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Our easy air fryer breakfast sausage patties not only deliver on flavor but also on convenience, especially on those busy mornings when every minute counts. Whether you’re preparing a simple breakfast for one or a feast for a family gathering, this easy breakfast recipe ensures that a savory, satisfying meal is just minutes away.

Overhead photo of breakfast sausage patties in an air fryer.

❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe

A Hearty Breakfast in No Time

We’ve all heard it – breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But let’s face it, on busy mornings, preparing a hearty breakfast might be the last thing on your mind. That’s where this easy air fryer recipe comes into play. With a cooking time of just 8-10 minutes, these breakfast sausage patties offer a quick, yet incredibly satisfying solution to your morning meal prep.

Less Mess, Less Stress

Say goodbye to the splatter of grease that comes with cooking sausages on the stovetop. Using the air fryer not only reduces the mess in your kitchen but also cuts down on the extra fat since there’s no need to add extra oil. Plus, with the extra grease being a thing of the past, you can enjoy a slightly healthier version of your favorite breakfast food.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re a fan of meal prepping, these air fryer sausage patties are a dream come true. Cook up a batch and store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer, ensuring a ready-to-go, hearty breakfast for the upcoming days. Fresh or frozen sausage patties both reheat beautifully, ensuring that you have a delicious, homemade breakfast sausage ready in a matter of minutes, making your future mornings smooth and stress-free.

They go with anything!

Pair these breakfast sausage patties with pancakes and a drizzle of maple syrup for a classic breakfast, or sandwich them between an English muffin with a slice of cheese and a perfectly cooked egg for a mouth-watering breakfast sandwich. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, these sausage patties are the perfect complement to virtually any breakfast dish.

A Recipe That’s Truly Yours

Prefer turkey or chicken over pork? No problem! The recipe is adaptable and allows you to create a version that’s just right for you and your loved ones. Plus, with the detailed instructions provided, even if it’s your first time making sausage patties from scratch, you’re sure to achieve great results.

A Delight for All Occasions

Whether it’s a regular weekday morning or a special holiday brunch, these air fryer breakfast sausage patties are sure to be a hit. Their savory, spiced flavor profile pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, ensuring that they’ll be a welcome addition to any meal, elevating your breakfast or brunch to the next level.

🗝️ Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Pork

The star of our fresh sausage patties, ground pork, brings a rich and savory flavor that’s hard to beat. It provides a juicy, tender base that pairs wonderfully with the blend of spices. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken are fantastic options for a lighter patty, while ground beef or a mix of pork and beef will give you a robust, hearty flavor.

Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika adds a delightful smoky note and a dash of warmth to the homemade sausage patties, enhancing the meat’s natural flavors. For a different spice profile, consider substituting it with sweet paprika or, for a spicier kick, hot paprika.

Dried Sage and Dried Thyme

These herbs introduce a wonderful earthiness and aromatic quality to the patties. Fresh herbs can be used as a substitute – just remember to adjust the quantity as fresh herbs are less potent than their dried counterparts.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds pack a sweet, anise-like punch that elevates the savory notes of the meat, creating a melody of flavors in each bite. Out of fennel? No worries! A dash of caraway seeds or a sprinkle of anise seed will keep that sweet, aromatic charm alive in your breakfast creation. Isn’t it fun discovering the big impact of these tiny seeds?

Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds bring a slightly citrusy, sweet flavor that complements the rich meat. Ground coriander can be used in place of the seeds, or try cumin for a different yet equally delicious flavor profile.

Cayenne Powder

Cayenne powder introduces a spicy kick, elevating the sausages to a whole new level of deliciousness. Adjust the quantity to suit your heat preference, or substitute with chili powder or red pepper flakes for a different type of heat.

Spray Oil

Spray oil ensures that the patties don’t stick to the bottom of the air fryer basket, providing an easy cooking and cleanup experience. If you don’t have spray oil, lightly greasing the air fryer basket with a paper towel dipped in oil works just as well.

🥣 How to Make Air Fryer Sausage Patties

Mixing the Ingredients

Begin by combining the ground pork, smoked paprika, dried sage, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, dried thyme, cayenne powder, pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl. Using your hands to mix the ingredients ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite. Form the mixture into 2-3 inch balls. Then flatten them into circular patty shapes, ensuring they are of even thickness for consistent cooking.

