Enjoy easy Air Fryer Sausage for any occasion. Your air fryer is the hands off way to cook Bratwurst, Italian sausage or any other variety.
(Originally published 7/12/2022 and updated for content 3/23/24)
If you like this recipe, check out my Breakfast Sausage in the Air Fryer or Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket next!
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Get ready for an easy dinner on a busy weeknight with my air fryer sausage recipe. Air fryer sausage links ready in just 10-12 minutes are perfect when you don’t feel like cooking. Or you can have a picnic style meal or host a tailgate at home thanks to this easy recipe. And you don’t have to turn on the grill for just a few sausages. I’m currently in a stage of life where I really don’t grill anymore. Instead, I have become an air fryer fanatic in recent years. When I’m dining solo especially, it’s so simple to perfectly cook some protein and veggies in my air fryer basket.
More easy air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Apples (copycat Cracker Barrel fried apples)
- Air Fryer Potato Skins
- Air Fryer Hot Dogs
Why this recipe works
Air fryers are a one stop shop for cooking sausages – both raw and pre-cooked. The only ingredient needed for easy air fryer sausages is sausage! Without any added butter or oil, the air fryer makes any type of sausage juicy on the inside and perfectly browned on the outside. It eliminates the mess of splattered grease with pan or oven cooking. My basket style air fryer contains the mess instead and drains away the excess grease from the sausages. And added bonus is I can just toss the basket components in my dishwasher when I am finished for a simple clean-up. This is such an easy air fryer recipe with so many possibilities…
What types of sausage can you cook in the air fryer?
Literally all different types of sausages! Chicken sausages, turkey sausage, pork sausage, raw sausages, pre-cooked sausage, Italian sausage links. Pictured are a few types and brands of sausages that I have tried in my air fryer. Both raw (hot Italian sausage and beer brats) and smoked sausage (precooked with cheddar cheese and Polish). All link sausages cook beautifully in your air fryer!
How long do raw sausages take in the air fryer?
Air fryers vary a bit, but raw sausages cook at 375 degrees F for 12 – 14 minutes. The most important thing is to make sure the internal temperature of each sausage reaches a minimum of 160 degrees F before eating. Uncooked sausage that contains ground chicken or turkey should be cooked to 165 degrees F. I always check the internal temperature with my instant-read thermometer.
For raw sausages, do NOT poke any holes in them before cooking. You want to ensure the juices stay sealed inside the sausage so they stay tender. Also, to prevent smoking, place a slice of stale bread in the bottom of your air fryer basket.
step-by-step photos
Air fryer method for cooked sausage
Directions are about the same as for uncooked sausages. Cook time for them at 375 degrees F for 10 – 12 minutes. Cook them a minute or two longer if you like a crispy skin on your smoked sausage. Again, check the temperature of your sausages before consuming to make sure they reach a minimum of 160 degrees F.
For smoked sausage (pre cooked) DO poke several holes in each with a fork or sharp knife, so the sausages do not explode in your air fryer basket. As illustrated in the photo.
Serving Suggestions
- As pictured, with hot dog buns, sautéed bell peppers and onions and your favorite type of mustard.
- As a picnic with potato salad, baked beans, chips and watermelon
- With potato wedges or french fries, corn on the cob or my personal favorite potato dish, my Mom’s party potatoes
- For homegating with Cowboy Baked Beans and my Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Tips for Success
- This recipe works for any brand and type of sausage. However, it’s best to not mix and match raw and pre-cooked sausages. Cook all raw together or all pre-cooked together.
- Some air fryers, including mine, will smoke if too much grease builds up in the bottom of the basket. To prevent smoking, place a slice of stale bread in the bottom of your air fryer basket. Or add a little water in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
- Make sure the sausages are in a single layer and are not touching so that they cook evenly.
- Because air fryers vary, make sure to observe closely in the last few minutes so as not to overcook your sausages.
Storage Directions
Store any leftover sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Or in the freezer for up to one month.
Kitchen Tools
- I own a Philips XXL Air Fryer and test all of my recipes in it.
- Use metal tongs to remove cooked sausages from the air fryer basket.
- Use an instant read digital thermometer to test the internal temperature of your air fryer sausages
Air Fryer Sausage
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 5 raw sausages The nutritional information is based upon Johnsonville Beer Brats (raw). Nutrition will vary if you air fry different types of sausages.
Instructions
- Place the sausage in a single layer (not touching) in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the sausage at 375 degrees F for 12 - 14 minutes.
