How to Cook Perfect Air Fryer Turkey Sausage: Easy, Healthy, & Fast Breakfasts
Discover the ultimate method for making incredibly delicious and remarkably healthy turkey sausage in your air fryer. This culinary hack transforms your breakfast routine, offering a quicker, easier, and significantly cleaner way to prepare a staple meal. Unlike traditional pan-frying, air frying allows excess fat to beautifully drain away into the bottom of the air fryer drawer, preventing the sausages from reabsorbing it. This results in a leaner, healthier sausage that’s just as juicy and flavorful.
The air fryer truly shines when it comes to efficiency and convenience. You can effortlessly cook a substantial batch of sausages at once – for example, I can fit up to 24 links in my Ninja Foodi Dual drawer, enough for meal prepping an entire week’s worth of breakfasts! This mass-cooking capability, combined with minimal cleanup, makes air frying vastly superior to the messy, time-consuming process of cooking sausages in a traditional frying pan. Say goodbye to grease splatters and constant flipping, and hello to perfectly cooked sausages with a fraction of the effort.
Turkey sausages are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for breakfast any day of the year. They pair wonderfully with classic breakfast items like eggs and toast, but also elevate dishes such as my Mexican Sheet Pan Eggs or a refreshing Old Fashioned Fruit Salad. They are a fantastic addition to countless other breakfast and brunch recipes, adding a lean protein boost to start your day right.
For years, I relied on pre-cooked turkey sausages from Costco for a quick and easy breakfast fix. A few minutes in the microwave, some boiled eggs, and I was all set! However, when they stopped stocking my favorite brand, I knew I needed a reliable solution to get my beloved turkey sausages back into my meal plan. That’s when my trusty air fryer came to the rescue. By cooking a large batch in the air fryer and then freezing them, I ensured a continuous supply of quick and easy breakfasts without sacrificing taste or health.
🥘 Simple Ingredients for Air Fryer Turkey Sausage
You’ll be surprised how few ingredients are needed for this convenient and healthy recipe. Simplicity is key to a quick breakfast!
- Turkey Breakfast Sausage: You can use any brand of turkey sausages you prefer. The instructions are also suitable for chicken sausages, or even other types of raw breakfast sausages. Personally, I adore maple-flavored turkey sausages for that hint of sweetness, but you can always add a drizzle of maple syrup to plain sausages if that’s your preference! Opt for fresh or thawed sausages for best results, though cooking from frozen is also possible with a slight adjustment in time (details below).
- Spray Cooking Oil: A light coating of oil is essential for achieving that desirable golden-brown exterior and crispy texture. I highly recommend using canola or avocado oil because both have a high smoke point, making them ideal for air frying. A high smoke point means the oil can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without breaking down and creating smoke or unpleasant flavors. Understanding oil smoke points is key for successful air frying. It’s also crucial to use a non-propellant spray oil, as aerosol cans with propellants can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer over time. Learn more about the best oils for air frying here!
*Refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact quantities and detailed notes.
🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Cook Turkey Sausages in the Air Fryer
Cooking turkey sausages in your air fryer is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful sausages every time:
- Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket. Begin by lightly spraying the bottom of your clean air fryer basket or drawer with a non-propellant cooking oil. Approximately 2 pumps should suffice to create a thin, even layer that prevents sticking and aids in browning.
- Step 2: Arrange the Sausages. Place the thawed, uncooked turkey sausages in a single layer on the air fryer grill plate. Ensure they are not stacked; it’s perfectly fine if they touch, but overcrowding should be avoided for even cooking.
*If you are cooking from frozen, please refer to the detailed NOTES section in the recipe card for specific instructions.
- Step 3: Lightly Coat with Oil. Spray an additional 3-4 pumps of cooking oil over the top of the turkey breakfast sausage links. This step is absolutely critical for achieving beautiful browning and that desired crispy skin. If using a dual air fryer, apply the same amount of oil to the sausages in the second drawer.
- Step 4: Set Air Fryer Temperature. Set your air fryer to air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius). If you’re using a dual-zone air fryer, remember to activate the ‘match cook’ function to synchronize cooking times and temperatures for both drawers.
- Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection. Air fry for approximately 12 minutes. Around the 5-6 minute mark, pause the air fryer to check on the sausages. Give them a good shake or use silicone tongs to turn them, ensuring even browning and cooking. Depending on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of your sausages, they might need an extra couple of minutes. The sausages are perfectly cooked when their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) as measured with a reliable meat thermometer.
- Step 6: Remove and Drain. Once cooked, carefully remove the sausages from the air fryer and place them onto a plate lined with paper towels. This helps to absorb any residual surface oil.
- Step 7: Blot for Extra Health. Gently pat the sausages with another paper towel to remove any further excess oil. While this step is optional, I highly recommend it, especially if you’re aiming for a leaner meal or plan to freeze them. Be aware that blotting can make them appear slightly less plump.
Pro Tip: Air fryer cooking times can vary significantly between different models and brands. The most reliable way to ensure your turkey sausages are perfectly cooked and safe to eat is by checking their internal temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer. Always aim for 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
💡 Expert Air Fryer Cooking Tips for Turkey Sausage
Achieve consistently perfect air fryer turkey sausages with these invaluable tips:
- Always Use a Non-Propellant Cooking Spray: This cannot be stressed enough! When spraying your turkey sausages (or any food in the air fryer), use a light spray of cooking oil that does NOT contain propellants (like some common aerosol sprays such as Pam). Propellants can build up on the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket, causing it to flake off over time and potentially contaminate your food. Always check the label to ensure your spray oil is propellant-free.
- Invest in Silicone Tongs: To protect the precious non-stick surface of your air fryer basket, I highly recommend using silicone-tipped tongs. Unlike metal tongs, which can scratch and damage the coating, silicone tongs are gentle yet effective for turning and removing your sausages.
- The Meat Thermometer is Your Best Friend: The most accurate and safest way to confirm that your turkey sausages are thoroughly cooked is by checking their internal temperature. An instant-read thermometer is an indispensable kitchen tool, not just for meat, but for ensuring proper doneness in everything from baked goods to casseroles! For turkey sausage, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: While the air fryer is fantastic for cooking larger batches, resist the urge to stack or overcrowd the sausages. Air fryers work by circulating hot air, and if the basket is too full, the air can’t circulate properly, leading to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Preheating: While not always strictly necessary for all air fryer recipes, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the sausages can help ensure more consistent cooking and quicker crisping, especially for items like sausages that benefit from immediate high heat.
🍳 What to Serve with Air Fried Turkey Sausage
Air-fried turkey sausages are a versatile protein that can be paired with a variety of dishes to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:
- Classic Breakfast Feast: For a comforting and traditional breakfast, serve these savory turkey sausages alongside fluffy Old Fashioned Pancakes, scrambled eggs, or a side of crispy hash browns.
- Special Occasion Brunch: Elevate your weekend brunch with a pairing of turkey sausages and an indulgent Overnight Carrot Cake French Toast Casserole. This combination is sure to impress your guests!
- Light & Healthy Options: If you’re looking to keep your meal on the lighter side, these sausages are excellent with a Weight Watchers Crustless Quiche or a batch of Roasted Red Pepper Egg White Bites. The lean protein of the turkey sausage complements these low-carb, high-protein options perfectly.
- Gourmet Breakfast Experience: For a truly special and elegant quick gourmet breakfast, try serving the air-fried turkey sausages with my sophisticated Prosciutto Eggs Benedict!
- Creative Appetizers: Don’t limit these sausages to just breakfast! They can be incorporated into other dishes, like my award-winning Maple Sausage Brunch Bites (as shown below), making them perfect for entertaining.
🌡️ How to Store and Reheat Air Fried Turkey Breakfast Sausages
Proper storage is key to enjoying your air-fried turkey sausages for days or even months. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Storage: For immediate consumption, store any leftover cooked sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, allow the sausages to cool completely after cooking. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty Ziplock freezer bag. They can be safely frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality or flavor. Freezing them in individual portions makes for even quicker future meals.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen turkey sausages, simply heat them from frozen in the microwave. Depending on the wattage and power of your microwave, they should be ready in about 30-50 seconds. For a crispier finish, you can also reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through.
👪 Yield and Serving Size
The number of sausages you can cook at once will primarily depend on the size and model of your air fryer. With my 8-quart Ninja Foodi Dual drawer air fryer, I can efficiently cook up to 24 sausages (typically two packages of 12 links) in a single batch. This makes it incredibly convenient for cooking for a family or for meal prepping throughout the week.
