How to Cook Frozen Sausage in an Air Fryer
The air fryer is one of the easiest, fastest ways to cook frozen sausage. Whether you’re making breakfast patties, brats, Italian sausage, links, or crumbles, the air fryer delivers even browning, juicy centers, and crispy edges — all without thawing first. Dinner (or breakfast!) comes together in minutes.
Step-by-step cooking guide for air frying frozen sausage
Frozen sausages can be the star of any meal. From breakfast links to sausage rounds to meatballs, they’re an easy way to add savory protein to any dish.
Here’s a few of the frozen sausage brands we love:
Air fryer frozen sausage patties or rounds
You’ll need:
- Air fryer
- Frozen sausage patties
- Non-stick cooking spray or air fryer liner
Air fryer instructions:
- If your air fryer isn’t naturally non-stick, lightly spray with cooking spray or use a liner.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F. Preheating helps sear the outside and cook evenly.
- Add frozen patties in a single layer, leaving space between each one. No thawing needed.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Precooked patties cook faster; raw sausage may take slightly longer.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
- 160°F for pork
- 165°F for chicken or turkey
- If underdone, continue cooking in 2–3 minute increments until the safe temperature is reached.
- Serve as-is or use them in any of our easy breakfast recipes below.
Air fryer frozen sausage links, brats and Italian sausage
You’ll need:
- Air fryer
- Frozen sausage links
- Non-stick cooking spray or air fryer liner
Air fryer instructions:
- If your air fryer isn’t naturally non-stick, lightly spray with cooking spray or use a liner.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Add frozen sausage links or brats in a single layer, leaving space between each one. No thawing needed.
- Cook for 8-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Precooked links cook faster; raw sausage might take slightly longer.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
- 160°F for pork
- 165°F for chicken or turkey
- If underdone, continue cooking in 2–3 minute increments until the safe temperature is reached.
- Serve as-is or use them in any of our easy breakfast recipes below.
How long to cook frozen sausage in the air fryer
The cooking time for frozen sausage in the air fryer will vary depending on the size and thickness of your sausage. Smaller frozen sausages like links or breakfast rounds may only take 6-8 minutes, while thicker sausage links or patties may need 12-15 minutes or more.
No matter what type of sausage you’re cooking, you’ll want to make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F (for pork) and 160°F (for chicken and turkey) before serving. To make sure your sausage is cooked perfectly, check the temperature with a meat thermometer. Turning the sausages periodically will also help prevent undercooked areas and ensure even browning on the surface.
Easy Air Fryer Sausage Recipes
With the help of your air fryer and some frozen sausages, you can make a breakfast that gets your whole family out of bed.
Eggo Sausage Egg and Cheese Sandwich
Get the perfect bite of waffle, sausage, egg, and cheese with this satisfying breakfast sandwich.
Veggie Sausage Sandwich
This hearty vegetarian breakfast sandwich will give you the energy to kick off your day.
Ultimate Pancake Breakfast Sandwich
Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast of a sausage, egg, and cheese between two pancakes.
French Toast Kabobs
Perfect for busy mornings, take your French toast and sausage on the go.
Epic Breakfast Board
Sausage links join your other favorite breakfast foods for a board that will be the star of any brunch.
Mini Breakfast Skewers
Everything you love about breakfast on one skewer.
Breakfast Sausage Monkey Bread
A sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Breakfast Pizza with Hashbrown Crust
Sausage links make the perfect topping for this breakfast pizza.