- Flip the sausages halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Check the internal temperature of the sausages. Once they reach a minimum of 160 degrees F, the sausages are safe to eat.
- If air frying smoked sausages (pre-cooked) be sure to poke each one several times with fork so the sausages don't explode.
- However, do NOT poke holes in raw sausages before cooking.
Nutrition
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Katie says
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try this with the family.
foodtasticmom says
I think they’ll love them!
Angela says
YUM! These turned out so good. It’s going to my go-to recipe for brats from now on. Thanks so much for sharing!
foodtasticmom says
So glad to hear this Angela. Thank you!
Leslie says
I am missing out by not having an air-fryer. I see recipes like that and it makes me want to get on ASAP! These looks SO good!
foodtasticmom says
The air fryer is definitely worth the counter space it takes up. I was hesitant to get one at first, but now I can’t imagine not having one!
Jeannine+Meador says
I tried these and oh so delicious. I was lazy tho and made a small foil dish to go in the air fryer and put the peppers onions etc in there and laid the brats on top to cook. Veggies absorbed the brat flavors and now the only way I’ll cook them. Thanks so much for sharing and forgive my lazy approach.
foodtasticmom says
Not lazy at all! I think that is really smart🤓 Thanks for sharing your way of doing it. And for the five- start rating!
Sharon says
I had no idea that sausages could be made so easily in the air fryer. They come out perfectly cooked.
foodtasticmom says
Great to hear this Sharon. Thanks for taking the time to rate and review!
Artney says
One of my favorite ways to enjoy sausage! The air fryer keeps the sausage so juicy and flavorful.
foodtasticmom says
Wonderful. Thanks very much!
Liza says
What an amazing recipe. I’m always looking for new ways to use our air fryer and save time, and now we can enjoy tasty sausages practically on demand!
foodtasticmom says
Yes, it’s really the best way to cook them. And makes for so many meal possibilities.
Shadi says
It looks so delicious and easy!This is such an easy and delicious recipe, I cannot wait to make it again!
foodtasticmom says
So glad you enjoyed your experience with Air Fryer Sausage!
Tayler says
I’ll never make sausage any other way! It was so easy and turned out perfectly!
foodtasticmom says
Glad you agree Tayler! The air fryer really is the best way to cook all the sausage!
Toni says
Oh, this is why I love my air fryer! Lots of amazing recipes to try! Thanks for this!
foodtasticmom says
Yep, me too! You’re so welcome.
Jess says
This is life-changing! So easy!
foodtasticmom says
Thanks Jess!
Mahy says
This sausage makes my mouth water. It looks absolutely stunning and I can’t wait to make it at home now.
foodtasticmom says
It is truly mouthwatering. Every brand and type I have tried are cooked to perfection in my air fryer!
Carrie Robinson says
I just love how perfectly golden brown and crisp these sausages get in the air fryer! Genius idea. 🙂
foodtasticmom says
Thanks very much Carrie!
Tayler says
This is my new favorite way to make sausage! It turns out perfectly every time I try it!
foodtasticmom says
Yes, it’s a winner for sure!
Nikki says
Love how easy these air fryer sausages are to make and the toppings you put on yours. Really appreciate the tip about placing a piece of bread on the bottom.
foodtasticmom says
The bread really cuts down on the smoke. You’re welcome for the tip!
Chenée says
I can’t wait to try these in my air fryer! Thanks for the tips for raw vs. smoked sausages, because I usually make smoked sausage.
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome. Enjoy!
Carrie Robinson says
This is such a genius way to cook sausages! I just love how crispy and golden brown that they look. 🙂
foodtasticmom says
The way the air fryer crisps up the outsides of the sausage really can’t be beat.
Janessa says
I had never thought to cook sausages in the air fryer- so good to know!
foodtasticmom says
Enjoy!
kushigalu says
This air fryer version looks fantastic. Can’t wait to try.
foodtasticmom says
I think you’ll really like them!
Dina and Bruce says
The sausages turned out so good. Thank you for this step by step guide. I used raw sausages and did not poke them! They turned out perfect!
foodtasticmom says
Great to hear! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Donalyn says
This is wonderful way to make sausage – easy and we all enjoyed them so much. Thanks for this great recipe!
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome!
Justine marie says
Texture is the best, way better than in a pan for sure.
foodtasticmom says
I’m happy you liked it!
Gianne says
It cooked the sausages perfectly – crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Plus, it was so quick and easy to make. I’ll never go back to pan-frying again.
foodtasticmom says
Glad you think the air fryer is best way to cook the sausages. Thank you!