The air fryer has become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years, and for good reason. Air Fryer Chicken Sausage is one of the finest Recipes this versatile countertop convection oven can cook using very little oil. It adds crispiness to your favorite foods with deliciously crispy textures and full flavors. The air fryer’s super hot circulating air crisps up the sausage casing while fully cooking the interior.
Chicken sausage is available in a wide variety of flavor varieties, from apple to spinach to sun-dried tomato. Many major grocery stores carry pre-packaged chicken sausage links near the packaged hot dogs and breakfast sausages, though you may also find them with fresh sausage in the meat department. You want to look for good quality chicken sausage without a lot of fillers or additives. Small, locally-owned specialty grocers or butcher shops are also great places to find high-quality fresh chicken sausages. Or get creative and make your custom-flavoured sausages!
This easy method for crispy Air Fryer Chicken Sausage takes only about 15 minutes from start to finish. The ingredients couldn’t be simpler – sausage and your favorite seasonings or garnishes. Let’s get started!
Ingredients Air Fryer Chicken Sausage :
- 8 oz good quality chicken sausage links
- 1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil spray
- Optional seasonings: minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fennel or anise seed, crushed red pepper
Instructions Air Fryer Chicken Sausage:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Pat the sausages dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture on the exterior.
- Spray or brush the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil or avocado oil.
- Place the sausages in the basket without overcrowding. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Sprinkle sausages lightly with any additional seasonings, if desired.
- Air fry for 6 minutes.
- Remove the basket and carefully flip the sausages. Return to the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for an additional 6-9 minutes until sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Adjust time as needed for thicker or thinner sausages.
- Check for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the center of one of the sausages. It should read 165°F.
- Remove sausages from the air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
The air fryer gives these chicken sausages an incredibly satisfying, crisp, golden exterior around the tender, juicy interior. Feel free to get creative with flavors using different seasoning blends or garnishes. Try using your favorite barbeque rub or sprinkle with brown sugar and cayenne before air frying. You could also brush sausages lightly with honey mustard or chipotle sauce right when removing from the air fryer. Or roll cooked sausages in chopped fresh herbs. There are so many possibilities!
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage pairs beautifully with bright, flavorful sides and condiments. Try serving them with roasted sweet potatoes, creamy potato salad, or fresh vegetable slaws. They’re also fantastic in sub rolls for easy sausage sandwiches. Top with sautéed peppers and onions, mustard, ketchup, or even pickle relish.
The simplicity and short cooking time of these Air Fryer Chicken Sausages make them perfect for easy weeknight meals. Keep a package of your favorite chicken sausages in the freezer so you can just pop them in the air fryer after work for a fast dinner alongside a pre-made salad. They’re also great for tailgating parties and potlucks since you can cook them almost anywhere with a plug-in portable air fryer. Crisp, flavorful chicken sausage hot off the “fried” air – quick, easy and delicious!