If you love a good sausage you have to try this recipe!
These are some of the easiest and most satisfying sausages you can make at home. Cook them in an air fryer, turn once halfway through, and you’ll be rewarded with nicely browned, juicy links that taste smoky and grilled without a charcoal grill. Ready to learn how to make air fryer sausages? Welcome to the bistro kitchen.
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The Best Sausage Recipe
Have you tried cooking pork sausages, beef links, or bratwurst in an air fryer? If not, you’re missing a simple method that delivers a grilled flavor without a grill. The air fryer’s circulating hot air crisps the casing and browns the meat while keeping the interior juicy.
This is a very hands-off recipe: preheat, place the sausages in a single layer, flip once halfway, and finish. If you have an air fryer grill pan or rack, use it to get even better searing marks, but a regular basket works perfectly well. Because sausages contain fat, you may notice some smoke as fat drips and circulates; using a basket with a lid or a grill pan will help contain splatter.
If you prefer a traditional grilled look, place your links on skewers or on a rack inside the air fryer. Otherwise, simply lay them flat in the basket. Either way, you’ll end up with tasty, well-browned sausages in under 20 minutes.
What You Need For This Recipe
This recipe is intentionally simple. All you need are quality sausages and, optionally, your favorite barbecue sauce or mustard for serving.
- Sausages (pork, beef, chicken, or bratwurst)
- Optional: BBQ sauce, mustard, or your preferred condiments
How To Cook Air Fryer Sausages
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (198°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange the sausages in a single layer on the grill pan, rack, or basket so air can circulate around them.
- Cook for 13 minutes for a tender casing. For a deeper brown and slightly crisper skin, cook for 15 minutes.
- Flip the sausages halfway through cooking so they brown evenly—tongs are the easiest tool for this.
- When they’re done, remove the sausages and serve immediately. Expect a slight shrink as they cool; this is normal and does not affect flavor.
Can I Cook Sausage Ahead Of Time?
Yes. Sausages reheat well, so you can cook a larger batch in advance and reheat before serving. Prepared sausages can be served hot or cold, making them convenient for parties, packed lunches, or quick weeknight dinners.
How To Store Cooked Sausages
Proper storage keeps cooked sausages safe and tasty:
- Refrigerator — Place cooled sausages in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag and store for up to 3 days.
- Freezer — For longer storage, freeze sausages in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label with the date and use within 3 months for best quality.
How To Reheat Cooked Sausage
Reheating is quick and simple. Choose the method that works best for you:
- Air fryer — Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5 minutes. Cover with foil if sausages are already very browned to prevent over-browning.
- Oven — Heat to 350°F, place sausages on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and warm for 5–7 minutes.
- Skillet — Add a splash of water to a skillet over medium heat, add sausages, and turn frequently until heated through (about 5 minutes).
- Dutch oven — Similar to a skillet: warm over medium heat with a little water and turn until fully heated.
Serve Sausages With
Sausages pair well with a wide range of sides. Try them with:
- Boiled potatoes or mashed potatoes
- Steamed or sautéed greens like spinach
- Cheesy green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Roasted potatoes or roasted broccoli
- Honey-glazed carrots or a simple fresh salad
More Sausage Recipes You’ll Like
If you enjoy sausages cooked in the air fryer, consider trying a smoked sausage variation or other spiced links to expand your repertoire.
Air Fryer Sausages
Yield: 5 | Prep: 3 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 18 minutes
These air fryer sausages are fast, easy, and deliver a satisfying browned exterior with a juicy interior. No grill required.
Ingredients
- 5 pork sausages (or your preferred variety)
- Optional: BBQ sauce, mustard or other condiments
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (198°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place sausages in a single layer on the grill pan, rack, or basket.
- Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for 13 minutes for a softer casing or 15 minutes for a more browned skin.
- Flip sausages halfway through so they brown evenly.
- Remove and serve immediately. They will shrink slightly as they cool; this is normal.
Notes
Shrinkage and minor twisting of the casings after cooking are normal and do not affect flavor. If you notice smoke, try a lower temperature or use a tray to catch excess fat.
Nutrition (approx. per serving)
Calories: 75 · Total Fat: 6g · Saturated Fat: 2g · Protein: 4g · Sodium: 187mg