Sausage balls in air fryer are a simple and delicious snack that’s perfect for any event. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a quick breakfast, or just craving something savory, these golden, crispy bites made in the air fryer will satisfy every time. They’re easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and cooked to perfection crisp on the outside, soft on the inside all in just 20 minutes..
This step-by-step tutorial will teach you how to prepare, customize, and serve these delicious sausage balls in air fryer. In just twenty minutes, you’ll have a crispy, golden snack that’s sure to please every time!
Table of Contents
What Makes Sausage Balls a Perfect Snack?
Sausage balls have been adored over the years, and with the right reason! Their combination of delicious sausage as well as cheesy goodness and soft insides makes them among the most delicious bites. This is why they’re so popular:
- Simple to make – It only requires a few ingredients and only a few minutes of prep.
- Flexible – Great as the perfect appetizer or breakfast or even as a snack for a dinner party.
- The air fryer ensures that sausage balls cook evenly, retain their flavor, and turn out perfectly crispy on the outside.
If you’re in search of a quick meal that’s budget-friendly, making sausage balls with Air fryers is a great best way to take.
These sausage balls also pair well with hearty mains like Lamb Shoulder in Air Fryer for a full protein-packed meal.
Ingredients for Sausage Balls
You’ll be amazed by the simpleness in this dish. Most likely, you already have a lot of the ingredients you need in your kitchen.
- 1 lb of ground sausage (spicy mild, spicy or Italian depending on your preference)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ¾ cups of a baking mix like Bisquick or Jiffy mix.
Why These Ingredients Work
- Ground sausage is a great source of flavor and protein.
- Cheddar cheese adds richness and an extremely gooey taste.
- Baking mix binds everything and gives it the classic biscuit-like texture.
Optional Additions for Variations:
- Herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, and red pepper in flakes.
- Other cheeses include Monterey Jack or pepper jack to enhance the flavor.
- Cream cheese gives a creamier taste.
Check out the classic Allrecipes 3‑ingredient sausage balls for a simple variation.
How Long to Cook Sausage Balls in Air Fryer (Easy Guide)
Follow these steps and within just 20 minutes you’ll have golden, delicious sausage balls for you to eat:
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer. Set it to 390°F to ensure even cooking and maximum crispness.
2- Mix Ingredients. Mix the sausage, cheese shredded as well as baking mixes in the bowl of a large size. Mix with your hands thoroughly, or you can use a stand mixer if you like less mess.
- Form the Balls. The mixture is then rolled into 1-inch balls. Pro tip Use the ice cream scoop to ensure consistency.
- Space Them Out. Place sausage balls into the basket of an air fryer making sure there’s enough room between them to allow air to circulate.
- Cook: Air fry at 390°F for about 10 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden and fully cooked. If needed, turn them halfway through for even browning
Pro Tip: Preheating the air fryer helps cut down cook time and ensures the sausage balls cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Sausage balls can be as adaptable as they are delicious. Here’s how you can serve them at any time
As Appetizers:
Serve with dipping sauces like:
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
For Breakfast:
Pair with:
- Scrambled eggs
- Fresh fruits
- Toast or breakfast muffins
Party Snacks:
Make a platter with:
- Veggies
- Cheese cubes
- Crackers
- Sausage balls
Brunch Combo:
Try with:
- Waffles
- Maple syrup
Sweet + savory combo is always a hit!
Simple Homemade Dip Idea:
Mix together:
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- A pinch of salt
Quick, tasty honey mustard dip ready!
Hosting a party? Serve these sausage balls alongside Air Fry Jose Ole Mini Tacos and TGI Friday’s Boneless Chicken Bites in Air Fryer for a game day platter everyone will love!
How to Store and Reheat Sausage Balls in Air Fryer (Make-Ahead Tips)
Got leftovers? Planning to make sausage balls in advance? Absolutely!
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Keep ready sausage balls inside a sealed container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: flash freeze raw sausages on baking sheet then transfer them into an airtight freezer bag. You can freeze them for three months or more.
You can even prep and freeze sausage balls in air fryer ahead of time for quick weekday meals.
