How Long to Cook Smoked Sausage in an Air Fryer for Perfect Results

Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances for their ability to make deliciously crispy foods with less oil One of the tastiest things to make is smoked sausage – the air fryer gives you that perfect snap when you bite into it! But how long should you actually cook smoked sausage in an air fryer?

The cooking time can vary based on a few factors, so in this article I’ll cover everything you need to know to get ideal results. Let’s dive in!

Benefits of Cooking Smoked Sausage in an Air Fryer

Before getting into cook times. let’s look at why air frying is a great way to cook smoked sausage

• Quick and easy – Smoked sausage cooks fast in an air fryer, ready in just 10-15 minutes. Minimal prep needed.

• Makes it crispy – The circulating hot air crisps up and browns the sausage casing nicely.

• Retains juiciness – The sausage stays moist and juicy inside thanks to the shorter cook time.

• Enhances flavor – Smoked sausage gets infused with even more smoky depth of flavor.

• Less messy – Air frying contains splatter and allows excess grease to drain off during cooking.

• Healthier – Uses little to no added oil compared to frying in a skillet.

So air frying gives you tasty, crispy smoked sausage without the hassle or mess of other cooking methods.

Factors that Affect Cook Time

The exact air fryer cook time for smoked sausage can range from 10-18 minutes depending on:

• Sausage thickness – Thicker sausages take longer to cook through. Thin sausages may only need 10 minutes.

• Amount sausages – More sausages require a few extra minutes to cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd.

• Preheating – Preheating the air fryer shortens the cook time slightly.

• Type of air fryer – Larger or more powerful air fryers may cook faster.

• Doneness preference – Cook longer for crisper texture or shorter for softer.

So the cook time can vary. The best way is to monitor sausages and adjust time as needed.

Recommended Cook Times

Here are some general guidelines for air fryer smoked sausage cook times:

• Average smoked sausage (1-2 inch diameter) – 12-15 minutes at 380°F, flipping halfway.

• Thinner sausage links or cocktail sausages – 10-12 minutes at 380°F.

• Thick smoked sausage (2 inches+ diameter) – 15-18 minutes at 380°F, flipping halfway.

• Pre-cooked smoked sausage – 5-10 minutes at 350°F just to heat through and crisp casing.

• Frozen smoked sausage – Add 3-5 minutes to the cook time above.

Check sausages a few minutes early and add time if needed until browned and 160°F internal temperature.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for perfectly air fried smoked sausage:

1. Cut sausages into desired sizes, from whole links to bite-sized pieces. Score diagonally.

2. Preheat air fryer to 380°F for 3-5 minutes.

3. Place sausages in air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.

4. Air fry for half the time, then flip sausages and air fry the remaining time.

5. Check internal temperature, visual doneness, and crispness. Cook longer if needed.

6. Remove sausages from air fryer and enjoy!

It’s that easy to make tasty smoked sausages in your air fryer. The circulating hot air cooks them up evenly golden brown and delicious.

Handy Time-Saving Tips

Here are some helpful tips for efficiently cooking smoked sausage in an air fryer:

• Cut sausages into smaller pieces to reduce cook time.

• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness instead of cutting sausages open.

• Brush sausages lightly with oil to get crisper texture and color.

• Flip or shake the basket halfway for even browning.

• Let sausages rest a minute or two after cooking for juicier results.

• Pre-cook sausages if doing a large batch to save time. Then briefly air fry just to reheat and crisp.

Serving Ideas for Air Fried Smoked Sausage

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving cooked smoked sausage from your air fryer. Here are some fun ideas:

• BBQ smoked sausage sandwiches with your favorite toppings and condiments

• Smoked sausage breakfast tacos or burritos with eggs, cheese, and veggies

• Smoked sausage kabobs with peppers and onions

• Loaded smoked sausage nachos or tater tots

• Smoked sausage with roasted vegetables and rice

• Pasta with sliced smoked sausage and tomato cream sauce

You really can’t go wrong when air fryer smoked sausage is on the menu! Play around with creative recipes and seasonings.

Safety Tips for Cooking Smoked Sausage

To safely handle and cook smoked sausage:

• Always cook raw smoked sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F.

• Never let raw sausage or its juices touch cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.

• Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw sausage.

• Store cooked and raw sausage separately in the fridge. Use cooked sausage within 3-4 days.

• Thaw frozen sausage safely before air frying by leaving in the fridge overnight. Do not thaw at room temp.

Following basic food safety guidelines will keep you and your family healthy.

Get Crispy, Juicy Air Fryer Smoked Sausage

Cooking smoked sausage in the air fryer is one of the quickest and tastiest ways to enjoy it. Refer to the air fryer cook times in this article to achieve the perfect texture. In just 10-15 minutes, you’ll have deliciously crispy sausage full of smoky flavor.

Try out different smoked sausage varieties like beef, turkey or chicken. Mix up the seasonings or sauces too. And feel free to share any of your favorite air fryer sausage recipes!