If you are wondering how to cook Italian sausage in the air fryer, you've come to the right place. Air Fryer Italian Sausage is quick, versatile and so easy to make with a result of a sausage that is browned on the outside and moist and juicy inside!

If you are looking to prepare a gluten-free Italian sausage in the air fryer just be sure to double check your brand of sausage. There are a few out there that are not. Most Italian sausages are keto-friendly but again, always check your labels.

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3 sausage cooked on blue plate with peppers and tongs

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If you want to take your air fryer Italian sausage to the next level, make your own sausage. That's right, here is a Homemade Sausage Recipe.

Why Air Fry Sausage?

For me, I decided to try to air fry sausage because I was curious but since I first tried it, here are some other good reasons.

no oil needed
hands-off
quick
crispy casing
juicy
tasty

Cooking Instructions

Simple. Put your sausage links in the air fryer basket in a single layer (okay if they touch). Set the air fryer to 370 F for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, flip the sausage and return to air fryer for another 6-8 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160 F.

Sausage and Peppers

Besides adding Italian sausage to pastas, pizzas and casseroles, we enjoy eating sausage and peppers (sometimes in a roll and sometimes not). If you want to add peppers, place the peppers in the air fryer basket first and then lay the sausages right on top of the peppers.

3 cooked sausage links on blue plate with cooked peppers next to them

sausage in roll with peppers being held in hand

Use this method for brats too!

Related: How To Air Fry Bac o n

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does the air fryer require preheating?

No.

Do I need to pierce / poke holes in sausage prior to air frying?

No. This recipe has been tested several times. The cook time/temperature I am using has had great result without poking/piercing.

Should I line the air fryer with foil or parchment for easy clean up?

No. Although others recommend lining with parchment, I find that in order for the air to circulate properly you should not line with parchment/foil.

Why is my air fryer getting smoky when cooking sausage?

To avoid the air fryer smoking, be sure to start with a clean air fryer. Typically, it is the leftover oils and food remnants that are the culprit of smoking.

How many sausage can I cook together at once?

It will depend on the size of your air fryer. I use a 5.8 qt air fryer and it can fit 6 sausage links in a single layer. No worries if the sausage are touching, just keep them in a single layer.

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