Can you cook sausage patties in an air fryer? Absolutely! In this article, I’ll show you how to make homemade pork sausage patties in the air fryer, and I’ll even share my delicious recipe. Forget about using a meat grinder – making air fryer sausage patties is easy and hassle-free! Plus, I’ll provide cooking tips for both air frying and stovetop methods. So, get ready to enjoy the best breakfast ever by serving these pork sausage patties with eggs and fruit!
The Nutritional Value of Sausage Patties
When you think of a healthy breakfast, what comes to mind? You might be surprised to learn that this air fryer sausage patties recipe can be a nutritious choice, especially when paired with eggs and fruit. Unlike many popular breakfast foods like cereals and muffins, which are high in added sugar and low in protein, pork, eggs, and fruit are more nutrient-dense, filling, and, in my humble opinion, more delicious! Don’t be afraid to incorporate fresh pork sausage into your diet – it’s a healthy food option too!
The Benefits of Homemade Pork Sausage in an Air Fryer
Sure, buying premade sausage from the store is convenient, but making your own sausage in an air fryer comes with a range of benefits:
- Freshness: By making your own sausage, you can swap out processed meats for fresh ones, providing you with more filling protein than a couple of strips of bacon.
- Quick Cooking: Whether you’re using homemade sausage or store-bought pork sausage, your air fryer will cook it fast.
- Delicious Results: Both air frying and stovetop methods yield moist sausage patties with crispy brown edges that are simply delightful.
- Lower Fat: Air fryers are perfect for reducing the fat content of high-fat foods like sausage. So, if you’d like to lower the saturated fat in your diet while still enjoying fatty foods, an air fryer can be a valuable kitchen tool.
- No Unwanted Additives: Most store-bought breakfast sausage is considered ultra-processed, whereas making your own sausage improves the overall quality of your diet and helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Should You Save Sausage Grease?
While this may seem like an unusual topic, as a dietitian, I can assure you that saving the grease from air frying sausage has its advantages, as long as you’re not looking to reduce your saturated fat intake. Using a little pork fat leftover from cooking sausage offers benefits such as reducing food waste, saving money by using what you already have, aligning with the aim to eat whole foods, and even providing better cooking results and a more delicious taste compared to vegetable oils.
Ingredients and Equipment
To make air fryer pork sausage patties, you’ll need ground pork, dried sage, dried thyme, crushed fennel seeds, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, dry rolled oatmeal, and a large egg. The rolled oatmeal and egg act as binders in the recipe. If you prefer gluten-free sausage, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. You won’t need cooking oil spray because ground pork naturally contains enough fat to prevent sticking in the air fryer.
For cooking, you’ll either need a cast-iron skillet and meat thermometer if using the stovetop method or an air fryer (such as the 10-Quart Kalorik Digital Air Fryer Oven) and a meat thermometer if air frying. Other air fryer brands like Ninja Foodi, Cosori, Nuwave, Instant Vortex, Cuisinart, Philips, and Power Air Fryer can also be used.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Air frying sausage patties is quick and easy. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Dividing the sausage mixture into four equal pieces, shape them into patties that are 3-3½ inches in diameter and ½-inch thick. Place the patties on a hot air fryer tray in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry the patties at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
If you prefer the stovetop method, brown the patties in a cast-iron skillet for 4-5 minutes per side over medium heat. Ensure the internal temperature of the patties reaches at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Leftover Sausage Patties and Expert Tips
If you have leftover air fried sausage patties, they can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. You can also use them in delicious recipes like Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms, One Pot Sausage and Bean Soup, or Lasagne con Zucchine (Lasagna with Zucchini). Reheating the fully cooked patties in the air fryer is easy. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, then cook the patties on the top tray for 3-5 minutes.
As a dietitian, I recommend creating meals that contain protein, fiber, and water for better satiety and weight management. Experiment with different meals to find what works best for you. Some people find higher fat meats and dairy products more filling, while others prefer higher volume meals with low-calorie veggies and fruits. It’s all about finding a balance that satisfies and supports your goals.
More Recipes and Final Thoughts
If you enjoy making sausage, why not try other homemade sausage recipes? You can use a meat grinder to make sausage from various cuts and types of meat. Leaner options can be made using chicken and pork, resulting in sausages far tastier than store-bought ones. Recipes like Fennel Sausage, Homemade Sausage with Chicken, Feta, and Sun-dried Tomatoes, Chicken Bratwurst with Pork, and Chorizo are worth trying. Feel free to explore and get creative!
Remember, all recipes on this website may or may not be suitable for your needs, so consult with a registered dietitian or your physician to determine the best dietary pattern for you. The provided nutrition information is just an estimate and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used. Lastly, don’t get too caught up in calorie numbers – focus on enjoying delicious, whole foods.
For the full recipe, nutritional information, and more, visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill and subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest and greatest recipes!