Preparing the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer is a crucial step that ensures your fresh patties cook evenly and acquire a beautiful, appetizing sear. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) and allow it to warm up for about 5 minutes. When it’s ready, lightly grease the air fryer basket with spray oil to prevent the patties from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. If you’re using an air fryer tray instead of a basket, the same principle applies – a light coating of oil will do the trick!

Spraying oil in an air fryer basket.

Cooking to Perfection

Place the raw sausage patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow the hot air to circulate freely. This is the secret to achieving that irresistible, crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. Cook sausage patties for 5 minutes, then flip them over with tongs and allow them to cook for an additional 3 minutes. 

Ensuring the Best Results

Using a meat thermometer, ensure that the internal temperature of the patties reaches at least 160°F, the safe minimum internal temperature for ground pork. If you’re using a different type of meat, such as chicken or turkey, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Once they’ve reached the desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer, and rest the patties on a white paper towel to absorb any extra grease, and then they’re ready to serve!

Close up of an air fryer breakfast sausage patty on a grey plate with eggs and bacon.

🪄 Recipe Notes & Tips

Achieving the Perfect Shape

Creating uniform patties is not just about aesthetics; it also ensures even cooking. A simple way to achieve consistently shaped sausage patties is to use a cookie cutter or a mason jar lid as a mold. Just press your meat mixture into the mold, ensuring an even thickness throughout, and you’ll have perfectly shaped patties every time.

Ensuring Juicy Patties Every Time

One of the best parts of this recipe is the juicy, flavorful result achieved by cooking in the air fryer. To make sure your patties retain their moisture, avoid pressing down on them during cooking. This can force the juices out. Also, allowing the air fryer sausage patties to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat, ensuring a succulent bite from start to finish.

Cook Time

Cooking time can vary between different air fryers. When you flip the breakfast patties over at the halfway mark, check how they’re doing. Cooking quickly? Reduce the time by a minute or two. Cooking slowly? Increase the time by a couple of minutes.

Looking For More Ways To Cook Sausage Patties?

Check out our post 4 Easy Ways To Cook Breakfast Sausage Patties! It includes air fryer, stovetop, grill, and baking in the oven.

🫙 Storage Instructions

Keeping Them Fresh in the Fridge

Place the cooled patties in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store them in the refrigerator. They will maintain their quality for up to four days.

Freezing for Longer Storage

Lay the air fryer sausage patties out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer. Once fully frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container, using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Properly stored, frozen breakfast sausage patties should maintain their quality for up to 2-3 months.

How to Reheat Sausage Patties

If reheating from the refrigerator, simply microwave for a quick option. You can also reheat in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. For frozen patties, there’s no need to thaw! Just add an extra couple of minutes to the air fryer, or microwave until hot and sizzling.

🍽️ What To Serve With Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage Patties

Classic Breakfast Sides

When it comes to pairing sides with your cooked sausage patties, you can never go wrong with classic breakfast items. Consider fluffy scrambled eggs or a beautifully fried egg with a runny yolk to add a creamy element to your plate. Hash browns or breakfast potatoes, perhaps even cooked in the air fryer for less time and extra convenience, offer a satisfying, crispy side that complements the juicy, flavorful air fryer sausage patties perfectly.

Sweet Companions

For a delightful contrast to the savory air fryer sausage patties, consider serving them with a side of something sweet. Fluffy pancakes or waffles, drizzled with pure maple syrup, create a classic sweet-and-savory combo that’s always a hit. Alternatively, a side of fresh fruit or a fruit salad can offer a fresh, sweet, and slightly tart element that pairs wonderfully with the rich, hearty sausages.

Bread Options

A variety of bread options (regular or gluten-free) can also complement your pork sausage patties, providing a vehicle to create delicious breakfast sandwiches. English muffins, buttered toast, or flaky biscuits can be lightly toasted and paired with a slice of cheese and an egg to encase the sausage patty, creating a satisfying, handheld breakfast option.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-made sausage mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have a pre-made sausage mix that you love, feel free to use it in place of the homemade mix in this recipe. Just shape the patties and follow the cooking instructions as outlined in this air fryer sausage patties recipe.