Reheating:
- Cook sausage balls in an air fryer at 350 degrees F for approximately 5 minutes.
- The frozen version: Cook frozen sausage balls in an air fryer at 330°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping half way through to ensure uniform crispness.
Recipe Twists: Air Fryer Sausage Balls – Frozen, Keto-Friendly, and Extra Cheesy Options
Looking to put a fun spin on the classic sausage balls recipe? Here are some suggestions to customize the recipe:
- Spicy Hot Sausage or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix.
- Cheesy Twist: Replace cheddar for mozzarella, gouda or smokey Monterey Jack.
- Keto-friendly: Replace baking mix by almond meal to create these low-carb recipes.
- Herb Explosion Mix fresh ingredients such as parsley, chives, or Thyme.
There are a lot of possibilities. Don’t be frightened to try something new and create something that you will love.
Want to switch things up? Try a spicier twist like these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls or go Asian-inspired with Air Fryer Karaage Chicken.
Pro Tips for Making Perfect Air Fryer Sausage Balls Every Time
- Uniform Sizes Make use of an ice cream scoop to ensure each sausage ball is identical in size to ensure uniform cooking.
- Don’t crowd the basket: Leave enough space between the balls in the basket of an air fryer to allow for proper air circulation.
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients Freshly shredded cheese performs best, since the cheese that is already shredded contains anti-caking agents that can change the taste.
- Test Batch Test Batch: Cook two or three sausage balls to test the consistency and seasoning Then adjust according to the needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you cook sausage balls in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fryer is a great way to cook sausage balls. It gives them a crispy outside and soft inside without deep frying or baking. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and cook for 10 minutes—it’s that simple!
2. How long to cook sausage balls in air fryer?
Sausage balls usually take 10–12 minutes at 390°F in a preheated air fryer. Flip them halfway for even browning. Timing may vary slightly by air fryer model and ball size.
3. Is it possible to air fry frozen sausage balls?
Yes, you can cook them straight from frozen! Set the air fryer to 330°F and cook for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway. No need to thaw.
4. How do you reheat sausage balls in air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the sausage balls for about 5 minutes. This keeps them warm and crispy without drying them out.
5- Which type of sausage works best for sausage balls?
Choose mild, spicy, or Italian ground sausage depending on your flavor preference.
6- What Makes Sausage Balls a Perfect Snack?
Making sausage balls in air fryer means less mess, more flavor, and quicker results than traditional baking.
Why You Should Try This Recipe Today
Sausage balls made with an air fryer blend traditional flavors and modern-day convenience. They’re simple to prepare and simple to customize and always a hit with the crowd. If you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests this recipe is sure to please.
So get an air-fryer, collect the ingredients you need and get set to make your next favourite snack. Be assured that this sausage will vanish much faster than you could ever declare “air fry perfection.”
Try these sausage balls in air fryer today and impress your family and friends with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe!
Perfect Sausage Balls in Air Fryer – 20-Min Recipe
Equipment
- airfryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage mild, spicy, or Italian
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 ¾ cups baking mix like Bisquick or Jiffy
- Optional: 2 tbsp cream cheese for extra creaminess
- Optional Seasonings: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes chopped herbs (parsley, thyme), ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
- Step 2: Mix the Ingredients: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and cook for 10 minutes—it’s that simple! Mix thoroughly with clean hands or a stand mixer until a sticky dough forms.
- Step 3: Shape the Sausage Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Using a cookie scoop makes it easy to get uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection: Place the sausage balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one.Cook in the air fryer at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 5: Serve & Enjoy: Let them cool slightly before serving. Pair with your favorite dip like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
Notes
- No baking mix? Use a mix of 1 cup flour + 1 tsp baking powder + pinch of salt.
- Preheat your air fryer for max crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—work in batches if needed.
- Add cream cheese or different cheeses (like Monterey Jack) for variations.
- Keto? Replace the baking mix with almond flour and a small pinch of xanthan gum for a low-carb alternative.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Flash freeze raw or cooked balls, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat:
- From fridge: Air fry at 350°F for 5–6 minutes
- From Frozen: Air fry at 330°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
