Our two kids love breakfast sausages and will choose them over bacon any day of the week. We love these air fryer breakfast sausage links as a savory side with our German Pancakes, French Toast, or Buttermilk Pancakes. Juicy sausages have been a staple in cuisines worldwide, traditionally cooked in a frying pan or on a grill. But this air fryer method has been a game changer for our family, offering a healthier option by reducing the need for excess oil and standing over the stove turning sausages while still maintaining the sausages’ juiciness and flavor. For more easy sausage links recipes, check out my Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers, Sweet Potato Hash with Sausage & Apples, Sauerkraut and Sausages with Apples, Dublin Coddle (One-Pot Irish Potato, Sausage & Onion Stew), and Chicken and Sausage Gumbo!
Why We Love This Recipe
With just a preheat and a short cook time, you can have a hearty breakfast ready, making it ideal for busy mornings. Whether you prefer pork, chicken, or even plant-based sausages, the air fryer handles them all beautifully, providing that perfect level of crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside succulent and juicy. Air frying sausages drastically reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying, leading to a lower fat content in your meal.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Breakfast Sausage Links – The only ingredient here is a tasty link sausage! You can choose any raw sausages you prefer, whether turkey, chicken, vegetarian, or the classic pork sausage. Have you ever tried the maple sausages? Yum. Each brings its unique flavor to the table.
How to Air Fry Sausages
Tips for Success
Always preheat your air fryer before adding the sausages. This step ensures that the sausages cook evenly and achieve a desirable level of crispiness. Arrange the sausage links in a single layer without them touching. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and affect the sausages’ texture. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or use tongs to turn the sausages. This helps them brown evenly on all sides, ensuring a uniformly cooked and appealing result. To ensure the sausages are cooked through and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different kinds of sausages to find your favorite type of sausage. From spicy Italian sausage links to sweet apple-infused sausages, there’s a wide range of delicious sausages to suit every palate. Cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of your sausages. Adjust the time accordingly and always check for doneness. Resist the temptation to pierce the sausages before cooking. Puncturing can release juices, leading to drier sausages.
Substitutions and Variations
Try any kind of sausage that you like with this recipe. Pork Sausage is the classic choice, offering a rich and savory flavor. Turkey or Chicken Sausages are a leaner alternative, providing a lighter option while still being flavorful. And plant-based sausages are a great option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as they come in many flavors and mimic the texture of meat sausages. If you prefer a kick, opt for spicy or hot sausage links to add some heat to your meal. For a hint of sweetness, look for sausages with maple or apple additions. Sausages with herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary can add a unique and aromatic flavor to your breakfast. You can cook sausage links from frozen in the air fryer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If you’re using thicker sausages, increase the cooking time slightly (10-12 minutes up to 13-15 minutes) to ensure they’re cooked through. Make a Sausage and Egg Sandwich by slicing a cooked sausage link and placing it on a toasted English muffin with a fried egg and a slice of cheese for a delicious breakfast sandwich. Pair air-fried sausage links with a mix of air-fried vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a balanced, colorful Sausage and Vegetable Medley!
More Savory Breakfast Recipes
The Ultimate Frittata Breakfast Cheesy Breakfast Sliders My Favorite Breakfast Burrito Recipe Easy Chorizo con Papas (Mexican Potatoes with Chorizo) Make-Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches
Hearty Breakfast Classics
Eggs: Any style of eggs, from scrambled to poached, makes a perfect match with sausage links. The combination provides a protein-packed start to your day. Hash Browns or Breakfast Potatoes: Add a comforting, crispy element to your meal with some golden-brown hash browns or skillet-cooked breakfast potatoes. Pancakes or Waffles: For a sweet and savory mix, serve your sausage links with fluffy pancakes or waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup for an extra treat.
Lighter Healthy Sides
Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit can add a refreshing, light touch to balance the richness of the sausages. Berries, melon, or citrus fruits are excellent choices. Vegetable Stir-fry: Incorporate some vegetables by preparing a quick stir-fry with bell peppers, onions, and spinach. This healthier option is a great way to add fiber and nutrients to your meal.
Bread Options
Toast or English Muffins: A slice of whole-grain toast or an English muffin can soak up the flavors and provide a satisfying crunch. Add a spread of butter or jam for extra flavor. Bagels: A toasted bagel with cream cheese can also pair well with sausage links, offering a hearty and filling breakfast option. Sandwich: For a simple breakfast when you’re on the go, try slicing two sausages lengthways and place them flat-side down on a buttered slice of bread, drizzle ketchup over them, and top with another slice of buttered bread.
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