Cooking sausages in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make delicious sausages with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The key to perfect air fryer sausages is finding the right temperature and cook time. The ideal air fryer temperature for sausages will depend on the size and type of sausage. Smaller, thinner sausages like breakfast links require a lower temperature around 350°F, while larger sausages like bratwurst and Italian sausage need a higher temperature around 390°F. Read on for more details on finding the perfect air fryer sausage temperature and cook times!
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Sausage Temperature
Several factors impact the ideal air fryer temperature for cooking sausages:
Sausage Size and Type
Smaller breakfast sausage links only need around 350°F since they are thin and cook quickly. Bigger bratwurst, Italian sausages, kielbasa, etc. should be cooked at 370-390°F to ensure the inside is fully cooked without overbrowning the outside.
Amount of Sausages
The more sausages you cook, the lower the temperature you should use. A few sausages can be cooked at 390°F but a full air fryer basket should be cooked at 350-370°F so the exterior doesn’t burn before the interior cooks through.
Precooking Method
If you precook the sausages first by simmering, boiling, or grilling, you can use a higher air fryer temperature around 400°F to crisp and brown the outside. Raw sausages should be cooked at a lower temp.
Desired Texture
If you prefer a more tender, juicy interior, use a lower air fryer temp (350°F). For extra crispy, browned sausages, go with a higher temp (390°F). Thicker sausages may need a lower temp to prevent overcooking.
Recommended Air Fryer Temperatures for Sausages
Based on sausage type and size, here are the recommended air fryer temperatures:
| Sausage Type | Ideal Air Fryer Temperature |
|---|---|
| Breakfast sausage links | 350°F |
| Fresh bratwurst | 370-390°F |
| Smoked kielbasa | 370-390°F |
| Fresh Italian sausage | 370-390°F |
| Chicken apple sausage | 350-370°F |
For most fresh, raw sausages, an air fryer temperature between 350-390°F will yield the best results. Breakfast links and precooked sausages can be cooked at the lower end of this range, while larger uncooked sausages do best at 370-390°F. Monitor sausages closely and adjust temperature as needed based on your specific air fryer model.
Recommended Air Fryer Cook Times for Sausages
Along with finding the right temperature, cook time is also key for perfect air fryer sausages. Here are suggested cook times for different types of sausages:
Breakfast Sausage Links
– Thin (less than 1-inch diameter): 7-9 minutes at 350°F
– Thick (1-inch or more): 9-12 minutes at 350°F
Fresh Bratwurst, Italian Sausage, Kielbasa
– Thin (less than 1.5 inches): 14-18 minutes at 370-390°F
– Thick (1.5 inches or more): 18-22 minutes at 370-390°F
Precooked Smoked Sausage
– 6-8 minutes at 400°F
These cook times are based on thoroughly preheating the air fryer and flipping sausages halfway through. Always verify sausages reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F. Adjust cook times as needed based on your specific sausage thickness and air fryer model.
Tips for Cooking Sausages in an Air Fryer
Follow these tips for the best air fryer sausages every time:
– Completely preheat air fryer before adding sausages. This prevents uneven cooking.
– Cut or poke sausages before cooking if they have an artificial casing. This prevents cracking.
– Flip and rotate sausages halfway through cooking for even browning.
– Brush sausages with oil or spray with cooking spray for optimal browning and texture.
– Allow air flow between sausages instead of overcrowding.
– For precooked sausages, use a higher temp just to reheat and brown exterior.
– Check internal temp with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
– Let sausages rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Common Air Fryer Sausage Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes when cooking sausages in an air fryer:
– Overcrowding – Too many sausages prevents proper air circulation.
– Incorrect temperature – Using too high of heat can burn outer before inside cooks.
– Uneven cooking – Not flipping sausages halfway through causes uneven browning.
– Unmonitored cooking – Not checking sausages can lead to over or undercooking.
– Burst casing – Failing to poke or cut artificial casings can cause splitting.
– Poorly preheated – Not fully preheating air fryer leads to uneven cooking.
– Skipping oil – Lack of oil causes sausages to dry out and stick.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can achieve perfectly cooked, crispy, juicy air fryer sausages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the answers to the most common questions about cooking sausages in an air fryer:
What is the best temperature to cook raw sausages in an air fryer?
370-390°F is ideal for most raw sausages like bratwurst, Italian sausage, kielbasa, etc. Smaller breakfast links can be cooked at 350°F. Always adjust temperature based on size.
How long does it take to cook sausages in an air fryer?
Thin breakfast links take 7-9 minutes at 350°F. Larger raw sausages need 14-22 minutes at 370-390°F. Precooked smoked sausages only require 6-8 minutes at 400°F.
Should you preheat an air fryer before cooking sausages?
Yes, always preheat your air fryer fully before adding sausages to prevent uneven cooking. Most models need 5-10 minutes to preheat.
Can you cook frozen sausages in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen sausages can go straight into a preheated air fryer but may take slightly longer to cook through. Add 2-3 minutes extra cook time.
Is it better to boil or air fry sausages?
Air frying gives sausages a crispy browned exterior that boiling can’t achieve. However, boiling then air frying gives the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
Cooking sausages in an air fryer results in quick, crispy, flavorful sausages the whole family will love. Use the right temperature based on size, allow for proper cook time, and avoid common mistakes. With the proper method, the air fryer makes sausages an easy, delicious dinner option. Experiment with different flavors and recipes to enjoy all the benefits of air fried sausages. Bon appetit!