Enjoy easy Air Fryer Sausage for any occasion. Your air fryer is the hands off way to cook Bratwurst, Italian sausage or any other variety.
Making breakfast sausages in my air fryer is the best. So I had to cover all the rest of the types of sausage. Dinnertime is so easy when you know how to make air fryer sausages! Or you can have a picnic style meal or host a tailgate at home.
You don’t have to turn on the grill for just a few sausages. I’m currently in a stage of life where I really don’t grill anymore. But I’m happy to direct you to one of my favorite grilling websites if you’re looking for how to grill sausage.
Instead, I have become an air fryer fanatic in recent years. When I’m dining solo especially, it’s so simple to perfectly cook some protein and veggies in my air fryer basket. Be sure and check out all of my air fryer recipes in one spot HERE.
Why this recipe works
Air fryers are a one stop shop for cooking sausages – both raw and pre-cooked. The only ingredient needed for air fryer sausage is sausage! Without any added butter or oil, the air fryer makes any type of sausage juicy on the inside and perfectly browned on the outside. It eliminates the mess of splattered grease with pan or oven cooking. My basket style air fryer contains the mess instead and drains away the excess grease from the sausages. I can just toss the basket components in my dishwasher when I am finished for a simple clean-up. This is such an easy air fryer recipe with so many possibilities…
What types of sausage can you cook in the air fryer?
Literally all of them. Different brands, raw or pre-cooked, chicken sausage or turkey sausage, kielbasa, beef or pork sausage. Pictured are a few types and brands of sausages that I have tried in my air fryer. Both raw (Bratwurst and Italian sausage) and smoked sausage (precooked with cheddar cheese and Polish). All link sausages cook beautifully in your air fryer!
How long do raw sausages take in the air fryer?
Air fryers vary a bit, but raw sausages cook at 375 degrees F for 12 – 14 minutes. The most important thing is to make sure the internal temperature of each sausage reaches a minimum of 160 degrees F before eating. I always check the temperature with my instant read digital meat thermometer.
For raw sausages, do NOT poke any holes in them before cooking. You want to ensure the juices stay sealed inside the sausage so they stay tender. Also, to prevent smoking, place a slice of stale bread in the bottom of your air fryer basket.
How to air fry cooked sausage
Directions are about the same as for raw sausages. Cook time for them at 375 degrees F for 10 – 12 minutes. Cook them a minute or two longer if you like a crispier, browned crust on your smoked sausage. Again, check the temperature of your sausages before consuming to make sure they reach a minimum of 160 degree F.
For smoked sausage (pre cooked) DO poke several holes in each with a fork or sharp knife, so the sausages do not explode in your air fryer basket. As illustrated in the photo.
Serving Suggestions
- As pictured, with hot dog buns, sautéed bell peppers and onions and your favorite type of mustard.
- On a dish with potato salad, baked beans, chips and watermelon
- Roasted Potatoes
- Baked Beans
- Corn on the Cob
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Marinated Cucumbers
- Orzo Pasta Salad
- Peach Cobbler
- Strawberry Shortcake
Tips for Success
- This recipe works for any brand and type of sausage. However, it’s best to not mix and match raw and pre-cooked sausages. Cook all raw together or all pre-cooked together.
- Some air fryers, including mine, will smoke if too much grease builds up in the bottom of the basket. To prevent smoking, place a slice of stale bread in the bottom of your air fryer basket. Or place a small amount of water in the bottom.
- Make sure the sausages are not touching so that they cook evenly.
- Because air fryers vary, make sure to observe closely in the last few minutes so as not to overcook your sausages.
Storage Directions
Store air fried sausages in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Or in the freezer for up to one month.
Kitchen Tools
- I own a Philips XXL Air Fryer and test all of my recipes in it.
- Use metal tongs to remove cooked sausages from the air fryer basket.
- Use an instant read digital thermometer to test the internal temperature of your air fryer sausages.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Frozen Fish
- Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Feta Cheese Rolls
- Air Fryer Mexican Pizza
Air Fryer Sausage
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 5 raw sausages The nutritional information is based upon Johnsonville Beer Brats (raw). Nutrition will vary if you air fry different types of sausages.
