Quick and Easy Air Fryer Sausage is the best recipe for how to cook Italian sausage in the Nuwave, Power Airfryer XL, or any air fryer. You can use links or brats. I love Johnsonville! Serve this sausage with peppers or your breakfast food favorites.

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FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST. BEFORE YOU SCROLL, THERE'S IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG POST.
Can I Cook Sausages in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely fry up sausages in the air fryer! When you fry sausages in a skillet, sometimes it's hard to gauge the perfect timing. A lot of times, the ends may turn out burnt. Not in the air fryer!
Be sure to use air fryer parchment paper. I get mine on Amazon. That makes it safe to cook bacon in the air fryer. It soaks up the excess grease and will help keep the air fryer from smoking.
What Type of Sausage to Use
Look for uncooked sausages. I love Italian sausages, so I typically go with those. Most packages will include 5 sausage links. Depending on the size of your air fryer, these will typically fit in the basket without the need to stack.
How to Cook Sausage in the Air Fryer
- Place air fryer parchment paper on the air fryer basket.
- Add the sausages.
- Air fry!
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
I cook mine for 20 minutes. You should cook sausage until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees. Use a meat thermometer. I use this one from Amazon.
Can You Put Aluminum Foil in the Air Fryer?
Yes, in general you can. I wouldn't recommend using it for sausage because of the grease and the potential to smoke.
Can You Use Turkey?
Absolutely. Be sure to grab uncooked and it will follow a similar cook time.
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Quick and Easy Air Fryer Sausage
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Ingredients
- 5 raw and uncooked sausage links
Instructions
- Line the air fryer basket with air fryer parchment paper. Air fryer parchment paper will soak up the grease and prevent the air fryer from smoking. Place the sausage on top of the paper. It's ok for the sausages to touch.
- Cook for 15 minutes on 360 degrees. Open and flip and cook an additional 5 minutes or until the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Use a meat thermometer. You can also flip halfway through.
- Cool before serving.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Marsha says
Everyone loved them, will be making them again soon!
Robin says
Thanks the air fryer really made these tasty
Jen says
What temp did you put the air fryer ?
staysnatched says
The temperature is noted in step 2 of the recipe.
Rhonda says
Trying this as I type! Thanks!
Lacie says
Crisp and very good
staysnatched says
So glad you liked them!
Anonymous says
Does the parchment paper have to have holes in it?
staysnatched says
I'm not sure. I've only used parchment specific for air frying, which has had holes.
Terry says
One slice of sandwich bread in the bottom of the pan . Not the basket works great.
bruce says
I read the box for parchment paper, which warns against using in toaster ovens, broilers, etc.
It is only in the comments now that I see that there is a parchment paper made for air-fryers!
staysnatched says
The blog post states that you need to use air fryer parchment paper and a link is provided to where I purchased air fryer parchment paper from Amazon.
Christopher Thomas says
Put a couple slices of bread under the grate of the power xl. It will soak up the grease and make clean up a breeze. Great trick when making bacon , brats etc. Just toss the bread out and wipe the air fryer clean.
Anonymous says
Thanks Chris!! That worked perfectly!!!
staysnatched says
Glad it worked out!
Janice says
Great idea thanks
Teresa Cole says
What do you mean under the grate ... I just got my air fryer ....
Katie says
Super fast and easy! Great for lunches during the work week.
staysnatched says
I love the lunch idea!
Kathy Cohron says
If you are going to cut the sausage so you can serve with cheese and wine, do you cut the sausage after you cook it? Thanks
staysnatched says
You could do either.
Andreé says
Don’t knock it until you try it! Delish 😋For sure a game changer when you can’t fire up the grill due to weather!
Thank you for sharing!
staysnatched says
Yes! Air frying this is so good!
Neil E Meiskey says
I did the Preimo Sweet Italian sausage as per your instructions.....yummie! Thanks:).
staysnatched says
You're welcome!
Jessica says
Perfectly crisp skin!!! My boyfriend loathes the air fryer, but loves italian sausage. I didn't tell him I followed your air fryer advice and he loved them!
staysnatched says
Ha I'm glad you both enjoyed.
Lee Ann Guynn says
I had no idea I could make food like this in the air fryer! Oh my goodness, these have to be my favorite! I love to switch up the colors of the peppers. Just delicious!
staysnatched says
So good!
Nancy says
I'd like to have the sausages with peppers and onions. Is there a way I can combine cooking the sausage and the veggies? Also what seasonings for the veggies other than salt & pepper is suggested. I love your recipes!
staysnatched says
You can season them with Creole seasoning. Cook the peppers with the sausage if you want. Keep a watchful eye to be sure they don't char quickly.
Tammy says
It's likes cooking on the grill every time. I make all my sausages/hotdogs this way now!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Cindy says
What about the time and temperature for sausage patties? I normally buy them or the sausage that comes in the package to patty. Thanks!
staysnatched says
You should cook sausage until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.