• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Everyday Homemade

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Spring
  • Appetizers
  • Main Dishes
  • Side Dishes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • Spring
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Published: Jan 19, 2023 · Modified: Feb 14, 2023 by Ashley Petrie · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    10-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These Air Fryer Chicken Sausages are deliciously browned and crispy on the outside, yet so tender and juicy on the inside. Ready in just 10 minutes, you'll love how quick and easy this air fryer chicken sausage recipe is to make. Pair with some roasted vegetables or a side salad for a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner.

    Four air fryer chicken sausages on a small white plate.

    I don't know about you, but I'm a huge fan of anything that makes my life easier when dinnertime rolls around.

    Chicken sausages are a super easy-to-make and versatile protein that is lower in fat and calories than traditional pork sausages. Plus, they only take 10 minutes in the air fryer. Win-win!

    Air frying chicken sausages makes them beautifully crispy and browned on the outside without any added fat. At the same time, the inside of the chicken sausage stays delightfully moist and juicy. They taste delicious all on their own, nestled inside of a hotdog bun, or mixed into your favorite rice or pasta dish.

    These air fryer chicken sausages can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They also come in a wide variety of flavors so you can effortlessly pair them with all of your favorite side dishes.

    >> Make it a meal! Pair these chicken sausages with these Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts and a Simple Baked Potato.

    Some links throughout this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you’re willing to use them, it helps fund this site and allows me to continue to provide content. I appreciate your support!

    Table of Contents -
    Why You'll Love This Recipe
    Ingredient Notes
    Equipment Notes
    Step by Step Instructions
    For Fresh (Raw) Chicken Sausages
    For Precooked Chicken Sausages
    Tips for Success
    Substitutions and Variation
    Substitutions
    Variations
    What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
    Storage and Reheating
    How to Store
    How to Reheat
    Make Ahead
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Let's Connect!
    More Air Fryer Recipes
    Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
    Equipment
    Ingredients
    Instructions
    Notes
    Nutrition

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Crispy & Juicy- Cooked at a high heat, these air fryer chicken sausages are crispy and browned on the outside, but juicy and tender on the inside.
    • Ready in 10 Minutes- Chicken sausages are a quick and easy source of protein on a busy weeknight. In just 10 minutes, you can have dinner on the table with this air fried chicken sausage recipe.
    • Only 1 Ingredient- Nothing fancy here! Just chicken sausages and an air fryer. Pair these chicken sausages with whole grains and some veggies for a healthy and satisfying meal.
    • Make Ahead Friendly- This air fryer chicken sausage recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Double the recipe to have an easy source of protein ready to go all week long. Cooked sausage will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

    Ingredient Notes

    Here are some notes on the key ingredients. For the full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

    • Chicken Sausage- I've made both uncooked chicken sausage and precooked chicken sausage in the air fryer with great success. Choose whichever type of chicken sausage you prefer in any flavor you like.
    The ingredients to make air fryer chicken sausages. They are labeled with text that reads "pre-cooked chicken sausages or uncooked chicken sausages."

    Equipment Notes

    Here are some notes on any special equipment I used to make this recipe.

    • Air Fryer- This recipe was made using a basket-style air fryer. I have not tested making chicken sausages in a toaster oven-style air fryer. However, I believe it would work about the same. Keep in mind, the chicken sausages may take a few minutes longer to cook in an oven-style air fryer. I love my 5.5-Quart Ninja Max XL Air Fryer.
    • Meat Thermometer- Having a digital meat thermometer in your kitchen tool belt is so helpful for making sure your chicken sausage and other meats are safe to eat. If you don’t have one, I highly recommend investing in one. They’re relatively inexpensive and super useful.

    Step by Step Instructions

    Here is how to make chicken sausages in the air fryer.

    For Fresh (Raw) Chicken Sausages

    Step 1: Preheat the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, cut a few score marks into the sausages to prevent them from bursting in the air fryer.

    Step 2: Cook the sausages. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the sausages into the basket in a single layer. Cook chicken sausages for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of 165°F on a meat thermometer.

    To Cook From Frozen: Frozen raw chicken sausages take a few extra minutes to cook through. Begin checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.

    Two frozen, raw chicken sausages in the basket of an air fryer before being cooked.
    Two fresh chicken sausages in the basket of an air fryer after being cooked.

    For Precooked Chicken Sausages

    Step 1: Cook the chicken sausages. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the sausages into the basket in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer.

    To Cook From Frozen: Frozen precooked chicken sausages take a few extra minutes to cook through. Cook frozen chicken sausages for about 10 minutes before checking for doneness.

