In this blog, I’m sharing my simple, foolproof method for cooking easy air fryer sausages. It’s a quick, mess-free solution that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and one of my blog's most popular recipes. With a few easy tips, you’ll get perfectly cooked sausages every time—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
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Sausages—known as sausage links in the US—are a budget-friendly, no-fuss staple in many kitchens. They’re not only affordable but also surprisingly sustainable, making use of leftover cuts from the butchering process that might otherwise go to waste.
Why I love this recipe
Speed + Convenience = Winning
My favourite way to cook sausages is in the air fryer. Unlike grilling, barbecuing, or broiling, there’s no need to stand by turning them constantly. Just pop them in, set the timer, and enjoy perfectly crisp, evenly cooked sausages every time.
Easy Cleanup, Less Mess
Another bonus? The mess stays contained inside the air fryer. No greasy splatters on the stovetop or tiles—just a quick clean-up and dinner done.
Versatility
Sausages are incredibly versatile, too. Serve them whole with sides, slice them into stews, soups, and curries, or even scatter them over homemade pizzas. And here in Australia, nothing beats a classic sausage sizzle—served in a slice of soft white bread with a drizzle of tomato ketchup or BBQ sauce. It’s a backyard BBQ favourite and a picnic staple.
Cooking time
It takes about 10 minutes to cook 550 grams/1.2 pounds. The cooking time depends on your air fryer, how many sausages you're cooking, and how closely they're packed in.
Be sure to cook sausages until they're cooked all the way through and not pink in the centre. When tested with a meat thermometer the internal temperature should be at least 71°C (160°F) for beef and pork sausages and 74°C (165°F) for chicken.
Temperature
The perfect temperature for air frying sausages for crispy results is 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit).
The best air fryer
I love using my Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer available from Amazon.com.au (AU readers) and Amazon.com (USA and other readers) to cook sausages because I can simply pop them in, set the program, and dinner is on the table in no time at all.
And I'm not the only one. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer was recently voted in the top 9 air fryers by The Spruce Eats.
I am not exaggerating when I say this is a life changing appliance. I love how this one appliance can do it all; pressure cook, slow cook, make yogurt, and air fry!
If you're looking for more quick and easy air fryer recipes try my popular lamb cutlets or crumbed (breaded) lamb cutlets.
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray - this helps the sausages not stick to the basket
- Thin beef, pork or chicken sausages (sausage links) - I find that one standard size packet of sausages, or about 500g/1.2lb fits perfectly in most air fryers
Instructions
Cooking sausages in the air fryer couldn't be easier.
Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Here I am using the broiling tray in the air frying basket of my Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer for an extra crispy result.
If the sausages are linked, separate each sausage. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius (400 Fahrenheit).
Half way through cooking, turn the sausages to ensure even cooking and adjust cooking time if required.
Check the sausages are cooked, then serve and enjoy.
Find out more about how to use the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer.
Top tip
Don't skip turning the sausages half was through cooking, especially if your air fryer basket is full and crowded. The sides of the sausages which are touching during cooking will remain uncooked and appear pink in colour. If this happens, simply turn the sausages and cook for another few minutes.
Storage
Store left over sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Cooking and freezing sausages in advice is a great way to prepare for busy midweek cooking.
Recipe
Easy air fryer sausages
Ingredients
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray
- 550 grams Beef, pork or chicken sausages (sausage links)
Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil
- If the sausages are linked, separate each sausage. Place the sausages in the air fryer basket a single layer.
- Set the temperature to 200°C (395°F) and time to 10 minutes
- Half way through cooking, turn the sausages to ensure even cooking. Adjust cooking time if necessary.
- Check sausages are cooked all the way through before serving
Notes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's safe to cook sausages in the air fryer. If you're worried about exploding sausages, use a paring knife to prick a few vents in the sausage casings prior to cooking. However, keep the number of vents to a minimum to ensure a juicy result.
Yes, air frying is a good cooking technique for sausages. The skin becomes nice and crispy while the inside stays moist and flavourful. Plus it takes hardly any hands-on time in the kitchen.
About 12 minutes per 450 grams (1 lb).
Yes, air frying is a good cooking technique for sausages.
About 12 minutes per 450 grams (1 lb). The cooking time depends on your air fryer, how many sausages you're cooking, and how closely they're packed in.
200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit).
It takes about 10 minutes to cook 550 grams/1.2 pounds of sausages.
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