Air Fryer Sausage Balls Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Air Fryer Sausage Balls Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Give your appetizer game a boost with these Air Fryer Sausage Balls! They’re simple to make and so delicious, no one will be able to resist. Plus, they’re the perfect party food that everyone will love!

Air Fryer Sausage Balls Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Bisquick Sausage Balls

Sausage balls are a traditional Southern finger food that is undeniably delicious! The biscuit coating creates the perfect texture for the pork, and they’re just so fun to dip.

Making sausage balls in the Air Fryer is the quickest, easiest way to make this party food favorite. Make as many batches as you need!

Why You’ll Love this Sausage Ball Recipe:

  • Perfect flavor and texture:These Air Fryer sausage balls are juicy and tender inside, with a chewy yet fluffy coating. The pork is richly flavorful–they’re hard to resist!
  • Make ahead of time: These appetizer can be made ahead of time and frozen, so they’re always on hand when you need them.
  • Perfect for a crowd: They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, and tailgates. We guarantee that your guests will love them!

Trademark Note: In the spirit of transparency, I want to note that some of these ingredients are trademarked products. Bisquick is a proprietary brand that I want to acknowledge and give credit to.

This sausage ball recipe is my go-to for any potluck or party. They’re always a hit! The best part is that they’re so easy to make.

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How to Make Air Fryer Sausage Balls

You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!

Combine ingredients to make the sausage mixture, then form it into evenly-sized balls. Place the sausage balls in the Air Fryer, cook for just a few minutes, and they’ll be ready to go! It’s really as simple as that.

I highly recommend whipping up the sweet chili ketchup for dipping–it’s a little bit sweet and spicy, and complements the sausage so well.

Recipe Notes

  • Sausage: I love the flavor of pork sausage so that’s what I use in my sausage balls! I’m using a mild sausage and adding red pepper flakes so I can control the heat.
  • Cheese: Just like the sausage, cheddar cheese is my go-to for sausage balls but you could switch it up if you like– try white cheddar, pepper Jack, Colby, etc.
  • Bisquick: Helps hold the sausage balls together.
  • Parsley: Adds a hint of freshness and grassiness that goes well with the sausage.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: I’m adding a bit of spice with red pepper flakes, but feel free to add as much or as little as you like.
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What are sausage balls?

Sausage balls are a tasty appetizer consisting of ground sausage, cheddar cheese, and Bisquick baking mix. They’re super quick and easy to make!

What’s the best type of sausage for sausage balls?

I like to use mild pork sausage so that I can control the level of spice, but you could really use any kind of sausage you like, such as hot Italian, chicken, or turkey sausage!

Can I bake sausage balls in the oven instead of in the air fryer?

Yes! To bake these sausage balls in the oven, spread them out on a lined baking sheet and bake in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and 160°F internally.

How can I tell when pork sausage is cooked through?

While regular cuts of pork can be safely eaten at 145°F, ground pork requires additional cooking to ensure it is safe to eat. Pork sausage is fully cooked when it reaches 160°F internally on an instant-read thermometer. The meat should be opaque, light brown in color, and no longer be pink in the middle.

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Serving Suggestions

You can serve these delicious air fryer sausage balls as an appetizer along with all your favorite dips and finger foods.

  • Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs
  • Easy Deviled Eggs
  • Pizza Cupcakes
  • Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket
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Air Fryer Sausage Balls Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

Make Ahead Instructions

You can preroll the sausage balls up to 2 days in advance of when you plan to air fry them. Store the sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to air fry.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover air fryer sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 320°F air fryer for 15-18 minutes, until warmed through.

Freezing Instructions

Air fryer sausage balls can be frozen raw or cooked. Freeze the sausage balls in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Air fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the final air fry or reheating time.

Substitutions

  • You can use any kind of sausage you like for these sausage balls. Try hot Italian, breakfast, chicken, or turkey sausage!
  • You can use any kind of cheese you like in place of the cheddar, such as white cheddar, pepper Jack, Colby, or Monterey Jack.
  • For gluten-free sausage balls, use gluten-free Bisquick baking mix.
  • You can omit the red pepper flakes if you’d like these sausage balls less spicy.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Sausage Balls

  • Do not overmix the sausage balls, as this will make them tough.
  • Use a standard 1 tablespoon to create equal-sized balls that cook more evenly.
  • Make sure to leave space between the sausage balls to let air circulate; otherwise, they may come out soggy. Air fry in batches if needed.

More Easy Pork Recipes We Love

  • Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
  • Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops
  • Sweet and Sour Pork
  • Ham Salad
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Make these Air Fryer Sausage Balls the next time you need a tasty, easy, and quick appetizer for any party!

More Game Day Appetizers to Try:

  • Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots
  • Homemade Pizza Bagels
  • Bacon Cheese Fries with Ranch
  • Garlic Parmesan Soft Pretzels
  • Crockpot Spinach Dip

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.

Recipe

Air Fryer Sausage Balls Recipe

4 from 1 vote

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 10 minutes minutes

Total: 20 minutes minutes

Air Fryer Sausage Balls Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

Serves20 sausage balls

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Give your appetizer game a boost with these Air Fryer Sausage Balls! They're simple to make and so delicious, no one will be able to resist. Plus, they're the perfect party food that everyone will love!

