Pork, Bacon & Sausage
Air Fryer Sausage: Times for Every Type
How to cook sausage in the air fryer: raw links at 380°F for 10–14 minutes to 160°F. Times for Italian sausage, brats, breakfast links, chicken and smoked sausage.
Quick answer
Cook raw sausage links in the air fryer at 380°F195°C for 10–14 minutes, turning them halfway, until the inside reaches 160°F71°C (165°F74°C for chicken or turkey sausage). Thin breakfast links take 8–10 minutes, and thick Italian sausages or brats take 12–18 minutes. Precooked smoked sausage only needs 6–10 minutes to heat and brown.
- Time
- 10–14 min (raw links)
- Flip
- Yes, halfway
- Done when
- 160°F71°C inside (165°F74°C poultry)
Sausage Links air fryer times
| What you're cooking | Temp | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast sausage links, raw | 380°F195°C | 8–10 min | Shake halfway |
| Breakfast sausage patties, raw | 380°F195°C | 8–10 min | Flip halfway |
| Pork sausage links, raw (dinner size) | 380°F195°C | 10–14 min | 160°F inside |
| Italian sausage, raw | 370°F190°C | 12–16 min | 160°F inside |
| Bratwurst, raw | 360°F180°C | 14–18 min | Lower heat prevents splitting |
| Chicken or turkey sausage, raw | 370°F190°C | 10–14 min | 165°F inside |
| Chicken apple sausage, precooked | 370°F190°C | 8–10 min | Heat to 165°F |
| Smoked sausage / kielbasa, precooked | 400°F205°C | 6–10 min | Slice or score for more browning |
| Frozen raw sausage links | 380°F195°C | 14–18 min | No need to thaw |
| Frozen precooked breakfast links | 400°F205°C | 6–8 min | Shake halfway |
Times are for a preheated 5–6 quart basket air fryer with food in a single layer. Oven-style and very large air fryers can run 1–3 minutes slower. Always check doneness with an instant-read thermometer.
Sausage is one of the easiest things to cook in an air fryer. It browns evenly, the fat drains away, and there’s no stovetop splatter. The main thing to get right is the time for your type of sausage, because a skinny breakfast link and a thick bratwurst cook very differently.
How to cook sausage in the air fryer
- Preheat to 380°F195°C, or lower for thicker sausages (see the chart above).
- Arrange in a single layer without pricking the casings.
- Turn halfway for even browning.
- Check the temperature: 160°F71°C for pork or beef, 165°F74°C for chicken or turkey.
Raw vs. precooked sausage
Raw sausage (fresh Italian, breakfast links, brats, most “fresh” links) has to be cooked through to a safe temperature. It’s gray or pink when raw and feels soft.
Precooked sausage (kielbasa, most smoked sausages, many chicken sausages) only needs heating and browning. The package will say “fully cooked.” Heat it to 165°F74°C, which takes 6–10 minutes.
Sausage type guides
- Italian sausage (mild, sweet or hot): 370°F190°C for 12–16 minutes. See the full Italian sausage guide.
- Breakfast links and patties: 380°F195°C for 8–10 minutes. See breakfast sausage.
- Bratwurst: 360°F180°C for 14–18 minutes. The lower heat keeps them from bursting.
- Chicken sausage: 370°F190°C for 10–14 minutes raw, or 8–10 minutes precooked.
- Smoked sausage and kielbasa: 400°F205°C for 6–10 minutes. Slice into coins or score them for more crispy edges.
Tips for the best air fryer sausage
- Don’t crowd them. Sausages need space for hot air to brown every side.
- Use tongs, not a fork, to turn them so you don’t pierce the casing.
- Add vegetables for an easy sheet-pan-style dinner. Toss sliced peppers and onions with a teaspoon of oil and add them for the final 8–10 minutes.
- Brats in beer? Simmer them in beer first for 10 minutes, then air fry at 400°F205°C for 4–6 minutes to brown the outside.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate cooked sausage for 3–4 days. Reheat at 350°F175°C for 3–5 minutes until hot through. Cooked sausage also freezes well for 1–2 months.
Air Fryer Sausage Links
- Prep
- 1 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Total
- 13 min
- Air fryer
- 380°F195°C
- Makes
- 4 servings
- Calories
- 260 per 4 oz serving, pork sausage
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw sausage links (pork, Italian, or chicken)
- Nonstick spray or a few drops of oil for the basket (optional)
Instructions
Tap a step to check it off.
- Preheat. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F195°C for 3 minutes. For Italian sausage, use 370°F190°C. For brats, use 360°F180°C.
- Arrange. Lay the sausages in a single layer with a little space between them. Don't prick the casings, because that lets the juices escape.
- Cook. Air fry for 5–7 minutes, then turn each sausage with tongs.
- Finish. Cook another 5–7 minutes, until browned all over and an instant-read thermometer reads 160°F71°C in the center (165°F74°C for chicken or turkey sausage).
- Rest. Let rest for 2 minutes before slicing or serving.
Notes
- Precooked sausages (kielbasa, most chicken sausages) only need heating: 6–10 minutes.
- Empty the drawer between batches to prevent smoking.
- For sausage and peppers, add sliced bell peppers and onions tossed in oil for the last 8–10 minutes.
Nutrition is an estimate calculated from typical ingredient values and will vary by brand and portion.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you cook sausage in the air fryer?
Raw sausage links take 10–14 minutes at 380°F195°C, turned halfway. Breakfast links take 8–10 minutes, Italian sausage 12–16 minutes, and bratwurst 14–18 minutes. Precooked smoked sausage takes 6–10 minutes.
Can you cook raw sausage in an air fryer?
Yes. Raw sausage cooks evenly in the air fryer and browns all over. Make sure pork or beef sausage reaches 160°F71°C inside, and chicken or turkey sausage reaches 165°F74°C.
What temperature do you cook sausage in the air fryer?
380°F195°C works for most sausages. Use 370°F190°C for thick Italian sausage and 360°F180°C for bratwurst, so the casings don't split before the centers cook. Use 400°F205°C for precooked sausage you just want to brown.
Should you poke holes in sausage before air frying?
No. Pricking the casing lets the juices and fat run out, leaving the sausage dry. Cook them whole and turn them halfway.
Can you cook frozen sausage in the air fryer?
Yes. Frozen raw links take about 14–18 minutes at 380°F195°C, and frozen precooked breakfast links take 6–8 minutes at 400°F205°C. Separate any that are stuck together after the first few minutes.
How do I know when sausage is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer: 160°F71°C for pork and beef sausage, 165°F74°C for chicken and turkey sausage. Color alone isn't reliable, because sausage can brown before the center is cooked.
Why is my air fryer smoking when cooking sausage?
Fat drips onto the hot drawer. Lower the temperature slightly, pour a couple of tablespoons of water into the drawer, and empty the grease between batches.
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