Why This Sausage in Air Fryer Method Works
The perforated basket lets hot air hit every side of the casing. That’s how you get the snap without flipping halfway.
Costs about $4 for six links versus $12 at restaurants. Buddy sits right by the air fryer basket hoping one falls.
✅ Casing gets golden and crispy
✅ Internal temperature hits 160°F perfectly
✅ Zero oil spray needed
✅ No smoke from drip tray buildup
✅ Takes less time than preheating the oven
Let me walk you through the ingredients it’s really just the sausage and maybe a light oil spray if yours tends to stick.
What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Sausage
Starting with quality lamb sausage makes all the difference. These cook quickly and still require the same careful internal temperature check to ensure they’re perfectly done.
✔ Lamb sausage : six links, any thickness works but thicker needs an extra 2 minutes
✔ Perforated parchment liner : optional but keeps the drip tray cleaner
✔ Light oil spray : only if your basket sticks, I skip it most times
Real quick: make sure your air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded or the casing won’t crisp up right.
How to Cook Sausage in Air Fryer Step by Step
Air fryer sausage comes together fast once you know the right temperature. Took me three batches to nail down 380°F as the sweet spot.
- Set your air fryer to 380°F don’t preheat, just set it and go
- Place lamb sausage links in the basket in a single layer with space between each
- Cook for 12 minutes total without opening the basket early
- Check that internal temperature reads 160°F with a meat thermometer
- Let rest for 2 minutes so the juices redistribute before serving
The resting time matters more than you’d think cuts into them right away and they dry out fast.
Getting That Perfect Crispy Snap
Sausage in air fryer hits peak texture around 12 minutes at 380°F. The casing turns golden brown and gets that restaurant-style snap when you bite in.
I tried 350°F first and it took 15 minutes with soggy results. Bumped it to 380°F and the timing dropped while the casing got way crispier.
Watch for the casing to pull tight and develop darker spots that’s when you know it’s ready. The perforated basket design means fat drips into the tray instead of pooling around the links.
If your air fryer runs hot, check at 10 minutes. Mine’s a 5-quart basket model and 12 minutes is consistent every time.
Try These Lamb Sausage Variations
This base method works for most sausage types once you adjust the cook time slightly.
Spicy Lamb Sausage
Add crushed red pepper or sriracha to the drip tray for smoke. The heat infuses into the casing during the last 3 minutes. Makes the whole batch spicy without overwhelming Lily.
Maple Sausage Breakfast Links
Switch to breakfast sausages and drop the time to 10 minutes at 375°F. The maple glaze caramelizes better at lower heat. Perfect for Sunday meal prep when we’re making a batch for the week.
Frozen Sausage Option
Can you cook frozen sausage in air fryer? Yes just add 4 minutes to the total time and check internal temperature reaches 160°F. No need to thaw if you’re in a rush after work.
These three cover most weeknight situations at our place.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Sausage
Air fryer sausage pairs best with sides that balance the richness. At home we rotate between a few regulars.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Toss them in the air fryer basket right after the sausage finishes 8 minutes at 400°F while the links rest. Jessica’s favorite combo for weekend dinners.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The buttery texture cuts through the lamb’s gaminess. Make them while the sausage cooks and everything hits the table hot.
Sautéed Peppers and Onions
Classic pairing that takes 10 minutes in a skillet. The sweetness works really well with lamb. We do this version when Lily requests “the colorful dinner.”
Buddy gets the drippings from the tray mixed into his kibble as a treat.
Storing Your Cooked Sausage
Leftover sausage in air fryer keeps well if you store it right. We usually make six links on Sunday and eat them through Wednesday.
Storage
- At room temperature: 2 hours max before refrigerating
- In the fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- In the freezer: 2 months sealed tight slice before freezing for faster reheating
Reheating
Air fryer at 350°F for 4 minutes brings back the crispy casing. Microwave works but you lose the snap completely.
Single layer in the basket prevents steaming. Shake it once at the 2-minute mark.
Anti-waste tip
Chop leftover links and toss them into scrambled eggs or pasta. Adds protein and uses up what would’ve sat in the fridge too long.
The sliced version reheats faster than whole links if you’re meal prepping.
Full Air Fryer Lamb Sausage Recipe
Juicy lamb sausage with golden, crispy casing no flipping required. The air fryer basket handles all the work while you get the sides ready.
Lamb Sausage in Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer (basket style)
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Perforated parchment liner (optional)
Ingredients
- 6 links lamb sausage
- as needed light oil spray optional; only if your basket tends to stick
- 1 liner perforated parchment optional; for easier cleanup
Instructions
- Set the air fryer to 380°F; no preheating needed.
- Place lamb sausage links in a single layer with space between each link.
- Air fry for 12 minutes without opening the basket.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.
- Let sausages rest for 2 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
Notes
- For frozen sausage, add 4 minutes (about 16 minutes total) and still confirm 160°F internal temperature.
- Thicker links may need 2 extra minutes; breakfast sausages typically take ~10 minutes at 375°F.
- Do not overcrowd the basket and no flipping is required.
- Use a perforated parchment liner to reduce smoke and simplify cleanup.
- Apply a light oil spray only if your basket tends to stick.
- If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at 10 minutes.
- Reheat cooked sausage at 350°F for about 4 minutes to regain a crispy casing.
Common Questions About Sausage in Air Fryer
First time I made lamb sausage this way, I wasn’t sure about the timing either. Here’s what I figured out through testing.
How long to cook sausage in air fryer at 380 degrees?
12 minutes for standard links, 16 if frozen. Check internal temperature hits 160°F before serving.
Why is my sausage smoking in the air fryer?
Fat dripping onto the heating element causes smoke. Use a perforated parchment liner or dump the drip tray halfway through.
Can you cook frozen sausage in air fryer without thawing?
Yes add 4 minutes to cook time and verify internal temperature reaches 160°F with a thermometer.
Do I need to flip sausage in air fryer?
No. The basket’s air circulation crisps all sides evenly without flipping.
Try This Recipe and Let Me Know
This lamb sausage hits the table faster than ordering delivery. The casing snap is what convinced Jessica it was worth skipping the skillet.
Rate the recipe if you try it helps other people find what actually works. Drop a comment if you adjust the timing or try a different sausage type.
Share your air fryer results with #AirFryerPlates or tag @AirFryerPlates so I can see how yours turned out.