Instructions
- Place the sausage in a single layer (not touching) in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the sausage at 375 degrees F for 12 - 14 minutes.
- Flip the sausages halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Check the internal temperature of the sausages. Once they reach a minimum of 160 degrees F, the sausages are safe to eat.
- If air frying smoked sausages (pre-cooked) be sure to poke each one several times with fork so the sausages don't explode.
- However, do NOT poke holes in raw sausages before cooking.
Nutrition
Foodtastic Mom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program (Amazon Associate), an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Any highlighted, clickable Amazon link you see is an affiliate link that I may earn advertising fees on when you click to purchase.
Thank you so much for being a faithful reader and supporter of Foodtastic Mom. Be sure to PIN to Pinterest and print this recipe!
Katie says
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try this with the family.
foodtasticmom says
I think they’ll love them!
Angela says
YUM! These turned out so good. It’s going to my go-to recipe for brats from now on. Thanks so much for sharing!
foodtasticmom says
So glad to hear this Angela. Thank you!
Leslie says
I am missing out by not having an air-fryer. I see recipes like that and it makes me want to get on ASAP! These looks SO good!
foodtasticmom says
The air fryer is definitely worth the counter space it takes up. I was hesitant to get one at first, but now I can’t imagine not having one!
Jeannine+Meador says
I tried these and oh so delicious. I was lazy tho and made a small foil dish to go in the air fryer and put the peppers onions etc in there and laid the brats on top to cook. Veggies absorbed the brat flavors and now the only way I’ll cook them. Thanks so much for sharing and forgive my lazy approach.
foodtasticmom says
Not lazy at all! I think that is really smart🤓 Thanks for sharing your way of doing it. And for the five- start rating!
Sharon says
I had no idea that sausages could be made so easily in the air fryer. They come out perfectly cooked.
foodtasticmom says
Great to hear this Sharon. Thanks for taking the time to rate and review!
Artney says
One of my favorite ways to enjoy sausage! The air fryer keeps the sausage so juicy and flavorful.
foodtasticmom says
Wonderful. Thanks very much!
Liza says
What an amazing recipe. I’m always looking for new ways to use our air fryer and save time, and now we can enjoy tasty sausages practically on demand!
foodtasticmom says
Yes, it’s really the best way to cook them. And makes for so many meal possibilities.
Shadi says
It looks so delicious and easy!This is such an easy and delicious recipe, I cannot wait to make it again!
foodtasticmom says
So glad you enjoyed your experience with Air Fryer Sausage!
Tayler says
I’ll never make sausage any other way! It was so easy and turned out perfectly!
foodtasticmom says
Glad you agree Tayler! The air fryer really is the best way to cook all the sausage!
Toni says
Oh, this is why I love my air fryer! Lots of amazing recipes to try! Thanks for this!
foodtasticmom says
Yep, me too! You’re so welcome.
Jess says
This is life-changing! So easy!
foodtasticmom says
Thanks Jess!
Mahy says
This sausage makes my mouth water. It looks absolutely stunning and I can’t wait to make it at home now.
foodtasticmom says
It is truly mouthwatering. Every brand and type I have tried are cooked to perfection in my air fryer!
Carrie Robinson says
I just love how perfectly golden brown and crisp these sausages get in the air fryer! Genius idea. 🙂
foodtasticmom says
Thanks very much Carrie!
Tayler says
This is my new favorite way to make sausage! It turns out perfectly every time I try it!
foodtasticmom says
Yes, it’s a winner for sure!
Nikki says
Love how easy these air fryer sausages are to make and the toppings you put on yours. Really appreciate the tip about placing a piece of bread on the bottom.
foodtasticmom says
The bread really cuts down on the smoke. You’re welcome for the tip!
Chenée says
I can’t wait to try these in my air fryer! Thanks for the tips for raw vs. smoked sausages, because I usually make smoked sausage.
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome. Enjoy!
Carrie Robinson says
This is such a genius way to cook sausages! I just love how crispy and golden brown that they look. 🙂
foodtasticmom says
The way the air fryer crisps up the outsides of the sausage really can’t be beat.
Janessa says
I had never thought to cook sausages in the air fryer- so good to know!
foodtasticmom says
Enjoy!