If you’re anything like me—a busy mom juggling work, two kids, and a schedule that never seems to slow down—then you know how valuable quick and satisfying meals are. That’s why this chicken sausage air fryer recipe is such a game-changer in my kitchen. It takes minutes to make, and it turns out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside every single time.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from picking the right sausage to perfect cook times for raw, frozen, and precooked varieties. We’ll also cover pairings, storage tips, and tasty chicken sausage air fryer twists you’ll want to try again and again.
Table Of Contents
Getting Started with Chicken Sausage in the Air Fryer
Why the Chicken Sausage Air Fryer Method Works So Well
The air fryer isn’t just a trend—it’s a busy parent’s best friend. What I love most is how it locks in the juiciness of chicken sausage while giving you that satisfying snap on the outside. No need to babysit the stove or clean up grease splatters. You just set the timer and walk away.
Plus, the air fryer chicken sausage method cuts down on oil without sacrificing flavor. It’s ideal for those nights when you want something hearty but still wholesome. And it’s quick—think 10 to 15 minutes from fridge to plate.
Selecting the Right Chicken Sausage in air fryer
Not all chicken sausages are created equal, and your choice can totally change the flavor of the dish. I’ve used everything from mild Italian-style to spicy jalapeño cheddar. But one of my personal favorites is Aidells chicken apple sausage—it adds a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with veggies or grain bowls.
Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or precooked sausage, air frying works well across the board. Just remember: if it’s raw, check for doneness with a meat thermometer (aim for 165°F).
Next, we’ll cover how long to cook different types of chicken sausage in the air fryer for the best results.
Choosing the Best Chicken Sausages for Your Air Fryer
There are so many options out there when it comes to chicken sausage, but not all are ideal for the air fryer. I always recommend going with sausages that are either pre-cooked or made for quick cooking. Some of my favorite varieties for chicken sausage air fryer meals are the apple chicken sausage from Aidells, spicy jalapeño cheddar, or Italian-seasoned links.
No matter what brand you go with, the chicken sausage air fryer method works with both raw and cooked sausages. If you’re using raw chicken sausage, just make sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. For pre-cooked options, it’s all about reheating and crisping up the skin.
From here, let’s jump into how to perfectly cook every type of chicken sausage in the air fryer: pre-cooked, raw, and even frozen.
Ingredients you need for this Chicken Sausage Air Fryer
Before we get started, here’s everything you’ll need to cook chicken sausage in the air fryer:
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chicken Sausages (4) | Use precooked, raw, or frozen; Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage works great |
| Olive Oil Spray | Optional, for extra crispiness |
| Air Fryer | Any model, preheat if required by your device |
Let’s jump into why this cooking method works so well for chicken sausage.
Cooking Chicken Sausage in the Air Fryer
How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Sausages
Step 1:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). While it’s heating up, lightly coat each sausage with a bit of olive oil using a silicone brush. This helps them crisp up beautifully.
Step 2:
Arrange the sausages in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between them so the hot air can circulate evenly for that perfect golden finish.
Step 3:
Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the outsides are crisp and golden, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Thicker sausages may need a minute or two more.
Step 4:
Let them rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps lock in the juices. Enjoy your sausages in a bun, sliced on a salad, or dipped into your favorite sauce!
As a bonus, this method keeps the inside juicy without overcooking, something I struggled with before finding the sweet spot in my Cosori air fryer. It’s truly a staple method in my meal prep.
I also use this same time/temp setup for my air fryer kielbasa and peppers, which makes another fantastic one-pan meal option.
Cooking Raw and Frozen Chicken Sausage
Got raw chicken sausage? No problem—air frying still works beautifully, but you’ll need a little more time and attention.
- Set your air fryer to 375°F.
- Add sausages to the basket, spaced apart.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Always use a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165°F internally.
Now let’s talk frozen. Maybe you grabbed a bag of frozen chicken sausage links during a frantic grocery run (been there). You can skip thawing entirely:
- Preheat to 375°F.
- Cook frozen chicken sausages for 12–15 minutes, flipping at the halfway point.
The key here is to watch closely toward the end of cooking. Air fryers vary, and some brands like Trader Joe’s chicken sausages may cook slightly faster.
