How Long to Cook Sausage Patties in an Air Fryer for Perfectly Crispy Results

Cooking sausage patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast or brunch. With an air fryer you can cook the patties until they are perfectly browned and crispy on the outside while keeping the interior moist and juicy. But knowing exactly how long to cook sausage patties in the air fryer can take some trial and error.

In this detailed guide I’ll explain everything you need to know to master cooking breakfast sausage patties in the air fryer. You’ll learn how long fresh and frozen patties need to cook, tips for the best texture how to tell when they’re done, and more. Let’s dive in!

Benefits of Cooking Sausage Patties in an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer to cook sausage patties has some major advantages over frying them in a skillet on the stovetop. Here are a few of the best reasons to fire up your air fryer:

• Less greasy: Air frying uses significantly less oil than pan frying, keeping the patties from sitting in and absorbing excess grease.

• Perfect texture: The hot air circulates around the patties, browning the outside to a crisp while keeping the inside tender.

• Quick cooking time: Patties cook fast in the air fryer, meaning you can have a hot breakfast in minutes.

• Easy cleanup: With less oil splattering, air frying makes cleanup a breeze compared to dealing with a greasy skillet.

• Consistent results: The contained environment of an air fryer makes it easy to achieve consistent doneness from batch to batch.

How Long to Cook Fresh Sausage Patties

If you’re starting with fresh, raw sausage patties straight from the package, they will take a little longer to cook through than ones that are pre-cooked or frozen. Here are general guidelines for fresh sausage patties:

• 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick patties: 8 to 11 minutes
• 3/4 to 1 inch thick patties: 10 to 14 minutes

For the most accurate cooking time, consult the package instructions and always rely on a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Fresh pork sausage patties should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

During cooking, flip the patties over halfway through the air fryer time to ensure even browning. Also make sure not to overcrowd them—leave some space between each patty for the air to circulate properly.

How Long to Cook Frozen Sausage Patties

Cooking frozen pre-formed sausage patties in the air fryer couldn’t be easier. Here’s how long frozen patties generally take:

• 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick patties: 10 to 12 minutes
• 3/4 to 1 inch thick patties: 12 to 15 minutes

The most foolproof way to check if fully cooked frozen patties are done is to insert an instant-read thermometer in the center. They are safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

As always, refer to the package instructions for any specific cooking directions. Flip the frozen patties over midway during cooking for even browning on both sides.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Sausage Patties

Follow these air fryer tips and tricks for sausage patties with a crispy browned exterior and a moist, juicy interior:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave at least 1/2 inch between patties for the air flow.

• Use cooking spray. Lightly coat the basket with oil or cooking spray so the patties don’t stick.

• Flip halfway. Cook one side for half the time, flip, then cook the other side.

• Pat dry. Dry patties well before cooking to help them brown up nicely.

• Brush with oil or sauce. For extra flavor and color, brush with oil, maple syrup, or barbecue sauce.

• Let rest before eating. Let patties rest 1-2 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute.

How to Tell When Sausage Patties Are Done

Relying on sight, texture, and temperature will ensure perfectly cooked sausage patties every time. Here’s what to look for:

• Browned exterior. The patties should be evenly browned and crispy on the outside.

• Firm texture. Patties will firm up and feel less squishy when fully cooked.

• Minimum internal temp. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 160°F.

• Cut or poke test. If juices run clear rather than pink when cut, they are done.

• Opacity. Fully cooked sausage will be opaque all the way through, not pink inside.

Serving Your Air Fryer Sausage Patties

Now comes the best part—enjoying your fresh, hot sausage patties! Here are some delicious ways to serve them up:

• Breakfast sandwiches – Pair with eggs, cheese, and an English muffin or biscuit.

• Breakfast tacos – Wrap in warm corn or flour tortillas with scrambled eggs.

• Appetizers – Top with sweet and spicy mustard for an easy party snack.

• Baked potatoes – Use patties as a protein topping for loaded baked potatoes.

• On salad – Crumble and sprinkle over fresh leafy greens for a protein punch.

• Saucy pasta – Chop up patties and toss with tomato sauce and pasta.

• Toppings for pizza and nachos – Crumble and add to pizza, nachos, potatoes skins, etc.

Storing Leftover Sausage Patties

Got leftovers? Here are some storage tips to keep cooked sausage patties fresh:

• Let cool before refrigerating. Never put hot patties straight in the fridge.

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days stored in an airtight container.

• Freeze for up to 2-3 months individually wrapped in plastic wrap or foil.

• Reheat leftover refrigerated patties in the microwave, oven, or back in the air fryer.

• Thaw frozen patties overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Common Air Fryer Sausage Patty FAQs

If you’re new to air frying sausage, chances are you have some questions. Here I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked sausage patty air fryer questions:

What temperature should I cook sausage patties at in an air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F when cooking sausage patties. This high heat will help render the fat and crisp up the exterior.

Should sausage patties be flipped during air frying?

Yes, always flip patties over halfway during cooking. This ensures even browning and cooking on both sides.

Is air fried sausage healthier than pan fried?

Absolutely! Air frying uses little to no oil compared to pan frying, keeping the patties lower in calories and fat.

How do I reheat leftover air fried sausage patties?

You can reheat refrigerated cooked sausage patties in the microwave, oven, or back in the air fryer until hot. For frozen patties, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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

You can absolutely air fry frozen sausage patties with no thawing required! Just add a couple extra minutes to the cook time.

Enjoy the Magic of Air Fried Sausage

There you have it—everything you need to know to nail cooking breakfast sausage patties in the air fryer! Follow this guide for tender, juicy interiors and golden crispy exteriors in just 10-15 minutes. Ditch the greasy pans and enjoy quick, easy weekday mornings and relaxed weekend brunches with these tips.

So next time you’re craving savory sausage patties, let your air fryer work its magic. Your taste buds will thank you with that first crispy, mouthwatering bite!