Table of Contents

• Why Cook Sausage Patties in an Air Fryer?
• Ingredients You Will Need
• Equipment Needed
• Recipe Variations & Customization
• How to Make Air Fryer Sausage Patties: Step-by-Step
• Cooking Different Types of Sausage Patties
• Expert Tips for Perfect Results
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage and Reheating
• Air Fryer Sausage Patties FAQs
• More Easy Breakfast Recipes
• Air Fryer Sausage Patties Recipe Card

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This typically takes 3-5 minutes, allowing the appliance to reach a stable temperature and ensuring an immediate crisp when the patties are introduced. If you’re using ground sausage, now is the time to form it into uniformly sized patties (about 1/4 to 1/3 pound each) and season them lightly with salt and pepper if desired.

2. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: If you’re concerned about your patties sticking, especially with leaner varieties, lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully place the sausage patties in a single layer in the preheated basket. Crucially, ensure there is ample space between each patty for proper hot air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to steaming rather than frying, resulting in less crispy patties. If necessary, cook in multiple batches.
3. Cook to Perfection: Cook the patties for an initial 8-10 minutes. Around the halfway mark (after 4-5 minutes), gently open the air fryer basket and use tongs to flip each patty. This step is vital for promoting even browning and crispiness on both sides. Continue cooking until the patties are beautifully golden brown, heated through, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 160°F (71°C) for pork sausage, or 165°F (74°C) for turkey or chicken sausage.
4. Rest and Serve: Once the patties have reached the correct internal temperature, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to rest for a minute or two on a plate before serving. This brief resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the patty, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite breakfast accompaniments.

Cooking Different Types of Sausage Patties

The air fryer is remarkably versatile, capable of cooking various forms of sausage patties. Here’s a quick guide for optimal results:

• For Raw Sausage Patties (Pork, Beef, or Homemade):
  • Temperature: 380-400°F (193-200°C)
  • Time: 8-12 minutes
  • Method: Preheat air fryer. Place patties in a single layer. Flip halfway through. Cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Thicker patties will require more time.
• For Frozen Raw Sausage Patties:
  • Temperature: 380°F (193°C)
  • Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Method: No need to thaw! Place frozen patties directly in the preheated air fryer. Flip halfway through cooking. Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The slightly longer cooking time allows them to fully cook from frozen.
• For Frozen Pre-Cooked Sausage Patties:
  • Temperature: 350-380°F (175-193°C)
  • Time: 6-10 minutes
  • Method: Place pre-cooked frozen patties in the air fryer. Flip halfway through. Cook until thoroughly heated through and crisp, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For Leftover/Reheated Cooked Patties:
  • Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
  • Time: 3-5 minutes
  • Method: To bring back that fresh-cooked crispness, place refrigerated cooked patties in the preheated air fryer until warmed through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

To consistently achieve the best air fryer sausage patties – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly cooked – keep these expert tips in mind:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is arguably the most critical rule for air frying. For maximum crispiness and even cooking, ensure that patties are placed in a single layer with sufficient space between them. If your air fryer basket is small, cook in multiple batches. Overlapping or piling up patties will obstruct air circulation, leading to steamed, rather than fried, and less crispy results.
• Always Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just as you would with a conventional oven, preheating the air fryer is essential. It ensures the cooking surface is hot from the moment the food goes in, promoting immediate searing and a superior crispy texture. Skipping preheating can lead to longer cooking times and less consistent browning.
• Flip for Even Browning: While air fryers are designed for circulating hot air, a quick flip halfway through the cooking cycle is highly recommended. This ensures both sides of the patty develop that desirable golden-brown crust, enhancing both appearance and taste.
• Use an Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: For both food safety and to prevent overcooking, always verify the internal temperature of your sausage patties. For raw pork sausage, aim for 160°F (71°C). For raw turkey or chicken sausage, and for reheating pre-cooked patties, the safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). This tool guarantees juicy results every time.
• Adjust Time for Patty Size and Thickness: Not all sausage patties are created equal. Thicker or larger patties will naturally require more cooking time than thinner ones. Always use the recommended cooking times as a guideline and adjust as needed, relying on your meat thermometer for accuracy. Very thick patties might need up to 12-15 minutes.
• Consider Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liners: For even easier cleanup, especially with greasier sausages, you can use perforated air fryer parchment paper liners. Just make sure they don’t block the air circulation vents in your basket.
• Avoid Adding Unnecessary Oil: Most store-bought pork sausage patties contain enough fat to cook and crisp up perfectly in the air fryer without any additional oil. In fact, adding more oil can make them excessively greasy. If you’re cooking very lean homemade patties (e.g., pure turkey), a very light spritz of high-heat cooking oil can be beneficial to prevent sticking and aid in browning.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer sausage patties are incredibly versatile and can be the star or a supporting player in a wide array of delicious meals. Here are some inspiring ideas to make your breakfast or brunch memorable:

• The Classic Breakfast Plate: Pair your perfectly cooked sausage patties with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy air fryer hash browns or tater tots, and a slice of buttered toast or a warm biscuit. A side of fresh fruit adds a refreshing touch.
• Hearty Breakfast Sandwiches: Create a satisfying morning meal by placing a hot sausage patty inside a toasted English muffin, bagel, or biscuit, topped with a slice of melty cheese and a perfectly fried or scrambled egg. Add a dollop of ketchup or your favorite hot sauce.
• Breakfast Burritos or Tacos: Crumble the cooked patties and mix them with scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, a spoonful of salsa, and creamy avocado. Wrap this delicious filling in a warm flour tortilla for a grab-and-go meal.
• Sweet & Savory Combo: The savory richness of sausage patties beautifully complements the sweetness of pancakes, waffles, or French toast. This combination offers a balanced and utterly satisfying meal that’s perfect for a leisurely weekend.
• Nutritious Breakfast Bowls: Build a wholesome breakfast bowl with a base of roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, or rice. Top it with sliced sausage patties, a poached egg, fresh avocado, and a sprinkle of chopped chives or cilantro for a vibrant and filling start to your day.
• Alongside Other Air Fryer Delights: Maximize your air fryer’s potential by pairing sausage patties with other air-fried favorites like crispy bacon, roasted vegetables, or even baked apples for a complete and easy meal.

Storage and Reheating

Air fryer sausage patties are fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy quick, warm breakfasts throughout the week without extra cooking. Proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining their delicious texture:

• Storing Cooked Patties: Once your sausage patties are cooked, allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Cooked Patties: For longer storage, cooked patties freeze exceptionally well. Arrange the cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper if desired. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. For best results, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, though they can also be reheated directly from frozen with slightly adjusted times.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: This is the superior method for reheating as it helps restore the patties’ crispiness. Place cold (refrigerated) patties in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C). Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping once, until they are heated through and slightly crisp. For frozen cooked patties, increase the time to 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Reheating in the Microwave: While quicker, using a microwave will result in a softer texture and won’t bring back the crispiness. Heat refrigerated patties for 30-60 seconds, or frozen patties for 1-2 minutes, until warm. It’s a good option in a pinch, but the air fryer is preferred for quality.

Air Fryer Sausage Patties FAQs