Frying fresh sausages is a quick and easy way to make a tasty meal. But how long should you fry sausages for them to be properly cooked through without burning or overcooking? The answer depends on a few key factors:
Thickness of the sausages
Thicker sausages will take longer to cook than thinner ones. Thick sausages are usually around 1-1.5 inches in diameter, while thin or breakfast sausages are around 1/2 inch thick. Thicker sausages have more interior mass so will require more frying time for the heat to penetrate fully to the middle.
Cooking method
The main methods for frying sausages are:
- Pan frying – cooking in a skillet with a small amount of oil over medium-high heat
- Deep frying – cooking submerged in hot oil at 350-375°F
Deep frying will cook the sausages more quickly since the hot oil can transfer heat efficiently. Pan frying takes longer but many prefer it for a better texture.
Preparation of the sausages
Frying sausages still in their casings will take several minutes longer than frying sausages removed from casings. The casings provide an insulating barrier that slows down cooking. So for quicker frying, it’s best to remove sausage meat from casings first.
Cooking temperature
The hotter the skillet or oil, the faster the sausages will fry. Higher heat leads to more rapid transfer of energy into the sausage interior. But too high can burn the outside before the middle is cooked. An ideal frying temperature for pan frying sausages is medium-high, around 350°F, and for deep frying 350-375°F works well.
Frying Times Based on Thickness and Method
Taking these factors into account, here are general guidelines for frying times based on sausage thickness and cooking method:
| Sausage Thickness | Pan Frying Time | Deep Frying Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thin (~1/2 inch) | 2-5 minutes per side | 2-3 minutes |
| Thick (~1-1.5 inches) | 6-8 minutes per side | 4-5 minutes |
For pan frying, turning the sausages every 2-3 minutes ensures even cooking. For deep frying, flip the sausages halfway through for even exposure.
These frying times are for fresh sausages that have not been pre-cooked. If frying pre-cooked sausages, reduce times by 1-2 minutes. Also adjust times based on specific doneness – for well done sausages cook 1-2 minutes longer.
How to Tell When Sausages Are Done Frying
Relying just on frying times can lead to undercooked or overcooked sausages. Use these visual and temperature cues to be sure they are ready:
- Interior is no longer pink and juices run clear – cut to check
- Exterior browned with a little crispness
- Internal temperature reaches 160°F for ground meat
The interior color change and clear juices rather than pink indicate the sausage proteins have coagulated and the meat is safely cooked through. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F measured with a meat thermometer.
For the exterior, the sausages should develop light golden browning with a bit of crisping in the pan. Dark or burnt looking spots mean they are overcooking.
Tips for Quick and Even Frying
Follow these tips for frying sausages quickly while achieving even, properly cooked results:
- Remove sausages from casings for faster frying. Slice larger sausages in half lengthwise.
- Pat sausages dry before frying to help browning.
- Preheat skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil and sausages.
- Don’t overcrowd pan – cook sausages in a single layer with space between.
- Turn frequently during pan frying.
- Fry in batches to avoid cooling the oil temp for deep frying.
- Blot fried sausages on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Properly preheating the skillet and not overcrowding ensures the oil and pan stay hot enough for quick frying. Turning the sausages often cooks them evenly. Frying in uncrowded batches maintains the ideal oil temperature for deep frying.
What to Serve with Fried Sausages
Fried sausages make a quick, tasty meal on their own, but pair even better with side dishes and condiments. Here are some delicious ways to serve fried sausages:
- Buns – Hot dog buns, hoagie rolls, pretzel buns
- Vegetables – Roasted, grilled, or sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, potatoes
- Starches – Home fries, french fries, tater tots, mac and cheese
- Condiments – Ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, mayo
Pairing fried sausages with something starchy like fries or tots makes for classic comfort food. Grilled veggies add nutrition and colors to the plate. Spicy mustards, tangy BBQ, and hot sauces like sriracha contrast nicely with the richness of the fried sausage.
Some easy complete meal ideas include:
- Fried sausages on hoagie rolls topped with sautéed peppers and onions with french fries on the side
- Fried sausages sliced on a bed of tater tots and mac and cheese, with ketchup for dipping
- Fried sausage patties on buns with BBQ sauce, coleslaw and baked beans
Let your taste preferences guide you – the possibilities for serving delicious fried sausages are endless!
Conclusion
Frying fresh sausages takes just a few minutes to cook them safely through and develop a crispy, browned exterior. Frying time varies based on thickness, cooking method, preparation, and temperature. For pan frying, thin sausages take 2-5 minutes per side and thick sausages 6-8 minutes. Deep frying takes 2-3 minutes for thin and 4-5 for thick. Look for an internal temperature of 160°F and check that interiors are no longer pink. Serve fried sausages on buns, with veggies, starches, and flavorful condiments for quick, tasty meals. Follow proper frying methods for quick cooking with evenly browned, juicy results.