Sausage cooked in an air fryer is the easiest, fastest, and hands-off way to make Italian sausages that are juicy and golden brown.
You will never make air-fried sausage any other way again! It tastes great on its own, in a bun, over pasta, or in the classic way with peppers and sausage.
There was no way I thought I’d have such a good relationship with this countertop kitchen appliance after making air fryer tofu, the first thing I used it for.
For most of the year, I thought it would sit on a shelf in the basement and only be used a few times.
I don’t know what else to say besides the fact that I made these sausages in an air fryer to show how wrong I was.
But what it proves is that yes, you can cook sausage in an air fryer in minutes and it will turn out great.
When I say perfect I mean a beautiful crispy golden brown exterior with a juicy, succulent center.
The same applies to cooking brats in the air fryer in case you prefer those to sausage.
That may be a graphic or over the top way to describe a cooked sausage, but let’s be honest: that’s how you want it cooked.
Conecuh sausage is a popular smoked sausage originating from Alabama. It has a distinctive flavor from a blend of spices like red and black pepper. Conecuh sausage has a devoted following especially in the South.
Cooking Conecuh sausage in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make this sausage The circulating hot air crisps up the casing for tasty results Read on to learn exactly how long to cook Conecuh sausage in an air fryer,
Conecuh sausage was created in 1947 by a man named Rufus Russell in Evergreen, Alabama. He used a recipe calling for salt, pepper, sage, and other spices.
This sausage has a smoky flavor from being smoked over hickory wood. It has a distinctive red casing that comes from the addition of red pepper flakes. Conecuh sausage is a mix of pork and beef.
Conecuh sausage has built up a loyal following over the years, especially in Alabama and the South. Its smoky, spicy flavor is hard to duplicate. The sausage is sold pre-cooked, making it a convenient option you can heat and eat.
Advantages of Cooking Conecuh Sausage in an Air Fryer
An air fryer is a handy kitchen appliance that uses super hot air to cook foods. The circulating air quickly cooks and crisps up foods like sausages with little to no oil needed. Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer to cook Conecuh sausages:
-
Quick cooking time – Sausages cook fast in the hot air, cutting down on cooking time.
-
Gets crispy – The hot air circulates around the sausages, crisping up the casing.
-
Doesn’t need oil – Conecuh sausage can be cooked in an air fryer with little to no added oil.
-
Easy cleanup – With minimal oil, air fryers are easy to wipe down after cooking.
-
Convenient – Simply throw the sausages in the fryer basket and set the timer.
Tips for Cooking Conecuh Sausage in an Air Fryer
Follow these tips when cooking Conecuh sausage in an air fryer:
-
Preheat properly – Fully preheat the air fryer before adding the sausage. This allows the air to get nice and hot.
-
Use a single layer – Cook the sausages in a single layer in the fryer basket, not overlapping. This allows air circulation.
-
Brush with oil (optional) – Lightly brushing the sausages with oil helps promote browning. But it’s not necessary.
-
Turn halfway – Flip the sausages halfway through cooking for even cooking on all sides.
-
Check for doneness – Use a meat thermometer to confirm sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
-
Let rest briefly – Let sausage sit 5 minutes after cooking before serving.
How Long to Cook Conecuh Sausage in an Air Fryer
The exact cook time for Conecuh sausage in an air fryer depends on a few factors:
-
Amount being cooked – The more sausages you cook, the longer the cook time.
-
Fryer wattage – Higher wattage fryers heat up faster and cook quicker.
-
Desired crispiness – Cook longer for crispier results.
Taking these factors into account, here are some general air fryer cook times for Conecuh sausage:
- 2 sausages = 8-10 minutes
- 4 sausages = 10-12 minutes
- 6 sausages = 12-14 minutes
For the crispiest results, cook at 400°F, flipping halfway. Always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a minute or two more if needed.
For slightly softer results, cook at a lower temp like 350°F. This will heat them through without crisping up the casing as much.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked Conecuh sausage from your air fryer:
-
Preheat air fryer – Preheating for 3-5 minutes gets the air hot. Set temperature to 400°F.
-
Pierce sausages – Use a fork to poke holes all over sausages. This prevents them from bursting.
-
Place in fryer basket – Add sausages to fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
-
Cook 8-12 minutes – Cook time depends on amount of sausage. Flip halfway through.
-
Brush with oil (optional) – After flipping, brush lightly with oil for added browning if desired.
-
Check temperature – Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temp.