    Four pre-cooked chicken sausages in the basket of an air fryer before being roasted.
    Four pre-cooked chicken sausages in the basket of an air fryer after being roasted.

    Tips for Success

    • Use a meat thermometer. Every air fryer cooks a little differently. The cook times in this recipe are what worked in my air fryer. Check the chicken sausages for doneness with a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Score uncooked sausages. Uncooked sausages need to be scored before cooking to prevent them from bursting in the air fryer. I typically use a sharp knife to cut 4 diagonal lines across the top of each sausage.
    • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place chicken sausages inside the air fryer basket in a single layer without any overlap. This allows them to cook quickly and evenly.

    Substitutions and Variation

    Here are a few ways you can try customizing this air fryer sausage recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.

    Substitutions

    • Chicken Sausage- Pork sausage, Italian sausage, and vegetarian sausage can all be cooked in a similar manner. Sausages that do not contain any poultry can be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
    Roasted air fryer chicken sausages on a plate.

    Variations

    • Gluten-Free- Look for chicken sausages labeled as "gluten-free." Most chicken sausages should be naturally gluten-free, but be aware that some brands may contain additives that are not.
    • Vegan- Swap chicken sausages for your favorite plant-based sausage. Cooking time may vary.

    What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Sausage

    Chicken sausage is a quick, easy, and versatile protein. And it's perfect for any meal - breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

    Slice up a few chicken sausages to serve alongside Scrambled Eggs and Toast at breakfast. Or serve them as the main protein at lunch with this light and healthy Red Lentil Pasta Salad.

    I love pairing these air fryer chicken sausages with this Oven-Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli or this Air Fryer Fingerling Potato recipe for a simple weeknight dinner. Alternatively, stir sliced chicken sausage into some One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese for a hearty, comfort food meal.

    A chicken sausage being cut into slices. There are three other whole chicken sausages also on the plate.

    Storage and Reheating

    How to Store

    • Refrigerator- Store leftover air fryer chicken sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
    • Freezer- For longer storage, you can freeze cooked chicken sausages. To freeze properly, allow the chicken sausages to cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them inside a freezer-safe bag. The chicken sausages will retain optimum quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.

    How to Reheat

    • Air Fryer- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the leftover chicken sausages in a single layer inside the basket. Set the air fryer to 350°F and heat the sausages for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
    • Oven- Preheat the oven to 350°F and place your leftover sausages in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover the chicken sausages with aluminum foil and heat for approximately 10 minutes. If you want some additional browning on the chicken sausages, remove the aluminum foil for the last few minutes of heating.
    • Stovetop- Cover the bottom of a skillet with a thin layer of water and set it over medium-low heat. Place the chicken sausages into the skillet in a single layer and cover with a lid. Steam the sausages for approximately 5 minutes, turning occasionally to heat them evenly. Optionally, the sausages can be browned in a bit of oil or butter once they're warmed through.
    • Microwave- Place leftover chicken sausages on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on half power (50%) for 1 to 1 ½ minutes or until fully heated through.

    Make Ahead

    Air fryer chicken sausage is an excellent meal prep recipe. Cooked chicken sausages will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. So, make a big batch of air fryer chicken sausages ahead of time to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner all week long.

    Four cooked chicken sausages on a white plate.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long do chicken sausages take in the air fryer?

    Chicken sausage takes anywhere from 6-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Refrigerated, precooked chicken sausage cooks the quickest at about 6-8 minutes. On the other hand, frozen chicken sausage takes about 12 minutes to fully cook through.

    What temperature do you cook chicken sausage?

    For chicken sausage that is crispy and browned on the outside, but tender and juicy on the inside, I find 400°F to be the perfect temperature for cooking chicken sausage. The high heat cooks the sausage quickly so it doesn't dry out, but still gets the outside deliciously browned.

    How do you know when chicken sausage is fully cooked?

    The most reliable way to know if chicken sausage is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Alternatively, you can check to see if your chicken sausages are done by cutting one in half. However, this will release some of the juices, making that sausage a little drier than the rest.

    Is it okay if chicken sausage is a little pink?

    Fully cooked chicken sausages should not be pink in the middle unless they contain red-colored spices, such as paprika or cayenne pepper. If your chicken sausage is slightly pink in the middle and you don't have a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, I recommend cooking it for a few additional minutes to be safe.

    Can you overcook chicken sausage?

