As a longtime fan of both juicy and flavorful meals, I’ve discovered that chicken sausage cooked in an air fryer offers a healthier twist on a classic dinner favorite. The air fryer’s ability to cook food to perfection with minimal oil makes the sausages deliciously crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside – a truly guilt-free dish.
Here’s a guide to the simple steps needed to cook chicken sausage in an air fryer. This method ensures a satisfying, flavorful result that will have you coming back for more. First, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
This temperature is key to achieving that perfect balance of crispness and juiciness. Place the sausages in the basket, ensuring they’re not touching to allow even cooking. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through.
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. Chicken sausage can be a main dish on a busy weeknight or paired with various condiments and side dishes to create a complete meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick easy option or something to impress, this recipe fits the bill.
Ingredients You Will Need For the Air Fryer Sausages
You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the best chicken sausage (the exact measurements, step-by-step instructions, and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post):
- Chicken sausages
- Avocado oil spray or olive oil cooking spray
- Optional: Your favorite seasonings (such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs) for added flavor
The Process for Cooking Chicken Sausages
Preheat the Air Fryer
Embracing the art of cooking chicken sausages in an air fryer begins with a crucial step: Preheat the Air Fryer. This is not just a preliminary action; it’s setting the stage for culinary magic. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (approximately 190°C).
This specific temperature is the key to creating the perfect cooking environment for your sausages. A few minutes at this heat prepares the air fryer to give your sausages that much-desired crispy exterior while retaining a juicy interior.
Prepare the Chicken Sausages
The journey to a delicious air-fried chicken sausage begins with the crucial step of preparing the chicken sausages. Selecting your preferred flavor and variety is where personal taste comes into play. The options are plentiful from classic Italian to spicy, or even unique flavors like apple maple or sun-dried tomato. Once you’ve chosen your sausages, an important step is to gently prick them with a fork. This allows any excess moisture to escape during cooking and helps to prevent the sausages from bursting.
Season and Spray with Oil
An essential step in creating the perfect air-fried chicken sausage is to season and spray them with olive oil or your preferred cooking oil. This not only helps to achieve that desirable crispy texture but also prevents the sausages from sticking to the air fryer basket.
Cook in the Air Fryer
The final and most exciting step in this culinary journey is to cook your seasoned and oiled chicken sausages in the air fryer. Carefully place the sausages in a single layer in the basket. It’s crucial to avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Set your air fryer and let the sausages air fry for approximately 12-16 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the sausages, as well as your specific model of air fryer. Halfway through the process, use tongs to flip the sausages, ensuring browning on all sides.
Check for Doneness
The final, crucial step in cooking chicken sausages in an air fryer is to check for doneness. Once the cooking time is complete, it’s important to ensure that your chicken sausages have reached the correct internal temperature for safe consumption. Using a meat thermometer, confirm that the sausages have reached 165°F (74°C). This temperature is considered safe for consumption and ensures that your sausages are perfectly cooked.
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Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the best part it’s time to serve and enjoy your cooked to perfection chicken sausages. Carefully remove them from the air fryer basket, admiring their crispy exterior. Place them on a plate or within a bun, and pair with your favorite accompaniments.
Whether it’s classic mustard, sautéed onions, or a light side salad, each adds a delightful combination to the juicy and flavorful sausage. This dish, with its crispy exterior and cooked with less oil, stands out as a healthier cooking method.
Tips and Tricks
- Check the Cooking Instructions: Each brand and type of chicken sausages has unique recommendations. Always look at the packaging for any specific cooking instructions to ensure the best outcome.
- Quality Ingredients for Flavor: Opt for sausages with minimal additives. Whether you choose Italian sausages, pork sausages, breakfast sausages, or chicken sausage links, selecting high-quality ingredients enhances both flavor and enjoyment of the dish.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: For best results, do not overcrowd your air fryer basket. This allows for proper air circulation, leading to even cooking and even browning for that perfect crispy skin.
- Flip the Sausages Halfway: During the cooking process, use tongs to turn the sausages gently. This ensures even cooking on all sides.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Size and Thickness: The cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the size and thickness of your sausages, as well as the specific settings of your air fryer.
- Storing Leftovers: Once cooled down, leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, following proper storage instructions to maintain quality and safety.
How to Store the Leftover Sausages?
Cool the Sausages
An important step in storing any leftover sausages is to first cool the sausages down after they’re cooked. Allow them to reach room temperature before storing. This helps to prevent condensation and sogginess, maintaining the delightful texture you achieved with the air fryer.
Refrigeration Method
- Transfer the leftover chicken sausage into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps maintain freshness and flavor.
- Label the container or bag with the date to easily track the freshness of your leftovers.
- Store the leftovers in the refrigerator. This is the most effective way to keep them fresh and safe for consumption.
- Remember, refrigerated chicken sausage leftovers are best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
Can You Reheat Leftover Sausages?
Absolutely, you can reheat leftover sausages. For best results, use a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts. If using a skillet, turn the sausages occasionally to ensure even heating. In the microwave, heat them in intervals, checking periodically.
It’s important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. These methods will help maintain the sausages’ flavor and texture, making your leftovers just as enjoyable as when they were first cooked.
Can I Use the Sausage in Other Recipes?
Certainly! You can use sausage in other recipes quite creatively. Leftover sausages can be chopped and added to a variety of dishes. Think of tossing them into pasta dishes, stir-fries, or omelets for an extra kick of flavor. They also make a great topping for pizzas and can add a protein-rich punch to salads.
