How Long To Cook Raw Chicken Sausage In Air Fryer

How Long to Cook Raw Chicken Sausage in an Air Fryer?

So you've got a pack of delicious raw chicken sausage and your trusty air fryer, ready to create a quick and flavorful meal. But how long does it take? Let's dive into the perfect cooking time and temperature for perfectly cooked chicken sausage in your air fryer.

Understanding Cooking Time Variables

The cooking time for raw chicken sausage in an air fryer depends on several factors:

• Thickness of the sausage: Thicker sausages will naturally require longer cooking times to ensure they're cooked through.
• Type of sausage: Some sausages are denser than others, impacting cooking time.
• Air fryer model: Air fryers vary in power and heat distribution, so cooking times may need slight adjustments depending on your model.
• Desired doneness: Do you prefer your sausage slightly pink in the center, or completely cooked through?

General Cooking Guidelines

As a general guideline, expect to cook raw chicken sausage in an air fryer for 12-18 minutes at 375°F (190°C). However, it is crucial to always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare your sausage: Remove sausages from packaging. If they're tightly clustered, slightly separate them to allow for even air circulation.
2. Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for optimal results. This ensures even cooking from the start.
3. Place sausages in the air fryer basket: Arrange the sausages in a single layer, ensuring they're not overcrowded. Overcrowding will hinder proper air circulation and lead to uneven cooking.
4. Cook for 12-18 minutes: Cook for the initial 12 minutes, then check for doneness. If they're not fully cooked, continue cooking in 2-3 minute increments, checking frequently with a meat thermometer.
5. Check internal temperature: Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the sausage. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
6. Rest (optional): Once cooked, remove the sausages from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful sausage.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken Sausage

• Don't overcrowd the basket: This prevents even cooking and could lead to unevenly cooked sausages. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Flip halfway through: For more even browning, flip the sausages halfway through the cooking process.
• Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure the chicken sausage is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Experiment with seasonings: Before air frying, try adding your favorite seasonings – garlic powder, paprika, black pepper – for extra flavor.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer chicken sausage!

Troubleshooting

• Sausages are burning: If your sausages are burning before reaching the desired internal temperature, reduce the air fryer temperature slightly.
• Sausages are undercooked: If the sausages are undercooked, increase the cooking time in small increments, checking frequently with a meat thermometer.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can consistently achieve perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful chicken sausage every time you use your air fryer. Remember, safety is key – always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer!