Cooking sausages from frozen in an air fryer is absolutely possible and can result in quick, delicious sausages ready to eat in under 30 minutes. Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to cook food, which makes them an ideal appliance for cooking frozen foods. The circulating hot air quickly defrosts and cooks the sausages while resulting in a crispy texture on the outside. With just a few simple tips, you can easily cook frozen sausages to perfection in your air fryer.
Benefits of Cooking Sausages from Frozen in an Air Fryer
There are several benefits to cooking frozen sausages in an air fryer rather than thawing them first:
- It’s faster – Air frying sausages from frozen significantly reduces cooking time. Thawing in the refrigerator can take hours, whereas air frying takes less than 30 minutes.
- Better texture – The rapid air circulation results in a crispy, browned exterior while still cooking the interior thoroughly.
- Consistent results – The hot air surrounds the sausages evenly, preventing uneven cooking.
- Less mess – With no need to thaw first, there’s minimal mess and drips.
- Convenience – You can go from freezer to plate in under 30 minutes with minimal preparation needed.
Overall, cooking sausages directly from frozen is the quickest, easiest route to delicious air fried sausages.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Sausages in an Air Fryer
Follow these tips to achieve the best results when air frying frozen sausages:
1. Select the Right Sausages
The best sausages to use are precooked, fully cooked sausages that just need reheating. Raw sausages may not cook through properly from frozen in the short air fryer time. Precooked smoked sausage, kielbasa, bratwurst, and hot dogs work well.
2. Use a Nonstick Cooking Spray
Lightly coat the sausages with a nonstick cooking spray before air frying. This helps promote browning and prevents sticking as the sausages release moisture during cooking.
3. Arrange Sausages Properly
Arrange the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Leave at least 1/2 inch between them for optimal air circulation.
4. Cook at a High Temperature
Preheat and cook the sausages at a high temperature between 370-400°F. The high heat helps defrost and brown the sausages while cooking them through.
5. Flip the Sausages Halfway
For even cooking, flip and rotate the sausages about halfway through the cooking time. This prevents any one side from overbrowning.
6. Brush with Sauce at the End
For extra flavor, brush sausages with your favorite sauce (BBQ, honey mustard, etc) during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This helps coat and caramelize the sauce.
7. Let Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, remove the sausages from the air fryer and let rest for 2-5 minutes before serving. The resting time finishes carrying over the cooking and makes them easier to bite into.
How Long to Cook Frozen Sausages in an Air Fryer
Cooking time can vary slightly based on the type and size of sausage used. Refer to this general time and temperature guide:
| Sausage Type | Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hot dogs | 370°F | 6-8 minutes |
| Smoked sausage (precooked) | 400°F | 8-12 minutes |
| Fresh sausage links (raw) | 400°F | 15-18 minutes |
| Bratwurst (precooked) | 400°F | 10-15 minutes |
| Kielbasa (precooked) | 400°F | 10-12 minutes |
Check for doneness after the minimum recommended time. Fully cooked sausages should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Adjust cook time as needed to reach food safety standards.
Tips for the Best Results Air Frying Sausages from Frozen
Follow these tips for perfectly air fried frozen sausages:
- Thaw thick, raw sausages slightly before cooking to help them cook through.
- Cut large sausages into smaller 3-4 inch pieces so they cook faster.
- Add a small amount of oil or broth to help steam and cook raw sausages.
- Turn the sausages over halfway through cooking.
- Increase cook time for extra large or thick sausages.
- Brush cooked sausages with sauce or mustard before serving.
Common Questions
Can you put frozen sausages directly in the air fryer?
Yes, putting frozen precooked sausages directly in the air fryer works well. The circulating hot air will quickly thaw and cook the sausages. Be sure to add 2-3 extra minutes to the cook time.
Do sausages need to be defrosted before air frying?
Sausages do not need to be fully defrosted before cooking in the air fryer. As long as they are precooked, you can cook frozen sausages until heated through and browned. Defrosting may slightly speed up cook time.
Should you pierce sausages before air frying?
It’s not necessary to pierce or poke holes in sausages before air frying. The circulating hot air will penetrate and cook them. Poking holes can actually cause juices to leak out.
Can you reheat cooked sausages in an air fryer?
Yes, air fryers work great for quickly reheating already cooked sausages to serving temperature. Place sausages in a single layer and reheat at 350°F for 4-6 minutes until hot.
Delicious Air Fryer Sausage Recipes
The air fryer allows for so many quick, inventive ways to enjoy sausage. Try out these delicious air fryer sausage recipe ideas:
Air Fryer Sausage Breakfast Sandwiches
Cook sausage patties and eggs in the air fryer, then serve on an English muffin with cheese for the perfect breakfast sandwich.
Air Fryer Sausage Cornbread Muffins
Mix crumbled sausage into cornbread batter, then bake in the air fryer for savory, moist muffins.
Air Fryer Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms
Fill mushroom caps with sausage and cheese, then air fry until the filling is hot and mushrooms are tender.
Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Roll-Ups
Roll up cooked sausage, egg, and cheese inside crescent rolls or biscuits for a handheld breakfast.
Air Fryer Sausage & Pepper Sheet Pan Dinner
Toss sausage, potatoes, and peppers with oil and seasonings, then air fry everything on a sheet pan for easy cleanup.
Air Fryer Italian Sausage & Veggie Foil Packs
Seal sausages and vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, and onion in foil packs and air fry for meals with minimal cleaning.
Conclusion
From hot dogs to kielbasa, air frying frozen sausages makes for a quick and convenient dinner option with less time and effort than most other cooking methods. The hot circulating air of an air fryer rapidly thaws and cooks the sausages while producing a deliciously browned and crispy exterior. In just 15-30 minutes, you can enjoy perfectly cooked frozen sausages without the need to fully defrost. So next time you want fast, tasty sausages, go straight from the freezer to the air fryer for the easiest and best results.