How Long to Cook Frozen Sausage Patties to Perfection in an Air Fryer

Cooking frozen sausage patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty breakfast or snack. With an air fryer, you can achieve crispy, browned sausage patties in just minutes right from the freezer. But knowing exactly how long to cook the patties is key for getting optimal results Undercook them and they’ll be soggy and underdone. Cook them too long and you’ll end up with hockey pucks.

In this article we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook frozen sausage patties in the air fryer perfectly every time.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer for Sausage Patties

Air frying frozen sausage patties provides several advantages over other cooking methods:

• Speed – Air fryers cook food very rapidly using super heated air circulated by a fan. This allows the patties to cook up crisp and brown in a fraction of the time of oven baking.

• Convenience – No need to defrost the sausage first. The air fryer handles frozen just fine. Simply pop the patties straight from the freezer into the preheated air fryer basket.

• Versatility – Cook just a few patties for yourself or make a whole batch for the family. The air fryer basket has enough room for 6-8 patties depending on size.

• Less Oil – Air frying uses little to no oil compared to deep frying. A light spritz of oil is all you need for crisping. Much healthier than frying in grease.

• Even Cooking – The circulating hot air cooks the patties evenly all over unlike skillet cooking. No more undercooked centers or uneven browning.

How Long to Cook Frozen Sausage Patties in an Air Fryer

Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the thickness and specific type of frozen sausage patties used. However, the times below will work for most standard sized frozen breakfast sausage patties:

• Smaller Patties – Cook at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway

• Larger Patties – Cook at 400°F for 9-11 minutes, flipping halfway

The best way to judge doneness is to use an instant read thermometer. Sausage patties are safely cooked through at an internal temperature of 160°F.

If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the patties to be evenly browned on both sides with no raw looking pink or red spots remaining. Cut into a patty to double check – properly cooked sausage will be firm throughout with no raw looking center.

Step-by-Step Guide for Air Frying Sausage Patties from Frozen

Follow these simple steps for perfect air fryer sausage patties every time:

Ingredients

• Frozen sausage patties (as many as will fit in single layer in basket)
• Optional: Oil or oil spray

Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer – Preheating is a must for crispy, fully cooked results. Set air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes to preheat.

2. Prepare Patties – No defrosting required! Use frozen patties straight from the freezer. If desired, give them a light spritz of oil on both sides for extra browning.

3. Load Air Fryer Basket – Arrange the sausage patties in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Overlap can prevent proper air circulation.

4. Air Fry – Cook at 400°F for allotted time based on patty size (see times above). Set timer and start air frying.

5. Flip Patties – At the halfway point, open basket and carefully flip the patties using tongs. Return basket to air fryer to finish cooking.

6. Check Doneness – Use a thermometer to check 160°F internal temp and ensure patties are cooked through. If unsure, cut to inspect the inside.

7. Rest and Serve – Allow to rest 1-2 minutes before serving. Enjoy on their own or in breakfast sandwiches.

And that’s it! With these guidelines, you’ll be able to achieve perfect sausage patties from frozen in your air fryer. Adjust cook times as needed based on your specific model.

Tips for the Best Air Fried Sausage Patties

Here are some helpful tips and tricks for whipping up the very best air fryer sausage patties:

• Use an instant read thermometer to eliminate guesswork and confirm doneness. Get that ideal 160°F internal temp.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between patties for optimal air circulation.

• Flip halfway through cooking for evenly browned and cooked sausage patties.

• Preheat properly for a jump start on browning and cooking through. Never skip this step!

• Lightly spritz patties with oil before cooking for extra crisping on the outside if desired.

• Allow to rest 1-2 minutes before eating to allow juices to redistribute.

• Adjust cook times as needed based on patty size/thickness and your air fryer model.

• Don’t press down on patties while they cook – this can lead to dry, rubbery results.

Common Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking sausage patties in an air fryer:

What temperature should I cook frozen sausage patties at?

400°F is the ideal air fryer temperature for achieving crispy, fully cooked sausage patties from frozen.

How many sausage patties will fit in an air fryer?

This depends on the size of your specific air fryer basket, but typically 6-8 average sized frozen sausage patties can fit in a single layer.

Should you flip sausage patties in the air fryer?

Yes, always flip the patties halfway through the cook time for evenly browned and cooked results. The hot air circulates and cooks better when hitting both sides.

Can you put frozen sausage patties straight into the air fryer?

Absolutely! No defrosting is required when air frying. Place the frozen sausage patties straight from the freezer into the preheated air fryer basket.

Do sausage patties need oil in the air fryer?

Oil is not required, but spraying lightly with oil provides extra browning and texture on the outside of the patties if desired.

Enjoy the Convenience of Air Fried Sausage Patties

With the information in this guide, you’ll be ready to start enjoying quick and easy air fried sausage patties from frozen. Just be sure to preheat properly, don’t overcrowd, flip halfway through, and cook to an internal temperature of 160°F.

In 10 minutes or less, you can be biting into hot, juicy, crispy sausage patties for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Air fryers provide a healthier cooking alternative while still delivering the great taste and texture of traditionally fried sausage. Plus they open up a world of possibilities for unique and delcious sausage patty recipes.

So break out those frozen sausage patties and your air fryer and get ready to enjoy the speed, convenience, and versatility of air frying! With the proper technique, you’ll be churning out tender and perfectly browned patties in no time.