Air fryer chicken sausage is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a protein-packed meal. Whether you’re using pre-cooked, raw, or frozen sausages, the air fryer delivers a crispy exterior and juicy interior in just minutes.
Why Cook Chicken Sausage in the Air Fryer?
I would argue that chicken sausage comes out even better in the air fryer. The outside becomes crispy and the inside stays juicy! I’ve been making this recipe for quite a bit and I realized I never shared it so here we are! You can have a protein on the table in just about 10 minutes! You can use any flavor of chicken sausage that you like! Super simple to clean up! Great for an easy dinner – Serve this along with your favorite vegetables and potatoes with a creamy dijon sauce for a balanced dinner.
Cooking chicken sausages in the air fryer is truly the best way to do it! Grab your favorite kind from the grocery store, pop in the trendy appliance, and let the magic happen. This tasty protein source is: Quick & Easy: If you want dinner or lunch on the table in no time at all you’ll have to try air frying your chicken sausages. They will be finished in 15 minutes or less! So freaking fast. Versatile: Chicken sausage is the perfect flavorful and tasty option to add to your favorite dishes for a boost of protein.
Ingredients and Equipment
- Chicken Sausage: Any pre-cooked chicken sausage will work with this recipe. I used Bilinski’s Organic Mild Italian with Bell Peppers, but they have a variety of flavors like Sweet Apple & Honey, Cilantro with Lime, and Lemon Herb. My two favorite brands are Bilinski’s and Applegate.
- Cooking Spray: I use olive oil or avocado oil to help with browning.
- Equipment: Air fryer, tongs or fork for flipping, plate or platter for serving. Optional: parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For Pre-Cooked Chicken Sausage
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for a few minutes. This ensures a hot cooking environment, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. If your air fryer has a preheating option you can preheat your air fryer. If you don’t have that option, you can run the machine at 375 degrees F for 2-5 minutes. Leave the machine running for about 3 minutes for smaller air fryers. Leave the machine running for about 5 minutes for larger air fryers.
- Prepare the Sausages: Lightly spray the sausages with olive oil or your preferred cooking oil for the best way to achieve a crispy texture and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket. An even better way to beautifully brown chicken sausage in an air fryer is to brush it with a mix of butter and honey. It makes a huge difference. Your air-fried chicken sausage will never be pale, sad-looking and unappetizing.
- Arrange in the Basket: Place chicken sausages in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Don’t stack the sausage links on top of each other. Also, leave space in between each one. This will help with even cooking.
- Cook: Air fry the precooked chicken sausage at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees F. Every air fryer is a little different so keep an eye on them.
- Serve: Once the sausages have cooked through, remove from the air fryer and allow to cool for 1-2 minutes before enjoying! Serve as a side for breakfast or in buns.
For Raw Chicken Sausage
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C).
- Prepare the Sausages: For uncooked sausages, poke 3–4 small holes with a sharp knife before air frying to allow excess moisture to escape and prevent bursting. Lightly spray with olive oil.
- Arrange and Cook: Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry the sausage at 375 degrees F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees F.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Allow the sausages to rest for a few minutes before serving to keep them juicy and flavorful.
For Frozen Chicken Sausage
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C).
- Arrange and Cook: Add the frozen chicken sausages to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry the sausage at 375 degrees F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees F.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure there is enough room for the air flow to cook the sausages evenly. Cooking chicken sausages in a single layer will help them turn golden brown.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flip the sausages or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. Doing this ensures both sides of the sausages cook evenly.
- Avoid Pricking Unless Necessary: Whatever you do, I beg of you, DO NOT PRICKLE THE SAUSAGE before cooking it. Prickling sausages will cause them to lose juices like crazy, leaving you with a shriveled, pathetic exterior and a dry, crumbly interior. Seriously, never ever do that. I cringe when I see people do that. For uncooked sausages, however, poke 3–4 small holes to prevent bursting.
- Use High-Quality Sausages: Pick Quality Sausages – Choose chicken sausages with minimal additives for the best flavor. Our favorite is Bilinski’s, but any flavor works!
- Line the Basket: Line the bottom of the air fryer with aluminum foil or parchment paper. It will make the cleaning much easier later on.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Serve with eggs, avocado, fluffy pancakes, and a side of roasted potatoes or crispy home fries.
- Lunch/Dinner: Pair with a kale crunch salad, roasted vegetables, lemon caper pasta, tomato soup, or sautéed greens. Slice the chicken sausage and serve it with vegetables and potatoes of choice with a creamy dijon sauce. To make the creamy dijon sauce combine, 2 tablespoons of tahini, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of cold water and garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper to taste.
- One-Pan Meal: Make it a one-pan meal by adding bell peppers, onions, and other vegetables to the air fryer basket with the chicken sausages. Cook the chicken sausage and veggies in the air fryer at 390 degrees F for 10 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Let the sausages cool and transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Air fryer chicken sausage freeze for 1-2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 3 minutes until warm or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before eating.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen chicken sausages in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken sausages directly in the air fryer without thawing. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is recommended for even cooking and a crispy exterior, but some recipes work without it. If you skip preheating, you may need to add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time, depending on your air fryer model.
Can I use raw chicken sausages?
Absolutely. For raw sausages, poke a few small holes to prevent bursting, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What flavors of chicken sausage work best?
Any flavor works! Popular options include Italian, apple maple, spicy herb, or sun-dried tomato. Brands like Bilinski’s, Aidells, and Applegate offer a variety of gluten-free and organic choices.
How do I prevent the sausages from drying out?
Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature (165°F) and flipping halfway through. Spraying with olive or avocado oil also helps retain moisture and achieve a crispy skin.