Longanisa is a popular Filipino sausage known for its sweet and savory flavor. Traditionally, it is made by marinating ground pork with various spices and letting it cure overnight. However, cooking longanisa can sometimes be a messy and time-consuming process. Fortunately, with the advent of air fryers, you can now easily cook this delicious sausage in no time. In this article, we will guide you through a quick and delicious recipe on how to cook Filipino longanisa in an air fryer.
Gather Your Ingredients
1. Longanisa
To start, you will need a pack of longanisa sausage. You can find this in most Filipino grocery stores or you can even make it from scratch using ground pork and the necessary spices.
2. Olive Oil
You will also need some olive oil to brush over the longanisa before placing them in the air fryer. This will help give them a nice crispy texture.
3. Air Fryer
Of course, you will need an air fryer for this recipe. Make sure it is clean and in good working condition before you begin.
Prepare the Ingredients
1. Thaw the Longanisa
If you are using frozen longanisa, make sure to thaw it before cooking. You can do this by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or running it under cold water.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Next, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
Cooking the Longanisa
1. Brush with Olive Oil
Brush the longanisa with a bit of olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket. This will also help give them a beautiful golden color.
2. Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the longanisa in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each sausage to allow for proper air circulation.
3. Cook and Flip
Set the air fryer to cook for 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip the longanisa to ensure even cooking on both sides.
4. Check for Doneness
After the initial 10 minutes, check if the longanisa is cooked to your desired doneness. If they need more time, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the longanisa sausages are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot. They are perfect on their own, or you can pair them with steamed rice and a side of vinegar dipping sauce for an authentic Filipino meal.
Tips and Variations
1. Experiment with Different Flavors
While traditional longanisa is sweet and savory, you can experiment with different flavors by adding spices such as garlic, paprika, or even chili flakes to the marinade. This will give your longanisa a unique twist.
2. Serve with Eggs
Longanisa and eggs are a classic Filipino breakfast combination. Consider serving your air-fried longanisa with sunny-side-up eggs and garlic fried rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
3. Make a Sandwich
If you have some leftovers, don’t hesitate to enjoy them in a sandwich. Simply slice the cooked longanisa and place it between two pieces of bread with your favorite condiments and veggies.
4. Double the Recipe
You can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure you have enough space in your air fryer to accommodate all the longanisa sausages without overcrowding them.
In conclusion, cooking Filipino longanisa in an air fryer is a quick and delicious way to enjoy this popular sausage. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can achieve perfectly cooked longanisa sausages with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Whether you serve them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they are sure to be a hit. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and savor the authentic flavors of Filipino cuisine in the comfort of your own home!