Air fryer sausage patties are a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative to pan-frying, offering a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the grease splatter. Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or precooked patties, the air fryer makes breakfast a breeze.
Cooking Fresh Sausage Patties
Arrange sausage patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in the preheated air fryer for 5 minutes; flip the patties and cook about 3 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a patty should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Serve hot and enjoy!
Preheat an air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place 4 sausage patties in the basket of the air fryer. Cook sausage patties for 6 minutes. Using tongs, flip patties over, and cook for 6 minutes more. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with remaining sausage patties.
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Grease the inside of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the sausage patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in the preheated air fryer for 8-12 minutes, until an instant read thermometer reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Fahrenheit). Remove from the air fryer, serve hot and enjoy! Once your sausage patties reach 165℉, how much longer you cook them for is up to how crispy you want them. I cook mine for about 10 minutes total because we like our sausage browned and crispy around the edges, but not too burnt.
Cooking Frozen Sausage Patties
Place the frozen sausage patties in the air fryer and cook for 4-5 minutes, until warmed thoroughly, Enjoy!
Add the frozen sausage patties to the air fryer tray or basket in a single layer. Cook more or less depending on the size of your patties. Spray with non-stick cooking spray if you want it crispy. Close the basket and cook in the air fryer for 4 minutes flipping the sausage halfway through the cooking process. Cook an additional 4 minutes or until it reaches desired crispiness. Serve warm and enjoy!
For frozen patties, pop however many patties (cooking time is the same) you need in a non-preheated air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and reheat for 4 minutes or until warmed through.
Cooking Precooked Sausage Patties
Place the patties in a single layer, not touching each other, in your air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 6-8 minutes at 350 degrees F. Flip them halfway through cooking. The sausage should be at least 160 degrees F in the center when it is fully cooked.
To air-fry precooked sausage patties, air fry at 390 F for 4 minutes on each side for a total of 8 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sausage Patties
- Single Layer Cooking: Keep the sausage in a single layer in the basket. Do not crowd or stack the patties. When cooking is done, use an instant-read thermometer to verify that the patties have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. The exact cooking time will vary based on your air fryer model, how full it is, and the thickness of the patties. Add extra time as needed.
- No Extra Oil Needed: Absolutely NO oil is needed for this recipe. Fresh and frozen sausage patties have enough fat so they won’t stick to the air fryer basket. This is a healthier cooking method than pan frying because the extra fat from the sausage collects in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
- Flipping: Flipping is optional, but unnecessary when using an air fryer basket or tray with holes. The great thing about an air fryer is that the air evenly flows around the food so there is no need to flip it when you’re using the standard air fryer basket with holes or a rack (for oven style air fryers). If you’re using a solid tray, you should flip the patties halfway through cooking.
- Resting: To reduce extra oil and fat, let the patties rest on a paper towel after cooking. This also helps if you’re meal prepping for the week. Allow the patties to rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices for a more flavorful bite.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it by microwaving it for 30-60 seconds. Don’t refreeze sausage patties that were cooked from frozen. You can also reheat the sausage patties in the air fryer. Cook them at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes, flipping them over once.
To freeze, store the fully cooked (and cooled) patties in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag with layers separated by parchment paper to keep them from sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost your frozen sausage patties overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the microwave, stovetop, or air fryer.
FAQ
How do I know when sausage patties are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach at least 160°F (71°C) for pork sausage patties. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a patty to ensure it’s no longer pink in the center.
Can I cook sausage patties from frozen?
Yes, you can cook frozen sausage patties directly in the air fryer without thawing. Add 2-4 minutes to the cooking time, depending on thickness, and ensure they reach 160°F internally.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is optional and depends on your air fryer model. Basket-style air fryers often don’t require preheating, while oven-style models may benefit from it. If preheating, set to the recommended temperature for 2-3 minutes.
Can I use the air fryer for homemade sausage patties?
Absolutely. Form your patties, place them in a single layer, and cook at 370-400°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 160°F internally.
Why are my sausage patties not crispy?
Overcrowding the basket can prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. Ensure patties are in a single layer with space between them. You can also spray with nonstick cooking spray for extra crispiness.