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Smoke sausages are all the rage these days, and we have to admit that they are yummy appetizers.
Smoked sausage in an air fryer can serve as the main dish or be enjoyed as a snack. They come out full of delicious flavor, hearty and smokey.
Everyone loves the flavor and convenience of deliciously smoked sausage. Discover your new favorite way to heat these links with this guide to cooking smoked sausage in the air fryer!
What is Smoked Sausage?
Smoked sausage is a popular type of sausage that comes in many forms. Often this sausage is made from pork, but smoked turkey and beef sausages are also quite popular. It is most commonly sold in link or ropes, and the sausages have already been fully smoked so all they require is a warm-up.
Smoked sausages come in so many brands and varieties! Sausage makers vary everything from the type of wood they smoke to the spices and herbs they use in the sausages. This means there is bound to be smoked sausage that makes your palate.
Common varieties of smoked sausage include applewood smoked sausage, hickory smoked sausage, cheddar smoked sausage, andouille smoked sausage, and kielbasa smoked sausage.
Why Air Fry Smoked Sausage?
Air frying is an amazing way to give the sausage a perfectly snappy skin while trapping in the succulent juices in these smoky links. It’s a super efficient way to warm up these fully cooked sausages while still delivering a big taste and texture!
Air frying is faster than the oven in almost every way. An average air fryer preheats in a couple of minutes whereas a much larger oven can take upwards of 15 minutes to preheat. This makes the air fryer the ultimate choice for quick and even heating.
The air fryer does not require extra cooking oil, butter, or fat to make the skin of this sausage crunch! Thanks to convection cooking, it can circulate even heat around the sausage to cook it perfectly without the fat!
Getting Ready to Air Fry Smoked Sausage
There are a few simple steps to help you prepare to cook these sausages. Take these steps to help you prepare:
- Place the Air Fryer – The air fryer is a safe countertop appliance when used properly and that starts with placement. Position the air fryer on a clean, dry counter not up against a wall or touching anything else.
- Clean Things up – Wipe down the exterior of the air fryer and then remove the basket. If it is not cleaned, wash it out and allow it to dry before using.
- Set up the Station – Arrange everything you will need to air fry, like a hot pad or trivet, tongs, and a plate.
Should Smoked Sausage be Sliced Before Air Frying?
The answer to this question really comes down to how you’re going to eat the sausage. Some enjoy smoked sausage on a roll like a brat or hot dog, while others love it in rice or pasta.
If you are heating up the smoke sausage for a rice dish you can cut the rope or links into discs before air frying. If you have a rope of sausage but want to eat it on a bun then cut it down to size before air frying.
Use your best judgment based on how you plan to use the sausage.
How to Serve Air-Fried Smoked Sausage
Smoked sausage’s serving options are about as varied as the sausages themselves. You can do just about anything with this delicious meaty staple! Serve the sausage warm out of the air fryer for the most flavorful results.
If you’re not sure how to enjoy this smoky snack, try one of these tasty ideas:
1. Smoked Sausage Roll
Have a link or half a rope of smoked sausage on a bun. Top it with brown or Dijon mustard and caramelized onions for the perfect handheld meal!
2. Smoked Sausage and Rice
While this sausage cooks, make rice using vegetable stock instead of water. Add your favorite spices to the cooked rice and then stir in the sausage. It’s a great way to get meat and grains all in one delicious dish!
3. Smoked Sausage and Roasted Potatoes
If you have a dual-compartment air fryer this smoked sausage dish is a dream! Set up the smoked sausage in the first basket and then fry fingerling potatoes in the other basket. Serve them together to make a filling and flavorful dish!
How do I Clean the Air Fryer?
After cooking something as aromatic as a smoked sausage, you will want to clean your air fryer well. Here are a couple of tips on how to properly clean that smoky smell out of your air fryer:
- Always let the air fryer cool before cleaning and then remove the basket and take out the tray.
- Hand-wash the basket and tray with warm soapy water; be careful not to submerge the basket in the water.
- Hand-dry the basket and tray, and before replacing them, wipe the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth.
- Replace the basket and wipe the exterior of the whole air fryer with a damp cloth.
Keeping your air fryer clean is the key to keeping it working longer, so take good care of your tools!
Wrapping Up
The air fryer is no doubt super efficient and air fried smoked sausage comes with a unique flavor that suits many people’s taste buds. Smoked sausage in an air fryer is full of smokey delicious flavor, saves time and you can serve as a side for breakfast or in buns.
