The Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Sausage

Air fryer chicken sausage is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They are cooked to perfection in the air fryer in less than 15 minutes.

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Chicken sausage has been our go to weeknight meal for a few weeks now. They crisp up so fast and taste absolutely delicious. They can be enjoyed alone, on a hotdog bun with your favorite condiments, or sliced up and cooked with a variety of veggies.

Cooking in the air fryer has been a huge time saver for us because it's way different than cooking on the stove. There's no preheating the skillet or stirring to make sure all the sides cook evenly. The air fryer does all of that for you and you only need to flip once half way through. It's that simple. We've also been loving these Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Tenders because, like the chicken sausage, they can be made in less than 15 minutes too!

In this recipe, I paired the air fryer chicken sausages with peppers and onion because I rarely serve the sausages by themselves. Plus, I think the vegetables complement the flavor of the chicken sausage nicely. I recommend that you experiment with what you have on hand and give a few veggie combinations a try.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
• Equipment Needed
• Ingredients
• How to Cook Chicken Sausage in The Air Fryer
• Ways to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
• Tips for The Best Results
• Storing and Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
• The Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Sausage

Why You'll Love Air Fryer Chicken Sausage

Quick and Convenient: Air fryer chicken sausages cook up quickly, taking just minutes to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior and juicy interior. It's a time-saving option for busy weeknights or when you need a tasty meal in a hurry.

Crispy and Delicious: The air fryer's circulating hot air ensures even cooking, resulting in a wonderfully crispy skin that seals in the sausage's natural flavors and juiciness.

Versatile Pairing: Air fryer chicken sausages complement a wide range of dishes. They can be served as a satisfying main course with vegetables, added to salads, tucked into sandwiches, or placed on a hot dog bun with your favorite condiments.

Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: This chicken sausage recipe is a hit with both kids and adults alike. It's simple and most kids love sausage. The chicken sausages I used were not spicy and had a hint of sweetness because they are made with apples.

Less Mess and Easy Cleanup: Air frying reduces the mess because everything can be made within the air fryer. No need for extra pots and pans for this recipe. If you wanted to complete the meal and add veggies you can without dirtying up other dishes. Clean up is also a breeze since most air fryer components are dishwasher-safe.

Leftovers are Delicious: One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to reheat the chicken sausages from last night's dinner. They taste just as good as when they were served and make for great leftovers! You could even meal prep them for lunch if you want.

Equipment Needed

To make chicken sausage air fryer, you'll need the following equipment:

Air Fryer: The most essential piece of equipment is, of course, the air fryer itself. Make sure you have a functional and properly-sized air fryer to accommodate the sausages.

Tongs or Fork: You'll need tongs or a fork to flip the sausages during the cooking process to ensure even browning on all sides.

Plate or Platter: Once the sausages are done cooking, have a plate or platter ready to transfer them from the air fryer.

Ingredients

Chicken Sausage - I used a precooked chicken apple sausage which is the perfect balance between sweet and savory. I chose a brand that's gluten free and has no added nitrates and nitrites. The pre cooked sausage in air fryer is convenient because it's quick and you don't have to worry about the chicken not being cooked.

Cooking spray - There are many types of cooking spray you can use. Try olive oil or avocado oil spray as healthier options. This makes the skin on the outside of each sausage nice and extra crispy. You can omit the cooking spray if you want to but they won't be quite as crispy.

Optional Ingredients 

Red Bell Pepper - You'll only need one red pepper sliced, orange or yellow bell peppers can be substituted

Large Onion - I used a sweet onion for this recipe but white or yellow can be used instead.

Green Bell Pepper - Adds color amongst the other veggies, you'll want to slice the bell peppers like you do the other ingredients so they cook evenly.

Salt and Pepper - To enhance the flavors of the veggies.

How to Cook Chicken Sausage in The Air Fryer

Step 1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes.

Step 2. Spray all sides of the chicken sausage lightly with the cooking spray (optional). Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching for the best results.

Step 3. Cook chicken sausages in the preheated air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Flip the sausages halfway through to ensure the sausages cook evenly. Once done the sausage should be nicely browned with a crispy coating.

With The Peppers and Onion

Step 1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes

Step 2. In a medium mixing bowl combine the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and sliced onion. Gently spray cooking oil and toss the vegetables. Toss with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3. Place the seasoned peppers and onion into the air fryer basket. Spread evenly in a single layer in the basket.

Step 4. Spray the chicken sausages on all sides with cooking oil. Place chicken sausages over top of the veggies.

