Italian sausages are one of the best ingredients to keep on-hand.
I always keep a pack of Italian sausage (I prefer chicken) in my freezer for times when I don’t know what to make for dinner, need a little extra protein to go with some scrambled eggs, or want some meaty flavor in my soup.
They’re so easy to cook and are loaded with delicious herbs and spices that pair well with a wide range of dishes!
If you’re looking to enjoy the purest form of Italian sausages, then you can simply serve them on a bun the way we do in this recipe! Way better than a hot dog, Italian sausage has a great crunch when you bite into it, and doesn’t even need condiments.
The classic Italian sausage sandwich pairing (peppers and onions) are good too, but trust us, these are great on their own!
Not only is Italian sausage delicious, but it’s convenient and so easy to make in the air fryer! It’s so quick to just throw some uncooked sausages into the air fryer without oil or ANYTHING else, and have a great meal or addition to a meal in just minutes.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Italian Sausage
✦ You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.
It doesn’t get much simpler than this ingredient list! To make the best Italian sausage in the air fryer, you’ll need:
- Italian sausage (1â…› inch in diameter)
- Hot dog buns, optional
Obviously, if you want condiments or other accouterments, you can include those too!!
My favorite topping on an Italian sausage sandwich is mayonnaise with sauteed onions, but some other great condiments include mustard, ketchup, or even marinara sauce.
There are lots of possibilities when you’re starting with an ingredient as versatile as Italian sausage.
The Best Italian Sausage Brands
There are many Italian sausage brands on the market, which can make it hard to choose! Obviously, there are going to be different brands available depending on the region you live in!
Premio is considered one of the best brands of sausage, so if your store carries it, it’s a great option!
Here are some of the top Italian sausage brands in the US:
| Premio Sweet Italian Sausage |
| Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage |
| Johnsonville Hot Italian Sausage |
| Jimmy Dean Premium Italian Sausage Rolls |
| Trader Joe’s Sweet Italian Sausage |
| Bob Evans Premium Italian Sausage Rolls |
| Aldi Mild Italian Sausage |
| Kroger Mild Italian Sausage |
| Field Roast Garlic & Fennel Italian Sausage |
My favorite way to buy Italian sausage is from the local Italian grocery store. Usually, an Italian grocery store will have a butcher counter, and they will make their own sausages with freshly-ground meat!
I go to my local Italian grocery store at least 2 times a month to try out their varieties of fresh Italian chicken sausage! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and types of meat.
Recipe Video
How to Cook Italian Sausage in the Air Fryer?
There’s no better way to cook Italian sausages than in the air fryer. It’s quick (done in less than 10 minutes), easy, and totally hands-off!
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC).
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 400ºF (204ºC) and then let it cook for 5 minutes without food.
🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
Step 2: Get the Italian sausages ready.
While the air fryer is preheating, remove the sausages from the package.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring your Italian sausages to room temperature before air frying to prevent overcooking the exterior.
Step 3: Air fry Italian sausage for 8-10 minutes.
When the air fryer is preheated, add the sausages in a single layer and air fry until golden and crisp, about 8-10 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
✦ I used a 6-quart air fryer to test this recipe. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy air fried Italian sausages!
To check that the sausages are ready, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the sausage and ensure that the internal temperature is at least 160°F (71°C).
When the sausages are done, remove them from the air fryer and allow to cool for 1-2 minutes before putting them on buns (if using) and enjoying!
There are so many great ways to enjoy your air-fried Italian sausages.
For one, you can slice up the sausages and put them with pasta or pizza! You can have them with eggs for breakfast or sliced up into a breakfast burrito or you can serve them plain with some roasted potatoes or with peppers and onions.
No matter how you serve them, you’ll be sure to enjoy your air-fried sausages!
Suggested Cooking Time & Temperature
| Type | Temperature | Cooking Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh | 400°F (204°C) | 8-10 minutes | Flip halfway |
| Frozen | 400°F (204°C) | 10-12 minutes | Flip halfway |
| ½-inch thick rounds | 400°F (204°C) | 6-8 minutes | Flip halfway |
🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
As a general rule, always preheat your air fryer for a faster and more accurate cooking time. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat mode, simply run it without food for 4-5 minutes.
The safe internal temperature of any ground pork or beef is around 160°F (71°C) as per USDA.
Based on our tests, the Italian sausage will reach the desired internal temperature in just 6 minutes. The additional 2-4 minutes of cooking time is needed to achieve a golden brown exterior, which adds a beautiful caramelized texture. Sausages won’t be as delicious without that appealing color and texture.
Freezing & Storage
Freezing: Allow the air fryer Italian sausage to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Freeze and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat from frozen following the chart above.
Fridge: Allow the sausage to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and add the sausage in a single layer. Air fry until re-crisped and cooked-through, about 4-5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can definitely air fry Italian sausage! Air frying is a great method for cooking these savory protein-packed delights as it helps achieve a crispy exterior while retaining the juicy and flavorful interior.
A fresh, uncooked Italian sausage (1⅛ inch in diameter) will take approximately 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 400°F (204°C). Please note that cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer, the size of the Italian sausage and the number of servings you are making. Please see recipe card for more info.
To air fry Italian sausage, first preheat your cooking appliance to 400°F (204°C). Then, carefully add the Italian sausages and cook them for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. After the cooking time, allow the sausages to rest for a few minutes before serving. Please see recipe card for more info.
On average, a typical Italian sausage (approximately 85 grams or 3 ounces) can range from 250 to 350 calories. However, it’s important to note that the calorie content can differ among different sausage varieties, including lean or reduced-fat options.
This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.
Ingredients
- 5 Italian sausage links
- 5 hotdog buns
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Please see note if you have a 4-quart air fryer or smaller.
- Prepare the sausage: Thaw them overnight if frozen, and bring them to a room temperature before air frying.
- Air fry Italian sausage for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through. Check for doneness: Make sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) or higher.
- Serve and enjoy your air fryer Italian sausage! Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure the juices are retained for maximum flavor. You can use it to make a sausage sandwich, add it to pasta, or include it on a charcuterie board, among other delicious options.
Recipe Video
Notes
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food.
- For smaller air fryers (4-quart and below), reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C). They generate more heat because of the heating element’s proximity to the food.
- Cooking sausage in the air fryer may result in smoke due to oil splatters reaching the heating element. Ensure that your area is well-ventilated to avoid any smoke accumulation.
- I used a 6-quart Instant Pot Vortex Plus to test the air fryer Italian sausage. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Nutrition
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