Quick Answer
The time needed to cook frozen sausage patties in an air fryer can vary based on the thickness and size of the patties. However, on average, frozen sausage patties take about 8-12 minutes to cook through in an air fryer preheated between 380-400°F. Smaller, thinner patties may take less time while larger, thicker patties may need closer to 12 minutes. It’s best to start checking for doneness after 6-8 minutes. Cook the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
Detailed Answer
Cooking frozen sausage patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious breakfast sausage without needing to fuss over a skillet on the stovetop. The circulating hot air of an air fryer crisps up the sausage patties nicely, and the results are juicy, flavorful sausage in a fraction of the time needed compared to oven baking.
When air frying frozen sausage patties, the cook time can range from 8-12 minutes depending on a few factors:
Size of the Sausage Patties
Larger sausage patties will naturally require a bit more time to cook through than smaller patties. Most frozen sausage patties are around 3-4 inches wide, with a thickness around 1/2 inch. Larger “jumbo” patties may be 4 inches or more wide and up to 3/4 inch thick. The thickness is important as it affects how quickly the interior cooks.
Preheating the Air Fryer
It’s important to fully preheat your air fryer before adding the frozen sausage patties. Most air fryer manuals recommend preheating at the desired cooking temperature for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the air circulating inside the fryer basket is hot enough to immediately start cooking and crisping the sausage.
The optimal air fryer temperature for cooking frozen sausage patties is between 380-400°F. Setting the air fryer to 390 or 395°F is perfect.
Spacing Out the Sausage Patties
To ensure proper air circulation, be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space the frozen sausage patties out in a single layer, without overlapping. Having some space between each patty allows the hot air to circulate fully around each piece, resulting in even cooking.
Flipping Midway Through
For the most evenly cooked results, flip each patty over at the midway point during cooking. This allows both sides to brown and cook through.
Using Cooking Spray
Lightly brushing or spraying the air fryer basket with oil before adding the frozen sausage patties can help prevent sticking. Just avoid overdoing it, as excess oil will cause more splattering in the air fryer.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer sausage patties:
Step 1
Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Allow it to fully preheat for 3-5 minutes before adding the patties.
Step 2
While the air fryer preheats, lightly coat the fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of oil. This prevents sticking.
Step 3
Add the frozen sausage patties to the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, evenly spaced out. Do not overcrowd.
Step 4
Air fry the sausage patties for 4-6 minutes at 380-400°F. Then, flip each patty over and air fry for 4-6 more minutes. Check for doneness after 6 minutes.
Step 5
When fully cooked, the sausage patties will reach an internal temperature of 160°F and be nicely browned on both sides. The total air fry time is around 8-12 minutes.
Step 6
Allow the fully cooked sausage patties to rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. Enjoy right away!
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked, crispy air fryer sausage patties:
– Pat the patties dry before cooking to help them brown better. Excess ice crystals can hinder browning.
– Use metal skewers or a thin spatula to carefully flip the patties halfway through cooking. This prevents them breaking apart.
– Check that patties are cooked through by cutting into one in the thickest part. Sausage should not look pink.
– Add 1-2 minutes to the total time if cooking large batches. The extra patties retain more heat.
– Brush patties with a little olive oil or maple syrup at the end for extra flavor and color.
How Long Do Cooked Sausage Patties Last?
Properly cooked and stored, leftover sausage patties will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat patties in a skillet, toaster oven or microwave until heated through (165°F).
For longer freezer storage, cooked sausage patties can be frozen in a single layer then transferred to freezer bags. They’ll keep frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat frozen leftover patties directly in a lightly oiled skillet.
More Delicious Air Fryer Sausage Recipes
The air fryer lets you quickly cook up flavorful sausage creations beyond just patties. Here are some more fun recipes to try:
Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Links
Pre-formed sausage links air fry up perfectly in 8-10 minutes at 380°F, flipping halfway. Serve alongside eggs and hashbrowns.
Air Fryer Sausage Bites
Cut cooked sausage into 1-inch pieces, coat in BBQ sauce, and air fry until crispy, about 5 minutes. Party perfect!
Air Fryer Sausage Cornbread Muffins
Add crumbled sausage to cornbread batter and bake in lined muffin cups at 360°F for 15-18 minutes for a handheld breakfast.
Air Fryer Sausage & Potato Sheet Pan Meal
Toss potatoes and sausage with oil and spices. Air fry together at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for an easy one-pan meal.
Air Fryer Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Fill mushroom caps with sausage and cheese, then air fry at 370°F for 10-12 minutes until browned and melted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about cooking sausage patties in an air fryer:
Can you put frozen sausage patties in an air fryer?
Yes, air fryers are excellent for cooking frozen sausage patties. The circulating hot air quickly thaws and cooks the patties until browned and juicy in just 8-12 minutes.
Should you flip sausage patties in the air fryer?
It’s recommended to flip the sausage patties over at the halfway point during air frying. This allows both sides to cook evenly. Use tongs or a thin spatula to gently flip them.
Do you have to preheat an air fryer for sausage?
Preheating the air fryer is important when cooking frozen sausage patties, as it ensures the air inside is already hot enough to immediately start cooking the meat. Preheat for 3-5 minutes at 380-400°F.
Can I put a baking sheet in an air fryer?
While you can use parchment paper or foil, avoid putting metal baking sheets directly into an air fryer, as this can disrupt airflow. Stick to using the provided air fryer basket.
Should you air fry sausage on high or low?
Air fry frozen sausage patties at 380-400°F, a medium-high to high temperature setting. This level of heat is needed to properly crisp the patties and cook them through. Avoid going lower than 350°F.
Conclusion
Air frying makes cooking up delicious sausage patties fast and easy, with crispy browned results in only about 8-12 minutes. Preheating the air fryer and flipping the patties halfway during cooking are keys to getting evenly cooked patties. Feel free to experiment with cooking times based on the thickness of your particular frozen sausage patties. In no time you can enjoy a quick weeknight breakfast or easy appetizers with air fried sausage.