How Long Does It Take To Cook Sausages in an Air Fryer?

Cooking sausages in an air fryer has become one of the most popular kitchen shortcuts — and for good reason. It’s faster than using an oven, cleaner than pan frying, and produces consistently juicy, perfectly browned sausages every time. Whether you’re whipping up breakfast, prepping a simple dinner, or batch-cooking for lunches, the air fryer delivers reliable, hands-off results.

If you don’t already have an air fryer, the one I personally recommend is the Devanti 5L LCD Touch Air Fryer. It heats quickly, cooks evenly, and has the perfect basket size for sausages, chips, wings, and everyday meals.

In this guide, you’ll learn exact cooking times for different sausage types, plus a fully expanded, step-by-step method, pro tips, serving ideas, mistakes to avoid, troubleshooting, and a complete FAQ section to guarantee success.

Why Cook Sausages in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers are loved for simplicity and speed — but sausages are where they truly shine. Here’s why:

• Even Cooking: Hot air circulates around the sausage, cooking it from all sides.
• Crispy Skin: You get the golden, crackly outside usually only achieved with pan frying.
• Cleaner & Healthier: No splattering oil, and excess fat drips away.
• Faster Than the Oven: No long preheating time, no metal trays to wash.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it until the timer beeps.

Whether you're cooking one sausage or a dozen, an air fryer gives consistent results every time, making it ideal for busy families and quick meals.

Types of Sausages You Can Cook in an Air Fryer

Air fryers handle nearly every kind of sausage, including:

• Breakfast sausages: Small, thin, and cook very quickly.
• Italian sausages: Juicy, flavour-packed, great browning.
• Bratwurst: Thick, hearty sausages that benefit from even heat.
• Chicken sausages: Lean — avoid overcooking.
• Vegan sausages: Cook faster; check often to prevent drying.

All work well — just adjust time slightly for thickness.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Sausages in an Air Fryer?

Here are the most reliable cooking times at 180°C:

• Breakfast Sausages: 8–10 minutes
• Italian / Bratwurst: 12–15 minutes
• Chicken Sausages: 10–12 minutes
• Vegan Sausages: 8–10 minutes

If cooking from frozen, add 3–5 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Sausages in an Air Fryer

Air frying sausages is simple, but doing it *perfectly* every time requires good technique. Follow these expanded steps for foolproof results:

1. Preheat the air fryer (3–5 minutes)
   Set to 180°C. Preheating ensures the sausages brown immediately and cook evenly.
2. Prepare the sausages
   Separate any linked sausages.
3. Pricking
   Prick to release fat and reduce bursting or don’t prick if you prefer maximum juiciness. Pat dry with a paper towel — moisture delays browning.
4. Arrange properly in the basket
   Lay sausages in a single layer with gaps for air circulation. Overcrowding causes steaming rather than crisping.
5. Cook using the time guide
   Use the time ranges listed above. Thicker sausages = longer time. Lean sausages (like chicken) cook quicker.
6. Shake or flip halfway (optional)
   Helps thicker sausages brown evenly. Breakfast sausages respond well to a quick shake.
7. Check internal temperature
   Use a thermometer to ensure sausages reach 75°C. This guarantees they are fully cooked and safe.
8. Optional browning boost
   Increase to 200°C for the final 1–2 minutes for extra colour.
9. Rest for 2–3 minutes
   This step makes a huge difference — juices redistribute, making sausages tender and juicy.

Pro Tips for Restaurant-Level Results

• Dry sausages BEFORE cooking for maximum browning.
• Never use foil: It blocks airflow.
• For extra crispiness: Lightly spray with oil at the end, not the beginning.
• Air fry veggies first: Then cook sausages in the already-hot basket.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the basket — leads to soggy sausages.
• Skipping preheating — causes pale or uneven results.
• Cooking too hot too soon — sausages burst.
• Not checking temperature — especially with chicken sausages.

Troubleshooting Guide

• Sausages burst: Lower initial heat to 170°C, then increase later.
• Sausages look pale: Add a 2-minute 200°C browning finish.
• Sausages dried out: Reduce cooking time; consider not pricking.
• Sausages sticking: Ensure basket is clean & non-stick coating intact.

Serving Suggestions

Air-fried sausages are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:

• Eggs & toast for a fast breakfast.
• Mashed potato & gravy for comfort food.
• Onion & peppers in a toasted roll.
• Sauerkraut or kimchi for a tangy boost.
• Air fryer roasted veggies for a healthy meal.

Testimonials from Real Home Cooks

“I used to pan-fry sausages, but the air fryer gives perfect results with zero cleanup.” — Karen M.

“My chicken sausages always dried out before. Now they’re juicy every time.” — James T.

“We meal-prep sausages weekly now. Ten minutes and they’re all done.” — Rebecca H.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook sausages from frozen?

Yes — just add 3–5 minutes and check the internal temperature.

Do I need to add oil?

No. Sausages contain enough natural fat to crisp beautifully.

Why do sausages burst?

Often caused by cooking too fast at too high a temperature. Start at 170°C, finish at 180–200°C.

Should I flip the sausages?

Not required but helps with thick sausages.

Can I cook vegetables with sausages?

Yes — but cook in layers or separate sections so they don’t steam each other.

What temperature should sausages reach?

Always check for 75°C internal temperature.

That's A Wrap! Perfect Sausages Every Time

Air frying sausages is one of the easiest, cleanest, and most reliable ways to cook them — and with the right temperature, timing, and technique, you’ll get consistently juicy, golden-browned results every single time. Whether you're cooking breakfast links, chunky bratwursts, lean chicken sausages, or plant-based options, the air fryer removes all the guesswork and delivers fast, delicious meals with minimal effort.

Now that you know the exact times, temperatures, troubleshooting tricks, and pro tips, you're set up for success no matter what type of sausage you’re cooking. With a good-quality air fryer and the right method, this becomes one of those “set it and forget it” meals you’ll rely on again and again.

If your current air fryer struggles with even cooking, takes too long to heat up, or doesn’t have enough basket space, upgrading can make a huge difference to your results — especially for sausages and other everyday meals.