Are you a fan of Chinese sausage? Do you want to know how to cook it perfectly in an air fryer?
Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the steps to cook Chinese sausage in an air fryer, ensuring that it is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make delicious Chinese sausage in your air fryer.
So, let’s get started!
How To Cook Chinese Sausage In Air Fryer?
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Before you start cooking your Chinese sausage, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This will ensure that the air fryer is hot enough to cook the sausage evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare The Chinese Sausage
Chinese sausage comes in different varieties, but most of them are made with pork and have a sweet and savory flavor. To prepare the sausage for cooking, remove it from its packaging and slice it into thin pieces.
Step 3: Place The Sausage In The Air Fryer
Once your air fryer is preheated, place the sliced Chinese sausage in a single layer on the air fryer rack. Make sure that the pieces are not touching each other to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Cook The Sausage
Air fry the Chinese sausage at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. The sausage should be golden brown on the outside and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F for a juicy cooked center. If you’re starting with fully cooked sausage, the internal temperature doesn’t matter, you’re just looking for the desired color.
Step 5: Flip The Sausage
Using tongs, flip the Chinese sausage once midway through cooking to ensure that both sides are evenly cooked.
Step 6: Serve And Enjoy!
Once your Chinese sausage is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and serve it hot. You can enjoy it as a snack or use it as an ingredient in your favorite Chinese dishes.
What Is Chinese Sausage?
Chinese sausage, also known as lap cheong or lop chong, is a type of cured sausage that originated in China. It is made from pork and is seasoned with various spices, including soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. The sausage has a distinctive sweet and savory flavor and a chewy texture that makes it a popular ingredient in many Chinese dishes. Chinese sausage can be found in most international markets or online retailers and can be used in stir-fries, fried rice, soups, stews, and more. It has a long shelf life and can be stored in the fridge for several months. Chinese sausage is a versatile ingredient that adds a unique flavor to any dish it’s used in.
Benefits Of Cooking Chinese Sausage In An Air Fryer
There are several benefits of cooking Chinese sausage in an air fryer. Firstly, air frying is a healthier cooking method compared to deep-frying. Air fryers use hot air to cook food, which means that you can enjoy the crispy texture of fried food without the added oil. This makes Chinese sausage a healthier snack or ingredient for your meals.
Secondly, cooking Chinese sausage in an air fryer is very convenient. Air fryers are easy to use and clean, and they cook food quickly and evenly. You don’t have to worry about the sausage sticking to the pan or splattering oil everywhere like you would when cooking in a pan.
Thirdly, air frying Chinese sausage is a great way to save time in the kitchen. You can cook multiple sausages at once in an air fryer, which means that you can prepare a large batch of sausages at once for meal prep or snacking throughout the week. Plus, air fryers are great for reheating leftovers, so you can enjoy your Chinese sausage again and again with the same crispy texture.
Preparing Chinese Sausage For Air Frying
Chinese sausage is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many different ways. When preparing Chinese sausage for air frying, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that it turns out perfectly.
Step 1: Choose The Right Type Of Chinese Sausage
There are many different varieties of Chinese sausage available, and each one has its own unique flavor and texture. Some are sweeter than others, while others are spicier or more savory. Before you start cooking, make sure you choose the right type of Chinese sausage for your recipe.
Step 2: Slice The Sausage Into Thin Pieces
To ensure even cooking, it’s important to slice the Chinese sausage into thin pieces before air frying. This will allow the heat to penetrate the sausage more easily, resulting in a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.
Step 3: Prick The Sausage Casings
Just like with other types of sausages, it’s a good idea to prick the casings of Chinese sausage with a fork or a paring knife before air frying. This will allow any excess fat to escape from the sausage, resulting in a crispier texture and less greasiness.
Step 4: Avoid Overcrowding The Air Fryer Basket
To ensure that the Chinese sausage cooks evenly, it’s important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange the sliced sausage in a single layer, with plenty of space between each piece.
Step 5: Flip The Sausage Midway Through Cooking
To ensure that both sides of the Chinese sausage are evenly cooked, it’s important to flip them over midway through cooking. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip each piece, being careful not to break them apart.
By following these simple tips, you can easily prepare delicious and perfectly cooked Chinese sausage in your air fryer. Whether you’re using it as a snack or an ingredient in your favorite dishes, this versatile ingredient is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Chinese Sausage In An Air Fryer
1. Pierce The Sausage Casings
Before placing the Chinese sausage in the air fryer, use a fork or a paring knife to poke holes in the casings. This will allow the fat to escape easily from the sausage, resulting in a crispier and more evenly cooked sausage.
2. Don’t Overcrowd The Air Fryer Basket
Make sure that you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket with too many pieces of Chinese sausage. This will prevent the sausage from cooking evenly and can result in some pieces being undercooked or burnt.
3. Adjust Temperature And Cook Time
The cooking time for Chinese sausage can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the air fryer model you are using. Adjust the temperature and cook time accordingly to ensure that your Chinese sausage is cooked through but not burnt.
4. Flip The Sausage Halfway Through Cooking
To ensure that both sides of the Chinese sausage are evenly cooked, flip them over halfway through cooking using tongs.
5. Use A Meat Thermometer
To ensure that your Chinese sausage is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for raw sausage and 140°F for fully cooked sausage.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked Chinese sausage in your air fryer every time.
Serving Suggestions For Chinese Sausage
Chinese sausage is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:
1. Breakfast Fried Rice: Use air-fried Chinese sausage as a protein-packed addition to your breakfast fried rice.
2. Stir-Fry: Add sliced Chinese sausage to your favorite stir-fry recipe for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Noodle Soup: Top your favorite noodle soup with air-fried Chinese sausage for a hearty and satisfying meal.
4. Charcuterie Board: Slice air-fried Chinese sausage and serve it on a charcuterie board with other cured meats and cheeses.
5. Appetizer: Wrap air-fried Chinese sausage in puff pastry or phyllo dough for a delicious and easy appetizer.
No matter how you choose to serve it, air-fried Chinese sausage is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Experiment with different recipes and enjoy the unique flavor of this beloved ingredient.
