Air fryers have revolutionised kitchens across Britain. They're a simple gadget, but for so many people, they've truly transformed cooking. If you haven't tried to cook sausages in your air fryer yet, there's some good news: air fryer sausages are incredibly simple and turn out perfectly. Brown on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready for ketchup or brown sauce. Plus, there's no need to worry about oil splattering. Here's how to do it.
Why cook sausages in an air fryer
Air fryers are one of the most popular gadgets around. If you've got one, you've probably already spent time adapting your favourite dinners into air fryer recipes. Sausages cook really well in an air fryer, without any mess. Unlike in a frying pan, you won't need to worry about oil spitting at you as you cook them. What's more, you can use a minimal amount of oil or even none at all, which helps reduce calories. Finally, cooking sausages in the air fryer requires almost no attention from the cook. That means you can get on with something else while they're happily cooking in the background.
How to cook sausages in an air fryer
- Pre-heat the air fryer to 200°C.
- Place the sausages in an air fryer basket or tray. Make sure to give them enough room. They shouldn't touch, so you may need to cook them in two batches.
- Brush them lightly with oil. Skip this step if you're cutting calories, but adding oil will give browner, crisper results.
- Cook for approximately 10 to 15 minutes (depending on the size of the sausages), turning them halfway through.
If you're making an air fryer full English, cover the sausages and set them aside while you cook bacon in the air fryer.
How long to cook sausages in an air fryer
As with all sausage recipes, cooking time will depend on the thickness of the sausages. Thin chipolatas may only need 10 minutes in total, while thick bangers can take around 15 minutes. To test if they're ready, stab a sausage with a fork or skewer, then see if the juices run clear.
You can also make sausage rolls in an air fryer. These apricot sausage roll air fryer bites only take about 10 minutes to cook, making them ideal for a dinner in a hurry.
Frozen sausages in an air fryer
You can cook frozen sausages in an air fryer without defrosting them first. It'll take a bit longer, sometimes up to 20 minutes for bangers. Sometimes frozen sausages clump together in the freezer, and it can be hard to separate them without breaking them. In this case, put them straight into the air fryer for 3 minutes, then take them out and pull them apart (use tongs to avoid burning your fingers) before continuing to cook them.
Serving ideas for air fryer sausages
You can serve air fryer sausages in all your favourite recipes. Go for something simple, such as:
- sausage, egg and chips
- bangers and mash with onion gravy
- classic sausage in a bun with ketchup or brown sauce
However, you may also want to try something a bit more exotic. This oven-baked sausage risotto al pomodoro is an unusual take on an Italian favourite and makes a satisfyingly meaty dinner. A sausage and cheddar naanizza is a fusion classic: a pizza made with naan bread as a base, topped with some classic British ingredients.
If you're curious about experimenting with different sausage recipes, try a meal kit delivery. HelloFresh has a huge number of recipes to choose from, so whether you're looking for something traditional or you prefer something with a twist, you'll find something that suits you.
Common air fryer sausage mistakes to avoid
There's no need to prick sausages before cooking them in an air fryer. In fact, there's no need to ever prick sausages. In the post-war years, rationing meant that British bangers were padded out with water and rusk, so they sometimes exploded in the pan. Those days are long gone, and today's good-quality, meaty sausages don't need a prick. Also, piercing them may make them less juicy, so don't do it!
If you haven't cooked sausages in the air fryer before, don't blindly follow the timing in the recipe. Instead, pierce a sausage with a fork or skewer through the thick centre when you think it's done. If the juices run clear, it's ready to go. If they're still pink, give the bangers a couple more minutes.
Sausages in an air fryer FAQs
Can you cook frozen sausages in an air fryer?
Yes, you can. Thin frozen sausages may take just 12 minutes, while thicker bangers can take up to 20 minutes. Turn them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly.
How long should you cook sausages in an air fryer?
That depends on the size of the sausages. In general, though, most sausages will take 10 to 15 minutes. Always turn them halfway through cooking for a perfect brown finish on both sides.
Do you need oil for air fryer sausages?
You don't technically need it, but unless you're strictly reducing fat, it's a good idea to brush sausages lightly with oil before cooking. This will help create a brown, crispy exterior.
Should you pierce sausages before air frying?
No. Piercing sausages was necessary decades ago, when they had high rusk and water content. Modern sausages are far meatier and don’t need to be pricked before cooking.
Can you cook chipolatas in an air fryer?
Yes, you can. Chipolatas only take about 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer. You’ll need to turn them halfway through, and make sure you don’t overcrowd the basket. Keep in mind the chipolatas shouldn't be touching one another.