Vienna sausages hold a special place in many people’s hearts. These bite-sized, smoked sausages deliver a savory meatiness that just hits the spot. However, traditionally Vienna sausages are boiled or fried which can leave them lacking in texture and flavor. This is where the air fryer comes in!
Air frying takes these little links to the next level with irresistible crispness and intensity of taste. Read on to learn how long to air fry Vienna sausages to crispy, juicy perfection.
Benefits of Air Frying Vienna Sausages
Air frying offers significant advantages over other cooking methods for Vienna sausages
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Crispy exterior – The circulating hot air crisps up the outside to golden, crunchy perfection.
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Juicy interior – The sausages stay moist and juicy inside thanks to the shorter cooking time.
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Intensified flavor – Air frying locks in the smoky, savory taste and makes it even more robust.
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Reduced fat – Air frying uses little to no oil compared to frying in grease or butter. A healthier cooking method.
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Convenience – Just toss them in the basket and air fry for a quick, easy snack or meal component
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Versatility – Air fried sausages work in breakfasts, appetizers, main dishes, and more. The options are endless!
Step-by-Step Process for Air Frying Vienna Sausages
Air frying Vienna sausages is simple yet yields restaurant-quality results. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:
1. Prepare the Sausages
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Remove sausages from can and pat dry with paper towels.
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Use a sharp paring knife to pierce each sausage 4-5 times. This prevents “exploding.”
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Cut in half if desired for shorter cook time.
2. Preheat Air Fryer
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Set temperature to 390°F – 400°F.
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Allow 3-5 minutes for preheating.
3. Add Sausages to Air Fryer
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Spray basket lightly with oil or use air fryer liner for easy cleanup.
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Place sausages in a single layer, evenly spaced.
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Try not to overcrowd for best results. Cook in batches if needed.
4. Air Fry for 10-14 Minutes
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Cook for 5-7 minutes.
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Flip or rotate sausages.
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Cook 5-7 minutes more until hot and lightly browned.
5. Check Internal Temperature
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Verify temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
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If needed, cook for 2-3 more minutes and recheck.
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Remove immediately when fully cooked.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
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Eat as is or add desired toppings/condiments.
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Pair with favorite sides like rice, baked potatoes, or roasted veggies.
Handy Air Fryer Time Chart for Vienna Sausages
Use this handy reference chart to air fry Vienna sausages to perfection:
| Sausage Type | Cook Time | Temp | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular or mini | 10-12 min | 390°F-400°F | Flip halfway |
| Jumbo | 12-14 min | 390°F-400°F | Flip halfway |
| Frozen | 12-16 min | 390°F-400°F | Flip halfway, add 2 min |
| Fresh | 8-10 min | 390°F-400°F | Flip halfway |
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For extra crispness, drizzle sausages with 1 tsp oil before cooking.
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Adjust time up or down based on your air fryer model and personal taste preferences.
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Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm minimum internal temperature of 160°F.
Helpful Air Frying Tips and Troubleshooting
Follow these handy tips and tricks for flawlessly air fried Vienna sausages every time:
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Cut sausages in half before air frying for faster, more even cooking.
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Use a liner or spray oil to prevent sticking. Parchment paper also works great.
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Don’t overcrowd. Leave space between sausages for air circulation.
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Flip halfway through – this ensures even browning and cooking.
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If not brown enough, increase time by 2-minute increments.
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If too brown outside but undercooked inside, lower temp 25 degrees and increase time.
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Too dry or shriveled? Reduce cook time and monitor closely.
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Uneven cooking?Rearrange sausages so evenly spaced in basket.
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Add desired sauces or spices before or after cooking to boost flavor.
Creative and Tasty Ways to Serve Air Fried Sausages
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving up these crave-worthy little links! Here are flavorful ideas:
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Street cart style – Pair with mustard, sauerkraut, and pretzel bun.
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Breakfast – Add to fried eggs or breakfast tacos with cheese.
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Lunch – Make mini sandwiches on dinner rolls with veggies and aioli.
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Appetizer – Serve popped on toothpicks with unique dipping sauces.
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Dinner – Toss with veggies and pasta for a quick one-pan meal.
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Skewers – Alternate with veggies, fruits, cheese for a fun snack.
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Nachos – Top chips with sausages, beans, salsa and all the fixings.
Take your Vienna sausages from boring to gourmet with the limitless flavor combinations you can create.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Here are answers to some common air frying queries:
How long do air fried sausages keep?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for 3-5 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I air fry frozen Vienna sausages?
Yes! Add 2 extra minutes to the cook time and flip halfway. Check internal temp.
Do I need to poke holes in the sausages?
Yes, piercing them in several spots prevents “exploding” while air frying.
Do I have to flip them halfway through?
Flipping ensures even cooking but you can skip it if you shake the basket instead.
What oil is best for spraying the air fryer?
Any high heat oil works well – canola, grapeseed, olive oil spray.
Take your Vienna sausage game to new heights with the precision and flavor of air frying. Ditch the boiling water and unlock the full potential of these little links. Just follow the tips above for hot, crispy, juicy sausages in minutes.