    Yes, it is relatively easy to overcook chicken sausage in the air fryer. Air fryers blast food with intense heat, which means the food cooks quite quickly. Overcooked chicken sausage will be tough, dry, burnt, and difficult to eat. To prevent this, use a timer and keep a close eye on your chicken sausages as they cook.

    Let's Connect!

    Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. You can also connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or via email at [email protected].

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    • Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
    • Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer
    • Parmesan-Crusted Air Fryer Halibut
    Four air fryer chicken sausages on a small white plate.
    Print Pin
    5 from 1 vote

    Air Fryer Chicken Sausage

    These Air Fryer Chicken Sausages are deliciously browned and crispy on the outside, yet so tender and juicy on the inside. Ready in just 10 minutes, you'll love how quick and easy this air fryer chicken sausage recipe is to make. Pair with some roasted vegetables or a side salad for a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 0 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 4 sausages
    Calories 120kcal
    Author Ashley Petrie

    Equipment

    • Air fryer
    • Meat thermometer

    Ingredients

    • 4 whole fresh or precooked chicken sausages any flavor
    • Cooking spray for air fryer basket

    Instructions

    For Fresh (Raw) Chicken Sausages

    • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, cut a few score marks into the sausages to prevent them from bursting in the air fryer.
    • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the sausages into the basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of 165°F on a meat thermometer.
    • To Cook From Frozen: If your raw sausages are frozen, they will take a few extra minutes to cook. Begin checking them for doneness around the 12-minute mark.

    For Precooked Chicken Sausages

    • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the sausages into the basket in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The sausages should reach an internal temperature of 165°F on a meat thermometer.
    • To Cook From Frozen: If your precooked chicken sausages are frozen, they will take a few extra minutes to cook. Begin checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.

    Notes

    • Note: Every air fryer cooks a little differently. The cook times in this recipe are what worked in my air fryer. The best way to know if your chicken sausages are done is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. They should reach 165°F.
    • Storage: Store leftover chicken sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2  months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1sausage | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 480mg | Potassium: 180mg | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.8mg
    Did you try this recipe?Let me know! Comment below, or take a picture and tag me on Instagram @enwnutrition.

    More Main Dishes

    • A bowl of creamy broccoli asparagus soup drizzled with cream.
      Creamy Broccoli Asparagus Soup (10 Ingredients!)
    • A cast iron skillet filled with ground turkey shepherd's pie. A single slice of the dish is missing from the skillet and is on a small white plate to the left.
      Best Ground Turkey Shepherd's Pie (Cast Iron Skillet Recipe)
    • Mushroom pizza cut into 8 slices on a piece of parchment paper.
      Homemade Mushroom Pizza Recipe
    • Dutch oven corned beef and cabbage on a white dinner plate.
      Best Dutch Oven Corned Beef and Cabbage

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Pat says

      January 19, 2023 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and yummy! I made them with sautéed peppers and onions.

      Reply
      • Ashley Petrie says

        January 19, 2023 at 3:33 pm

        Glad you enjoyed! 🙂

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Ashley sitting outside smiling at the camera.

    Hi, I'm Ashley!

    Welcome to Everyday Homemade, where you'll find scratch-made, comfort food recipes that will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.

    More about me

    Follow @enwnutrition on Instagram

    Trending Recipes

    • Dutch oven corned beef and cabbage on a white dinner plate.
      Best Dutch Oven Corned Beef and Cabbage
    • A loaf of sourdough Irish soda bread on a sheet of parchment paper.
      Easy Sourdough Irish Soda Bread
    • A slice of dutch oven chicken pot pie on a white plate. There is a fork in the slice of chicken pot pie as if someone is about to take a bite. The pie is garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
      One-Pot Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie (Single Crust)
    • Two stuffed peppers without tomato sauce on a small white plate.
      Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers (Without Tomato Sauce)

    What's In Season?

    • A bowl of creamy broccoli asparagus soup drizzled with cream.
      Creamy Broccoli Asparagus Soup (10 Ingredients!)
    • Slices of dry brined roasted chicken on a dinner plate with sides.
      Roasted Lemon-Garlic Dry Brined Chicken
    • Roasted carrots and asparagus on a small white plate.
      Roasted Carrots and Asparagus (Easy 30-Minute Recipe)
    • A bowl filled with lemon dill hummus topped with extra virgin olive oil and fresh dill. The bowl is surrounded by carrots, celery, and wheat crackers.
      Easy Homemade Lemon Dill Hummus (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
    ALL RECIPES

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Legal

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Affiliate Disclosure

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Web Stories

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Everyday Homemade

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Email
    • Print