Can I cook frozen sausage patties without thawing them first?

Yes, you can cook frozen sausage patties in the air fryer without thawing them, but you will need to increase the cooking time. Check the internal temperature to ensure they reach a safe temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed.

What can I do if the sausage patties are browning too quickly in the air fryer?

If the air fryer sausage patties are browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature of the air fryer by 25-50°F and increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through without burning on the outside.

Overhead photo of air fryer sausage patties on a grey plate.

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📖 Recipe

Overhead photo of breakfast sausage patties in an air fryer.

How to Cook Breakfast Sausage in an Air Fryer

Bethany Galloway
Whether it's a simple breakfast or a family feast, this easy air fryer sausage patties recipe is a satisfying meal that is ready in minutes!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Course Breakfast & Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Breakfast Sausage Patties
Calories 137 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g ground pork or 50/50 beef & pork mix
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne powder
  • 2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Spray oil

Instructions
 

Make the patties:

  • Add everything (ground pork, smoked paprika, dried sage, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, dried thyme, cayenne powder, pepper, and salt) apart from the spray oil to a mixing bowl and mix well together. Don't be afraid to use your hands!
    Sausage patty ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  • Form the sausage mixture into round, 2-3 inch balls and flatten them down into a circular patty shape.
    Hands forming sausage patties.

Cooking Breakfast Sausages in the Air Fryer

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. I set the timer on for about 15 minutes, allowing 5 minutes or so to heat up.
  • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with spray oil.
    Spraying oil in an air fryer basket.
  • Place the raw sausages in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes.
    Raw breakfast sausage patties in the air fryer.
  • After 5 minutes, flip the sausages over with tongs and then cook for a further 3 minutes.
    Flipping over breakfast sausage patties in the air fryer.
  • When the air fryer sausage patties have finished cooking, remove them from the air fryer basket, check that they're cooked properly, and serve!

Notes

  1. Thickness: The thickness of the sausage patties will determine how long it takes to cook them properly. Thicker sausages will take longer, so it’s best to check the temperature with a meat thermometer.
  2. Temperature: If you don’t have a meat thermometer, slice the thickest sausage and check if it’s cooked through. If it’s still a pink color inside, cook the breakfast sausages for longer.
  3. Shape: Creating uniform patties ensures even cooking. A simple way to achieve consistently shaped sausage patties is to use a cookie cutter or a mason jar lid as a mold. Just press your meat mixture into the mold, ensuring an even thickness throughout, and you’ll have perfectly shaped patties every time.
  4. Keep Them Juicy: To make sure your patties retain their moisture, avoid pressing down on them during cooking, as this can force the juices out. Also, allowing the air fryer sausage patties to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat, ensuring a succulent bite from start to finish.
  5. Cook Time: Cooking time can vary between different air fryers, so when you flip the breakfast patties over at the halfway mark, check how they’re doing. Cooking quickly? Reduce the time by a minute or two. Cooking slowly? Increase the time by a couple of minutes.
  6. Looking For More Ways To Cook Sausage Patties? Check out our post 4 Easy Ways To Cook Breakfast Sausage Patties! It includes air fryer, stovetop, grill, and baking in the oven.
  7. Leftover Storage: Place the cooled patties in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store them in the refrigerator. They will maintain their quality for up to four days.
  8. Freezing: Lay the air fryer sausage patties out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer. Once fully frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container, using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Properly stored, frozen breakfast sausage patties should maintain their quality for up to 2-3 months.
  9. Reheating: If reheating from the refrigerator, simply microwave for a quick option, or reheat in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. For frozen patties, there’s no need to thaw—just add an extra couple of minutes to the air fryer, or microwave until hot and sizzling.
  10. Looking for Slimming World Syns Or Weight Watcher Points? Due to the constant fluctuation of values in diet programs (whether it’s new research or different food brands), we recommend calculating the points with a calculator provided by your specific diet program.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 137kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 11gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 225mg
Keyword air fryer, air fryer sausage patties, breakfast sausage in air fryer, easy, quick
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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