Crispy, Juicy Sausage Patties in the Air Fryer: Your New Morning Favorite

Are you tired of cooking sausage patties on the stovetop and dealing with the mess of grease splatters? All 20,000 of them? I was desperate to figure something else out when I stumbled across the air fryer. Using your air fryer to cook breakfast sausage patties is a super quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious morning meal without the hassle of traditional cooking methods.

Not only is it fast and easy, but you will also get a crispy and juicy texture that is sure to be a hit. My family LOVES the crispy edges of sausage!! Another great thing is that using an air fryer eliminates the need for added oil. Following a few simple steps you can have perfectly cooked sausage in minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, using an air fryer or oven to cook in is a convenient and tasty option. In my experience, the oven seems to work better for larger crowds since you can cook so many more patties on a baking sheet. However, the air fryer is so quick and easy that it is my choice for smaller batches.

I fell in love with this method of cooking sausage a few years ago. This is so simple and quick. As a matter of fact, it is so quick that I may or may not have cooked them a little too long a time or two. Talk about crispy edges!!

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

Air fryers have been one of the most popular appliances in household kitchens over the last several years, and for good reason. They offer so many benefits that make cooking easier, faster, and less messy. Honestly, I probably use my air fryer more than any other appliance in the kitchen.

Healthier Cooking Method

A huge benefit of using an air fryer is you can cook the food with little to no oil. Now, you can enjoy your favorite foods without the added calories and fat that come with traditional deep frying methods. According to Air Fryer Finder, cooking sausage patties in an air fryer can reduce the fat content by up to 75%.

Quick and Easy Process

Another advantage is it cooks food so quickly and easily. Preheating only takes a few minutes, and cooking the patties takes about 5-7 minutes. So, by the time you have listened to your two favorite songs, you can have juicy and crispy sausage ready for the whole family.

Minimal Cleanup Required

Here is the deal, cooking sausage on the stovetop is a mess! Cleaning up after cooking can be a huge, greasy hassle! That’s why I am glad my husband usually does the kitchen cleanup!! lol. Since air frying doesn’t require extra oil, there are no additional messy grease splatters to clean up. Another good thing is most air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher safe, making cleanup really easy.

Selecting the Right Sausage

Selecting the right type of meat is important when air-frying sausage patties.

Types of Sausage Patties

Our favorite sausage patties go in and out of rotation at Sam’s Club. The jumbo pack of 48 frozen pork patties is a game-changer for us.

• Pork Sausage: Pork is the most common type of sausage patties used for air frying. They have a balanced flavor and cook light and crispy.
• Turkey Sausage Patties: A healthier option since they have less fat and fewer calories than pork sausage patties. Turkey sausage also air fries up nicely. I hate turkey so I’ll leave this one to you!!
• Chicken Sausage Patties: These patties are a great option for those who prefer a milder flavor. They are also lower in fat and calories than pork sausage patties.

Preparation for Air Frying

Follow these steps for perfectly fried patties:

• Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature listed on the packaging.
• Remove the sausage from the packaging and place the patties evenly in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for the recommended time shown on the packaging, flipping halfway through.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp. It should reach 160°F minimum to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Remove the from the air fryer immediately and let rest before serving.

Air Fryer Setup

If you are new to using an air fryer, where have you been? Of course, I’m joking—sort of. There are a couple of simple things to keep in mind when using an air fryer.

Preheating

Make sure to preheat your air fryer before you start making any recipe in it. Preheating ensures the air fryer reaches the ideal temperature for cooking evenly. It also helps reduce overall cooking time.

Accessories

You can cook in the air fryer without added accessories; however, some of the following make it easier:

• Fryer Basket: The main accessory that comes with air fryers. Allows airflow for even cooking.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick paper placed in the basket prevents sticking.
• Tongs: Helpful for easily flipping patties during cooking. Forks will work. Fingers won’t!!
• Meat Thermometer: Checks that patties are thoroughly cooked.

Cooking Process

Air-fried sausage patties are a super quick and easy hot breakfast that can be made in minutes. I love using the air fryer because the cooking time is so short!

