Quick & Easy Air Fryer Sausage Patties: Your Guide to Perfect Breakfast Sausage in Minutes
Elevate your breakfast routine with incredibly easy-to-make Air Fryer Sausage Patties! In as little as 8 minutes, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, savory, and flavorful sausage patties that pair wonderfully with all your morning favorites. Forget the greasy stovetop mess and say hello to a simpler, cleaner way to prepare this classic breakfast staple. Whether you’re serving them alongside fluffy Air Fryer Biscuits, perfectly cooked Air-Fried Eggs, or simply tucked into an English muffin with your morning coffee, these air fryer sausage patties are a game-changer for busy mornings.
Why Choose Your Air Fryer for Breakfast Sausage?
One of the biggest frustrations when making sausage on the stovetop is the inevitable splatter of grease. It makes for a messy cleanup and can leave your kitchen feeling less than pristine. The air fryer completely eliminates this hassle! By circulating hot air, the air fryer cooks the sausage patties efficiently, allowing excess fat to drip away into the basket below, resulting in a cleaner cooking process and healthier, less greasy patties.
Beyond the mess-free experience, the air fryer also significantly cuts down on cooking time. Traditional pan-frying can take longer and requires constant attention to ensure even cooking. With the air fryer, you can achieve beautifully browned and thoroughly cooked sausage patties in a fraction of the time, often in just 8 minutes. This means a delicious, hot breakfast is ready faster, making it perfect for quick weekday meals or leisurely weekend brunches.
This convenient cooking method delivers crispy edges and a tender, juicy interior every time. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve perfectly cooked breakfast sausage with minimal effort and maximum flavor, truly transforming your morning meal preparation.
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Sausage Patties
Making delicious air fryer sausage patties requires only a few key components, starting with your choice of breakfast sausage. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity!
- Breakfast Sausage: You’ll need about 1 pound of ground pork sausage or pre-formed fresh patties. If you opt for ground pork sausage (like a roll), ensure it’s fully defrosted if frozen.
- Seasonings (Optional but Recommended): While many store-bought sausages are already seasoned, adding your own touch can elevate the flavor. We love a sprinkle of fennel seed for that authentic breakfast sausage taste, along with a dash of dried thyme. Other popular additions include black pepper, a pinch of salt (be careful if your sausage is already salty), garlic powder, onion powder, or a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
If you’re using ground sausage, you’ll simply need to slice off portions and form them into patties about 1/2 inch thick and 2-3 inches in diameter. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking. If you’re using pre-formed patties, the prep work is even easier – just unpackage them and you’re ready to go!
Air Frying Sausage Patties: Time and Temperature Guide
Getting the perfect cook on your sausage patties in the air fryer is all about knowing the right temperature and duration. The key is to arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring no overlap for optimal air circulation and even browning. For easier cleanup, you can line the basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper (ensure it’s designed for air fryer use and doesn’t block air flow) or simply coat the basket lightly with a high-heat cooking oil spray, such as grapeseed oil.
Cooking Raw Sausage Patties:
- Temperature: Set your air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
- Initial Cook Time: Cook for approximately 8 minutes.
- Flipping: Halfway through, at about the 4-minute mark, carefully flip the patties to ensure even browning and thorough cooking on both sides.
- Preheating vs. Cold Air Fryer: For convenience, these patties can be placed directly into a cold air fryer. If you prefer to preheat your air fryer (typically for 2-3 minutes at the cooking temperature), you might want to check the sausage slightly earlier, around 6-7 minutes total, as preheating can reduce overall cooking time.
Cooking Frozen Pre-Cooked Sausage Patties:
If you’re starting with pre-cooked, frozen sausage patties, the process is even quicker:
- Temperature: Cook at 390°F (199°C).
- Cook Time: They will typically be ready in about 4-6 minutes, or until heated through and lightly browned.
Ensuring Doneness:
Regardless of whether you’re cooking raw or pre-cooked patties, the most important factor is reaching the safe internal temperature. For ground pork sausage, the internal temperature must reach at least 160°F (71°C) to be considered fully cooked. Always use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty to verify doneness. This ensures safety and the best eating experience.
Remember that air fryer models can vary in their heating efficiency, so it’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on your food during the first few times you try a new recipe.
Choosing the Right Meat for Your Air Fryer Sausage Patties
The versatility of air fryer sausage patties means you can use a variety of meat types and forms, adapting the recipe to your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Here are some excellent options:
- Fresh Sausage Patties: These are a convenient choice as they come pre-formed and ready for the air fryer. This saves you the step of shaping them yourself.
- Pork Sausage Roll (Ground Sausage): This is a very common choice. If you use a sausage roll, simply slice off portions and form them into uniform patties before cooking. This gives you control over the size and thickness of your patties.
