Air fryer chicken sausage is so juicy and delicious! Ready in just 15 minutes, they are perfect for an easy meal or a busy weeknight dinner. This recipe works with any sausage flavor, whether sweet, spicy, or savory!
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Cooking chicken sausage in the air fryer is the best. It comes out perfect every time and the clean up is a breeze. It's a win-win, especially for a quick breakfast or a busy weeknight dinner!
It's easy to build a simple, delicious meal around these sausages. This quick mango corn salsa and avocado pico de gallo make great toppers. While the air fryer is out and handy, I love to cook these air fryer diced potatoes. They are so easy and make the perfect side dish for these sausages. If you're looking for a quick appetizer, check out these air fryer roasted peanuts. They are so crunchy and satisfying. You'll have a complete meal in no time!
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Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken sausages: this recipe is for a 12 ounce (340 g) package of pre-cooked chicken sausages. Depending on the brand, it will be about 4 to 5 sausages. You can choose your own adventure with the flavors because this recipe will work with sweet, savory, or spicy versions. Although sausage is a processed meat, it's one I choose to enjoy in moderation. My approach is to pay close attention to the ingredients, avoiding those with unwanted additives and preservatives. A favorite brand is Bilinski's because they are so delicious and use simple ingredients. I love the mild Italian sausage that only contains the following ingredients: "skinless chicken, water, red and green dried peppers, sea salt, paprika, fennel seed, black pepper, onions."
- Extra virgin olive oil: this is key, as the oil helps the sausages to develop a beautiful crisp and golden exterior while the inside stays juicy and tender. Using high quality, extra virgin olive oil will give the sausages the best flavor. It is also less processed than regular olive oil and a good source of antioxidants and heart healthy fats.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use a different oil: the olive oil can be substituted with a different oil of your choice. Avocado oil is a delicious option. You could also substitute with an oil cooking spray, but check with your air fryer instructions first as some advise against their use.
- Omit the oil: you can omit the oil altogether if you prefer. I have never had an issue with the sausages sticking to the air fryer basket without oil. Keep in mind that the outside of the sausages may not develop as much of a crispy exterior.
- Use uncooked chicken sausages: you can use uncooked chicken sausages for this recipe but you will need a longer cook time. Ensure the sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). While preheating, lightly brush the entire surface of the sausages with olive oil.
Step 2: Place the sausages in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure there are spaces between them so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Air fry the sausages for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cook time. They are ready when lightly crisp and golden on the outside with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exact cook time will depend on the thickness of the sausages.
Step 4: Allow the sausages to rest for a few minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy and flavorful. Serve in a bun or with your favorite side dish or dip. Enjoy!
Equipment
- Air fryer: I love the Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer
- Silicone brush
- Measuring spoons
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or the freezer for up to a month. These sausages are perfect for meal prep and you can enjoy the leftovers for a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner. When reheating, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before eating.
See the USDA Leftovers and Food Safety guide for more information.
Expert tips
- Brush the surface of the chicken sausages with olive oil before air frying. This helps the sausages to develop a crispy, golden exterior and makes the meat juicy and tender.
- Space the sausages evenly in the air fryer. This helps them to cook evenly and develop a lightly crisp and golden exterior.
- Allow the sausages to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
FAQ
Pre-cooked chicken sausages take about 8 to 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 400°F (204°C). They are done when golden and crisp on the outside with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you're using uncooked chicken sausages they will need a longer cook time of about 20 to 25 minutes depending on their size and thickness.
The best way to cook sausages in the air fryer is at 400°F (204°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. Before placing the sausages in the air fryer, brush them with a small amount of olive oil. This develops into a beautiful, crisp and golden exterior while the inside of the sausages stay juicy and tender.
Related
Looking for more air fryer recipes? Try these favorites:
Pairing
These are my favorite side dishes to serve with these sausages:
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and tag @little.nonni on Instagram!
Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
Save This Recipe! 💌
I'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! I'll also add you to my newsletter with more recipes and tips.
Ingredients
- 1 package chicken sausages (12 ounces or 340 g pre-cooked)*
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil *
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer and prepare the sausages: Preheat the air fryer to 400℉ (204℃). While preheating, lightly brush the entire surface of the sausages with olive oil.
- Arrange the sausages in the air fryer: Place the sausages in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure there are spaces between them so they cook evenly.
- Air fry the sausages: Cook the sausages for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They are ready when lightly crisp and golden on the outside with an internal temperature of 165℉ (74℃). The exact cook time will depend on the thickness of the sausages.
- Serve: Allow the sausages to rest a few minutes before serving. This keeps them juicy and flavorful. Serve in a bun or with your favorite side dish or dip. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Chicken sausages: this recipe is for pre-cooked chicken sausages. Depending on the brand, there will be about 4 to 5 sausages in a 12 ounce package. Any flavor will work! You can also use uncooked sausages but you will need a longer cook time of about 20 to 25 minutes to reach a safe internal temperature of 165℉ (74℃).
- Olive oil: you can substitute this with a different oil of your choice. Avocado oil would be a delicious option. You can also use an oil cooking spray, but check your air fryer instructions first because some advise against their use. If you prefer to not use any oil, you can omit it altogether.
- Equipment: air fryer (I love the Cosori 5.8 quart), silicone brush, measuring spoons.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or the freezer for up to a month. These sausages are perfect for meal prep and you can enjoy the leftovers for a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner. When reheating, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before eating.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition and storage information is estimated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
See our Disclaimer for more information.
Anne says
I made these last weekend for my neighborhood gathering. They were cooked to perfection. Everyone raved about them. I served them with your kitchenAid mashed potatoes. A perfect winter meal. Thanks for your recipes.
Maria D'Errico says
Thanks for leaving a review! I'm so happy you and your neighbors enjoyed this recipe.
rd says
I am so grateful for this recipe! I’m always looking for ways to turn ordinary eats into extraordinary meals, and this air fryer chicken sausage recipe does just that. The sausages come out juicy and tender, with just the right amount of crisp. I never know how long to cook things in the air fryer, and the instructions here are clear and absolutely spot-on to craft a succulent sausage supper. I love it!
Maria D'Errico says
Thank you, so happy you enjoyed the recipe!