If you're wondering if you can cook Italian sausages in the air fryer, you're going to be happy to hear that the answer is YES! Air fryer Italian sausages are juicy, perfectly cooked through, lightly browned and not at all greasy (like their skillet counterparts). Use these cooked sausages as a starting point for an easy meal, or enjoy on a sausage bun with your favorite toppings.
It's no secret that that air fryer is one of the best kitchen inventions since... well, the Instant Pot! Isn't it wonderful to be living during a time of such innovation when it comes to cooking? Never before has it been easier to cook a meal in minutes.
This recipe for Italian sausages in the air fryer has to be one of the most simple and straight forward. It's an easy meal starter (think adding to peppers and marinara or serving on a steamed bun), and it's great for a quick and easy protein option on a busy night.
Can I cook my sausages in the air fryer?
Yes! Sausages turn out great when cooked in the air fryer, and it has to be the easiest way to cook them. After a short preheating time, they are ready to go in the basket and cook until browned and delicious. They typically take just 10-13 minutes to cook, and are ready to serve right away.
Because of the crisping tray, the excess fat falls to the bottom of the air fryer and collects there, rather than on the surface of your sausages. This means they require little draining (if any) before serving.
You Will Need:
- Italian sausages: You will need as many sausages as you plan on serving. If using a basket style, you may have to work in batches depending on how many you want to cook through. The average air fryer can hold 4-5 sausages. I like the Johnsonville brand, but you can use whatever you like best.
- Water: A little bit of water added to the basket will prevent smoking due to the excess grease.
- Air Fryer: You will need an air fryer, and it can be whatever model you happen to have! I like to use a basket style Ninja air fryer, but you can use an oven-style air fryer as well. If using an oven-style model, add 1-2 minutes to the total cook time.
- Meat thermometer: This tool is indispensable in the kitchen and will let you know when your food is the perfect temperature for serving. This is the one we use, and I love that it is magnetic. That way, I can keep it on the fridge at all times for easy access. No more digging in drawers!
How to Make Italian Sausages in an Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF for at least 3 minutes, or according to your manufacturers instructions.
- Add 2-4 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. This will prevent smoke caused from the excess fat that falls to the bottom during the cook time.
- Add the Italian sausages to the basket of your air fryer in a single layer, leaving some space around each of the sausages.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes (or 12-14 minutes if using an over-style air fryer), or until a minimum internal temperature of 160ºF has been reached in each of the sausages.
- Flip the sausages halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Once the sausages are cooked through, remove them with a pair of tongs. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease, and then serve immediately.
Ways to Serve
Cooking your Italian sausages in an air fryer is the perfect one-step meal starter! They can be used in a variety of ways to create easy weeknight meals. Here are a few of my favorite:
- Italian Sausage and Peppers: Slice 2-3 rainbow bell peppers (colors of choice) and 1 large onion. Saute with 1-2 tablespoons of oil until soft. Add in the sausages and 1 jar of commercial marinara sauce. Simmer for 10-20 minutes and serve on toasted hoagie rolls.
- With pasta or rice: Sauté chopped bell peppers and onion in oil, and add in a jar of marinara sauce. Bring to a low simmer and add in the sausages (whole or sliced). Heat until warmed through and serve over your choice of cooked pasta or rice.
- In soup: Use your cooked Italian sausages to slice and add to your favorite soups (like Zuppa Toscana).
- In Lasagna: Crumble or slice and add to sauce for lasagna.
Recipe FAQ's
When cooked at 350ºF, most Italian sausages will cook in the air fryer between 10-13 minutes. Oven-style models will take a few minutes more to cook through, so it's important to check the internal temperature. Once they reach an internal temperature of 155ºF-165ºF they are fully cooked and ready to serve.
Italian sausages should reach a minimum internal temperature of 155ºF-165ºF in order to be safe to eat. Check the thickest part of the sausage, and each of the sausages that you are cooking. Sausages may cook faster on the edges, and more slowly on the inside of the cooking vessel, so it's important to check each one.
There is not a big difference between Italian sausage and regular sausage, and they can generally be used interchangeably with a few simple additions. Italian sausage is just regular sausage with Italian spices and seasonings, including fennel, red pepper flakes, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Yes, you can! But you'll have to make a few adjustments to ensure they cook through completely. Firstly, increase the temperature to 390ºF and cook for a total of 13-16 minutes (or 14-18 for oven-style models). A few minutes into cooking, separate the frozen sausages with a butter knife or fork and continue to cook. Flip halfway through cooking to ensure they are evenly browned, and remove once they reach an internal temperature of 155º-165ºF.
More Easy Air Fryer Dinner Ideas
- Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers
- Air Fryer Rotisserie Style Chicken
- Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes - Little Sunny Kitchen
Air Fryer Italian Sausages
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausages approximately 4-5 sausages
- 2-4 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF for at least 3 minutes, or according to your manufacturers instructions.
- Add 2-4 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. This will prevent smoke caused from the excess fat that falls to the bottom during the cook time.
- Add the Italian sausages to the basket of your air fryer in a single layer, leaving some space around each of the sausages.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes (or 12-14 minutes if using an oven-style air fryer), or until a minimum internal temperature of 155-165ºF has been reached in each of the sausages.
- Flip the sausages halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Once the sausages are cooked through, remove them with a pair of tongs. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease, and then serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Steve
This recipe is so easy, and doesn't heat up the house at all. Even using skillets makes my kitchen hot, so I'm happy to find this new way of cooking Italian sausages.