Recipes · Italian Sausage

Air Fryer Italian Sausage

Quick answer

Air fry raw Italian sausage links at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and 160°F inside. Add sliced peppers and onions for the last 8–10 minutes for quick sausage and peppers.

Browned Italian sausage links cooked in an air fryer

Why cook Italian sausage in the air fryer

The air fryer gives you grill-style browning in about 15 minutes with no splatter and no babysitting. The hot fan crisps the casing while the inside stays juicy.

It's also the fastest way to make a small batch of sausage and peppers for one or two people.

Ingredients

1× batch

This recipe doesn’t list a serving count, so it scales by batch.

  • 4–6 Italian sausage links (sweet or hot), raw
  • Optional: 1 bell pepper and ½ onion, sliced
  • 1 tsp olive oil (for the vegetables only)
  • Pinch of salt, pepper and Italian seasoning
View list

Method

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

2. Place the sausages in a single layer in the basket with space between them. Don't prick them — that lets the juices run out.

3. Air fry 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and 160°F inside (165°F for chicken or turkey sausage).

4. For sausage and peppers: toss sliced peppers and onion in oil and seasoning, add them around the sausage for the last 8–10 minutes.

5. Rest 2 minutes, then serve on rolls, with pasta, or sliced into eggs or pizza.

Air fryer sausage times at 375°F

  • Raw Italian sausage links: 12–15 minutes
  • Thick or jumbo links: 15–18 minutes
  • Sausage patties: 8–10 minutes
  • Precooked or smoked sausage: 6–8 minutes
  • Frozen raw links: 18–22 minutes (check 160°F inside)
Sausage temperature guide →

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Credit “Uncle Larry Adventures” and link to this recipe page.

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“Air Fryer Italian Sausage” — Uncle Larry Adventures, https://unclelarryadventures.com/recipes/air-fryer-italian-sausage

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Common questions

How long do you cook Italian sausage in the air fryer?

12–15 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway, until the inside reaches 160°F.

Can you cook frozen Italian sausage in the air fryer?

Yes. Cook frozen raw links about 18–22 minutes at 375°F and confirm 160°F with a thermometer.

Should you poke holes in sausage before air frying?

No. Pricking lets the fat and juices escape, which makes the sausage dry.

Do I need oil to air fry sausage?

No. Sausage has plenty of fat. Only the vegetables need a light coat of oil.

How do I know air fryer sausage is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer: 160°F for pork or beef sausage, 165°F for poultry sausage. The juices should run clear.

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