How Long to Cook Italian Sausage in Air Fryer?

Italian sausage is a flavorful and versatile ingredient that can elevate everything from pasta dishes to sandwiches. Whether you prefer it sweet or spicy, pork or chicken, there’s no denying that a well-cooked sausage is satisfying and delicious. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how long to cook Italian sausage in the air fryer, the ideal temperature settings, and step-by-step instructions to get flawless results every time.

Ideal Cooking Temperature and Time

When it comes to cooking Italian sausage in an air fryer, getting the time and temperature right is key to achieving that perfect balance of a crispy outer layer and a juicy, fully cooked interior.

Recommended Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking Italian sausage in an air fryer is 375°F (190°C). This setting is hot enough to brown the outside beautifully while allowing the inside to cook through evenly. Cooking at a higher temperature can cause the sausage to brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked in the center, especially with thicker sausages.

Cooking Time

At 375°F, cook your Italian sausage for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your sausages. For standard pork or chicken Italian sausages, 11 minutes is usually the sweet spot. Thicker sausages may require an extra minute or two, while thinner links may be done closer to the 10-minute mark.

Flip for Even Cooking

Flipping the sausages halfway through cooking helps ensure that all sides are evenly crisped. Simply open the air fryer around the 5- to 6-minute mark and turn each sausage using tongs. This also gives you a good opportunity to check on their progress.

Check the Internal Temperature

No matter how perfect the outside looks, don’t skip this step: always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure your sausages are fully cooked. The USDA recommends the following internal temperatures:

160°F (71°C) for pork Italian sausages
165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey Italian sausages

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the sausage. If the reading falls short, return them to the air fryer in 1-2 minute increments until done.

Let Them Rest

Once your sausages are done cooking, let them rest for 2–3 minutes before cutting into them. This short resting time helps the juices redistribute throughout the sausage, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.

How Long to Cook Italian Sausage in Air Fryer?

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking Italian sausage in an air fryer is surprisingly simple, but following a few key steps will ensure perfect results every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional)

While not always necessary, preheating your air fryer can help promote even cooking and a crispier outer texture. If your model has a preheat function, set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it run for 3 to 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this step and go straight to the next one.

Step 2: Arrange the Sausages in a Single Layer

Place the Italian sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. This allows the hot air to circulate around each sausage evenly. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy spots, so cook in batches if needed.

If you’re cooking sausage links, there’s no need to cut or poke them—keeping the casings intact will lock in juices and flavor.

Step 3: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 Minutes

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the sausages for 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around the 5- or 6-minute mark), open the air fryer and flip each sausage using a pair of tongs. This helps ensure even browning and crisping on all sides.

During cooking, you may hear a slight sizzle and smell that signature savory aroma—don’t worry, that means things are going well.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

When the timer is up, check the sausages for doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature by inserting the probe into the thickest part of a sausage. You’re aiming for:

160°F (71°C) for pork sausage
165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey sausage

If the sausages haven’t reached the safe temperature, cook for an additional 1–2 minutes and check again.

Step 5: Let the Sausages Rest

Once your sausages are fully cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for 2 to 3 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite more flavorful and tender.

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