The versatility of chicken sausage allows it to blend seamlessly into your creative culinary creations. Don’t forget about side dishes like green beans, broccoli florets, or sweet potatoes. The seasoned veggies complement the sausages wonderfully, making for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
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Can I Use Other Types of Sausage or Turkey Sausages Instead?
Yes, you can certainly use other types of sausage or turkey sausages as a substitute for chicken sausages in this recipe. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions specific to the type of sausage you choose. Turkey sausages are a leaner alternative and can offer a different yet equally delicious flavor and taste, catering to various dietary preferences.
You might need to adjust the cooking time, as it could be slightly longer or shorter compared to chicken sausages. In the end, using different types of sausages is like adding a twist to your favorite vanilla iced coffee a different flavor but still tasty and satisfying.
How to Cook Air Fryer Chicken Sausage?
Cooking chicken sausage in an air fryer is not just a delicious meal idea; it’s an easy dinner solution, especially on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re using chicken sausage links for meal prep or a healthy lunch, the versatility of the air fryer brings a variety of ways to serve them as a main meal.
Explore easy air fryer recipes like garlic parmesan chicken skewers, chicken tenderloins, or even boneless chicken thighs for diversity. Growing up, my mom would often make beef sausage with peppers and onion in a sweet tomato sauce, served with rice one of my favorite meals.
The richness and layers of flavor in that dish inspired me to replicate a similar meal with a tasty and fit alternative using chicken sausage in an air fryer, perfectly aligning with a macro-based eating plan.
Why Air Fryer Sausages?
Air fryer sausages are a great and simple main dish that the entire family can enjoy. Much of the legwork is already done with pre-made chicken sausages. All you need to do is decide how to serve them. They are not only flavorful but also cook in minutes, offering a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausages. An added bonus is that many brands offer a wide variety of flavors to choose from, meaning you can tailor the type of meal you are making to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Sausage Recipe?
When it comes to serving your air fryer chicken sausage recipe, there are numerous options for pairing. A delightful combination can be sautéed bell peppers with fragrant jasmine rice, complementing the sausage’s texture and flavor. For an added touch, a drizzle of low sugar barbecue sauce can enhance the dish, adding a tangy sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors of the sausage.
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However some additional side dishes that work well with this healthy recipe are:
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Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes offer a delightful sweetness that perfectly pairs with the subtle flavors of chicken sausage. For a unique twist, consider using Japanese sweet potatoes or purple sweet potatoes. Their distinct flavors and textures complement especially well with something like a chicken apple sausage, providing a harmonious balance of sweet and savory in every bite. This combination not only adds a pop of color to your plate but also introduces an array of nutrients, making your meal both healthy and flavorful.
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Green beans
When it comes to a quick and hearty meal, nothing beats the combination of chicken sausage and green beans, especially when you give it an Italian style twist. The trick is to stir fry these ingredients to perfection.
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Cauliflower rice
Pairing cauliflower rice with air-fried chicken sausage adds additional nutrition while keeping it low carb.
- Pasta dish
- For an Italian pasta dish, air fry chicken sausage, cut it, and mix with whole wheat pasta and jarred tomato sauce for a favorite flavor infusion.
Related Article: How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Fries in Air Fryer?
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
Diet Adaptions
Adapting air fryer chicken sausage to your diet involves compliance with your preferred eating plan. Always read the label before you buy sausages; for a low carb or keto diet, opt for varieties like garlic gruyere or chicken apple, which I’ve tested and found to have as low as 1 net carb. These meals become a seamless part of your diet, ensuring both health and taste.
Step by Step Instructions
Cooking chicken sausages in an air fryer is a simple process that makes their taste better than traditional baking methods. Start by placing the sausages in the fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overlapping. The key is a quick flip halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are warmed and thoroughly cooked. Once they’re ready, they can be enjoyed with your favorite sides.
Air Fryer Temperature
For optimal results when using an Air Fryer to cook chicken sausages, set the temperature to 370F. Always preheat the unit for about 5 minutes prior to cooking. This preheating step is crucial to ensure even cooking. Once preheated, load the basket or tray with the chicken sausages and start the cooking process.
Air Fryer Cooking Time
The ideal cooking time in an Air Fryer for precooked chicken sausage is 8-10 minutes, with flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Always check the internal temperature, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken sausage in an air fryer is a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy this classic favorite. By following the outlined steps, you can ensure crispy, juicy sausages every time. Remember to preheat your air fryer, season and oil your sausages, and cook them at the right temperature and time for perfect results. The versatility of chicken sausages allows for a variety of pairings and recipes, making them a fantastic choice for any meal. With the added benefits of less oil and ease of cooking, air fryer chicken sausages are a delightful addition to any diet, offering a balance of taste and health.
Cooking Chicken Sausage in the Air Fryer FAQs
Are sausages healthier cooked in an air fryer?
Sausages are healthier when cooked in an air fryer compared to deep-frying, as it reduces the need to add fat like in ready-made oven chips or breaded chicken.
Can you cook raw sausages in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook raw sausages in an air fryer; just prick them with a sharp knife or fork to stop bursting, and cook at 180 degrees for 15 minutes until crispy and golden.
Can you put foil in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use foil in an air fryer; it's safe and effective, much like using parchment paper in a conventional oven to cook food.
How long do you cook sausages in an air fryer?
Cook sausages in an air fryer at 180C for 10-15 mins, turning once at 5 mins, ensuring they're cooked through; pierce them with a sharp knife to release fat and arrange in a single layer in the basket.