Chinese sausage, also known as lap cheong, is a type of cured pork sausage that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It has a sweet, savory flavor that adds a delicious umami kick to any dish. While Chinese sausage can be pan-fried, boiled, or steamed, cooking it in an air fryer results in the perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior.
In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook Chinese sausage to crispy mouthwatering perfection in an air fryer.
Chinese sausage, known as lop cheong or lap cheong in Cantonese, is a type of cured, smoked sausage that originated in southern China. It is made from minced pork and pork fat, combined with sweetening agents like sugar or honey, soy sauce, rice wine, and spices.
There are two main varieties of Chinese sausage:
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Sweet Chinese sausage – This more common variety has a reddish-brown color and a pronounced sweet taste thanks to the addition of honey or sugar
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Savory Chinese sausage – The savory variety is darker in color and gets its rich umami flavor from dark soy sauce It has less sweetness than the sweet variety.
In addition to its distinctive sweet-savory taste, Chinese sausage has a very firm, dense texture unlike many other sausages. This hearty sausage keeps well without refrigeration due to the curing process.
Benefits of Cooking Chinese Sausage in an Air Fryer
While Chinese sausage is versatile and can be cooked in many ways, using an air fryer offers some major benefits:
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Healthier than frying – Air frying uses significantly less oil than pan or deep frying, resulting in a healthier final product.
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Crispy exterior – The hot air circulating in the air fryer crisps up and browns the exterior beautifully.
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Tender and juicy interior – The interior remains moist and tender thanks to the shorter cooking time.
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Quick and convenient – Air fryers cook food very quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Easy to cook in batches – Most air fryers can accommodate several sausages at once.
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Great for reheating – Leftover air fried sausage reheats wonderfully while maintaining texture.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Air Frying Chinese Sausage
Cooking Chinese sausage in an air fryer is easy once you know the basic steps. Here is a simple, foolproof method:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
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The first step is to preheat your air fryer. This helps ensure the air inside reaches the proper temperature.
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Set your air fryer temperature to 400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sausages
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While the air fryer preheats, prep your sausages. Rinse them under cool water and pat dry.
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Slice sausages diagonally into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices. Cutting on an angle increases surface area for crispiness.
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Prick the sausage casings all over with a fork. This prevents them from bursting.
3. Air Fry in a Single Layer
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Place the sliced sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overcrowding.
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Overcrowding prevents even cooking and also leads to steaming instead of frying.
4. Air Fry for 8-10 Minutes
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Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes initially. The thinner the slices, the less time needed.
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For thicker slices or whole sausage links, cook for 12-15 minutes.
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Flipping the sausages halfway through results in even cooking on both sides.
5. Check for Doneness
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Check that the sausages are browned on the outside and the interior reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer.
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If needed, cook for 2-3 more minutes until properly browned and cooked through.
6. Allow to Rest
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Once cooked, remove the air fried Chinese sausages from basket and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
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This allows the juices to redistribute evenly.
And that’s it! With just 6 simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked Chinese sausage with a crispy, caramelized exterior and a tender, juicy interior.
Tips for the Best Results When Air Frying Chinese Sausage
Follow these tips and tricks to take your air fried Chinese sausage to the next level:
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Use a wire rack in the air fryer basket to maximize air circulation and prevent sticking.
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Brush sausages lightly with oil before air frying for extra crispiness and color.
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For fully cooked sausages, just air fry until browned and heated through.
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Add a splash of rice wine vinegar or shaoxing wine to boost flavor.
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Cook different sliced thicknesses separately to account for varied cook times.
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If reheating leftovers, air fry at a lower temp (325°F) just until heated through.
How to Tell When Chinese Sausage is Fully Cooked
Since Chinese sausage is cured, it can be enjoyed cooked or uncooked. However, for food safety it’s best to cook it fully. Here’s how to know when it’s done:
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Color – The exterior should be browned and slightly crispy looking. The interior will turn from pink to brown.
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Texture – Properly cooked sausage will be firm to the touch but tender when bitten into.
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Temperature – Use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F.
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Time – If sliced 1/4 inch thick, sausage should take 8-12 minutes to cook through.
If you are reheating precooked Chinese sausage, you just need to heat it until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes.
Serving and Storing Leftover Air Fried Chinese Sausage
Air fried Chinese sausage truly shines when added to some classic Chinese dishes. It also keeps well for quick meals.
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For the best flavor, enjoy air fried sausage immediately. The crispiness declines over time.
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Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat leftover sausage in the air fryer at 325°F for 2-3 minutes.
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Sliced sausage can also be frozen for 1-2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Some delicious ways to use your freshly air fried Chinese sausage:
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Breakfast fried rice or egg rolls
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Buddha’s Delight or other veggie stir fries
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Wonton or egg drop soup
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Charcuterie or cheese boards
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Omelets, scrambles, or quiche
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Stuffed into baozi buns or gyoza
FAQs About Cooking Chinese Sausage in an Air Fryer
What’s the best air fryer temperature for Chinese sausage?
The ideal air fryer temperature for Chinese sausage is 400°F. This hot temperature helps achieve a crispy exterior while cooking the interior safely.
How long should I cook Chinese sausage in an air fryer?
Thinly sliced Chinese sausage takes 8-10 minutes at 400°F. Thicker slices can take 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness to confirm.
Can I air fry frozen Chinese sausage?
Yes, you can absolutely air fry frozen Chinese sausage! Just add 2-3 minutes to the cook time and check frequently for doneness.
Should I flip Chinese sausage during air frying?
Flipping the sausage midway through air frying helps ensure even browning and cooking on both sides. Use tongs to carefully flip.
Can I reheat leftover air fried Chinese sausage?
Absolutely! To reheat, place air fried sausage pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 325°F for 2-3 minutes, until warmed through.
For Perfectly Air Fried Chinese Sausage Every Time
Cooking Chinese sausage in the air fryer results in the ideal texture – crispy brown exterior encasing a tender, juicy interior with wonderful sweet-savory flavor in every bite.
Follow this simple guide for foolproof results. Adjust cook times as needed based on thickness and your particular air fryer model. Soon you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality Chinese sausage anytime with ease. Air fried sausage also makes for quick, delicious meals all week when added to fried rice, stir fries, omelets, and more.