Whether you’re a fan of classic sausage and mash or simply delving into the world of cooking, learning how to cook bangers in an air fryer is a quick and tasty method that you’ll want to master. An air fryer is a fantastic kitchen appliance that can revolutionize your cooking experience by using hot air to circulate and cook food, leaving it crispy on the outside while keeping it juicy and flavorful on the inside. Here, we will guide you step by step on how to achieve perfectly cooked bangers in your air fryer, allowing you to enjoy a delightful meal with minimal effort.
Gathering the Ingredients and Equipment
Before diving into the cooking process, you’ll need to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. To cook bangers in an air fryer, you’ll need the following:
1. Bangers: Choose your preferred variety of sausages. Traditional pork bangers work wonderfully, but you can also experiment with chicken, beef, or vegetarian sausages to cater to different dietary preferences.
2. Oil: Opt for a cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or avocado oil. This will help in achieving a crispy exterior on your bangers.
3. Seasonings: Depending on your taste preferences, gather your favorite herbs and spices for seasoning the sausages. Common choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or even a touch of chili powder for some heat.
4. Air Fryer: Of course, you’ll need an air fryer for this cooking method. Make sure your air fryer is clean and ready to use, and consult the user manual if you need guidance on the specific settings and temperatures for cooking sausages.
Preparing the Bangers
Thawing the Sausages
If your bangers are frozen, it’s best to thaw them before cooking, as this ensures even cooking throughout. You can place the sausages in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re short on time. Thawing sausages before air frying them ensures they cook more consistently.
Pricking the Sausages
Before placing the bangers into the air fryer, it’s crucial to prick them with a fork or a small knife. This step prevents the sausages from bursting during cooking due to trapped steam inside. Simply make a few small puncture holes on one side of each sausage to allow air to escape while cooking. Skipping this step can result in uneven cooking and sausages that just don’t look as professional.
Seasoning the Sausages
To add an extra dimension of flavor to your bangers, you can season them with your chosen herbs and spices. Prepare a mixture of your preferred seasonings in a small bowl and sprinkle it generously over the sausages. Make sure to coat all sides evenly, gently patting the seasonings into the sausage’s surface. This will give your bangers a delicious kick that will impress your taste buds.
Cooking the Bangers in the Air Fryer
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before placing the sausages into the air fryer, it’s essential to preheat the appliance. Preheating ensures that the bangers start cooking immediately and helps to achieve a crispy exterior. Set your air fryer to the recommended temperature for cooking sausages, usually around 400°F (200°C), and let it heat up for a few minutes.
Air Frying Process
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned bangers into the cooking basket, making sure they’re evenly spaced and not overcrowded. It’s essential to leave enough space for the hot air to circulate around each sausage properly. If needed, cook the sausages in batches to achieve the desired results.
Cook the bangers in the air fryer for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve an appetizing golden-brown color on all sides. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and type of sausages you’re using, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Once your bangers are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s time to enjoy them! There are numerous delicious ways to serve your sausages. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
1. Classic Sausage and Mash: Serve your bangers with a generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes, a rich onion gravy, and some green peas for a truly comforting and traditional British meal.
2. Sausage Rolls: Slice your air-fried sausages lengthwise and wrap them in a flaky pastry to create delectable sausage rolls. Serve them as an appetizer or alongside a salad for a light meal.
3. Sausage Sandwiches: Pile your bangers into a soft bun or baguette, and top them with caramelized onions, sauerkraut, or your favorite condiments for a quick and satisfying sandwich option.
4. Breakfast Delights: Start your day right by serving your air-fried bangers alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a side of toast. Add some grilled tomatoes or a dollop of beans for a classic full English breakfast.
Conclusion
With the help of an air fryer, cooking bangers has never been easier or more delicious. By following these simple steps, you can achieve perfectly cooked sausages with a crispy exterior and a juicy center. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation ensures that your sausages are cooked evenly, leaving you with a quick and tasty meal that will satisfy your cravings. So grab your favorite bangers, season them with love, and let your air fryer work its magic.