Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is it healthier to cook sausages in an air fryer? ›

Cooking sausages in an air fryer is the best way to make sausages! Since I first tried it, I haven't looked back! Done in under half the time of the oven and far healthier than frying! However, don't panic if you don't have an air fryer, you can still make these tasty vegan sausages in the oven too!

Sausages should reach 155–165°F (68–74°C). Alternatively, boiling them before cooking in a pan or on a grill can ensure that they're thoroughly cooked and remain moist. Boiling and baking are the healthiest ways to cook sausage, whereas deep frying is the least healthy due to the added fats and calories it involves.

Pierce the sausages a few times all over using a sharp knife (this is optional, but will help release more fat). Arrange the sausages in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 180C and cook for 10-15 mins, turning every 5 mins, until the sausages are cooked through.

If you want to eat sausage often, however, consider choosing healthier types of sausage, such as those made with chicken or turkey. You can also make your own to get the freshest variety with none of the harmful additives or high-fat meat.

Type of meat: Opt for sausages made with chicken or turkey, which are better options for your health than beef or pork. Preservatives: Try to avoid options with nitrites and nitrates (check the ingredient list!) Casing: Choose sausages with a natural casing.

While sausage is a good source of protein, it is best consumed minimally due to its high sodium and saturated fat content. So if you're looking for lean protein options or require a low sodium diet, it might be hard to include this food in your day-to-day meal plan.

How do I keep my sausages from bursting in the air fryer? If your sausage casings are bursting in the air fryer, then turning the heat down should solve the problem. Low and slow is the way to cook sausage that is prone to bursting.

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

In an air fryer the heat is more concentrated, which causes the sausage to expand and increasing the likelihood that the casing will split (via Italian Barrel). And a split casing means you won't get that signature sausage snap when eating a link.

The article's conclusion was somewhat loose, but suggested frying was best. However we've sampled a few sausages lately and had serious sausage rupturing happen on a few examples when pan frying.

How do chefs cook sausages? ›

Are Air-Fried Foods Better for You? By most measures, air frying is healthier than frying in oil. It cuts calories by 70% to 80% and has a lot less fat. This cooking method might also cut down on some of the other harmful effects of oil frying.

The evidence so far suggests that air frying is healthier than deep-frying, but it's not necessarily healthier than pan frying or baking in an oven. What really matters is your overall dietary pattern and the quality of the food you're eating.

Because cooking in the oven and air frying utilize similar heating techniques (i.e., hot air), food will generally end up with the same nutrient profile regardless of the appliance you choose.

Air fryers may be better for you than deep fryers, but they're only as healthy as the food you put inside. They won't magically remove the saturated fat from bacon or the trans fats from a bag of processed chicken wings. To reap the benefits, reach for better-for-you options like vegetables and lean proteins.