Air frying is a quick and healthy way to cook foods using little to no oil. It provides a crisp exterior and tender interior for meats like sausages. Johnsonville smoked sausage is a popular pre-cooked sausage that can be easily air fried at home in just minutes.
Air frying Johnsonville smoked sausage allows you to enjoy the smoky, savory flavor without the extra calories from frying in oil. It also reduces any mess and splatter involved with pan frying. This cooking method results in sausages that are heated through with a nice char on the outside.
Below you will find tips on how to best air fry Johnsonville smoked sausage, including recommended cook times, temperatures, and preparation instructions. There are also frequently asked questions answered on topics like the best air fryer models to use, how to get an even cook, ways to season and flavor the sausages, and more.
Benefits of Air Frying Johnsonville Smoked Sausage
Air frying Johnsonville smoked sausages has many benefits over other cooking methods:
– Uses little to no oil for a healthier cooking option
– Provides an evenly crisped exterior from the hot circulating air
– Cooks the sausages thoroughly and quickly
– Adds char and flavor without the mess and splatter of frying
– Allows the smoky flavor to shine through
– Is easy and convenient to make at home
Air frying is an ideal hands-off way to cook these smoked sausages to perfection. It eliminates the extra calories from added oil but still gives you the satisfying texture you expect from frying.
Nutrition
Air frying helps reduce the fat and calorie content typically added when cooking sausages by frying. Johnsonville smoked sausage is already fully cooked and smoked when purchased.
Here is a nutrition comparison of a 70g smoked sausage link cooked two different ways (nutrition facts from Johnsonville1):
| Cooking Method | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air fried | 90 | 7 | 1 | 6 |
| Pan fried | 180 | 18 | 1 | 6 |
As you can see, air frying significantly decreases the calories and fat per serving compared to pan frying in oil. You get the same protein and carbs but with way less fat.
Convenience
Air frying smoked sausage is as easy as popping the sausages in the air fryer basket and setting the time and temperature. There is no need to heat up and monitor a skillet of oil. The air fryer does all the work of circulating hot air around the sausages for quick, hands-off cooking.
Clean up is also easier with minimal oil splatter to deal with. The air fryer basket and any dishes used can simply be wiped out or popped in the dishwasher.
Choosing an Air Fryer
Not all air fryers perform equally when it comes to cooking sausages. Here are some things to look for when selecting an air fryer for cooking Johnsonville smoked sausage:
– **Enough capacity:** Choose an air fryer that will fit the amount of sausages you normally cook. Air fryers range from 2-7 quarts typically.
– **Adjustable temperature:** Look for an air fryer with a temperature range from at least 170°F to 400°F to allow flexibility when air frying different foods.
– **Timer and auto shut-off:** These features prevent overcooking. Get a model with an audible timer and auto shut-off.
– **Air fryer baskets:** Non-stick, dishwasher safe baskets with open mesh bottoms make air frying easy.
– **Preheat function:** Air fryers with a preheat option help heat the air inside evenly before cooking.
– **Reputable brand:** Trusted brands like Philips, Ninja, Instant, Cosori, and Cuisinart tend to have quality air fryer models.
Some top-rated air fryer models for cooking sausages include:
– Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
– Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 2-Basket Air Fryer
– Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven
– Cosori Smart Wi-Fi Air Fryer
– Cuisinart Compact AirFryer Toaster Oven
Air Fryer Capacity
The best air fryer size for you depends on how many people you are cooking for. Here are some guidelines for choosing capacity:
| Household Size | Minimum Air Fryer Capacity |
|---|---|
| 1-2 people | 2-3.5 quarts |
| 3-4 people | 4-5 quarts |
| 5+ people | 5+ quarts |
So for a family of four, look for a 4-5 quart air fryer. Keep in mind you can cook multiple batches in a smaller fryer, just less convenient.
Ingredients
The main items needed to air fry Johnsonville smoked sausage are:
– Johnsonville smoked sausage links or brats
– Cooking oil spray (canola or avocado oil)
Optional seasonings:
– Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, etc.
– BBQ sauce or mustard
– Salt and pepper
Johnsonville has a range of smoked sausage flavors like smoked cheddar and applewood smoked. Feel free to get creative with different flavored sausages and seasoning options.
Sausage Quantities
To determine how many sausages to cook, each standard 70g sausage link is about:
– 4-5 inches long
– 1 oz in weight
Plan for about 2-3 sausage links per person when serving as a main course. For appetizers, allow 1-2 links per person.
Oil and Seasonings
A light coating of cooking oil spray helps promote browning when air frying. Use an oil with a high smoke point like canola or avocado.
Seasonings and sauces lend extra flavor. Simple salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, etc. all work well. For sauces, brush or drizzle a small amount of BBQ sauce, mustard, or hot sauce over the cooked sausages.
Air Fryer Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect air fried Johnsonville smoked sausages:
1. **Preheat air fryer** at 380°F for 3-5 minutes. Use the preheat function if your model has it.
2. **Spray air fryer basket** lightly with cooking oil. This helps the sausages brown.
3. **Add sausage links** to the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them.
4. **Air fry for 8-10 minutes** at 380°F, flipping the sausages halfway through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
5. **Optional – Brush on sauces/seasonings** in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking if desired.
6. **Let sausages rest** for 2-3 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the amount of sausages and your particular air fryer. Check for an internal temp of 165°F with a meat thermometer to ensure they are done.
Tips to Avoid Overcrowding
When air frying sausages, be sure not to pack them into the basket too tightly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Here are some tips to allow proper air circulation:
– Leave at least 1/2 inch around each sausage
– Cook in smaller batches for more room
– Use a lower capacity air fryer if needed
– Flip/rotate sausages midway through cooking
Giving the sausages breathing room allows the hot air to circulate evenly for fast, crisp results.
