How To Cook Frozen Italian Sausage In The Air Fryer

Discover the ease of cooking with our guide on how to prepare frozen Italian sausage to perfection using an air fryer. Quick, delicious, and perfect for a no-fuss meal, this method guarantees a flavorful and juicy sausage every time.

If you’re anything like me, you’re all about finding those life hacks that make cooking delicious meals quick and easy. 

That’s why I’m super excited to share with you my go-to method for cooking frozen Italian sausage in an air fryer. 

Trust me, it’s a game-changer for those busy weeknights or when you just can’t deal with a ton of clean-up. Let’s dive into the sizzle and see how it’s done!

If you love this air fryer Italian sausage you may also enjoy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast or my Tempura Shrimp In The Air Fryer.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS FROZEN ITALIAN SAUSAGE IN THE AIR FRYER

Oh, let me count the ways! 

First off, cooking sausages in the air fryer is a total time-saver. You can go from freezer to plate in no time, without the need to thaw. 

Plus, the air fryer gives you that irresistible crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly juicy. It’s like having the best of both worlds – the convenience of fast food with the quality of a home-cooked meal.

But wait, there’s more! 

It’s also a healthier option. Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying methods, which means fewer calories and less guilt. 

And cleanup? It’s a breeze! No splattered oil or messy stovetops. 

Just a simple, non-stick basket that wipes clean. So, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this method for cooking Italian sausage will have you feeling like a kitchen superstar. 

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE AIR FRYER SAUSAGE RECIPE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the sweet Italian sausage (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Frozen sausages – mild italian sausage, hot Italian sausage, breakfast sausages, or whatever kind of sausage you prefer
• Olive oil cooking spray
• Optional seasonings such as Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper.

SIMPLE STEPS ON HOW TO MAKE

1. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees fahrenheit. If your model doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this step.
2. If you’re using cooking spray, give the air fryer basket a quick spritz. This will help prevent the sausages from sticking and make clean-up even easier.
3. Place the frozen Italian sausage links in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not touching to ensure even cooking. You might have to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Cook for about 12-14 minutes, then flip the sausages over. Continue to cook for another 7-10 minutes. The total cook time will depend on your air fryer model and the size of the sausages.
5. You’ll know the sausages are done when they have a nice, golden-brown exterior and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). I always recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness – food safety first, lovelies!
6. Once cooked, remove the sausages from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making your sausages even more flavorful.

TASTY SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Now that your raw sausages are perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve them up! Here are a few of my fave ways to enjoy these juicy delights:

• Slice them up and toss them into a pasta dish with your favorite sauce.
• Make a hearty sausage sandwich with sautéed peppers and onions.
• Serve them alongside a crisp salad for a low-carb meal option.
• Cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them to a breakfast scramble or frittata.

STORING THE LEFTOVER SAUSAGE

Got some leftover Italian sausage from your air fryer feast? No problem! Storing them is a snap, and it means you’ve got a head start on your next meal. Here’s how to keep them fresh and ready for round two:

Refrigerating Your Sausage:

• Let the sausages cool down to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation inside the container.
• Place the sausages in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about three to four days.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

Okay, my savvy foodies, let’s get you cooking those Italian sausages like a pro! Here are my top tips and tricks to ensure you get the best results every time you use your air fryer:

Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure to space out the sausages in the air fryer basket. Crowding can lead to uneven cooking, and we definitely want each sausage to have its moment in the hot air spotlight!

Turn for Even Cooking: Halfway through cooking, give those sausages a flip. This helps them get that golden-brown goodness all around. A little turn can make a big difference!

Preheat is Key: If your air fryer has a preheat option, use it. Starting with a hot environment helps the sausages cook more evenly, and it can shorten the cooking time a bit too.

Check the Temp: Investing in a digital meat thermometer is a wise move. It’s the best way to ensure your sausages are cooked through to a safe 160°F without cutting into them and losing those precious juices.

Rest Before Serving: Patience, my friends! Let the sausages rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, which means every bite will be just as juicy as the first.

With these little nuggets of wisdom, you’ll be dishing out air fryer Italian sausages that are the envy of all your food-loving pals. Remember, cooking is part art, part science, and all love. So have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your next signature dish.

FAQS

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN THE SAUSAGES ARE FULLY COOKED?

The internal temperature of the sausage should reach 160°F. It’s best to use an instant-read thermometer to check this.

WHY HAVE AIR FRYERS BECOME SO POPULAR?

The popularity of air fryers can be attributed to their convenience, the healthier cooking method due to less oil usage, and the ability to create meals with a crispy finish in a shorter amount of time.

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO JUICY SAUSAGES IN THE AIR FRYER?

Avoid overcooking and ensure the sausages are not overcrowded in the basket to maintain a juicy interior.

HOW CAN I ADD MORE FLAVOR TO MY ITALIAN SAUSAGE RECIPE?

Consider adding fennel seeds, additional seasoning, or even a brush of barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking time.

Other Easy Air Fryer Recipes You May Want To Try!

• Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Frozen Air Fryer Fried Pickles
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Easy Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bagels
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)
• Frozen Potstickers In The Air Fryer
• Easy Frozen Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
• 10-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage

IF YOU TRIED THIS PORK SAUSAGE RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE THEM A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS EASY MEAL ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails