Name: Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 4 chicken sausages (choose your favorite brand or flavor); 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional for extra crispiness); Seasonings of your choice (optional - some ideas include Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne for heat)

Are you constantly pursuing healthier yet mouthwatering meals that can be whipped up in a jiffy? Look no further! Today, I’m thrilled to share my latest culinary revelation – an air fryer chicken sausage recipe that has completely transformed my meal prep ritual. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick and nutritious dinner options or a fitness enthusiast aiming to incorporate more protein-rich foods into your diet, this recipe is tailor-made for you.

Table of Contents

What Is Air Fryer Chicken Sausage?

Air-fried chicken sausage is a type of sausage made from chicken cooked in an air fryer. An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, giving it a crispy texture similar to frying but with less oil.

Ingredients:

4 chicken sausages (choose your favorite brand or flavor)
1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional for extra crispiness)
Seasonings of your choice (optional – some ideas include Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne for heat)

Instructions:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C). This step ensures that your chicken sausages start cooking at the right temperature for that perfect exterior texture.
Prepare the Sausages: While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your chicken sausages. If you opted for additional seasoning, lightly brush each sausage with olive oil and evenly sprinkle your chosen seasonings over them. The oil helps the seasonings stick and contributes to that desirable crispy finish.
Arrange the Sausages: Place the chicken sausages in the air fryer basket. Ensure they’re not touching; adequate space allows the hot air to circulate freely, cooking each sausage evenly and creating a beautifully browned exterior.
Cook the Sausages: Cook the sausages in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and flip the sausages. This step ensures that all sides get that perfect crispiness and golden-brown color.
Check for Doneness: Chicken sausages are ready when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check. If they aren’t quite there, you can cook them for 2-3 minutes and check again.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked to perfection, remove the sausages from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This waiting period allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.

Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Sausage:

No Overcrowding: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Ample space is crucial for achieving an even cook and the perfect texture.
Preheating Is Key: Like a traditional oven, preheating your air fryer makes a massive difference in cooking time and texture.
Get Creative with Seasonings: While excellent, chicken sausages can be elevated with different seasonings. Feel free to experiment with flavors to match your meal.
Resting Time Matters: Allowing the sausages to rest for a few minutes after cooking ensures you’ll enjoy juicy and flavorful bites.
Serving Suggestions: These chicken sausages are incredibly versatile. Serve them sliced in a hearty pasta dish, alongside a fresh salad for a light meal, or in a bun for a healthier spin on the classic hot dog.

What To Serve With

Creamy Potato Salad: A classic potato salad, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor, can be a refreshing accompaniment to the savory air fryer chicken sausage. Lighten it with Greek yogurt or make it more indulgent with a mayo-based dressing.
Grilled Vegetables: Make the most of your air fryer by grilling some vegetables while your sausages are resting. Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus work great. Simply toss them with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices for a quick and healthy side.
Coleslaw: Coleslaw provides a crunchy and cooling contrast to the warm sausages. Whip a coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing to balance the flavors, and you’ll have a light side that adds texture and freshness.
Baked Beans: A side of baked beans is a comforting and hearty option that perfectly complements the smoky flavors of chicken sausage. Depending on your heat preference, you can stick to classic baked beans or spice them up with chilli flakes.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn, especially when slightly charred, enhances your air fryer chicken sausage with a pleasant sweetness and a pop of color. Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper or a squirt of lime juice for a zesty twist.
Sautéed Greens: Greens such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can be quickly sautéed in garlic and olive oil for a light and nutritious accompaniment that balances the meat’s richness.
Pasta Salad: A vibrant pasta salad tossed with a vinaigrette, fresh vegetables, and perhaps some cheese or olives lends substance to the meal and can be adapted for diverse flavors – think Mediterranean, Italian, or even Asian-inspired versions.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Tender, caramelized sweet potatoes add a touch of natural sweetness and a heap of nutrients to your plate. Cube and season them, then pop them into the air fryer before serving them alongside the sausages.
Garlic Bread: For an indulgent treat, serve your chicken sausages with warm, crusty garlic bread. It’s ideal for soaking up flavorful juices or serving as a hearty base for an open-faced sandwich.
Rice or Quinoa Pilaf: A fragrant pilaf can be a light yet satiating side, plus it’s perfect if you’re aiming for a gluten-free air fryer chicken sausage meal.
Fresh Salad with a Light Dressing: Prepare a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light dressing. This side dish will cleanse the palate and add a crisp element to the meal.
Pickled Vegetables: For a boost of acidity and a bit of crunch, consider serving your air fryer chicken sausage with pickled vegetables like gherkins, onions, or jalapeños.

Health Benefits

Reduced Fat Content: One of the key advantages of using an air fryer is the significant reduction in fat content. Chicken sausages cooked in air fryers require little to no added oil, which decreases the overall calorie count and lowers the intake of unhealthy fats that can contribute to heart disease and obesity.
Lower Risk of Harmful Compounds: Cooking at high temperatures, especially frying, can lead to the formation of harmful compounds like acrylamide, which is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Air frying chicken sausages at a controlled temperature can reduce the formation of these compounds.
Preservation of Nutrients: Air frying can retain more nutrients in sausages than methods like boiling or grilling, which may result in nutrient loss due to longer cooking times and exposure to water or direct flame.
Better Portion Control: Since air fryers cook food quickly and efficiently, they are great for single servings or small batches. They help maintain portion control and prevent overeating, which is beneficial for weight management.
Lower Cholesterol Levels: Using less oil means that the food will absorb less fat during cooking. Since chicken sausage inherently contains less fat than traditional pork sausage, air frying can help maintain this healthier quality, potentially contributing to lower cholesterol levels.
Improved Safety: Deep frying involves handling large quantities of hot oil, which can pose a risk of burns or fires. Air frying is a much safer alternative as it contains heat within a closed appliance, reducing the risk of accidents in the kitchen.
Convenient and Clean: The convenience of air frying can also indirectly contribute to healthier eating habits. It’s easier and cleaner than traditional frying, making you more likely to cook at home rather than opting for takeout or processed foods.

Final Thoughts

Embracing the air fryer revolution means we’re not just hopping on a culinary trend. Still, we’re also taking a significant step towards healthier cooking habits, mainly when it involves dishes like chicken sausage. The benefits of using an air fryer to cook chicken sausage extend far beyond simple convenience. By cutting down on oil, we’re not just doing our waistlines a favor but also contributing to our heart health by reducing our intake of unhealthy fats.

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