Looking to perfectly cook chicken sausage in your air fryer?
Find the ideal temps and times for succulent results with our “chicken sausage in air fryer” guide, whether you’re working with raw or pre-cooked links, and learn how to bring out the best flavors with our simple seasoning and serving tips.
Key Takeaways
Air frying chicken sausages is a quick, easy, and even cooking method, with customizable seasonings and straightforward steps for both raw and pre-cooked sausages.
Combining chicken sausage with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts in the air fryer creates a tasty, balanced meal in as little as 15 minutes.
Chicken sausage is a healthier, protein-rich option that’s low in fat and can be part of a low-carb or ketogenic diet; it additionally offers benefits for muscle development and cardiovascular health.
Preparing Chicken Sausage in an Air Fryer
The beauty of cooking chicken sausages in an air fryer is that it’s straightforward and hassle-free. Here’s how to do it:
Preheat your air fryer as this ensures a quick and even cooking of the sausages.
While you wait for the air fryer to heat up, lightly spray your chicken sausages with oil.
Place the sausages separately in the air fryer basket. This technique is crucial to achieve an even cook on each sausage link.
For cooking chicken sausages in an air fryer:
Raw chicken sausages: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes.
Pre-cooked chicken sausages: The cooking time reduces to 8-10 minutes at the same temperature.
To ensure they cook evenly on all sides, don’t forget to flip the sausages midway through the cooking process.
The result? Golden-brown, crispy, and juicy chicken sausages, made from raw chicken sausage, ready to be savored with the help of a meat thermometer!
Seasoning Variations
Chicken sausages in an air fryer can be seasoned to taste, making every bite an explosion of flavors. Some seasoning options to consider are:
A classic blend of oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick
Garlic and herb seasoning for a savory flavor
Barbecue seasoning for a smoky taste
These seasoning combinations, including garlic powder, will accentuate the flavor of the chicken sausages, making them a perfect fit for any dish.
But why stop at classic flavors when you can personalize your chicken sausages?
The beauty of air frying is that you can experiment with your favorite seasonings or marinades.
So, whether you’re a fan of smoky paprika, tangy lemon pepper, or fiery cayenne, there’s room for your creativity.
Remember, the key to a flavorful sausage lies in evenly seasoning it before air frying.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Sausage
The charm of a perfectly cooked air fryer sausage, especially chicken sausage, lies in its crispy exterior and tender interior.
Achieving this balance is easy with an air fryer, provided you follow a few tips.
First, preheating the air fryer is a non-negotiable step.
It ensures even heat distribution, giving your sausages that desired crispy finish.
Next, placement of the sausages plays a key role.
Ensure that the sausage links are placed in the air fryer basket without stacking.
This arrangement allows hot air to circulate freely, ensuring the sausages cook evenly on all sides.
When done correctly, you’ll have air-fried chicken sausages that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, ready to be devoured!
Combining Chicken Sausage with Veggies
Looking to level up your air fryer chicken sausage game?
Combine it with vegetables, fresh or frozen!
Not only do you get a burst of flavors, but you also create a balanced meal in one go. Here’s how:
Start by chopping your favorite vegetables.
Slice the sausages.
Toss the vegetables and sausages with oil and seasoning.
Air fry them together at 390°F for 15 minutes.
This one-pot meal, made with olive oil, is quick, delicious, and hassle-free!
Feel free to mix and match the veggies as per your liking.
Some options that go well with chicken sausage without changing the cooking time are:
Potatoes
Onions
Bell peppers
Brussels sprouts
If you’re adding potatoes, keep in mind they may require 3-5 extra minutes to achieve the desired softness.
Set the timer for approximately 10 minutes and let the air fryer work its magic.
Choosing the Right Vegetables
Choosing the right vegetables to pair with chicken sausage can elevate your dish from good to great.
Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are particularly well-suited for cooking with chicken sausage in an air fryer.
They cook evenly, infusing their flavors into the sausages, resulting in a delightful medley of tastes.
But don’t limit yourself to just these veggies.
