Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Does air frying sausages make them healthier? ›

If you're cooking a food that you wouldn't normally add fat to when you cook it, whether that's ready-made oven chips, bacon, sausages or breaded chicken, being cooked in an air fryer is unlikely to make it healthier.

Sausages can be cooked in numerous ways. In general, boiling and baking are the healthiest methods, as they don't require much oil. However, pan- and stir-frying are good options as long as you choose a healthy oil. Conversely, deep frying is the least healthy way because of the fat and calories it adds.

Pierce the sausages a few times all over using a sharp knife (this is optional, but will help release more fat). Arrange the sausages in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 180C and cook for 10-15 mins, turning every 5 mins, until the sausages are cooked through.

Uneven cooking or longer cooking times can also result, as heat is restricted and cannot be shared evenly with each sausage. So if you'd like to ensure that your sausages receive proper cooking time but want to avoid cooking just a few at a time, it's best you skip the air fryer and opt for, say, pan frying.

Air fryer health risks

COPs are linked to an increase in heart disease, cancer and other medical conditions. You may have also heard about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogens that are produced as fumes when foods are cooked at a high temperature.

Air-frying equipment is not known to cause cancer, but the process of air frying does result in the formation of certain compounds, like acrylamide, that are linked to cancer development. Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen.

If you want to eat sausage often, however, consider choosing healthier types of sausage, such as those made with chicken or turkey. You can also make your own to get the freshest variety with none of the harmful additives or high-fat meat.

While sausage is a good source of protein, it is best consumed minimally due to its high sodium and saturated fat content. So if you're looking for lean protein options or require a low sodium diet, it might be hard to include this food in your day-to-day meal plan.

The fat in the sausages provides flavour, but if you'd prefer to reduce it, the best way is to bake the sausages. Prick them first with a skewer so more fat can drain out during cooking.

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

How long to cook sausages in air fryer at 400? ›

Set the air fryer to 400°F and then cook the sausages until they're well-browned on the outside and cooked through in the middle if you cut into them. It takes about 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages and how many you have in the basket.

Crispy foods: If you're hoping for super crispy results, you generally want to preheat the air fryer. Shah points to examples like french fries (fresh or frozen) and chicken wings. When in doubt, preheat: If you're still unsure if you should preheat your air fryer, then go ahead and preheat.

Air frying uses less oil

This means that your food has fewer calories. Still, food isn't necessarily healthier just because it contains less oil. Extra virgin olive oil, for example, is rich in polyphenols and has known heart health benefits. Overall, air frying is healthier than deep-frying.

Generally, when compared to deep frying, the air fryer is a healthier option because it contributes fewer calories to the finished product and can result in less inflammation, potentially decreasing the risk for chronic disease down the line.

An air fryer is a healthier option than deep frying foods and can be an inventive way to fry not only meats and potatoes but other nutritious foods such as broccoli, yams, tofu, or eggs. Compared with deep-frying, using an air fryer can reduce the amount of fat, calories, and potentially harmful compounds in your food.

In terms of health, air frying generally offers advantages over traditional frying. It allows you to enjoy crispy textures with reduced oil and calorie intake, potentially minimising health risks associated with excessive consumption of fried foods.