Hot links are a delicious and flavorful sausage that can be cooked in many different ways. One popular method is to cook them in an air fryer. This article will provide you with a quick and easy guide on how to cook hot links in an air fryer. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to enjoy a tasty snack, the air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to cook hot links.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need hot links, cooking spray, and any desired toppings or condiments such as mustard or barbecue sauce. You can find hot links at your local grocery store or butcher shop.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
To ensure that your hot links cook evenly and thoroughly, it’s important to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for a few minutes. This will ensure that the hot links start cooking as soon as they hit the air fryer basket.
Prepare the Hot Links
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your hot links. If the hot links are frozen, make sure to thaw them before cooking. Once thawed or if they were not frozen to begin with, you can prick the hot links with a fork a few times. This will help them cook evenly and allow excess fat to escape.
Cooking the Hot Links
Once your air fryer is preheated and your hot links are ready, it’s time to start cooking.
Add the Hot Links to the Air Fryer Basket
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, carefully place the hot links in a single layer in the basket. Make sure to leave enough space between them for proper air circulation. If you have a smaller air fryer with a smaller basket, you may need to cook the hot links in batches.
Cook the Hot Links
Now it’s time to cook the hot links! Set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes. You’ll want to flip the hot links halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Check for Doneness
After the initial cooking time, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hot links. They should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they are safe to eat. If they haven’t reached this temperature yet, continue cooking for a few more minutes and check again.
Optional: Toast the Buns
While the hot links are cooking, you can also toast your buns for added flavor and texture. Simply place the buns in the air fryer for a minute or two until they are lightly toasted.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the hot links and buns are cooked to your desired doneness, it’s time to serve and enjoy!
Add Toppings and Condiments
Remove the hot links from the air fryer and place them inside the toasted buns. Now it’s time to add your favorite toppings and condiments. Mustard, barbecue sauce, onions, and sauerkraut are all popular choices. Feel free to get creative and add any additional toppings that you enjoy.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your hot links are loaded up with toppings, they are ready to be served and enjoyed. They make for a satisfying and flavorful meal or snack. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, having a casual dinner, or simply looking for a quick and easy meal, hot links cooked in an air fryer are sure to hit the spot.
Clean Up
After enjoying your delicious hot links, it’s important to clean up your air fryer properly.
Let It Cool
Allow your air fryer to cool down before cleaning it. This will prevent any accidental burns or injury.
Remove the Basket and Pan
Once it has cooled down, remove the basket and pan from the air fryer. These can typically be hand washed with warm, soapy water. Make sure to remove any food particles and thoroughly dry them before storing or using again.
Wipe Down the Exterior
Lastly, wipe down the exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any grease or residue. This will keep your air fryer looking clean and well-maintained.
Conclusion
Cooking hot links in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious sausage. By following this guide, you’ll be able to cook hot links that are perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. With the convenience of the air fryer, you can enjoy hot links anytime, whether it’s for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a tasty snack. So why not give it a try? Fire up your air fryer and start cooking up some delicious hot links today!