Super easy. Super tasty! Air fryer chicken sausage is always a popular choice for a quick and delicious dinner. They’re a leaner alternative to pork sausages so perfect for those times you want a tasty but light sausage.
There are so many different ways you can serve air fryer chicken sausages. Use them whenever you would reach for a traditional sausage. As part of a breakfast, in a hot dog bun, in a traybake or alongside potatoes or slice them up and add them to a casserole. I love serving them with crispy roast potatoes, diced potatoes or air fryer French fries. You could even whip them up as part of an air fryer barbecue feast alongside air fryer barbecue chicken.
Although sausages are a processed food, there are a lot of great brands out there that prioritise quality. This time I used the Heck Italian chipolata chicken sausages. I love this brand because they have great values. In fact, HECK stands for Health, Environment, Community and Kindness. You can use any brand in this method but it’s worth looking for high-quality sausages that are produced ethically.
WHY CHICKEN SAUSAGES ARE SO GOOD
Chicken sausages are a great alternative to traditional pork sausages. Here’s why chicken sausages deserve a regular spot on your plate.
1. They’re a Lighter Option (But Still Full of Flavor)
Chicken sausages are typically leaner than traditional pork sausages, making them a great choice if you’re after something a little lighter without sacrificing taste. Thanks to clever seasoning — think garlic, herbs, smoky spices, even a hint of sweetness — chicken sausages can be just as juicy and flavorful, but often with less fat and fewer calories. You get all the satisfaction of a sausage, with a lighter touch.
2. Perfect for Quick, Easy Meals
Chicken sausages cook up fast — whether you’re pan-frying, grilling, or popping them in the air fryer. They’re a lifesaver on busy nights when you want real food but don’t have hours to spare. Slice them into pasta, toss them in a stir-fry, grill them for a BBQ, or simply pair them with a side salad and roasted veg. Dinner? Done.
3. So Many Flavors to Choose From
Mild Italian, spicy chipotle, sweet apple, herby garlic — chicken sausages come in lots of flavors. This means you can easily switch things up depending on your mood or the recipe you're making. They’re versatile enough for everything from cozy casseroles to breakfast sandwiches.
4. Family-Friendly and Fuss-Free
Chicken sausages. They’re mild enough for picky eaters but easy to dress up with sauces, dips, or sides for those who want a little extra zing. Plus, they’re easy to slice into bite-size pieces - perfect for little hands or quick lunches.
5. A Great Swap in All Your Favorite Recipes
Anywhere you might use traditional sausages, chicken sausages can step in beautifully. Think casseroles, pasta bakes, sausage rolls, one-pan roasts, or hearty breakfast plates.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS METHOD FOR CHICKEN SAUSAGES IN AN AIR FRYER
- The easiest way to cook chicken sausages — straight from the fridge or freezer
- Quicker than oven or stovetop cooking
- Less mess than frying sausages
- Super simple and ready in around 15-20 minutes
- Juicy on the inside, golden on the outside
- A lighter option that’s naturally gluten-free and lower in fat
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE AIR FRYER CHICKEN SAUSAGES
A pack of chicken sausages – I decided to make air fryer Italian sausages using HECK’s Chicken Italia Chipolatas, but you can use whatever flavor and brand you prefer.
A drizzle of oil – I used rapeseed oil but you can use olive oil, vegetable oil or sunflower oil, or your preferred air frying oil. Find out more about the best oils to use in an air fryer here.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN SAUSAGES IN AN AIR FRYER
Making these air fryer chicken sausages is so easy!
I just placed them into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Drizzle with a little rapeseed oil and cook at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes.
Remember to turn them a couple of times during the cooking process to make sure they browned evenly. Depending on the thickness of your sausages, they may take a couple of minutes more (or less) so keep an eye on them.
TOP TIPS
Air fry the chicken sausages in a single layer and turn regularly to ensure they cook evenly.
ALTERNATIVES/SUBSTITUTIONS
These air fryer Italian sausages were a big hit but you can use any flavor of chicken sausage you like. This method also works for regular sausages and even vegan or vegetarian sausages. Just check during the cooking process as different types of sausage might not take as long to cook as others.
REHEATING AND STORAGE
If you don't manage to eat all of the sausages right away, you can pop them into the fridge to enjoy later. Here's how:
Once cooked, chicken sausages should be cooled quickly and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 3-4 minutes or until piping hot all the way through. Avoid reheating more than once, and always make sure they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. If in doubt, give them a quick slice — they should be steaming hot inside.
Find out more about cooking and reheating foods safely.
FAQs
Nope! There's no need to prick chicken sausages. Unlike traditional pork sausages, chicken sausages are often leaner and have a more delicate casing. Pricking them can cause juices to escape, making them dry out during cooking.
Yes, you can cook them straight from frozen — just allow a few extra minutes. Always check they’re fully cooked through, with no pink in the middle and piping hot all the way.
Chicken sausages are super versatile! The air fryer is my favorite cooking method for fast, fuss-free cooking with a crispy outside and juicy center.
They should be golden on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re unsure, cut one open — it should be firm, juicy, and completely cooked through.
Yes! Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat once until steaming hot all the way through. The air fryer or oven helps keep them crisp without drying them out.
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 pack Chicken sausages
- 1 teaspoon oil
Instructions
- Remove all packaging and place your chicken sausages into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Drizzle with a little rapeseed oil and cook at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes.
- Turn the sausages a couple of times during the cooking process to make sure they browned evenly. Once golden and cooked all the way through, remove carefully and enjoy.
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