Step 5. Cook both the sausages and vegetables for 10-12 minutes. Flip the sausage half way through and give the veggies a little shake to ensure even cooking. They will be done cooking when the vegetables have softened and the chicken sausage has browned and crisped up.

Recipe Note: The sausage may not get as crispy when cooked with vegetables because there will be more moisture in the air fryer.

Ways to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Sausage

Air fryer chicken sausages can be served in so many different ways. Below are my favorite chicken sausage recipes. If you tried any of these leave a comment below and let me know how it was.

Classic Hot Dog: Place the cooked chicken sausages in a soft bun and top with your favorite condiments such as mustard, ketchup, relish, sauerkraut, or onions.

Sausage and Peppers: Serve sliced air fryer chicken sausages with sautéed bell peppers and onions. Add some marinara sauce and serve as a filling for sandwiches or over rice or pasta.

Breakfast Tacos: Wrap sliced chicken sausages in warm tortillas and add scrambled eggs, avocado, cheese, and your favorite salsa or hot sauce.

Stir-Fry: Combine sliced air fryer chicken sausages with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and carrots. Toss with a flavorful sauce and serve over rice or noodles.

Sausage and Egg Hash: Mix sliced chicken sausages with diced potatoes and cook them together in the air fryer until crispy. Add a fried or poached egg on top for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.

Chili or Bean Stew: Add left over sliced air fryer chicken sausages to a bean stew or chili for a protein-rich and comforting meal.

Quinoa Bowl: Create a wholesome grain bowl by combining sliced air fryer sausages with cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing or sauce.

Salad: Slice the chicken sausages and toss them with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your preferred dressing for a refreshing and protein-packed salad.

Appetizer: Serve sliced air fryer chicken sausages with toothpicks as a delightful appetizer for parties or gatherings. Offer dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce on the side.

Tips for The Best Results

Choose High-Quality Sausages: Start with good-quality chicken sausages, whether pre-cooked or raw. Look for sausages with natural ingredients and minimal additives for the best taste.

Prick Raw Sausages (Optional): If using sausages with casings, consider pricking them with a fork or a small knife before cooking. This allows excess fat to escape and prevents the sausages from bursting during the cooking process.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps achieve even cooking and crispy results.

Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the chicken sausages in a single layer and avoid overcrowding. This will ensure the crispiest results and even cooking on all sides of the sausage.

Flip Halfway Through: For even browning, flip the sausages halfway through the cooking time. Use tongs or a fork to gently turn them over.

Experiment with Seasonings (Optional): Consider adding extra seasonings or spices to the sausages before cooking. You can brush or spray them with a little oil or add your favorite dry rub or marinade to enhance the flavor.

Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the chicken sausage. Keep a close eye on them throughout the cooking process to prevent overcooking and drying out.

Check Internal Temperature: If using raw sausages, use an instant-read thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

Serve Immediately: Air fried chicken sausages are best when served fresh and hot. Serve them immediately to enjoy their crispy texture and juicy flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Allow the chicken sausage to cool completely before storing. Once cooled, place the sausages in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.

When it comes to reheating, there are a few ways to do so:

Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausages in the air fryer basket and reheat for about 2-3 minutes or until they are heated through.

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the chicken sausages in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Heat them in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Stovetop: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken sausages in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated thoroughly.

Note: When reheating, it's essential not to overcook the sausages because they can dry out easily. Be sure to keep an eye on them as they're being warmed to ensure the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chicken sausage healthy?

Chicken sausage can be a healthier option compared to traditional pork or beef sausages for a variety of reasons. It's lower in fat, contains lean protein, it's low carb, keto friendly, has less cholesterol and sodium when compared to pork or beef varieties. All of this of course depends on the brand of chicken sausage you use. Try to find one that has no added preservatives, nitrites, or nitrates.

Can I use uncooked sausage?

Yes, you can substitute uncooked sausage for cooked sausage. Simply follow the recipe as it's written. Before eating, be sure that the internal temperature is 165 degrees.

Can I substitute chicken sausage for another sausage?

Yes, you can substitute chicken sausage instead of beef or pork. Simply follow the recipe as written.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Whether the recipe is gluten free depends on the chicken sausage you buy. Most brands are gluten free but be sure to read the ingredient list just to be sure if you're sensitive to gluten.

Can I use frozen chicken sausage?

You can certainly use frozen chicken sausage in the air fryer for this recipe. Air fryer frozen chicken sausage is easy to make because there's no need to thaw the sausage. Simply cook chicken sausage according to the instructions in this recipe but double the cook time. Be sure to flip at the half way point (about 10-12 minutes).

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