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Air Fryer Smoked Sausage

Quick, crispy air fryer smoked sausage slices (or links) with golden, caramelized edges and juicy, smoky centers. Ready in 12 minutes with minimal prep—perfect side, appetizer, main protein, or addition to sheet-pan meals. Healthier than pan-fried, big flavor with almost no effort. Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10–14 minutes Total Time: ~15 minutes Servings: 4
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 14–16 oz smoked sausage (kielbasa, andouille, turkey, beef, or chicken)
  • 1 –2 Tbsp olive oil or avocado/canola oil
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked or sweet
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt optional—most sausages are salty
  • ¼ tsp cayenne or chili powder optional for heat

Method
 

  1. Slice smoked sausage into ½-inch thick rounds or diagonal cuts (diagonal gives more surface for crisp).
  2. In a large bowl, toss slices with olive oil until lightly coated.
  3. Sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt (if using), and cayenne (if using) over the slices. Toss again until evenly coated.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Arrange sausage slices in a single layer in the basket (no piling; cook in batches if needed).
  6. Air fry 10–14 minutes. Shake basket or toss with tongs halfway through (around 5–7 minutes) for even browning.
  7. Check at 10 minutes—edges should be golden-brown and slightly caramelized. Cook longer for extra crisp if desired.
  8. Remove immediately and serve hot as a side, main, or snack.

Notes

Pat slices dry before oiling → better crisp.
Single layer + shake halfway = even char and crunch.
Pre-cooked sausage — you’re just crisping and heating.
Adjust time for thickness or sausage type (leaner turkey may need less time).
No extra sauces needed — sausage flavor shines.