For frozen proteins, my frozen chicken nuggets air fryer guide shares all the tricks for getting that ideal crispy finish.
Whether you’re working with raw or frozen, the air fryer makes the entire process hands-free. And let’s be real—when your kids are screaming or your Zoom call won’t end, that’s worth everything.
More Chicken Air Fryer Recipes to Try
If you loved air fryer recipes, explore these:
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken for Crispy Results at Home
- Chicken Tenders air fryer
- Air fryer Chicken Fajita
- Frozen Chicken nuggets
- Chicken Patties in Air Fryer
- Air Fry Chicken Cutlets
- ranch air fryer chicken
- Chicken Sausage Air Fryer
Building a Complete Chicken Sausage Air Fryer Meal
Pairing Your Chicken Sausage with Easy Sides
A great chicken sausage air fryer meal doesn’t stop with the sausage. Choosing the right side dishes can take your dinner from simple to sensational. Around here, we often pair our sausages with roasted veggies like carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers. They complement the crispy texture of the sausage perfectly and can cook at the same temperature in a second air fryer basket.
Another favorite is air fryer sweet potato fries or mashed potatoes for a heartier option. If you’re going lighter, go for a fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette—it balances the richness of the sausage beautifully. These sides keep dinner exciting without complicating prep time.
Creative Ways to Serve Chicken Sausage
The best thing about a good chicken sausage air fryer recipe is how versatile it is. Slice up the sausages and mix them into pasta, layer them into a wrap with avocado and mustard, or toss them into a breakfast scramble with eggs and peppers. The options are endless.
You can even serve them in toasted buns with toppings like sautéed onions, peppers, or mustard. It’s an easy dinner that feels fun and customizable—perfect for kids and adults alike.
Storage, Reheating, and Extra Tips for Perfect Chicken Sausage
How to Store Leftover Chicken Sausage Air Fryer Meals
One of the best parts of making a chicken sausage air fryer dinner is that the leftovers are just as delicious. Let any extra sausages cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
You can also freeze cooked chicken sausage air fryer portions. Wrap each sausage individually in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Label them with the date so you know when to use them.
Reheating and Final Tips for Best Results
To reheat refrigerated chicken sausage, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This keeps the skin crispy and the inside juicy. For frozen, increase the time to 10 to 12 minutes at 375°F.
Final tips:
- Always flip sausages halfway through cooking or reheating for even results.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—air needs room to circulate.
- Use a meat thermometer when cooking raw sausages to ensure safety.
- Lightly spray with oil if you want an extra crispy finish.
With these tips, you’ll get consistent, tasty chicken sausage air fryer meals every time—without fail.
FAQs
How long to air fry chicken sausages?
For pre-cooked varieties, the perfect chicken sausage air fryer time is 8 to 10 minutes at 375°F. Flip halfway for even browning.
How long do you cook sausages in the air fryer?
In general, raw sausages need 12 to 15 minutes in the chicken sausage air fryer at 375°F. Always check for doneness with a thermometer.
How long do Aldi chicken sausages take in the air fryer?
Most Aldi sausages are pre-cooked, so the recommended chicken sausage air fryer time is also 8 to 10 minutes, flipped halfway through.
How long should you cook chicken sausages for?
In a chicken sausage air fryer, pre-cooked sausages take 8 to 10 minutes, raw sausages take 12 to 15, and frozen sausages need about the same time.
Making chicken sausage air fryer meals has completely transformed weeknight dinners in my home. They’re fast, flavorful, and incredibly easy to customize. Whether you’re reheating Aidells or cooking raw chicken sausage from scratch, the air fryer delivers reliable results every time.
Give this recipe a try—whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, you’ll never go back to stovetop again.
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Chicken Sausage Air Fryer
Quick and easy air-fried chicken sausages that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Ingredients:
4 chicken sausages (pre-cooked or raw)
Olive oil spray
Instructions
Instructions:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Place sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Spray lightly with olive oil.
Cook for 8-10 minutes (pre-cooked) or 12-15 minutes (raw), flipping halfway through.
Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve hot with your choice of sides and sauces.
Notes
Notes:
Adjust cooking time based on sausage size and air fryer model.
For frozen sausages, cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Americain
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
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