Additional vegetables that complement the chicken sausage beautifully when air-fried include:
Green beans
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Mushrooms
Brussels sprouts
Carrots
Sweet potatoes
Cauliflower rice
These veggies, including bell pepper, not only add color and texture to your dish but also pack in a nutritional punch.
Just remember, if you’re using potatoes, they might require a longer cooking time to reach the desired softness.
Cooking Times and Techniques
When air frying chicken sausage and vegetables together, the secret to a delicious meal lies in the cooking times and techniques.
Cooking them together in the air fryer takes as little as 15 minutes.
That’s a quick and nutritious meal ready in no time!
To achieve even browning and cooking, it’s recommended to toss the sausage and veggies in the air fryer after the first 10 minutes of cooking.
This simple step ensures that every piece of sausage and every chunk of vegetable gets an even amount of heat, resulting in a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Sausage
Aside from its mouthwatering taste, chicken sausage has several nutritional benefits.
It is a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage due to its lower fat content and the absence of harmful food additives or highly-refined oils.
But that’s not all; it’s also a power-packed source of protein.
Protein not only supports metabolic health but also aids in weight loss by reducing appetite and hunger levels, thereby enhancing the body’s calorie-burning process.
Consuming chicken sausage can contribute to:
Increased muscle mass
Improved body strength
Muscle development
Bone strength
Lower risk of developing osteoporosis
The protein content in chicken sausage is beneficial for these purposes.
As if these weren’t enough, a diet that includes chicken sausage may aid in managing blood pressure and reducing levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Low Carb and Keto-Friendly Options
If you’re following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, you might be wondering if chicken sausage fits into your dietary plan.
The good news is that it does!
When selecting sausages, look for those with 0g carbohydrates and 0g sugar to create a low carb and keto-friendly air-fried chicken sausage meal.
Brands like Applegate, Aidells, and Butterball offer keto-friendly sausage options.
These keto-approved chicken sausage varieties typically have high protein and fat levels, aligning well with ketogenic dietary principles.
For a wholesome low-carb meal, pair your air-fried chicken sausage with cauliflower rice.
It offers added nutrition without a high carbohydrate content, making it an excellent choice for those following a ketogenic diet.
Air Fryer Models and Features
Just as the ingredients for a recipe matter, so does the appliance you use to cook them.
Different air fryers come with varied features, all aimed at enhancing your cooking experience and efficiency.
You’ll find air fryers with:
Pre-programmed settings
Power/heat indicators
Automatic shut-off
Ready alarms
Accessories
These features not only aid in cooking by maintaining the internal temperature but also ensure safety.
When choosing an air fryer, consider the following factors:
Quality and safety of the materials used
High-quality construction and positive reviews for product reliability
Size of the air fryer
Durability of the air fryer
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
Taking these factors into account will help you make an informed decision when choosing an air fryer.
Cooking capacity, which accommodates different portions from individual servings to large group meals, also influences the choice based on your needs.
While price is a consideration, many view air fryers as a valuable investment for the health benefits and convenience that come with preparing meals using less oil.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Air Fryer
Maintaining the longevity of your air fryer is as important as choosing the right one.
When selecting an air fryer, consider models designed with cleaning ease in mind to simplify maintenance.
A clean air fryer not only functions efficiently but also ensures your food tastes great every time.
Routine cleaning of an air fryer is essential to maintain its condition and to ensure it continues to operate effectively.
Remember to cool the air fryer completely before cleaning. Most parts of an air fryer are dishwasher safe, but it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your air fryer, ensuring many more delicious air fryer recipe meals to come.
Creative Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
Now that you’ve mastered the art of air frying chicken sausage, it’s time to get creative with serving ideas.
One popular way is to serve air-fried chicken sausage over jasmine rice, complemented by sautéed bell peppers and a drizzle of low sugar barbecue sauce.
To make it low carb, replace the jasmine rice with cauliflower rice.
Alternatively, you can use sliced air-fried chicken sausage to add a tasty and hearty filling to sandwiches.
Or incorporate Italian chicken sausage into pasta dishes with your favorite sauce for a quick meal.
