Are you tired of cooking sausage patties on the stovetop and dealing with grease splatters? Yeah, me too! Let me show you how to cook sausage patties in an air fryer to get crispy edges, juicy centers, and minimal mess. This is faster, healthier, and easier—perfect whether you’re cooking breakfast for one or meal-prepping for the entire family. We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! Air frying reduces fat content by up to 75% compared to pan-frying. It’s a healthier way to enjoy sausage patties without sacrificing that yummy flavor. Preheat your air fryer in a few minutes and have perfectly cooked sausage patties in just 5-7 minutes at 400°F. Who knew crispy breakfast sausage cound be ready so quick? Spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal. Say goodbye to grease splatters and hello to dishwasher-safe air fryer trays.
Why Choose an Air Fryer for Sausage Patties?
Cooking sausage patties in an air fryer is a game-changer for breakfast lovers. Unlike stovetop frying, which leaves your kitchen splattered with grease and requires constant attention, air frying is hands-off, quick, and healthier. The hot air circulation in an air fryer cooks the patties evenly, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Plus, the excess fat drips away into the basket, reducing the overall fat content by up to 75% compared to traditional frying methods, according to Healthline. Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, raw, or pre-cooked patties, the air fryer delivers consistent results with minimal cleanup.
What You’ll Need
To get started, you only need a few things:
- Sausage Patties: Fresh, frozen, raw, or pre-cooked pork, turkey, or chicken sausage patties. Popular brands like Jimmy Dean or Johnsonville work great, or you can make your own with ground meat and spices.
- Air Fryer: Any model will do, but basket-style air fryers are most common for this recipe.
- Optional: Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper for easier cleanup and extra crispiness. Most sausage patties have enough fat to prevent sticking, so this is optional.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the patties reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F for raw pork or 145°F for pre-cooked patties.
No extra oil is needed, as sausage patties naturally release fat during cooking, making this a low-mess, low-fuss option.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Sausage Patties in an Air Fryer
Here’s how to cook sausage patties to perfection, whether they’re fresh, frozen, raw, or pre-cooked. Follow these steps for juicy, crispy results every time.
the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 2-3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy exterior. If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating (check the manual), you can skip this step and add a minute or two to the cooking time.
the Patties
Remove the sausage patties from their packaging. If you’re making homemade patties, mix ground pork, turkey, or chicken with seasonings like fennel seeds, sage, garlic powder, or black pepper. Form them into 2-3 inch wide patties, about ¾ inch thick, and make a slight dent in the center to prevent puffing up during cooking. For store-bought patties, no prep is needed—just open the package.
in the Air Fryer
Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches. For easier cleanup, line the basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil, or lightly spritz with non-stick cooking spray if desired.
the Patties
Cooking times vary based on whether the patties are fresh, frozen, raw, or pre-cooked:
- Fresh Raw Patties: Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for pork or 165°F for poultry.
- Frozen Raw Patties: Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Ensure the internal temperature is 160°F or higher.
- Pre-cooked Frozen Patties: Cook at 390°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway. Since they’re already cooked, you’re just heating and browning them.
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness, as air fryer models and patty thickness can affect cooking times. If you like extra crispy patties, add 1-2 minutes, but check frequently to avoid overcooking.
and Serve
Remove the patties from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. Let them rest for 1-2 minutes to lock in the juices. Serve hot with eggs, toast, pancakes, or in a breakfast sandwich with an English muffin, cheese, and a slice of tomato.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sausage Patties
- Don’t Skip the Thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures food safety. Raw pork sausages need to hit 160°F, while pre-cooked ones are safe at 145°F, per USDA guidelines.
- Adjust for Your Air Fryer: Models vary in wattage and size. Start checking for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time.
- Try Homemade Patties: Mix 1 lb of ground pork with 1 tsp each of fennel seeds, sage, garlic powder, and salt, plus a pinch of black pepper for a custom flavor. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to make it easier to form patties.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Make Cleanup Easy: Use air fryer liners or parchment paper to catch grease and simplify cleanup.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Sausage Patties
Sausage patties are versatile and can elevate any meal. Try these ideas:
- Classic Breakfast Plate: Pair with scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, and fruit for a hearty start to the day.
- Breakfast Sandwich: Stack a patty with a fried egg and cheese on a toasted English muffin or biscuit.
- Breakfast Wrap: Dice the patties and add to a tortilla with eggs, cheese, and veggies for a grab-and-go meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with air-fried veggies or a side salad for a keto-friendly breakfast.
- Brunch Upgrade: Crumble cooked patties over an omelet or mix into a breakfast casserole.
For more breakfast inspiration, check out Bon Appétit’s breakfast recipes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Basket: Always cook in a single layer to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Skipping the Flip: While some air fryers cook evenly without flipping, most benefit from a midway flip for uniform crispiness.
- Cooking Frozen Raw Patties Without Thawing: For raw frozen patties, thaw them in the fridge overnight for even cooking, or add extra time and check the internal temperature.
- Overcooking: Check early to avoid dry patties. If they’re too dry, try lowering the temperature to 375°F and reducing the cook time slightly.
Cooking sausage patties in an air fryer is fast, easy, and healthier than traditional stovetop frying. Plus, you’ll get perfectly crispy edges and juicy centers every time! Give this a try and enjoy a stress-free breakfast. Want more air fryer recipes? Check out KaseyTrenum.com and BoomHavenFarms.com for more delicious ideas! … Skip the stovetop mess! These air fryer sausage patties come out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside in just minutes. Whether you’re making breakfast for one or meal prepping for the week, this is the easiest and cleanest way to cook sausage patties. … Keyword: air fryer breakfast sausage, air fryer pork sausage, air fryer sausage patties, crispy sausage patties air fryer, easy air fryer breakfast, how to cook sausage patties in air fryer, no mess breakfast sausage … Prepare the sausage patties – Remove the sausage patties from the packaging. … Remove and serve – Remove air fryer basket and transfer cooked sausage patties to a paper towel lined plate to absorb extra grease. Let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving warm. We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! Tried this recipe?Mention @kaseytrenumblogger or tag #kaseytrenumblogger! … I’m passionate about healthy living, cooking low carb foods, traveling, making memories with my family and encouraging others in everyday life.
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