Crispy, flavorful Italian sausage cooked to perfection in just minutes? Yes, please! Ditch the slow grill or stovetop methods and let your air fryer work its magic for easy, juicy sausages with snap-crisp casings.
This simple recipe transforms Italian sausages into an easy weeknight dinner or impressive appetizer with little effort.
In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have piping hot links ready to dress up with dipping sauces or your favorite sausage accompaniments. Let’s get started and make the best air fryer Italian sausage ever!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy And Convenient Cooking Method: Cooking Italian sausages in the air fryer is a breeze! It’s an easy and convenient way to cook sausages without having to worry about the mess that comes with stove-top cooking.
Plus, it only takes a few minutes to cook them in the air fryer, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Delicious And Juicy: Air frying Italian sausages yields delicious and juicy results. The high heat from the air fryer cooks the sausages quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy and juicy exterior with a perfectly cooked center. Try this Italian sausage air fryer recipe and see for yourself!
Healthier Cooking Method: Air frying Italian sausages is a healthier cooking method compared to frying or grilling. It requires less oil and results in less fat and calories in the finished product.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this airfryer italian sausage recipe you will need:
- 5-6 Italian Sausages
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
👨🍳 How To Make
Easily cook Italian sausage in air fryer. Follow these steps:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 350F (175C) and brushing the sausages with olive oil.
Then, add the sausages to the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them- leave enough space between them so they can cook evenly.
Step 2
Cook the sausages in the air fryer for 11-13 minutes. Flip them after the first 5 minutes. If you have a meat thermometer, make sure the internal temperature reaches 160F.
Step 3
Remove the Italian sausages from their air fryer and let them sit for at least 10 minutes. Then, serve and enjoy! This air fryer Italian sausage recipe is so easy and tasty!
💡Tips
1. Don’t Overcrowd
Be sure not to overload the air fryer basket. Air needs to properly circulate to crisp up the sausages. Overcrowding them may cause uneven cooking. Leave at least 1⁄2 inch between sausages for the best results. Work in batches for larger amounts.
2. Let Them Rest
Always allow the cooked sausages to rest 5-10 minutes before serving. This important step lets juices redistribute so you don’t lose any when you cut into them. The short rest also slightly lowers the temperature so you don’t burn your mouth.
3. Flavor with Olive Oil and Seasonings
Brushing with olive oil isn’t just for preventing sticking; it helps in browning and flavor enhancement. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its richer flavor and health benefits.
Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings, such as Italian herbs, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of paprika for a bit of heat. These can be mixed with the olive oil before brushing.
4. Air Fry Italian Sausage Time
Each air fryer differs, but in most cases – 11 to 13 minutes is plenty of time to cook Italian sausage. Be sure to preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the sausages.
If this is your first time making air fryer Italian sausage, you may want to check the temperature and time more frequently.
5. Monitor The Internal Temperature
While the recipe calls for cooking the sausages for 11-13 minutes, it’s important to monitor the internal temperature of the sausages to ensure that they are fully cooked.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the sausages has reached 160F. This will ensure that the sausages are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Variations
1. Sausage Subs– Slice the cooked Italian sausages lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Open them up and place them on a toasted hoagie roll layered with sautéed onions, peppers, and melted provolone cheese.
2. Sausage Casserole– Chop the cooked sausages and mix with rigatoni pasta, marinara sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Transfer to a casserole dish, top with more cheese and bake until hot and bubbly.
3. Sausage Frittata– Beat 8 eggs with 1/4 cup milk. Stir in the chopped cooked sausages, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper. Pour into a well-greased skillet and cook over medium heat until the bottom sets. Finish cooking under the broiler until puffed and golden brown.
4. Sausage Skewers– Thread chunks of Italian sausage onto skewers alternately with pieces of zucchini, onion, pineapple and bell pepper. Grill over medium heat until the vegetables are tender and the sausages are browned, turning occasionally.
5. Sausage and Peppers– Sauté sliced bell peppers, onions, garlic and olive oil in a skillet until tender. Add halved cooked Italian sausages and cook until heated through. Serve on crusty rolls.
6. Cheesy Sausage Bread– Mix the chopped cooked sausages with shredded mozzarella, parmesan, fresh herbs and garlic. Spread this mixture onto a loaf of bread dough, roll up jelly roll style and bake according to bread directions.
7. Sausage Lasagna- Layer lasagna noodles with ricotta cheese mixture, marinara sauce, chopped cooked Italian sausage, shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Bake covered at 375° until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes.
Best Dipping Sauces
Here are 5 delicious dipping sauce suggestions to pair with air fried Italian sausages:
1. Marinara Sauce – What better to dip an Italian sausage in than a classic marinara sauce! The rich, tomatoey sauce with hints of garlic, onion, and Italian herbs perfectly complements the seasoning in the sausage. Dunking the juicy sausage bites into this sauce makes for a tasty combo reminiscent of classic Italian comfort food.
