How To Cook Italian Sausage in Air Fryer

As an experienced home cook, I've discovered the transformative power of the air fryer. In particular, cooking Italian sausage in air fryer has brought about a delectable revolution in my kitchen.

how to cook italian sausage in the air fryer

This straightforward method merges the traditional, hearty flavors of Italian sausage with the modern, health-conscious technique of air frying. By introducing the sumptuous appeal of air fryer Italian sausage, we embark on an exciting culinary journey that infuses innovation with tradition.

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Why Cook Italian Sausage in an Air Fryer?
Video Tutorial
Ingredients
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Serving Recommendations
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
Pro Tips for Success
Important Notes to Keep in Mind
Sausage Sensation: A Delectable Ending to your Air Fryer Adventure

Why Cook Italian Sausage in an Air Fryer?

Italian sausage, rich in robust flavors, has always been a staple in my kitchen. However, when I first introduced it to my air fryer, I knew I had stumbled upon a game-changer. There's a plethora of reasons why I advocate for air frying Italian sausage.

In my culinary journey, I've tried various methods: traditional pan-frying, grilling, and baking in the oven. Yet none of these techniques quite captured the ease, speed, and flavor quality that the air fryer did. This quick and easy recipe harnesses the air fryer's ability to evenly circulate heat, cooking the sausages to perfection - crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, every time.

More so, cooking Italian sausage in an air fryer is healthier, requiring minimal oil while maintaining the sausage's flavorful fat. But what makes it my favorite version? It’s the ability to render the best taste without compromising my busy schedule or health-conscious mindset.

Comparatively, oven cooking can dry out the sausage, while skillet frying often results in an overly greasy product. The air fryer offers a balance that neither the oven nor the skillet can: it's a delicious, crispy exterior encasing a tender, juicy center.

The air fryer method triumphs as the ideal blend of speed, convenience, and flavor, which is why it remains my preferred choice for cooking Italian sausage.

Stick around, and I'll share my secret recipe for succulent, crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside sausages that will elevate your home cooking experience.

Video Tutorial

Ingredients

Italian fresh sausages 18 oz(500 g)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Seasonings to taste (salt, pepper, etc.)

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

Air fryer (I use the Instant Vortex Plus XL)
Tongs or spatula
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Knife
Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 390°F/200° C.

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and any other seasonings to your taste. Italian sausages are usually well-seasoned, so you can adjust the seasonings according to your preference.

Place the sausages in the bowl with the seasonings and toss them well to coat each sausage evenly.

coat italian sausage with oil and seasoning

Arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure they don't touch each other.

arrange italian sausage in the air fryer

Cook the sausages in the air fryer for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model, so it's recommended to keep an eye on the process and check the sausages for doneness.

Once the sausages are golden brown and well cooked, remove them from the air fryer. Serve the Italian sausages hot and enjoy!

Serving Recommendations

Air-fried Italian sausages are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are

some serving recommendations and pairing ideas to enhance your culinary experience:

Standalone Dish: Serve the perfectly cooked Italian sausages on their own as a flavorful main course. They are delicious and satisfying on their own.
Sandwiches: Slice the cooked sausages and use them as a filling for sandwiches. Add some sautéed peppers and onions, melted cheese, and your favorite condiments for a mouthwatering Italian sausage sandwich.
Pasta and Sauce: Toss the sliced sausages into your favorite pasta dish. Whether it's spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni, the rich flavors of the Italian sausages will complement the pasta and sauce beautifully.
Salads: Add sliced Italian sausages to a green salad or pasta salad to give it a hearty and savory twist. The combination of flavors and textures will create a satisfying meal.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

pairing recommendations with italian sausage

Sweet and Spicy: Add a kick to your sausages by a touch of honey or maple syrup mixed with some red pepper flakes or chili powder.
Herb Infusion: Change up the herb blend by incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. Finely chop the herbs and mix them with the seasonings for an aromatic burst of flavor.
Vegan/Vegetarian: Substitute the Italian sausages with plant-based sausages or vegetable sausages of your choice. Just make sure they are suitable for air frying.
Chicken or Turkey: For a lighter twist while still enjoying the flavors of Italy, consider using chicken or turkey sausages instead of traditional pork sausages.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, allow the sausages to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To freeze the leftovers, place the cooled sausages in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and reheat them as you desire.

Pro Tips for Success

Preheat the Air Fryer: Although some air fryers claim that preheating isn't necessary, I've found it beneficial for cooking Italian sausage. It ensures the sausage begins cooking immediately once it enters the fryer, helping to seal in the juices.
Don't Overcrowd: Avoid the temptation to overload your air fryer. The sausages need space for the hot air to circulate properly, ensuring even cooking. It’s better to cook in batches than to end up with unevenly cooked sausage.
Pierce the Sausages: Use a fork to pierce the Italian sausages a few times before cooking. This technique allows excess fat to escape during cooking, avoiding potential sogginess.
Turn Them Over: Halfway through the cooking process, turn the sausages to ensure an even, crispy exterior and a juicy interior. This is the key to the perfect air fryer Italian sausage.
Check the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), which is the safe consumption temperature according to USDA guidelines.
Let Them Rest: After cooking, let your sausages rest for a few minutes before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the sausage, making them even more succulent

Important Notes to Keep in Mind

It's important to note that cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your particular air fryer model and personal preferences. Some air fryers may cook faster or slower than others, so it's essential to keep an eye on the sausages and adjust the time and temperature as needed.

If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the sausages in batches to ensure even cooking. Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can disrupt airflow and result in unevenly cooked sausages.

To adjust the cooking time and temperature, you can start by checking the sausages halfway through the cooking time to see if they are cooking evenly. If they are browning too quickly or not cooking enough, make the necessary adjustments to the time and temperature.

For instance, if the sausages are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature by 25-30ºF (10-15ºC) and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Conversely, if the sausages are not cooking enough, you can increase the temperature by 10-15ºC (or 25-30ºF) and reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.

By keeping a close eye on the sausages and adjusting the cooking time and temperature as necessary, you can ensure that they are perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor every time!

Sausage Sensation: A Delectable Ending to your Air Fryer Adventure

Cooking Italian sausage in an air fryer merges tradition with innovation, delivering a taste sensation that's hard to beat. It's a fast, easy, and delicious approach to mastering this flavorful staple.

Your culinary adventures don't have to stop here. There's a wealth of knowledge awaiting on our blog.

Dive deeper into the world of air frying with more recipes, explore unique ingredient substitutes, and gain insider tips and tricks to elevate your kitchen experiences.

Begin your gastronomic journey today and discover the true potential of your air fryer. After all, the key to extraordinary meals lies in the simple pleasures of home cooking.