Here is a quick and simple recipe if you are looking to cook delicious Italian sausage in an air fryer. Air fryer Italian sausage will be perfectly browned on the outside and so moist on the inside, from start to finish, all in 15 minutes!

Don’t forget to take a peek at our other air fryer recipes for more inspiration.

What is the difference between Italian sausage and Bratwurst?

Italian sausage is most often pork sausage that is made with fennel seed or anise, and garlic, as the primary seasonings. It usually comes as one of 2 kinds, hot or sweet, which is mild, and it packs tons of flavor. Sweet Italian sausage omits the pepper flakes but is the same otherwise as hot. It is the common type of sausage you find in pasta sauces and pizza toppings. As its name suggests, Italian sausage, or salsiccia in Italian, originated in Italy.

Bratwurst originated in Germany, and can be made of pork or veal. It is seasoned with ginger, nutmeg, coriander, or caraway. So both Italian sausage and Bratwurst are sausage, but the difference is Italian sausage is always made of pork, and Bratwurst can be made of veal or pork. The other difference is in the seasonings, and that makes them uniquely different.

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

Cook Italian sausage for 15 minutes at 360 degrees F, turning once when halfway done.

What temperature do you use to cook Italian sausage in an air fryer?

Cook Italian sausage at 360 degrees F for 15 minutes, turning once when halfway done.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No, there is no need to preheat the air fryer.

How do you cook Italian sausage in an air fryer?

Place air fryer parchment paper in the basket in order to soak up any grease from the sausages while cooking. This will prevent the air fryer from smoking during cooking;
Place the sausage on the paper, trying not to crowd them.
Cook for 15 minutes total at 360 degrees F flipping them one time halfway through.
Use a digital meat thermometer to check when the sausage has reached 165 degrees F.
Remove from the air fryer, cool for a few minutes, and serve.

Why do we love this recipe for air fryer Italian sausage?

It’s so quick and easy, and no extra oil is needed. You only need one ingredient, Italian sausage! We love Johnsonville Italian Sausage. The casing on the sausage will be crispy and browned, yet on the inside it will be moist and juicy. You can use the same method for cooking bratwurst. Clean up is easy when cooking in an air fryer.

How do you know when the Italian sausage is done?

After cooking in the air fryer for 15 minutes total, the Italian sausage should be done. Use a digital meat thermometer to check when the sausage has reached 165 degrees.

Will the air fryer get smoky when cooking Italian sausage?

Be sure to keep the air fryer clean. It is typically leftover oils from prior cooking that may cause some smoking. Italian sausage does have a high fat content, so use air fryer parchment paper with holes to cut down on smoke from the fat that is released during cooking.

Is it safe to eat undercooked Italian sausage?

It is never safe to eat undercooked Italian sausage or pork of any kind. It can result in food poisoning caused by bacteria and parasites in the meat. Trichinosis is commonly caused by undercooked pork. Uncomfortable symptoms include stomach and abdomen cramps, headache, and fever. As long as the Italian sausage is fresh and it is cooked properly, it is completely safe to eat and will not result in food poisoning.

Is air fried Italian sausage healthy?

Air fried Italian sausage can be enjoyed in moderation for those with healthy food habits. When using an air fryer, no added oil is needed, so air frying is the best way to enjoy Italian sausages.

Do you put oil in an air fryer?

There is no need to put oil in the air fryer when cooking Italian sausage.
Keep in mind, in 75% of what you cook in an air fryer, you will be using a small amount of oil either drizzled directly on the food, or sprayed into the basket of the air fryer. It is still much healthier than using a deep fryer and cheaper too! Again do not put oil in the basket of the air fryer when cooking Italian sausage.

Does Italian sausage stay moist when cooked in an air fryer?

When cooked at 360 degrees F for 15 minutes total, the casing will be crispy and browned, and the inside will be moist and juicy.

Can you use frozen Italian sausage to cook in an air fryer?

You may use frozen Italian sausage when cooking in an air fryer after it has thawed to room temperature.

Can you freeze Italian sausage after cooking in an air fryer?

When cooled to room temperature, place the leftover sausage in an airtight container or bag, and you may freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw to room temperature first, and the Italian sausage may be reheated in the air fryer.

How long can you safely store Italian sausage after cooking?

After cooling to room temperature, place the leftover Italian sausage in an airtight container and it can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

What do I serve with Italian sausage?

Grilled colorful red and yellow peppers and onions
Replace the Chicken in our Air Fryer Cajun Chicken and Veggies recipe.
Fried or roasted potatoes
Cut the sausage and place on your pizza
Serve with your favorite spaghetti or pasta sauce
Rice
Place in your favorite crusty roll and enjoy!

Tips and notes for making great Italian sausage in an air fryer:

You do not need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
There is no need to poke holes in the sausage prior to cooking.
Add sliced peppers and onions alongside the sausage in the air fryer as an option, if you have room without overcrowding.
Make sure the air fryer is clean to prevent smoking during cooking.
Italian sausage has some fat content which may smoke in an air fryer. Use parchment paper and check during cooking. You may also place a slice of bread on the bottom of the air fryer to soak up any grease. This works perfectly!
Don’t overcrowd the sausage and only use one layer. Overcrowding the sausage will prevent them from cooking properly.
Cooking times may vary a small amount due to the different varieties of Italian sausages. We love Johnsonville Italian sausage.
You can substitute bratwurst in the recipe and the cooking temp and time will be about the same if they are the same size as Italian sausage.