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Enjoy perfectly cooked Italian sausages in the air fryer with minimal effort. This quick and easy recipe delivers deliciously juicy sausages with a crispy exterior, ideal for a fast weeknight dinner or a savory addition to your brunch menu.

Air fried Italian sausage on a white plate garnished with parsley flakes, ready to serve.

Table of Contents

Quick and Easy Air Fryer Italian Sausage Recipe

Air fryer Italian sausages ensure even cooking and delectable results without the hassle of grilling or pan-frying. This method is not only efficient but also healthier, requiring minimal oil.

This recipe is also gluten-free, low-carb, and high-protein!

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Ingredients

  • Italian Sausages: Check the label to ensure they are gluten-free.
  • Olive Oil Spray: Used sparingly to prevent sticking and ensure the perfect finish.

How to Cook Italian Sausage in the Air Fryer

STEP 1 – Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and allow it to heat for 3 minutes.

STEP 2 – Arrange the Italian sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If needed, lightly spray them with olive oil.

Italian sausage in air fryer basket in a single layer, ready to be cooked.

STEP 3 – Air fry the sausages at 360°F (180°C) for 12-13 minutes. Remember to flip the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly and get a uniformly crisp exterior. Use a digital thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Italian sausage in basket of the air fryer, fully cooked and ready to serve.

STEP 4 – Remove the sausages from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.

Close up photo of Italian sausage in the air fryer basket, ready to serve.

NOTE: This recipe was made in a basket style 5.8 qt Cosori Air Fryer, so make sure to adjust your total cooking time to fit the size and style of your air fryer.

Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Italian Sausage

  • Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the sausages are not touching each other in the air fryer. This helps the hot air circulate freely, ensuring even cooking and browning.
  • Piercing Not Required: Unlike other cooking methods, there’s no need to pierce the sausages when using an air fryer. Keeping them intact retains their natural juices.
  • Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the size of your sausages and air fryer model, cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust accordingly and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety.
Italian sausages made in the air fryer, served on a white platter with parsely garnish on top.

Air Fryer Italian Sausage Variations

  • Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider choosing hot Italian sausages or serving with a sprinkle of red chili flakes.
  • Herb Infusion: Before cooking, rub the sausages with a mix of Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for an aromatic twist.
Juicy air fried Italian sausage in tongs, ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen Italian sausages in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen sausages directly in the air fryer. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time until they are fully heated through and crispy.

What sides go well with Italian sausages?

Italian sausages pair wonderfully with sautéed peppers and onions, a side of mustard mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

How do I store leftover Italian sausages?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or on the stovetop to preserve their texture.

This air fryer Italian sausage recipe is a game-changer for quick and delicious meals, providing a straightforward method to achieve perfectly cooked sausages with minimal cleanup.

Close up of air fryer Italian sausage on a white serving platter garnished with parsley. Ready to serve.

MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES:

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Italian Sausage in air fryer basket ready to eat.
4.75 from 8 votes
Servings: 4

Italian Sausage in Air Fryer

By Jen Gamble
Italian Sausage in Air Fryer is truly a delicious meal! Not only is this the best way to cook sausage quickly, but it makes an excellent option for an easy meal that everyone will love.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 13 minutes
Total: 18 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 5 Italian Sausage links
  • 1/2 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions 

  • Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and allow it to heat for 3 minutes. This step ensures the sausages start cooking immediately for even results.
  • Arrange the Italian sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If needed, lightly spray them with olive oil. This helps in achieving a more appealing color and texture.
  • Air fry the sausages at 360°F (180°C) for 12-13 minutes. Remember to flip the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly and get a uniformly crisp exterior. Use a digital thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Remove the sausages from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.

Notes

Make sure the sausages are not touching each other in the air fryer. This helps the hot air circulate freely, ensuring even cooking and browning.
Unlike other cooking methods, there’s no need to pierce the sausages when using an air fryer. Keeping them intact retains their natural juices.
Depending on the size of your sausages and air fryer model, cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust accordingly and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety.

Nutrition

Calories: 489kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 20g, Fat: 44g, Saturated Fat: 16g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 20g, Cholesterol: 106mg, Sodium: 1023mg, Potassium: 354mg, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 25mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Jen Gamble

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4.75 from 8 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. Penny says:

    4 stars
    I used you cook time to prep for a BBQ. I don’t care for onions and peppers in the airfrier. They do not caramelize that way. I saute them in the microwave. I half cooked my sausage in the airfrier using your time and temp. Now when guests arrive I can fire up the grill with a griddle and in minutes they’ll turn out just like they do at the fair.

    Reply