For a flavor twist, create a stir-fry with vegetables like Italian style green beans for a flavorful combination.
With so many chicken sausage flavors available, you can tailor the dish to specific tastes and preferences.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and pair air-fried chicken sausage with unique ingredients like Japanese sweet potatoes for a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Chicken Sausage Breakfast
Save the leftovers till the next day to make some awesome chicken sausage breakfast.
This breakfast will be nutritious and packed with protein, just add eggs.
I made this with scrambled eggs but you can cook it anyway you like.
You can make a large batch of chicken sausage and either have it for breakfast, a snack, or a meal on it's own. There's so many options.
Pairing with Sauces and Condiments
The joy of eating chicken sausage is in savoring its flavors, and what better way to enhance those flavors than with the right sauces and condiments?
Depending on the dish, you can pair your air-fried chicken sausage with a variety of sauces.
Teriyaki sauce complements chicken sausage in stir-fry dishes, while marinara sauce is perfect for adding to pasta dishes.
If you’re looking for a condiment that’s mindful of sugar intake, a low sugar barbecue sauce is an excellent choice.
Whether you prefer your sausages spicy, tangy, or sweet, the right sauce or condiment can elevate your air-fried chicken sausage to the next level.
Remember, the perfect pairing of sausage and sauce can turn a simple meal into a gourmet delight.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’ve cooked up a storm and find yourself with leftover sausage and veggies, don’t fret!
Storing and reheating leftovers is a breeze.
Once your sausage and veggies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
Properly stored chicken sausage and veggies can remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
When you’re ready to savor the leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or the air fryer at 350 degrees F for a few minutes until warm.
Now, you can enjoy your delicious chicken sausage and veggies just as much the second time around!
Freezing and Defrosting Tips
In case you’ve cooked more than what you can consume in a few days, freezing is a great option.
Air-fried chicken sausage and vegetables can be frozen for future meals if stored properly.
To retain the best quality, chicken sausage and vegetables should be frozen for a maximum of three months.
Before freezing, ensure the chicken sausage and veggies have cooled completely to prevent bacterial growth and freezer burn.
When you’re ready to consume the frozen food, fully thaw it before reheating to ensure even cooking and preservation of quality.
With these tips, you can enjoy your air-fried chicken sausage and veggies anytime, without compromising on taste or quality.
Summary
From preparing chicken sausage in an air fryer to serving it creatively, we’ve covered the A-Z of air-fried chicken sausage.
We’ve explored the health benefits, discussed the versatility of pairing it with veggies, and even touched upon choosing the right air fryer.
With this guide, you’re all set to impress with your air fryer chicken sausage cooking skills.
So, don’t wait!
Unleash your culinary creativity and savor the deliciousness of air-fried chicken sausage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to air fry sausages at 400?
Air fry sausages at 400°F for 8-12 minutes until they're well-browned on the outside and cooked through in the middle. The cooking time may vary based on the sausages' thickness and quantity.
How long does it take to cook chicken sausages in the air fryer?
Cook precooked chicken sausages in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary.
What vegetables can I pair with chicken sausage in an air fryer?
You can pair bell peppers, onions, zucchini, green beans, and sweet potatoes with chicken sausage in an air fryer. Keep in mind that potatoes may take longer to cook. Happy cooking!
Is chicken sausage a healthy choice?
Yes, chicken sausage is a healthy choice because it has lower fat content and is a good source of protein. Try it out!
How can I clean and maintain my air fryer?
Make sure to cool the air fryer completely before cleaning it, and check the manufacturer's instructions to see which parts are dishwasher safe. Regular cleaning is key to maintaining your air fryer in good condition.
Chicken Sausage in Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Materials
- 1 Package Chicken Sausages
- 1 Bottle Cooking Spray (Optional)
- 1 Package Frozen Vegetables (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer as this ensures a quick and even cooking of the sausages
- While you wait for the air fryer to heat up, lightly spray your chicken sausages with oil (Optional)
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let them cook for about 8-20 minutes (8 minutes for pre-cooked sausages)
- If adding frozen vegetables, cook for at least 10 minutes or until desired consistency