🔢 Weight Watchers (WW) Points Information
For those tracking their nutritional intake, turkey sausages are a fantastic Weight Watchers-friendly option. On my personal plan, 2 air-fried turkey sausages are typically counted as 3 WW points. This is comparable to popular brands like Costco’s Smokey River brand, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and satisfying meal that aligns with your wellness goals.
❔ Frequently Asked Questions About Air Frying Turkey Sausage
Generally, fresh or thawed turkey sausages cook in an air fryer for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (176°C). Thicker sausages may require a minute or two longer, so always check the internal temperature for doneness.
Absolutely! Cooking frozen turkey sausages in the air fryer is entirely possible, though it will extend the cooking time. Expect them to take approximately 10 minutes longer than thawed sausages. Detailed instructions for cooking from frozen can be found in the NOTES section of the recipe card.
Yes, applying a light spray of non-propellant oil to your turkey sausages is highly recommended. This crucial step helps them brown beautifully, achieve a slightly crispy exterior, and prevents them from drying out or shriveling. Unlike pork sausage, which has higher fat content, turkey sausage contains only about one-third of the fat, so that external oil helps ensure they cook properly and develop a desirable texture in the air fryer.
For optimal results when cooking turkey sausages in an air fryer, set the temperature to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C). This temperature provides a good balance for cooking them through evenly while also browning the exterior.
Yes, for the best and most even cooking, it’s a good practice to flip or shake your turkey sausages halfway through the cooking time. This ensures all sides get exposed to the circulating hot air, resulting in uniform browning and crispiness.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking a quick, easy, and undeniably healthier method for preparing delicious turkey sausage, your air fryer is the perfect kitchen companion. Enjoy the convenience and fantastic results!
More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes to Try
Loved how easy it was to cook turkey sausage in your air fryer? Expand your air fryer repertoire with these other fantastic recipes:
- Healthy Cinnamon Roll in a Mug
- Air Fryer Shredded Potato Pancakes
- Air Fryer Kielbasa (Kovbasa)
- How to Dehydrate Apples in the Air Fryer
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📋 Air Fryer Turkey Sausage: Quick & Healthy Recipe
Equipment
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air fryer
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instant read thermometer
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silicone tongs
Ingredients
- 24 turkey sausages
- spray oil * I use canola (no propellants)
Instructions
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Lightly spray the bottom of your air fryer basket or drawer with a non-propellant oil.
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Place thawed, uncooked sausages in a single layer on the air fryer grill (avoid stacking, though touching is okay).
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Spray 3-4 pumps of oil over the sausages, ensuring they are well coated for optimal browning. Use the same amount in the second drawer if using a dual air fryer. *Spraying with oil is crucial for browning and crispy skin.
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Set your air fryer to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C). If using a dual air fryer, set to match cook.
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Air fry for approximately 12 – 14 minutes. Check and turn or shake the sausages halfway through (at 5-6 minutes). *14 minutes often yields perfect results.
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Sausages are done when lightly browned and their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) using a meat thermometer.
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Remove cooked sausages and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
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For an even leaner result, gently pat them dry with another paper towel. *This step is optional, especially if freezing, but may make them appear slightly less plump.
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Serve immediately and enjoy, or cool completely and freeze for later (see Storage notes below).
Notes
- Spray your turkey sausages (and anything you put in the air fryer) with a light spray of cooking oil. Do NOT use an aerosol cooking spray with propellants (like Pam). Oil with propellants can cause damage to the surface of your air fryer and cause the coating to flake off and potentially onto your food. *The label will tell you whether it has propellants or not.
- I recommend you invest in some silicone tongs. They won’t damage the inside of your air fryer like metal ones will.
- Internal temperature is the best way to check for doneness. I recommend everyone own an instant-read thermometer. You can use it for everything (pie, bread etc) not just meat!
- Place grill base in basket or drawer. Spray bottom of air fryer with oil.
- Add frozen sausages in a single layer.
- Spray top of sausages with oil (2-3 sprays of non-propellant oil).
- Cook for 10 minutes on 350 degrees F (176°C), then shake or turn them. (If you have a drawer-type air fryer, you may want to drain any accumulated water under the grill at this point).
- Cook for 10 additional minutes (totaling approximately 20 minutes) or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.