Smoked sausage in the air fryer comes together easily and quickly in your favorite kitchen appliance. It’s ready to serve in under 10 minutes, and you won’t have to worry about grease splatter!.
There’s nothing better than a tasty spread of appetizers! Listen, I love a good main dish just as much as anyone else.
But I most look forward to the apps when I have a party or am invited to one.
Yes, I do eat a lot of snacks before the main event, but that’s part of the fun!
You can be sure that when I host, there will be a charcuterie board with all the fixings, along with chips, dips, and other tasty treats.
One of my favorite things to include in my appetizer spread is smoked sausage in the air fryer.
Most smoked sausages are pre cooked, meaning that you only need to heat them up. Fully cooked sausage means no stress about any foodborne illnesses.
I really like a few brands, like Johnsonville and Hillshire, but you can use any brand you want.
They are hearty, smokey, and full of delicious savory flavors. I know you’re going to love smoked sausage in the air fryer just as much as I do!.
Vienna sausages hold a special place in many people’s hearts. The compact size and smoky meatiness make them an irresistible anytime snack. But traditionally, Vienna sausages are either boiled or pan-fried, often resulting in a less than crispy and flavorful end product. That’s where the air fryer comes in!
Air frying takes these little links to the next level, yielding an unbeatable crispy exterior with a juicy, robust interior But getting the timing right is key to air fryer success So how long exactly should you air fry Vienna sausages to crispy perfection? Let’s find out.
Benefits of Air Frying Vienna Sausages
Ditching the stovetop and using an air fryer to cook Vienna sausages has some major advantages:
- A crispy, crunchy exterior from the circulating hot air
- A plump, juicy interior that stays moist
- Intensified smoky, savory flavors
- Less fat and calories than frying in oil
- Super quick and easy cooking process
- Versatility to use in many dishes
Step-By-Step Guide to Air Frying Vienna Sausages
Follow these simple steps for flawlessly air fried sausages:
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Prep the sausages – Remove from can pat dry and pierce 4-5 times with a knife to prevent exploding. Cut in half if desired for shorter cook time.
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Preheat air fryer – Set temperature to 390°F-400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
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Add sausages to basket – Lightly coat basket with spray oil or use a liner. Add sausages in single layer without overcrowding.
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Air fry 10-14 minutes – Cook 5-7 minutes then flip/rotate. Cook 5-7 minutes more until browned and 165°F internal temperature.
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Check doneness – Use a meat thermometer to verify sausages reach safe 165°F temperature.
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Serve and enjoy! – Eat sausages on their own or incorporate into your favorite dish!
Handy Air Fryer Time Chart
For best results, follow this air fryer time chart:
| Sausage Type | Time | Temp | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular or mini | 10-12 min | 390°F-400°F | Flip halfway through |
| Jumbo size | 12-14 min | 390°F-400°F | Flip halfway through |
| Frozen | 12-16 min | 390°F-400°F | Flip halfway, add 2 min |
| Fresh sausages | 8-10 min | 390°F-400°F | Flip halfway |
- For extra crispness, drizzle sausages with 1 tsp oil before air frying
- Adjust times based on thickness and your air fryer model
- Use an instant read thermometer for 165°F minimum internal temperature
Handy Tips for Air Fryer Perfection
Follow these tips for flawless results:
- Cut sausages in half before air frying for faster, even cooking
- Use a liner or spray oil to prevent sticking to the basket
- Don’t overcrowd – leave space between sausages for air circulation
- Flip halfway through to ensure all sides brown evenly
- If not brown enough, increase cook time by 2 minutes
- If overbrowned outside but undercooked inside, lower temperature and increase time
- Too dry or shriveled? Reduce cook time and monitor closely
- Add desired sauces/spices before or after air frying to boost flavor
Creative Serving Suggestions
Take your air fried Vienna sausages to the next level with fun serving ideas:
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Street cart style – Pair with mustard, kraut and pretzel bun
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Breakfast – Add to scrambled eggs or breakfast tacos
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Lunch – Make mini sandwiches with veggies and aioli
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Appetizer – Serve on picks with unique dipping sauces
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Dinner – Toss with veggies and pasta for quick one-pan meal
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Skewers – Alternate with fruit, veggies, cheese for snack
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Nachos – Top chips with sausages, beans, salsa and all the fixings
The possibilities are endless when you air fry these irresistible little links!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common air frying queries:
How long do air fried sausages keep?
- Stored properly in the fridge, they will stay fresh 3-5 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I air fry frozen Vienna sausages?
- Yes! Just add 2 extra minutes to the cook time and flip halfway. Check internal temp.
Do I need to pierce the sausages before air frying?
- Yes, piercing them prevents exploding while they cook.
Do I really need to flip them halfway through?
- Flipping isn’t mandatory but it ensures even cooking. You can shake basket instead.
What type of oil spray works best?
- Any high heat oil like canola, grapeseed or olive oil spray.
Take your Vienna sausages from boring to gourmet with perfectly air fried links in just minutes. Follow the timing chart and handy tips above to unlock the texture and flavor these sausages deserve.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Smoked Sausage
How to make Smoked Sausage in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees F.
STEP TWO: Prepare the sausage. Cut it into 1-1 ½-inch pieces — I typically end up with 4 pieces from each sausage.
STEP THREE: Air fry your sliced beef sausages for five to six minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through to make sure they cook evenly.
STEP FOUR: Serve them while they’re fresh out of the air fryer with barbecue sauce for dipping!