Air fryer sausage links are one of the easiest, fastest, and most reliable breakfast (or anytime) foods you can make. Whether you’re rushing through a busy morning, planning a weekend brunch, or meal-prepping protein for the week, the air fryer delivers perfectly browned, juicy sausage links with almost zero effort.
Why Make Sausage Links in the Air Fryer?
Cooking sausage links in the air fryer beats pan-frying or oven baking in almost every way.
Benefits of Air Fryer Sausage Links
- Hands-off cooking – no flipping constantly
- Even browning on all sides
- Less grease (fat drips away)
- Faster than oven
- Easy cleanup
Whether you’re cooking pork sausage, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based links, the air fryer handles them beautifully.
Ingredients (Simple & Flexible)
Basic Ingredients
- 8–12 sausage links (fresh or frozen)
- Optional: nonstick spray (usually not needed)
That’s it.
You can use:
- Breakfast pork sausage links
- Chicken or turkey sausage links
- Italian sausage links (sweet or spicy)
- Smoked sausage links
- Plant-based or vegan sausage links
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Sausage Links in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Step 2: Arrange the Sausage Links
Place sausage links in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
✔ Do not overlap
✔ Leave space between each link for airflow
No oil is usually needed—sausages release their own fat.
Step 3: Air Fry
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
General Cooking Times
- Thin breakfast sausage links: 9–11 minutes
- Thicker sausage links: 11–13 minutes
- Smoked sausage: 8–10 minutes
Flip once at the halfway mark for even browning.
Step 4: Check Doneness
Sausages are done when:
- Outside is golden brown
- Juices run clear
- Internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for pork/chicken
- 165°F (74°C) for poultry
If needed, cook an extra 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let sausage links rest for 2 minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy.
How to Cook Frozen Sausage Links in the Air Fryer
No thawing required.
Frozen Sausage Instructions
- Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Time: 13–16 minutes
- Flip halfway
If sausages are stuck together, cook for 2 minutes, separate gently, then continue cooking.
Best Temperature for Air Fryer Sausage Links
| Sausage Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast sausage | 375°F | 9–12 min |
| Chicken/Turkey | 375°F | 10–13 min |
| Italian sausage | 380°F | 12–14 min |
| Smoked sausage | 370°F | 8–10 min |
| Vegan sausage | 360°F | 8–10 min |
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sausage Links
1. Don’t Pierce the Sausage
Piercing releases juices and causes dryness.
2. Avoid Overcrowding
Crowding leads to steaming instead of browning.
3. Flip Once Only
Too much flipping can tear the casing.
4. Adjust for Thickness
Thicker sausages need 1–3 extra minutes.
5. Clean After Cooking
Sausage releases grease—clean your basket after cooling.
READ MORE :
Easy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes in 15 Minutes
Air Fryer Egg Toast: The Perfect 5-Minute Breakfast
Fluffy Air Fryer Omelet Recipe (Ready in 10 Minutes!)
Flavor Variations & Seasoning Ideas
You usually don’t need seasoning, but you can enhance flavor:
Sweet Breakfast Style
- Brush with maple syrup in last 2 minutes
- Sprinkle brown sugar lightly
Savory & Spicy
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Chili flakes
Italian-Inspired
- Italian seasoning
- Crushed fennel seeds
Herb & Garlic
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Garlic butter glaze
What to Serve with Air Fryer Sausage Links
Breakfast Pairings
- Scrambled eggs or omelets
- Air fryer hash browns
- Toast or English muffins
- Pancakes or waffles
Brunch Ideas
- Sausage breakfast bowl
- Sausage & egg breakfast sandwich
- Sausage with avocado toast
Dinner Ideas
- Sausage & roasted vegetables
- Sausage pasta
- Sausage with mashed potatoes
Meal Prep with Air Fryer Sausage Links
Air fryer sausages are excellent for weekly meal prep.
How to Meal Prep
- Cook sausages fully
- Cool completely
- Store in airtight containers
Storage
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months
How to Reheat Sausage Links in the Air Fryer
Reheating Instructions
- Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
- Time: 3–5 minutes
Avoid microwaving—it makes sausage rubbery.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Per 1 pork sausage link:
- Calories: 90–120
- Protein: 5–7g
- Fat: 7–9g
- Carbs: 1–2g
Chicken and turkey sausage are typically lower in fat and calories.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Cooking at too high temperature (burns casing)
❌ Overcrowding basket
❌ Skipping flip entirely
❌ Not checking internal temperature
❌ Using aerosol sprays (damages coating)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I cook raw sausage links in the air fryer?
Yes, the air fryer cooks raw sausage links safely and evenly.
Do I need oil?
No. Sausages contain enough fat.
Can sausage burst in the air fryer?
Rarely. Avoid very high heat and don’t pierce them.
Can I cook sausage and eggs together?
Yes, but use separate accessories or add eggs halfway through.
Are air fryer sausages healthier?
Yes—less grease and no added oil.
Air Fryer Sausage Links for Busy Mornings
This recipe is perfect when:
- You’re short on time
- You want protein-heavy breakfast
- You’re feeding kids or guests
- You want consistent results every time
From fridge to plate in under 15 minutes, air fryer sausage links are a true kitchen shortcut.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer sausage links are:
- Fast
- Foolproof
- Crispy outside
- Juicy inside
- Easy to customize
Once you try them, you’ll never go back to pan-frying.
