Air fryer cooking guide
Air Fryer Sausage Links
Cook sausage links in the air fryer at 190°C for 8–15 minutes, depending on thickness and whether they are fresh, cooked, or frozen.
190°C / 374°F
8–16 minutes
71°C / 160°F
How long to cook sausage links in an air fryer?
Cook sausage links in an air fryer at 190°C / 375°F for about 10–15 minutes for most raw links. Thin breakfast links may take 8–10 minutes, thicker sausages 12–16 minutes, and raw links should reach 71°C / 160°F, or 74°C / 165°F for poultry sausage.
Air fryer sausage links are quick, but the right time depends on whether the links are thin, thick, fully cooked, or frozen. Use 190°C / 375°F as the main temperature, turn them halfway, and check raw sausage with a thermometer rather than judging by color alone.
Time & temperature chart
| Size / cut | Temp | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin raw breakfast sausage links | 200°C | 8–10 min | Flip or shake at 4–5 min; check small links early. |
| Standard raw pork, beef, or mixed sausage links | 190°C | 10–15 min | Turn halfway; cook to 71°C / 160°F in the center. |
| Thick dinner sausages or brat-style links | 190°C | 12–16 min | Use the longer end for large links; thermometer check is key |
| Fully cooked or smoked sausage links, refrigerated | 190°C | 6–9 min | Heat through and brown; flip halfway. |
| Frozen raw sausage links | 190°C | 12–16 min | Separate once softened; cook to safe internal temperature. |
| Frozen fully cooked sausage links | 180°C | 8–10 min | Shake or turn halfway for even heating. |
Times are a guide — air fryers vary by 10–20%. Always cook to the safe internal temperature, not just the timer.
How to air fry sausage links
- 1
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C unless your air fryer manual says preheating is not needed.
- 2
Place sausage links in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between them so air can circulate.
- 3
Air fry using the timing table for your sausage type. Flip, turn, or shake the links halfway through cooking.
- 4
For raw sausage links, check the center with a food thermometer. Pork, beef, lamb, or veal sausage should reach 71°C / 160°F; chicken or turkey sausage should reach 74°C / 165°F.
- 5
Rest for 1–2 minutes before serving, especially for thicker links.
Pro tips
- Do not rely on browning alone; sausage can brown outside before the center is safely cooked.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if the links are touching or stacked.
- If frozen links are stuck together, air fry for 2–3 minutes, separate them carefully, then continue cooking.
- For extra browning on thick sausages, raise the temperature to 200°C for the final 1–2 minutes after they are nearly cooked through.
- Times vary by link thickness, meat type, and air-fryer model, so use the table as a starting point and confirm raw sausage with a thermometer.
Frequently asked questions
How long do raw sausage links take in the air fryer?
Most raw sausage links take 10–15 minutes at 190°C / 375°F. Thin breakfast links can be done in 8–10 minutes, while thicker dinner sausages may need 12–16 minutes.
What temperature should I air fry sausage links?
Use 190°C / 375°F for most sausage links. Thin links can cook well at 200°C / 400°F, while frozen fully cooked links are better around 180°C / 350°F so they heat through without over-browning.
Can you cook frozen sausage links in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook frozen raw sausage links at 190°C / 375°F for 12–16 minutes, separating them once they soften. Frozen fully cooked links usually take 8–10 minutes at 180°C / 350°F.
Do I need to flip sausage links in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping or shaking halfway helps the links brown evenly and reduces pale spots where they touch the basket.
What internal temperature should sausage links reach?
Raw pork, beef, lamb, or veal sausage links should reach 71°C / 160°F. Raw chicken or turkey sausage links should reach 74°C / 165°F.
Sausage links recipes to try
PorkHow Long to Air Fry Sausages: Pork, Chipolatas and Frozen Links
Air fry sausages at 180°C in a single layer: chipolatas take 8–11 minutes, standard pork sausages 11–15, and frozen links 15–20.
PorkHow Long to Air Fry Pork Tenderloin at 400°F: 1–1½ lb Guide
Air fry pork tenderloin at 400°F for about 15–24 minutes, depending on weight and thickness. Pull at 63°C/145°F, then rest before slicing.
PorkAir Fryer Frozen Pork Chops: How Long for ¾–1 Inch Chops
Air fryer frozen pork chops cook from frozen with no breading or thawing needed. Use 190°C for most ¾–1 inch boneless or bone-in chops, then check for 63°C in the thickest part and