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Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Sausage Links

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Air fryer sausage links are a quick and easy way to enjoy juicy and delicious sausages without the hassle of traditional cooking. And they are incredibly easy to prepare and make a fantastic addition to a hearty breakfast.

With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked sausages that are brown outside and juicy inside. This makes air fryer breakfast sausage perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick, satisfying, low-effort breakfast.

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One of my favorite things about making sausage in the air fryer is that the grease drains away from the links. So they have lots of juicy flavor but aren’t swimming in fat like pan-fried sausages.

I will share how to cook air fryer sausage links in this article. I’ve got you covered, from the perfect temperature and cooking time to serving ideas and expert tips and tricks. So, let’s get started and learn how to make delicious air fryer sausage links!

Looking for more easy breakfast recipes? Try air fryer sausage patties, air fryer French toast, and air fryer frozen waffles.

🥘Ingredient Notes

The only ingredient needed is a package of sausage links. You can cook fresh or frozen sausages in the air fryer.

breakfast sausage links before air frying.

🍳How to Make Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Links

  1. Put the sausage links in the basket in a single layer.
  2. Cook them at 400 degrees F for the times indicated in the table below.
  3. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the breakfast sausage links with kitchen tongs or shake the basket.
  4. Use a meat thermometer to verify they have reached 160 F internally. Or cut one open and make sure there is no pink left.
breakfast sausage links in the air fryer before cooking.
Before air frying
air fryer sausage links after air frying.
After air frying

⏱️Breakfast Sausage Cooking Time

Type of Breakfast SausageCook Time
Fresh sausage links8 – 10 minutes
Frozen sausage links, raw10 – 12 minutes
Frozen sausage links, brown and serve6 – 8 minutes
Breakfast Sausage Cook Times at 400 degrees F

🍴Serving Ideas

There are plenty of dishes that pair well with this delicious breakfast staple. Here are a few ideas:

These dishes complement the savory flavor of the sausage links and make for a complete meal.

plate of breakfast sausage links with grapefruit and toast.

💭How to Store

Store leftover sausage links in the fridge in an airtight container. Let the sausage cool down to room temperature before storing it. They stay fresh for 3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer by cooking them at 380 F for 3-5 minutes.

If you have a large batch of sausage links, you can freeze them later. Package them in freezer-safe containers and freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge and reheat them in the air fryer by cooking at 380 F for 3 minutes.

⭐Tips

Be sure to check out the step by step instructions

  • There is no need to add any oil. The sausage contains enough fat to cook without any extra oil.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Too many sausages will prevent the hot air from circulating around the links, and they won’t cook evenly.
  • To make sure that the sausages cook evenly, flip them or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time.
air fryer sausage links after air frying.

📝FAQ

Why is my air fryer smoking?

Any food with a lot of fat, like bacon or sausage, can cause your air fryer to smoke. Here are the two most effective ways to prevent smoking.
1. Put a piece of bread underneath the basket to soak up the grease.
2. Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer to dilute the fat.

How do I know the breakfast sausage is done?

To ensure they are done, use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 160 F. You can also check for doneness by cutting into the center of a sausage link and making sure that there is no remaining pink meat.

What is the difference between breakfast sausages and other sausages?

The spicing in breakfast sausage includes sage, brown sugar, and maple syrup, giving it a distinctive flavor. In addition, breakfast sausage links are smaller than thicker sausages like Italian sausage.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking sausage links?

I don’t usually preheat mine for breakfast links because I haven’t noticed it making a difference. But every air fryer is different, so if your model recommends preheating, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can I cook different types of sausage links in an air fryer?

Yes, air fryers are versatile and can be used to cook a variety of sausage links, including breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, and bratwurst. However, remember that different types of sausage may require other cooking times and temperatures, so consult a recipe for the type you are cooking.

Did You Make This? Leave a Star Rating!

air fryer sausage links after air frying.
5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Sausage Links Recipe

Published By Anne
Air fryer breakfast sausage links are perfectly cooked with crispy exteriors & juicy interiors. Perfect for a protein-packed breakfast or a weekend brunch.
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time9 minutes
Total Time11 minutes
Servings: 8
Print Save Rate Pin

Ingredients
 

  • 8 breakfast sausage links

Instructions

  • Place the links in the basket without overcrowding them.
    8 breakfast sausage links
  • Set the air fryer at 400 degrees F and cook them for the time given below.
    Fresh breakfast sausage: 8-10 minutes
    Frozen raw sausage: 10-12 minutes
    Frozen cooked sausage (brown and serve): 6-8 minutes
  • At the halfway mark, either flip the sausage links or shake the basket for even cooking.
  • To ensure the sausages are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 160 F. Alternatively, you can cut open one sausage link and verify there is no pink meat left.

Notes

  • There is no need to add any oil. The sausage contains enough fat to cook without any extra oil.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket. Overcrowding will prevent the hot air from circulating around the links, and they won’t cook evenly.
  • To make sure that the sausages cook evenly, flip them or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 85kcal | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 178mg | Potassium: 69mg | Vitamin A: 21IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition facts are estimates.

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holding a breakfast sausage link with tongs.
anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

1 thought on “Crispy and Juicy Air Fryer Sausage Links”

  1. I have cooked them and I will never cook Sausages the conventional way ever again, they turned out perfect, crispy on the outside and nice and juicy on the inside. Beautiful taste.

    Reply

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