Cooking breakfast sausages in your air fryer takes less than 15 minutes with this simple method. The sausages turn out juicy inside and nicely crisp on the outside, making them ideal for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch.
Serve these sausages alongside air fryer toast, crispy air fryer potatoes, Belgian waffles, or air fryer bacon for a full breakfast spread. They also pair well with Eggs Benedict Florentine or a weekend breakfast casserole for an easy brunch.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Air frying cooks sausages faster than stovetop methods while still delivering a crisp exterior.
- Excess grease collects below the rack for a less messy finish and easier cleanup.
- No prep is required—this is a straightforward, hands-off recipe.
- Works for both fresh and frozen sausages.
- Compatible with many varieties, including pork, chicken, turkey, venison, and breakfast sausage patties.
Ingredients
Only one ingredient is needed:
Sausage. Choose your favorite breakfast sausage—pork, chicken, turkey, venison, or preformed patties. Fresh or frozen both work; cutting links in half can make flipping easier.
Quantities are shown in the printable recipe card below.
How to cook breakfast sausages in the air fryer
Air frying is one of the easiest ways to cook flavorful sausages. Follow these steps for reliable results.
- Poke a few small holes in each sausage link with a fork or the tip of a knife to allow fat to escape as they cook. For frozen sausages, start cooking a few minutes first, then pierce the casings.
- Preheat your air fryer to 395°F (about 200°C). Arrange sausages in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding—cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking or turning the sausages after 5 minutes. Sausages are done when golden brown outside, no pink remains inside, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a knife or thermometer to check doneness.
- Remove immediately and drain on a paper towel. Serve warm with maple syrup, ketchup, or your preferred condiments.
Top Tip
Cooking time varies with sausage thickness and how full the basket is. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking; add a few minutes if they need more time.
What can I make with leftover sausage?
Leftovers are versatile: chop and add to pasta, pizza, casseroles, omelet casserole, soups, or salads. They also make a flavorful topping for smoked burgers.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover sausages in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge if frozen, then air fry at 380°F for 4–5 minutes until heated through, or reheat in the microwave.
Variations
- Try different sausages. Italian, kielbasa, or other types work well; thicker sausages will take longer to cook.
- Stovetop option. If you don’t have an air fryer, cook sausages on the stovetop with a small amount of water until fully cooked.
Top tips
- Avoid overcrowding the basket—work in batches for even browning.
- For extra-crispy skin, brush sausages lightly with olive oil or use a cooking spray before air frying.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before serving.
- Adjust cooking time as needed—air fryer models vary.
Recipe FAQs
Depending on thickness, air-fried sausages typically take about 8–12 minutes.
Thaw sausages overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
-
Perfectly Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
-
Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops
-
Air Fryer Spare Ribs With Barbecue Sauce
-
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast in Air Fryer
Related Recipes
- Easy Smoked Sausage Recipe
- Air Fryer Sausage and Roasted Peppers
- Rigatoni Al Forno With Italian Sausage
Did you make these Air Fryer Breakfast Sausages? If you enjoyed them, please leave a rating or share a comment—feedback helps others and makes the recipe even better.
Printable Recipe
Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage
Ingredients
- 8 breakfast sausages or breakfast sausage patties (your favorite kind)
Instructions
- Use a fork or knife tip to poke a few holes in the sausage casing.
- Preheat the air fryer to 395°F (200°C).
- Arrange sausages in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding.
- Air fry at 395°F for 10 minutes, shaking or turning after 5 minutes. Cook until golden brown outside, no pink remains inside, and internal temperature is 160°F (71°C).
- Remove, drain on paper towels, and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for even results.
- Brush with a little olive oil or use cooking spray for crispier skin.
- Confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving.
- Adjust times as needed—air fryer models vary.
Nutrition
| Protein: 8 g
| Fat: 15 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may not be exact.
Did you love this recipe?
If you enjoyed the recipe, please leave a rating or a review. You can also save it to your recipe box for easy reference.