Preheat the air fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes. A brief preheat helps the links brown faster.
Prep the basket: Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush with a thin film of oil to prevent sticking. This is especially helpful with lean turkey or chicken links.
Arrange the links: Place sausage links in a single layer with a little space between them.
Avoid stacking so the air can circulate.
Cook fresh raw links: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the links halfway through. They’re done when the outsides are nicely browned and the centers reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for pork or 165°F (74°C) for poultry.
Cook fully cooked links: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes, shaking once. Heat until the links are warmed through and lightly crisp.
For frozen links: No need to thaw.
Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway. Add 1–2 minutes if needed to reach a deep golden color and safe internal temp.
Optional glaze: In the last 1–2 minutes, brush the links with a thin coat of maple syrup or honey for a sweet-savory finish.
Rest and serve: Let the sausages rest for 1–2 minutes so the juices settle. Serve with eggs, pancakes, fruit, or wrapped in a breakfast burrito.