Internal Temperatures
Always cook smoked sausage to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer. This ensures any bacteria are killed and the sausages are safe to eat.
Here are the recommended minimum internal temps for cooked sausages:
| Sausage Type | Minimum Internal Temp |
|---|---|
| Fresh sausages like brats | 160°F |
| Smoked pre-cooked sausages | 165°F |
The hot air circulating in the air fryer heats up the sausages very quickly, so be sure to monitor with a meat thermometer.
Serving and Pairing
Johnsonville smoked sausages make for a hearty, delicious meal straight from the air fryer. Here are serving ideas:
– On buns with favorite toppings for sausage sandwiches
– Chopped on top of salads, pasta, or pizza
– On a platter with roasted veggies and dipping sauces
– Sliced into bite-sized pieces for appetizers
– Crumbled into scrambles, frittatas, etc.
Pairings
The rich, smoky flavor of Johnsonville’s smoked sausages pairs well with these items:
– Grains: buns, bread, pasta, rice, quinoa
– Sauces: mustard, BBQ, hot sauce, ketchup
– Veggies: onions, peppers, mushrooms, potatoes
– Cheese: cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss
– Fruit: apples, cranberries, grapes
Get creative with your toppings and sides! Popular options include sauerkraut, caramelized onions, roasted peppers, and more.
Dipping Sauces
Elevate your smoked sausages with any of these easy dipping sauce ideas:
| Dipping Sauce | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Honey Mustard | Mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder |
| BBQ Sauce | BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, garlic |
| Spicy Ketchup | Ketchup, sriracha, lime juice, cumin, chili powder |
The sauces can be drizzled over the sausages or served on the side for dipping. Get the whole family involved and let everyone make their own custom dipping sauce.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about air frying Johnsonville smoked sausage:
How long does it take to cook Johnsonville smoked sausage in an air fryer?
It takes 8-10 minutes to air fry pre-cooked smoked sausage at 380°F. Flip the sausages halfway through cooking for even browning.
Can you put frozen sausage in an air fryer?
It’s best to thaw smoked sausage before air frying. Air frying frozen sausage will increase cook times and result in uneven cooking. Defrost sausages in the refrigerator overnight before air frying.
Do you have to flip the sausages during air frying?
Flipping the sausages midway through the air fry time allows for even browning on both sides. It’s recommended to flip smoked sausages at least once.
How can you tell if sausage is fully cooked in an air fryer?
Use an instant-read thermometer to test the internal temp of the sausages. Fully cooked sausages should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Visually, they will be nicely browned with a firm texture.
What is the best way to reheat sausages that were air fried?
To reheat, place the cooked sausages in the air fryer basket and heat at 320°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through. This restores the texture without drying them out.
Storing and Freezing
Here are some guidelines for storing leftover air fried smoked sausage:
– Store sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
– Freeze sausages in a freezer bag up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
– Refrigerate any leftover cooked sausage dipping sauces for up to 4-5 days.
– Sausage patties and meatballs freeze well for 2-3 months. Reheat frozen in the air fryer at 320°F from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cook time.
Proper storage keeps air fried sausage safe to eat and maintains quality. Use thawed and refrigerated sausages within 4 days. Discard any sausages with an off odor or appearance.
Recipe Ideas
Here are a few handy recipe ideas for putting air fried Johnsonville smoked sausages to delicious use:
Smoked Sausage Breakfast Sandwiches
Ingredients:
– Smoked sausage links
– Eggs
– Cheese slices
– English muffins or biscuits
Directions:
1. Air fry sausages first.
2. Cook eggs to preference.
3. Layer sausage patty, egg, and cheese between toasted English muffins or biscuits.
Loaded Smoked Sausage Nachos
Ingredients:
– Chopped smoked sausage
– Tortilla chips
– Shredded cheese
– Toppings like beans, salsa, olives, etc.
Directions:
1. Air fry sausage until heated through, then chop.
2. Layer chips, sausage, cheese, and toppings.
3. Broil until cheese melts.
Smoked Sausage Pepper Soup
Ingredients:
– Chopped smoked sausage
– Onion, peppers, carrots
– Chicken or vegetable broth
– Heavy cream
– Seasonings
Directions:
1. Saute veggies in oil briefly.
2. Add broth, sausage, seasonings and simmer 20 minutes.
3. Puree half the soup, then stir in cream.
Convenience and Customization
Air frying gives you the ability to conveniently cook Johnsonville smoked sausages to perfection at home. It also allows for easy customization with toppings and seasoning to suit your tastes.
In just minutes you can whip up crispy sausages in your air fryer without the mess and fat of deep frying. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the smoky meaty flavor of air fried sausages. Let your imagination run wild playing with sauce and topping combinations or keep it simple and enjoy these quality smoked links on their own.
Either way, air frying makes cooking delicious Johnsonville sausages easy and fun for the whole family. Dinnertime, appetizers, or any time you get a sausage craving, reach for your air fryer to cook up browned, juicy smoked sausages in a snap.
Conclusion
Air frying is hands-down the quickest and healthiest way to cook Johnsonville smoked sausages to perfection. You get all the flavor with less fat and calories compared to other cooking methods.
Follow the recommended temps and times in your air fryer along with these helpful tips:
– Don’t overcrowd the basket
– Flip sausages midway
– Use a thermometer to check doneness
– Experiment with toppings and sauces
In just minutes you can enjoy tender, lightly charred smoked sausages ready to serve up any way you like. Air fried or not, Johnsonville sausage is always a winner for its taste and quality.