- Turkey Sausage: For a leaner alternative, turkey sausage works beautifully in the air fryer. The cooking times will be similar to pork sausage, but always ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Chicken Sausage: Another great lean option. Similar to turkey, ensure it cooks to 165°F (74°C).
No matter which type you choose, ensure you check the packaging for any specific cooking instructions or ingredients. For those avoiding gluten, plain ground pork sausage is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
This air fryer method is also effective for cooking sausage links, whether they are pork, turkey, or chicken. Simply adjust the cooking time slightly based on their thickness, typically turning them halfway through to ensure even browning.
Expert Tips for Making Perfect Air Fryer Sausage Patties
While making sausage patties in the air fryer is incredibly simple, a few tips can ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
- Even Thickness: If forming patties from ground sausage, aim for consistent thickness (about 1/2 inch) to ensure they cook evenly. This prevents some patties from being undercooked while others are overdone.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Always place patties in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding reduces air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and less crispy results. If you have many patties, cook them in batches.
- Seasoning is Key: Even if using pre-seasoned sausage, a little extra seasoning can make a big difference. Experiment with fennel seed, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a touch of red pepper flakes for added flavor. Gently press the seasonings into the patties before air frying.
- Monitor Your Air Fryer: All air fryers heat differently. The first time you make these, keep a close eye on them. Check for doneness around the 6-minute mark if your air fryer runs hot or if you preheated it. Adjust cooking times in 1-2 minute increments as needed.
- Check Internal Temperature: The best way to ensure safety and perfect doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Pork sausage should reach 160°F (71°C), and poultry sausage (turkey/chicken) should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Flipping for Even Browning: Flipping the patties halfway through the cooking cycle is crucial for achieving golden-brown crusts and even cooking on both sides.
- Minimal Oil Needed: One of the perks of air frying is less oil. A light spray of grapeseed oil or other high-heat oil on the patties or in the basket is usually sufficient, or none at all if the sausage has enough natural fat.
- Rest Before Serving: Like most meats, letting the sausage patties rest for a minute or two after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
Following these simple tips will help you master air fryer sausage patties and make them a regular part of your breakfast rotation.
More Ways to Enjoy Air Fryer Sausage
The air fryer isn’t just for patties! You can use it to prepare other delicious sausage-based dishes:
- Air Fryer Sausage Rolls: Perfect for appetizers or a quick snack.
- Air Fryer Sausage Balls: A popular party snack or breakfast bite.
Can You Make These in Your Ninja Foodi?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfectly suited for any Ninja appliance that features an Air Crisp or Air Fryer function. The cooking times and temperatures provided will work seamlessly with your Ninja Foodi, allowing you to enjoy these delicious sausage patties with the same ease and fantastic results.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Sausage Patties
Having pre-cooked sausage patties on hand makes for even faster breakfasts during the week. Here’s how to handle leftovers:
- Storage: Allow any leftover homemade sausage patties to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave the patties for 1-2 minutes, or until thoroughly warm. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become rubbery.
- Air Fryer (Recommended): For the best results, mimicking their original crispy texture, reheat them in the air fryer. Place the patties in the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F (182°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and regain some crispness.
These reheating methods ensure your leftovers are just as enjoyable as when they were freshly cooked.
Craft a Full Air Fryer Breakfast Spread!
Why stop at just sausage patties when you can create an entire breakfast feast using your air fryer or Ninja Foodi? The convenience and efficiency of air frying make it the ultimate tool for morning meals. Explore the comprehensive list of Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes to discover how almost all your favorite breakfast foods can be made simpler and better in your air fryer.
Imagine a spread with perfectly air-fried bacon, crispy hash browns, and, of course, these fantastic sausage patties. It truly is the best way to make breakfast! So, are you ready to transform your breakfast experience? Pair these savory sausage patties with those Air Fried Eggs for a truly great breakfast that’s both quick and delicious!
Air Fryer Sausage Patties
Air Fryer Fanatics
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5 minutes
8 minutes
13 minutes
Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes
American
12
Patties
123
kcal
Ingredients
-
1
lb
Pork Sausage or Fresh Patties - Fennel Seed or Preferred Seasoning
Instructions
-
Prepare the sausage by slicing it into patties or using fresh patties, add fennel seed or any preferred seasoning to the sausage.
-
Preheat the air fryer at 390°F for about 2 minutes before cooking if preferred.
-
Place evenly in the air fryer and cook at 390°F for 4 minutes.
-
Carefully flip the patties and cook an additional 4 minutes.
-
The internal temperature of the sausage should be at least 160°F to be fully done.
-
Serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Serving:
1
g
Calories:
123
kcal
Carbohydrates:
1
g
Protein:
7
g
Fat:
10
g
Saturated Fat:
3
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
6
g
Cholesterol:
33
mg
Sodium:
340
mg
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