Perfectly Cooked Sausage in the Air Fryer - Easy Healthy Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Does air frying sausages make them healthier? ›

The Benefits of Air Frying Sausages

Healthier Option: Cooking sausages in an air fryer uses significantly less oil than traditional methods, making it a healthier choice.

Sausages can be cooked in numerous ways. In general, boiling and baking are the healthiest methods, as they don't require much oil. However, pan- and stir-frying are good options as long as you choose a healthy oil. Conversely, deep frying is the least healthy way because of the fat and calories it adds.

Pierce the sausages a few times all over using a sharp knife (this is optional, but will help release more fat). Arrange the sausages in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 180C and cook for 10-15 mins, turning every 5 mins, until the sausages are cooked through.

Heat up a skillet over medium heat and add about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan to keep the sausage from sticking. Add the sausage to the pan and turn them occasionally with tongs or a spatula so they brown evenly. After about 5 minutes, they should be uniform in color, which means they're finished cooking.

Households are shelving their air fryers in favour of another kitchen appliance that is cheaper to run, and just as healthy.

Air fryer health risks

COPs are linked to an increase in heart disease, cancer and other medical conditions. You may have also heard about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogens that are produced as fumes when foods are cooked at a high temperature.

If you want to eat sausage often, however, consider choosing healthier types of sausage, such as those made with chicken or turkey. You can also make your own to get the freshest variety with none of the harmful additives or high-fat meat.

While sausage is a good source of protein, it is best consumed minimally due to its high sodium and saturated fat content. So if you're looking for lean protein options or require a low sodium diet, it might be hard to include this food in your day-to-day meal plan.

Are Air-Fried Foods Better for You? By most measures, air frying is healthier than frying in oil. It cuts calories by 70% to 80% and has a lot less fat. This cooking method might also cut down on some of the other harmful effects of oil frying.

Is air frying any healthier? ›

Air-fried foods have less fat and fewer calories than deep-fried foods. Plus, the evidence so far suggests that they have fewer potentially harmful compounds than deep-fried foods.

An air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food items placed inside the pan/basket of the air fryer. All foods lose some of their nutrients during the cooking process. But by keeping the food surface dry and cooking with just circulating air the food retains more of its nutrients.

In terms of health, air frying generally offers advantages over traditional frying. It allows you to enjoy crispy textures with reduced oil and calorie intake, potentially minimising health risks associated with excessive consumption of fried foods.