Smoked Sausage in Air Fryer: Quick & Easy
Get ready to sink your teeth into Smoked Sausage in the Air Fryer that’s crispy on the outside and irresistibly juicy on the inside. Whether you prefer Polish, kielbasa, or other varieties, the air fryer works its magic in minutes, creating a mouthwatering, caramelized outside that is full of flavor. Perfect for a quick meal or appetizer, it’s a healthy, low-carb option that will satisfy your cravings guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Sausage In Air Fryer Recipe?
- It’s quick and easy; in less than 10 min, you’ll have perfect smoked sausage.
- The air fryer cooks it evenly and crisps the outside to a golden brown without drying it out.
- It can make a simple and easy weeknight meal; you only need to add your favorite veggie to your protein, like sautéeed zucchini and squash.
- You can customize the recipe with your favorite seasonings and sauces.
- You can make a complete meal by adding a low-carb veggie and a garden salad.
- Less clean up than pan frying as your stovetop doesn’t get splattered oil all over it.
Benefits of Cooking Smoked Sausage in an Air Fryer
Air fryers are a game changer! They are a healthier alternative to deep frying and so convenient! You can cook just about anything in them, and they’re great for reheating leftovers. Plus, they cook food quickly and require minimal clean-up.
Ingredients:
All you need is a 12-14 oz package of your favorite brand of smoked sausages.
What are the best types of smoked sausage to use in an air fryer?
- Polish
- Andouille
- Kielbasa
- Chorizo
- Beef, turkey, or chicken sausage
There are many different varieties and brands of sausages. I would suggest a fully-cooked sausage since you just need to heat it up. To prevent the sausage from splitting open when air-fried, look for sausages with natural casing.
How to Cook Smoked Sausage in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350° Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Preparing the smoked sausage for your air fryer couldn’t be more straightforward! Just open up the package and place the sausage on your cutting board. With a serrated knife, slice the sausage into equal-sized coins, anywhere from ½ inch to 1 inch thick.
Step 2: Arrange the sausage slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Cook the sausage for 8-10 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking. If your air fryer has a basket, shake the basket to flip them over.
Tip: Cooking times can vary. Make sure to keep an eye on it to make any necessary adjustments.
FAQs & Tips
- Make sure your sausage is fresh.
- Since all air fryers cook differently, the first time you make them keep an eye on the cooking time as it may require less than the recommended time.
- Creating steam can help prevent drying out. Add a few drops of water to the air fryer basket.
- You can lightly brush olive oil on each slice if it looks like it is starting to dry out.
What Air-Fryer Do You Use?
I have the Cuisinart 8-in-1. Not only is it an air fryer, but it is also a convection and toaster oven with bake, grill, and warm options. If you are looking for a standard air fryer that is more budget-friendly, the Instant Pot Air Fryer is a great choice.
What are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid?
- An air fryer is like an oven when it comes to pre-heating. Don’t skip this step.
- One of the number one rules of air-frying is don’t crowd the basket.
- Cooking for too long on too high of heat.
- Flipping the sausage halfway through cooking for juicy, even cooked bites.
Can I cook frozen smoked sausage in an air fryer, ormust Io thaw it first?
You can! You’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Unless it was sliced in equal pieces before freezing, you’d need to thaw it enough to cut it into coins.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
There are many different options for dipping sauces that add delicious flavor! I’ll share a few of our family’s favorites below.
BBQ Sauce:BBQ sauce’se sweet, tangy tasteis myl favorite. Check out my family’s homemade recipe for the best BBQ you’ll ever put in your mouth. Sugar-free BBQ Sauce or Regular BBQ Sauce
Ranch Dressing: One of our little girls thinks ranch goes on everything!
Buffalo Sauce: I’m the biggest wimp ever, but my husband, oldest daughter, and son are huge fans!
Ketchup: If you are eating low-carb, there are several great sugar-free options.
Cheese Sauce: Melt your favorite freshly grated cheese with whipping cream.
Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick that complements the savory flavors
Variations
Spice & Sauce Variations Looking to spice things up a bit? Try adding different seasonings before cooking it in the air fryer!
- BBQ: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce before air frying for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Cajun: Coat coins in Cajun seasoning like Old Bay for a spicy and flavorful kick.
- Mexican: Add heat by seasoning it with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. You could also toss it in my homemade taco seasoning.
- Heat it up: Sprinkle a little cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to hype it up!
Make it a Meal or an Appetizer – You can make a complete meal by throwing a few veggies in the air fryer with the air fryer sausage or make a fantastic appetizer platter in minutes.
– Serve a Smoked Sausage and Cheese Platter with your favorite cube cheese, chopped pickles, and Old Bay seasoning for a simple and satisfying appetizer.
– Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the air fryer basket, and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for a delicious and easy meal.
– Cut broccoli into small florets and add them to the air fryer basket with the smoked sausage—season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for a healthy and tasty meal.
Tip: If you aren’t eating, low-carb potatoes are a tasty addition.
How do I clean my air fryer after cooking smoked sausage in it?
- Air fryers are simple to keep clean with regular cleanings. Always use a gentle cleaner and avoid any abrasive or harsh cleaners.
- Make sure the air fryer has completely cooled down.
- Remove the basket or tray and wash with warm soapy water (Dawn is my favorite). You can also wash them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe.
- With a soft cloth, wipe out the inside of the air fryer. Look for areas where there might be grease build-up.
- Wipe off the exterior, then assemble everything once it’s dry.
How do you store and reheat?
Once completely cooled, the leftovers will stay good for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will stay fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container or zippered bag.
Air-fried smoked sausage reheats wonderfully! You can pop it back in the air-fryer for 3-5 min at 350 degrees. Don’t forget to flip halfway through.
To reheat in the microwave, place the sausage on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until heated through.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Smoked Sausage?
I love simple meals for lunch or busy weeknights. Here are a few veggies that pair perfectly!
Loaded Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Southern Green Beans
More Smoked Sausage Recipes
Keto Smoked Sausage with Peppers and Onions
Keto Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Easy Low-Carb Smoked Sausage & Cabbage
Smoked Sausage in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 12-14oz Fully Cooked Smoked Sausage
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer by setting the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and allowing it to preheat for a few minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, take your smoked sausage and slice it into ½-inch to 1-inch thick pieces using a serrated knife. Make sure the pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
- Open the air fryer basket or tray and place the sliced sausage in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket to allow hot air to circulate around the sausage.
- If desired, you can lightly brush or spray the sausage with a little oil to enhance browning and crispiness, but it's not necessary.
- Carefully place the basket or tray back into the air fryer and set the timer for 8-10 minutes.
- Halfway through the cooking time, flip the sausage slices using tongs or a spatula. This will ensure that both sides cook evenly.
- After the cooking time is up, check the sausage for doneness. The sausage should be nicely browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the sausage from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your perfectly cooked smoked sausage from the air fryer!
Notes
FAQs & Tips
- Make sure your sausage is fresh.
- Since all air fryers cook differently, the first time you make them keep an eye on the cooking time as it may require less than the recommended time.
- Creating steam can help prevent drying out. Add a few drops of water to the air fryer basket.
- You can lightly brush olive oil on each slice if it looks like it is starting to dry out.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
There are many different options for dipping sauces that add delicious flavor! I’ll share a few of our family’s favorites below.- BBQ: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce before air frying for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Cajun: Coat coins in Cajun seasoning like Old Bay for a spicy and flavorful kick.
- Mexican: Add heat by seasoning it with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. You could also toss it in my homemade taco seasoning.
- Heat it up: Sprinkle a little cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to hype it up!
Nutrition
Fantastic keto snack!!!!!!!
So quick, as the air fryer was warming up, I cut up the slice of kielbasa. I cooked it for a few minutes longer but that’s just personal preference.
I portioned them out into small Tupperware and had it for snacks that I quickly reheated them.
Love the idea of putting them in snack size individual servings! Thanks for the tip. Glad you enjoyed the recipe!