-
Let rest briefly – Let sausages sit 5 minutes before serving.
And that’s it! Perfectly cooked, crispy Conecuh sausage from your air fryer. Adjust cook times as needed based on your specific model.
Serving Up Conecuh Sausage
Once cooked, Conecuh sausage is ready to eat and enjoy. Here are some popular ways to serve it up:
- On a breakfast plate with eggs and grits
- Chopped up in jambalaya or red beans and rice
- On a bun with mustard and sauerkraut
- Crumbled into scrambled eggs
- Diced up in gumbo or soup
- Split down the middle and stuffed with cheese
- Added to kabobs or skewers
The smoky spicy flavor pairs well with many foods. Try Conecuh sausage several ways to find your favorites.
Tasty Air Fried Conecuh Sausage Recipes to Try
To get you started, here are some delicious recipes using Conecuh sausage cooked in an air fryer:
Air Fryer Conecuh Dogs – Split and stuff sausage with cheese, wrap in bacon and air fry 5 minutes.
Air Fryer Sausage Kabobs – Skewer sausage with veggies, brush with olive oil and spices, air fry 8 minutes.
Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers – Toss sausage with bell peppers and onion, air fry 12 minutes.
Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Tacos – Dice and air fry sausage 8 minutes. Stuff in small flour tortillas with egg and cheese.
Air Fryer Jambalaya – Sauté trinity, simmer with rice. Add chopped air fried sausage at the end.
Get creative with seasonings and toppings! Your air fryer makes cooking up quick Conecuh sausage meals a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking Conecuh sausage in an air fryer:
Can you cook Conecuh sausage from frozen in an air fryer?
Yes, it’s fine to cook frozen Conecuh sausage in an air fryer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Do you have to flip Conecuh sausage in the air fryer?
It’s recommended to flip the sausages halfway for even cooking. But if you can’t flip them, add extra time and check frequently.
Is it okay to overlap sausages in the air fryer basket?
It’s best not to overload or overlap sausages. This prevents proper air circulation for crisping.
Should Conecuh sausage be pierced before air frying?
Poking holes helps vent steam and prevent sausage from bursting in the air fryer.
What temperature should I cook Conecuh sausage?
Cook at 400°F for crispy results. For softer texture, lower the temp to 350-375°F. Always check internal temp.
Enjoy the Unique Flavor of Conecuh Sausage
Part of the appeal of Conecuh sausage is its distinctive smoky, spicy flavor. An air fryer lets you quickly cook this pre-smoked sausage to perfection. Adjust cook times based on amount and your preferred crispiness.
Use the handy tips, guidelines, and recipes in this article to make delicious air fried Conecuh sausage. In no time, you can enjoy those crispy sausages just like they make them in Alabama. The taste of Conecuh sausage makes it a Southern staple worth savoring.
CAN YOU COOK SAUSAGE IN AN AIR FRYER?
It makes sense to wonder if sausage can be made in an air fryer, since most people cook it on the grill, stew it in a sauce, or sauté it in a skillet. That’s how I grew up eating it.
Since I was planning to make sausage and peppers for dinner not long ago, I chose to give it a try. And once again, the air fryer basically blew me away with its capabilities. Helpful Accessories.
We have everything you need, from oil sprays to muffin cups and pizza pans to racks. They also make great Christmas gifts!
Not only can you use an air fryer to cook sausage links, but they turn out GREAT!
What a great texture! It only takes 10 minutes to cook (plus or minus a minute or two on each side), and you don’t even have to touch it. Doesn’t get better than that.
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST AIR FRIED SAUSAGE
- Do not poke holes in the sausage; you are not cooking a potato! Many recipes say to do this, but it only lets the juices leak out while air-frying. That will make a mess in the bottom of your air fryer and make the sausage dry. No bueno.
- If you don’t want your air fryer to smoke (this doesn’t happen to me very often, but it can happen when you’re air-frying something high in fat, like sausages), put a piece of parchment paper on the bottom to catch the drips. It’ll make clean up a little easier too. This is something I sometimes do with air-fried cod to catch the butter and lemon sauce that runs off the sides. You can also use aluminum foil in the air fryer, but be sure to pay attention to the safety instructions.
- It’s possible to air fry as many sausages as you can fit in one layer in your air fryer. This way, you can make enough for a big group or just have tasty leftovers. That’s probably between 8 and 10 for ovens like the one I have. For basket models, maybe 5-8.
