Air Fryer Sausage Links are my new favorite way to cook sausage! You can prepare this breakfast favorite almost effortlessly in about 15 minutes! Whether it's for busy mornings, a leisurely breakfast, or as part of a quick dinner, this air fryer sausage recipe promises to deliver mouth-watering results with minimal fuss!
Our two kids love breakfast sausages and will choose them over bacon any day of the week. We love these air fryer breakfast sausage links as a savory side with our German Pancakes, French Toast, or Buttermilk Pancakes.
Juicy sausages have been a staple in cuisines worldwide, traditionally cooked in a frying pan or on a grill. But this air fryer method has been a game changer for our family, offering a healthier option by reducing the need for excess oil and standing over the stove turning sausages while still maintaining the sausages' juiciness and flavor.
For more easy sausage links recipes, check out my Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers, Sweet Potato Hash with Sausage & Apples, Sauerkraut and Sausages with Apples, Dublin Coddle (One-Pot Irish Potato, Sausage & Onion Stew), and Chicken and Sausage Gumbo!
Why We Love This Recipe
- With just a preheat and a short cook time, you can have a hearty breakfast ready, making it ideal for busy mornings.
- Whether you prefer pork, chicken, or even plant-based sausages, the air fryer handles them all beautifully, providing that perfect level of crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside succulent and juicy.
- Air frying sausages drastically reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying, leading to a lower fat content in your meal.
What You'll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Breakfast Sausage Links - The only ingredient here is a tasty link sausage! You can choose any raw sausages you prefer, whether turkey, chicken, vegetarian, or the classic pork sausage. Have you ever tried the maple sausages? Yum. Each brings its unique flavor to the table.
How to Air Fry Sausages
- Preheat the Air Fryer. Start by preheating your air fryer to 380 degrees F. This step is crucial for ensuring your sausages cook evenly and get that desirable crispy skin.
- Arrange the Sausages. Place the sausage links in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. This allows the hot air to circulate freely around each sausage, cooking them evenly and preventing them from sticking together.
- Cooking time. Cook the sausages for 9-11 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the sausages. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or use tongs to turn the sausages. This ensures they brown evenly on all sides and don't stick to the basket.
- Check for doneness. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F to ensure they are cooked through and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check their temperature. They should be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Serve immediately. Once cooked to your liking, remove the sausages from the air fryer and serve them hot. They're perfect as a standalone breakfast item or paired with other favorites like eggs, pancakes, or hash browns for a hearty breakfast.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can cook frozen sausage links in the air fryer. Start with a lower temperature (around 360 degrees F) for the first 3-5 minutes or so until the sausages have thawed a bit. Then increase the temperature up to 380 degrees F and cook for another 8-10 minutes or until the sausages are cooked through.
No, you don't need to add oil or use cooking spray for sausage links in the air fryer. The sausages will cook evenly and become crispy due to the air fryer's circulating hot air.
Generally, sausages have enough fat to prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket. However, if you're using a lower-fat sausage option, you can lightly brush the basket with oil or use a piece of parchment paper with holes to prevent sticking.
Allow the sausage links to cool down to room temperature, and place the cooled sausage links in an airtight container or wrap them securely in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
If you won't be consuming the leftovers within a few days, freezing is a great option. Wrap the sausage links individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy your sausages again, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
To maintain the sausages' flavor and texture, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until they're hot throughout. You can also reheat them in a microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overcook them as they can become dry.
Tips for Success
- Always preheat your air fryer before adding the sausages. This step ensures that the sausages cook evenly and achieve a desirable level of crispiness.
- Arrange the sausage links in a single layer without them touching. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and affect the sausages' texture.
- Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or use tongs to turn the sausages. This helps them brown evenly on all sides, ensuring a uniformly cooked and appealing result.
- To ensure the sausages are cooked through and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check that they've reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F.
- Don't hesitate to experiment with different kinds of sausages to find your favorite type of sausage. From spicy Italian sausage links to sweet apple-infused sausages, there's a wide range of delicious sausages to suit every palate.
- Cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of your sausages. Adjust the time accordingly and always check for doneness.
- Resist the temptation to pierce the sausages before cooking. Puncturing can release juices, leading to drier sausages.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Sausage Links Recipe
Air fryer sausage links are versatile and can be paired with various sides to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas to complement your tasty sausages:
Hearty Breakfast Classics
Eggs: Any style of eggs, from scrambled to poached, makes a perfect match with sausage links. The combination provides a protein-packed start to your day.
Hash Browns or Breakfast Potatoes: Add a comforting, crispy element to your meal with some golden-brown hash browns or skillet-cooked breakfast potatoes.
Pancakes or Waffles: For a sweet and savory mix, serve your sausage links with fluffy pancakes or waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup for an extra treat.
Lighter Healthy Sides
Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit can add a refreshing, light touch to balance the richness of the sausages. Berries, melon, or citrus fruits are excellent choices.
Vegetable Stir-fry: Incorporate some vegetables by preparing a quick stir-fry with bell peppers, onions, and spinach. This healthier option is a great way to add fiber and nutrients to your meal.
Bread Options
Toast or English Muffins: A slice of whole-grain toast or an English muffin can soak up the flavors and provide a satisfying crunch. Add a spread of butter or jam for extra flavor.
Bagels: A toasted bagel with cream cheese can also pair well with sausage links, offering a hearty and filling breakfast option.
Sandwich: For a simple breakfast when you're on the go, try slicing two sausages lengthways and place them flat-side down on a buttered slice of bread, drizzle ketchup over them, and top with another slice of buttered bread.
Substitutions and Variations
- Try any kind of sausage that you like with this recipe. Pork Sausage is the classic choice, offering a rich and savory flavor. Turkey or Chicken Sausages are a leaner alternative, providing a lighter option while still being flavorful. And plant-based sausages are a great option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as they come in many flavors and mimic the texture of meat sausages.
- If you prefer a kick, opt for spicy or hot sausage links to add some heat to your meal.
- For a hint of sweetness, look for sausages with maple or apple additions.
- Sausages with herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary can add a unique and aromatic flavor to your breakfast.
- You can cook sausage links from frozen in the air fryer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- If you're using thicker sausages, increase the cooking time slightly (10-12 minutes up to 13-15 minutes) to ensure they're cooked through.
- Make a Sausage and Egg Sandwich by slicing a cooked sausage link and placing it on a toasted English muffin with a fried egg and a slice of cheese for a delicious breakfast sandwich.
- Pair air-fried sausage links with a mix of air-fried vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a balanced, colorful Sausage and Vegetable Medley!
More Savory Breakfast Recipes
- The Ultimate Frittata Breakfast
- Cheesy Breakfast Sliders
- My Favorite Breakfast Burrito Recipe
- Easy Chorizo con Papas (Mexican Potatoes with Chorizo)
- Make-Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
Air Fryer Sausage Links
Ingredients
- 12 ounces breakfast sausage links (about 14 links)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- Add the sausages to the air fryer making sure they don’t touch each other.
- Cook the sausages for 9-11 minutes or until they are cooked through and crispy on the outside. Shake the basket or turn the sausages about halfway through to ensure even cooking. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F. Serve immediately.
