How to Cook Vienna Sausage In An Air Fryer

Are you curious about how to cook Vienna sausage in an air fryer? Look no further because we’ve got you covered!

The most common way of cooking Vienna sausage is in a skillet with little oil, which will make it a bit crispy. Meanwhile, others might cook it in a microwave, especially those in a hurry. While this might sound convenient, I’m not a fan since it does not give the exterior a distinct color.

Perhaps, the best way to cook Vienna sausage is in an air fryer. And if you have no idea about how to do it, keep on reading.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cook Vienna Sausage

If you have not yet tried air frying Vienna sausages, no need to worry! It’s straightforward! Below, we’ll explore some of the different ways you can cook these tiny sausages in an air fryer.

Quick and Classic Way of Cooking

Let’s start with the most common way people air fry and eat Vienna sausage. Straight from the can, here’s what you will need to do:

1. Start by preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will take approximately five minutes, which is enough to make the interior hot.
2. Spray the air fryer basket with neutral cooking oil. Doing so prevents the exterior from sticking to the cooking surface. Otherwise, it will end up unappealing.
3. Arrange the Vienna sausages in an air fryer. Like anything else, make sure that you do not overcrowd or stack them.
4. Cook it in the air fryer for 15 minutes. Check for color and doneness. If you want it to be darker, cook it a bit longer.
5. Remove the Vienna sausages from the air fryer. Eat and enjoy!

Crunchy with Breading

Looking for a way to level up the usual Vienna sausages? Make it different by adding bread crumbs. This might mean additional work, but this is perfect for those who like the sausage to be more crunchy on the outside while it remains juicy inside.

1. Prepare a breading station to make things easier. In the first bowl, add flour with salt and pepper. Next, add eggs or milk to the second bowl. In the third bowl, add breadcrumbs.
2. Start by dredging the Vienna sausage in the first bowl with flour.
3. Next, drop it in the bowl with egg wash.
4. Finally, dip it in the bowl that has breadcrumbs.
5. Next, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will take only three minutes.
6. Lightly spray cooking oil on the basket.
7. Place them on a single layer in the basket.
8. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pigs in a Blanket

In case you don’t know, pigs in a blanket is a pastry-wrapped sausage or hotdog. It makes a great appetizer or a filling snack. You can use Vienna sausages if there’s nothing else available in the pantry.

1. Set the air fryer’s temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat.
2. Cut pre-made dough into small pieces, depending on the sizes you like. Put the Vienna sausage on top and roll.
3. Arrange them in an air fryer.
4. Cook for five minutes and flip. Cook for another five minutes. Check the color. If it is not yet golden brown, cook a little longer.

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Vienna Sausage in an Air Fryer

Here are some tips for the best results when cooking Vienna sausages in an air fryer.

1. Don’t forget preheating. This is an important step that will speed up reaching the desired temperature. This way, the Vienna sausages will cook faster.
2. Monitor the process. The duration earlier mentioned is just a general guideline. It can be shorter or longer, depending on the specific air fryer you are using.
3. Spritz a bit of oil on the cooking surface and sausages. This will allow you to easily achieve golden brown color while also preventing the sausages from sticking.

Different Ways to Enjoy Air-Fried Vienna Sausages

You can be as creative as you want when eating Vienna sausages. A lot of people will eat them on their own as a quick snack. You can even eat it with white rice or make it one of the ingredients for delicious fried rice.

Another good idea is to make corn dogs. Instead of the usual hot dog, you can use Vienna sausages. This will require a batter, which will make air frying messy. Luckily, you can line the basket with aluminum foil to make cooking and clean-up a lot easier.

You can add life to green salads using sliced air fried Vienna sausages. They will add a hint of saltiness while also improving texture. It may not be the healthiest ingredient, but if you feel like having something different in your greens, Vienna sausages are great.

Lastly, you can enjoy air-fried Vienna sausages with your choice of sauces. Ketchup, mayo, and mustard are classic choices. Make the sauce even better by mixing different condiments, depending on what tickles your taste buds.

Other Ways to Cook Vienna Sausages

While the focus of this guide is air frying, you can consider other cooking methods, including those briefly mentioned below:

1. In the Microwave: This is perfect for people in a hurry. Open the can and pour a bit of the broth and sausages into a microwave-safe bowl. Put it in the microwave and heat for one to two minutes.
2. In the Pan: Fry the sausages directly on a heated pan. You can add a spritz of oil if you prefer. Take them out of the heat once you achieve the color that you desire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Vienna sausages pre-cooked?

Yes, Vienna sausages are pre-cooked. Hence, you can eat them straight from the can. Nonetheless, some people like them hot and with a bit of a crunch in the exterior. Not to mention, cooking also improves its color.

Do you drain Vienna sausage?

In most cases, yes, you need to drain Vienna sausages, especially if you’ll cook them in an air fryer. The broth is too salty.

Conclusion

In this guide, we talked about how to cook Vienna sausage. I strongly suggest that you do it in an air fryer, although you can also cook them in the microwave or in a pan. The best thing is that they’re already pre-cooked, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

Related: Boudin in Air Fryer: Your Guide to Cooking this Cajun Classic