2. Honey Mustard – The sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce pairs surprisingly well with savory Italian sausage. The smooth, velvety mustard base gets balanced out by the sweet honey. The hint of acidity from the mustard cuts through the sausage’s richness. Drizzle or dunk – either way, honey mustard takes these air fried sausages over the top!
3. Chimichurri Sauce – This vibrant green herb sauce originating from Argentina makes for an exciting, fresh pairing with Italian sausage. Heaping spoonfuls of parsley, cilantro, garlic, shallots, olive oil, and vinegar lend tons of bright flavor. The herbs complement the sausage seasoning beautifully. Plus, chimichurri sauce is a breeze to whip up!
4. Queso Dip – For an indulgent, craveable dipping sauce, look no further than smooth, creamy queso! Melty cheese punctuated with chili peppers and spices is a surefire match for Italian sausage. Dunking crispy sausage bites into gooey queso makes for perfect appetizer fare at your next party!
5. Spicy Brown Mustard Aioli – For a gourmet spin, whip up this spiked aioli dip featuring brown mustard, sriracha sauce, and mayo. The cool, creamy base pairs with the slight heat from the sriracha and mustard. Generously dip the juicy, crisp-skinned sausage for a taste sensation! The aioli perfectly balances out the rich sausage.
Storage
These delicious air fryer Italian sausages can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze them for longer term storage, allow the cooked sausages to cool completely then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen sausages overnight in the refrigerator. Then reheat them in the air fryer or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Side Dishes Ideas
Pair your delicious air fried Italian sausages with these tasty and easy-to-make side dishes.
1. Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes – Crispy fingerling potatoes are a classic pairing with sausages. The air fryer gives these petite potatoes a perfect crunch on the outside while keeping them fluffy on the inside.
Toss the boiled potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper and your favorite herbs before air frying until golden brown. The rich, earthy flavor of the potatoes balances beautifully with the savory and slightly spicy Italian sausage.
2. Air Fryer Carrot Fries – For a lighter and more veggie-centric side, air fried carrot fries can’t be beat. Matchstick cut carrots get deliciously caramelized in the air fryer, with just a touch of honey and spice. The natural sweetness plays well against the herby, garlicky notes in the sausage. Dip them in garlic aioli for extra yum.
3. Air Fryer Home Fries – You can’t go wrong with home fries alongside sausage. Chopped potatoes get crispy and browned in the air fryer with onions, garlic, bell peppers and paprika. The classic flavor pairing, made easy. Scoop them right on top of your sausage for a complete meal.
4. Air Fryer Curly Fries – For an indulgent and craveworthy side dish, curly fries are just the thing. Store-bought frozen curly fries become perfectly crispy and salty bites with just a quick spin in the air fryer. Dip into ketchup, ranch or cheese sauce for the ultimate sausage and fries combo.
5. Air Fryer Yuca Fries – For a less traditional but still tasty pairing, try air fried yuca fries. Yuca is a starchy root vegetable with a texture like potato when cooked. Seasoned yuca wedges get caramelized in the air fryer for a delicious sweet-savory side. The nutty flavor and crispy-crunchy bites make these fries an exciting match for Italian sausage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make a whole pack of Italian sausages in my air fryer?
It’s best not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate around the sausages for even cooking. Try to leave about 1 inch of space around each sausage. Cook them in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
2. How do I get crispy Italian sausage casings in the air fryer?
Brushing the sausages lightly with oil before cooking helps the casings get crispy in the hot air. Cook at least 10-13 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finally, let them sit for 5+ minutes before serving so the casing continues to crisp up.
3. What’s the best way to check if the Italian sausages are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 160F for safety and optimal texture. Visual signs like a golden-brown exterior are helpful, but temperature is the most reliable indicator.
I hope you enjoy making these easy and delicious air fryer Italian sausages! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have tasty sausages ready in 15 minutes or less. Feel free to get creative with additional seasonings or try one of the suggested serving ideas.
If you like this recipe, be sure to explore more of my air fryer recipes for fast, crave-worthy weekday meals. I also invite you to leave a comment below with any questions or your own air fryer sausage flavor ideas. I love connecting with readers. Thanks for reading, and happy air frying!
Air Fryer Italian Sausage
- 5-6 Italian Sausages
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- Start by preheating the air fryer to 350F (175C) and brushing the sausages with olive oil.Then, add the sausages to the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them- leave enough space between them so they can cook evenly.
- Cook the sausages in the air fryer for 11-13 minutes. Flip them after the first 5 or 6 minutes. If you have a meat thermometer, make sure the internal temperature reaches 160F.
- Remove the Italian sausages from their air fryer and let them sit for at least 10 minutes. Then, serve!