Arranging Patties

This is definitely not rocket science. Place your sausage in the basket or on the tray (depending on style of air fryer). Don’t overlap patties as this will cause them to cook unevenly. I learned this the hard way. Nothing like half burnt and half undercooked sausage!

Temperature and Cook Time

Next, set your air fryer to 400°F. Once it has preheated, place the basket into the heated air fryer and set the timer to 5-7 minutes. The cooking time can vary a bit depending on the thickness of the patty, so make sure to verify the internal temperature.

Flipping and Final Steps

So, I have a confession: I have ADHD, and I can get sidetracked pretty easily in the kitchen. I learned the hard way that flipping the sausage is really important. Flip the patties halfway through to make sure they cook evenly on both sides. Cook until the center of the patties reaches the USDA recommended temperature of 160°F minimum, then remove them from the basket and let rest a minute before eating.

And that’s it! In a few minutes, you can now enjoy fresh, delicious sausage patties cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer sausage patties are a great morning sidekick or main course. I like to cook extra so my family can grab some protein on the way out the door.

Perfect Partners:

Looking for a mealtime mate for your sausage patties? Try one of these recipes to go along with it.

• Scrambled or Over-Easy Eggs
• Low-Carb Waffles
• Keto-Friendly Pancakes
• Breakfast Chaffles
• Mixed Berry Muffins
• Low-Carb Berries
• Low-Carb French Toast

Here are a few ingredients you can add to this recipe to customize your sausage patties:

• Chopped Chives
• Dried Parsley
• Minced Garlic
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – My hubby’s fave
• Cracked Black Pepper – My hubby’s second fave
• Paprika or Cayenne for Some Heat
• Sugar-Free Syrup – A popular item in our house with two Type 1 Diabetics

Cleaning and Maintenance

Just like any other kitchen appliance, cleaning and maintenance are key to ensuring the air fryer continues to work correctly for years of breakfasts to come.

Check out these air fryer care tips:

• Always allow the air fryer to cool before cleaning.
• Wash the removable basket and tray by hand or in the dishwasher using warm, soapy water.
• Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to gently scrub off any stuck bits of sausage.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or scouring pads that could damage the non-stick coating.
• Wipe down the exterior regularly to keep the fryer looking like new.
• Always refer to the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions for your specific model.

What went wrong?

Getting the perfect sausage patty is usually a breeze, but occasional hiccups happen. Here are some quick tips for troubleshooting common issues:

• Patties Undercooked? Increase the cook time by 1-2 minutes or up the air fryer’s temp slightly. Use an instant-read thermometer to check.
• Patties Overcooked or Burnt? Lower the air fryer temp by about 25 degrees F and decrease cook time. Also, don’t overcrowd the fryer basket.
• Patties Unevenly Cooked? Flipping the patties midway through ensures more even exposure to circulating hot air.

Cooking Frozen Patties? If possible, thaw frozen sausage patties fully before placing them in the preheated air fryer. If not, the cooking time will increase. Add 6 minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have learned some pointers from trial and error. I hope my experience will help with some of the questions you may have.

What’s the best temperature for air-frying sausage patties?

The recommended air fryer temperature for cooking sausage patties is 400°F. This allows the exterior to get crispy while the interior cooks through fully.

Should you flip sausage patties during air frying?

Yes, flipping the patties halfway during air frying helps them cook more evenly on both sides, so they turn out perfectly.

How many minutes do raw sausage patties take in an air fryer?

Raw thawed sausage patties take only 5-7 minutes to fully cook when air-fried. Make sure patties reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F.

What about cooking frozen sausage patties?

You’ll want to add more time when cooking frozen sausage patties in an air fryer—cook for 11-13 minutes at 400°F for best results.

Can you air fry pre-cooked sausage patties?

Yes, pre-cooked sausage patties cook up great in the air fryer. Set to 350°F and cook for just 2-3 minutes until heated through.

How long are cooked sausage patties good for in the fridge?

Cooked leftover patties will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store them properly in an airtight container or zippered storage bag.

How do I reheat cooked sausage patties?

You can reheat cooked sausage links or patties in an air fryer or microwave. Cook on medium heat until piping hot.

Check out my other air fryer recipes at:

Kaseytrenum.com and BoomHavenFarms.com