Air Fryer Sausage Balls Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

Email This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound mild pork sausage
  • 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese 1 bag
  • 1 cup Bisquick baking mix
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste

For the Sweet Chili Ketchup (Optional)

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

Instructions

  • Grease air fryer basket with olive oil spray and set aside.

    Air Fryer Sausage Balls Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (13)

  • In a large bowl, gently mix the sausage, cheddar cheese, bisquick, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes together. Make sure to mix gently so you don’t end up with tough sausage balls.

    1 pound mild pork sausage, 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup Bisquick baking mix, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

    Air Fryer Sausage Balls Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (14)

  • Scoop out 1 tablespoon sized portions (about the size of a golf ball) and roll them into smooth balls.

  • Place as many balls as will fit into the air fryer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.

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  • Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes, or until the sausage balls register 160°F on an instant-read thermometer.

    Air Fryer Sausage Balls Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (16)

  • If you need to cook the sausage balls in batches, they can be kept warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes.

  • Enjoy these sausage balls warm or at room temperature.

For the Sweet Chili Ketchup

  • Mix the ketchup and sweet chili sauce together until combined. Serve with sausage balls.

    ½ cup ketchup, 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • You can use any kind of sausage you like for these sausage balls. Try hot Italian, breakfast, chicken, or turkey sausage!
  • You can use any kind of cheese you like in place of the cheddar, such as white cheddar, pepper Jack, Colby, or Monterey Jack.
  • For gluten-free sausage balls, use gluten-free Bisquick baking mix.
  • You can omit the red pepper flakes if you’d like these sausage balls less spicy.
  • Do not overmix the sausage balls, as this will make them tough.
  • Use a standard 1 tablespoon to create equal-sized balls that cook more evenly.
  • Make sure to leave space between the sausage balls to let air circulate; otherwise, they may come out soggy. Air fry in batches if needed.
  • Nutritional information does not include the sweet chili ketchup.

Storage:Store air fryer sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1sausage ball Calories: 141kcal (7%) Carbohydrates: 4g (1%) Protein: 7g (14%) Fat: 11g (17%) Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 4g Trans Fat: 0.05g Cholesterol: 28mg (9%) Sodium: 296mg (13%) Potassium: 79mg (2%) Fiber: 0.2g (1%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 196IU (4%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 94mg (9%) Iron: 0.5mg (3%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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Air Fryer Sausage Balls Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep sausages from bursting in an air fryer? ›

You need to wipe them down with a little bit of oil and prick them with a sharp knife or fork to stop them from bursting and set your air fryer to 180 degrees and cook your sausages for about 15 minutes until they are crispy and golden.

Why do my sausage balls flatten out? ›

Why are my sausage balls flat? The balls should be able to hold their shape if you scoop them using a cookie scoop then roll them with your hands. However, if they are going somewhat flat, it may be because you used pre-shredded cheese. Sometimes the anti-clumping agent can have an effect on the shape of the balls.

How to cook sausage patties in pampered chef air fryer? ›

Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees. Remove the raw sausage patties from their packaging and place them in one layer in the air fryer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until its internal temperature reaches 160 degrees, flipping halfway through.

Are sausages better in the air fryer or oven? ›

There are so many pros to air fryer sausages: They cook very evenly, with none of the patchy browning that you get on a BBQ. They are ready in just 10 minutes, compared to the 25+ minutes when you bake them in the oven (plus no preheating required!) They don't spit or burst like when you pan fry.

What is the best setting for sausages in air fryer? ›

Arrange the sausages in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 180C and cook for 10-15 mins, turning every 5 mins, until the sausages are cooked through. If you have a meat thermometer, check they have reached 75C in the middle. Serve as a side for breakfast or in buns.

How long to air fry sausage at 400 degrees? ›

Set the air fryer to 400°F and then cook the sausages until they're well-browned on the outside and cooked through in the middle if you cut into them. It takes about 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages and how many you have in the basket.

Can you cook frozen raw sausage patties in air fryer? ›

Place the frozen sausage patties in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in an even layer. My air fryer can fit 8 at a time. Secure the basket in the air fryer and set the temperature to 400 degrees and the time for 9 minutes.

How do you cook sausage without exploding? ›

Using lower settings allows you to extend the cooking time, ensuring the heat has the chance to transfer to the interior parts of the sausage without overcooking the outside or causing a screaming steam explosion.

How do I keep food from blowing in my air fryer? ›

Another option is to use the cooking rack or tray that comes with most air fryers as a weight to keep food in place. Before you turn the temperature up, remove the crisper plate or tray from the bottom of the basket, place your food inside, and rest the tray on top.

Can you put tin foil in an air fryer? ›

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

Why do my sausages split open? ›

My sausages always split.

Sausages are encased in animal gut, or extruded collagen, that is very thin. Fierce heat will expand the innards of a snorker too quickly, causing the skin – rendered brittle by the heat – to fail.

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