Smoked Sausage In Air Fryer — Many people are obsessed with food that’s cooked in the air fryer. It can give dishes a crispy, flavorful texture that you can’t get from traditional oven-roasting or deep frying – and at much less mess and hassle!
But did you know an air fryer is also perfect for cooking smoked sausage? Using this cooking method opens up a whole new world of flavor possibilities, while faster cook times let busy families enjoy meals quicker than ever before. So if you’re ready to learn how easy it is to make vibrant and delicious smoked sausage in your own home using an air fryer, keep reading!
Cooking Smoked Sausage In The Air Fryer
Air frying has revolutionized how we cook, offering a healthier, quicker, and more convenient way to prepare our favorite foods. Among these, smoked sausage is an absolute standout.
Smoky, savory, and delightfully crispy, smoked sausage ascends to new culinary heights when cooked in an air fryer. Below, we’ll take you through the process of preparing mouth-wateringly delicious, perfectly cooked smoked sausage using an air fryer. Prepare yourself for an effortless culinary adventure that results in a satisfying, richly flavorful meal.
Air Fryer Smoked Sausage Ingredients
Nothing says comfort food like a hot, delicious plate of smoked sausage. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something to serve at your next party, this air fryer smoked sausage recipe is sure to please!
Not only is it quick and straightforward to make with minimal ingredients, but the fiery flavor of the sausages combined with onion and bell pepper will have your guests asking for seconds. Read on to discover what ingredients are needed and how to bring this ultimate dish together in no time.
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Smoked Sausage: Choose your preferred type of smoked sausage. It could be Andouille, Kielbasa, or Chorizo. You’ll need around 1 pound of smoked sausage for this recipe.
- Cooking Spray: You’ll need a light coating of cooking spray to ensure your smoked sausage doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket. Olive oil, canola, or other non-stick cooking spray will work well.
- Seasonings: This is where you can get creative. Consider a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper for a simple, flavorful rub. The quantities can vary based on your personal taste, but starting with 1/2 teaspoon each is a good base.
- Optional Vegetables: If you want to make this a one-pan meal, consider adding chopped bell peppers, onions, or even halved cherry tomatoes. These vegetables will cook nicely alongside your smoked sausage.
Remember that this is a versatile recipe, and you can adjust the ingredients based on your personal preferences. You might also want to prepare some sides or dipping sauces to accompany your air-fried smoked sausage. Enjoy!
How To Make Smoked Sausage In Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating the air fryer helps to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Smoked Sausage. While the air fryer is preheating, cut the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches thick.
Step 3: Season the Sausage. If you use additional seasonings, sprinkle them over the cut smoked sausage pieces and toss to coat evenly.
Step 4: Transfer to the Air Fryer. Arrange the seasoned smoked sausage pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation.
Step 5: Cook the Sausage. Cook the smoked sausage at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. You should flip or shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the sausage cooks evenly.
Step 6: Check the Sausage. After the cooking time is up, check one of the larger pieces to ensure it’s heated all through. If not, add additional cooking time in 1-2 minute increments.
Step 7: Serve. Remove the sausage from the air fryer basket using a pair of tongs, and let them cool for a minute or two before serving.
Pro Tips For The Best Air Fryer Smoked Sausage
Here are some pro tips to get the best results when cooking smoked sausage in an air fryer:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Make sure to arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent the air from circulating properly, so your sausages may not cook evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: While some might argue this step isn’t necessary, preheating your air fryer can help achieve a more even and efficient cook.
- Adjust Cooking Time Based on Sausage Size: Smaller pieces cook faster than larger ones. Keep an eye on the sausage during the cooking process, and adjust the time as needed.
- Toss Halfway Through To ensure even cooking and browning, shake the basket or turn the sausages halfway through the cooking process.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure whether your sausage is done, use a meat thermometer. Although smoked sausage is usually pre-cooked, heating it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is a good rule of thumb.
- Experiment with Flavors: Smoked sausage is versatile and pairs well with various seasonings. Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to suit your taste.
- Make it a Meal: Consider adding veggies to the air fryer alongside the sausage to make a complete meal. Just be aware that not all vegetables will have the same cooking time as the sausage.
By following these pro tips, you should end up with delicious, juicy, and crispy smoked sausage from your air fryer every time.
Do I need to use oil when air frying smoked sausage?
Not necessarily. Smoked sausage typically contains enough fat that it doesn’t require additional oil to cook properly in the air fryer. However, a light spray can prevent sticking and help seasonings adhere better.
Can I cook frozen smoked sausage in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen smoked sausage in the air fryer. However, the cooking time will be longer than if it were thawed. You will need to check the sausage’s internal temperature to ensure it has fully cooked.
How long does it take to cook smoked sausage in the air fryer?
Smoked sausage usually takes about 10-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C). However, timing may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the sausage pieces.
Can I add vegetables to cook with the smoked sausage?
Yes, adding vegetables can make this a one-pan meal. However, choose vegetables that have a similar cooking time to the sausage, such as bell peppers or onions.
Should I preheat the air fryer before adding the sausage?
While not always necessary, preheating the air fryer can help to cook the sausage more evenly.
How do I know when the smoked sausage is done?
Smoked sausage is usually pre-cooked, so you’re primarily heating and browning it in the air fryer. However, a good rule of thumb is to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The sausage should be browned and crispy on the outside.
What is the best way to serve air fryer smoked sausage?
Smoked sausage from the air fryer is versatile and can be served in numerous ways. It’s delicious on its own, with a dipping sauce, or sliced into rounds and added to pasta, stir-fries, or salads.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Smoked Sausage In Air Fryer
Description
Ingredients
- 4 Smoked Sausage
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating the air fryer helps to ensure even cooking.
- While the air fryer is preheating, cut the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches thick. Optional
- If you use additional seasonings, sprinkle them over the cut smoked sausage pieces and toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange the seasoned smoked sausage pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook the smoked sausage at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. You should flip or shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure the sausage cooks evenly.
- After the cooking time is up, check one of the larger pieces to make sure it's heated all the way through. If not, add additional cooking time in 1-2 minute increments.
- Remove the sausage from the air fryer basket using a pair of tongs, and let them cool for a minute or two before serving.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper
Nutrition
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