2–3 minutes and temperature to 390°F. Always check the internal temp.

Mistake 4: Piercing the Casing

Some old-school recipes say to prick sausages to let fat escape. But in the air fryer, this just makes them dry. Keep the casing intact. The fat stays in, keeping the meat juicy.

Mistake 5: Using Non-Stick Sprays with PTFE

Some cooking sprays contain PTFE, which can damage non-stick coatings at high heat. Use oil in a spray bottle instead, or brush it on with a silicone basting brush.

Mistake 6: Ignoring Smoke

If your air fryer starts smoking, it’s usually from fat dripping and hitting the heating element. The fix? Line the basket with parchment paper (air fryer-safe) or add a splash of water to the bottom tray. I use a silicone liner—it catches drips and cleans up in seconds.

I’ve made every one of these mistakes (some more than once). But each time, I learned and improved. Now, my sausages come out perfect 99% of the time.

Conclusion: Sausages and Air Fryers—A Match Made in Crispy Heaven

So, can you put sausages in the air fryer? Absolutely—and you should. From breakfast links to brats, chicken sausages to plant-based alternatives, the air fryer delivers crispy, juicy, delicious results with minimal effort and cleanup.

It’s not just about convenience. It’s about better taste, healthier eating, and more time to enjoy your meal—instead of standing over a hot stove. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping meals, or just treating yourself to a lazy Sunday breakfast, the air fryer makes sausage cooking foolproof.

Remember the key tips: don’t overcrowd, flip halfway, use a little oil for lean sausages, and always check internal temperature. With these in mind, you’ll never go back to the skillet.

I’ve shared my favorite methods, tested the edge cases, and even fixed my own mistakes—all so you can skip the trial and error. Now it’s your turn. Grab your sausages, fire up the air fryer, and enjoy the crispy perfection that’s just minutes away.

Happy frying—and even happier eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put sausages in the air fryer without preheating?

Yes, you can cook sausages in the air fryer without preheating, but preheating for 3-5 minutes ensures a crispier exterior and even cooking. For best results, set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) before adding the sausages.

How long should I cook sausages in an air fryer for crispy perfection?

Most sausages take 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) in the air fryer, flipping halfway through. Exact time depends on thickness—check internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.

Do I need to prick sausages before air frying?

Pricking sausages isn’t necessary and may dry them out. The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures even cooking and a crisp casing without releasing juices.

Can I cook frozen sausages in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fry frozen sausages at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping once. No need to thaw—just add 3-5 minutes to the cook time compared to fresh.

What’s the best way to prevent sausages from sticking in the air fryer?

Lightly spray or brush sausages with oil before cooking, and avoid overcrowding the basket. Use parchment paper liners (with holes) for extra insurance against sticking.

Can I air fry sausages with other foods at the same time?

Yes, but ensure there’s space for air circulation. Pair sausages with similar-cook-time foods like veggies or potatoes, and shake/stir the basket halfway through for even results.