Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage Recipe

Ground turkey: The base of the sausage, providing a lean source of protein.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the sausage.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.

Garlic powder: Brings a savory, aromatic quality to the mix.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

Paprika: Gives a slight smokiness and vibrant color to the sausages.

Dried sage: Essential for that classic breakfast sausage taste, providing a warm, earthy flavor.

When forming the patties, make sure to press them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly in the air fryer. Additionally, lightly oiling your hands before shaping the ground turkey mixture can prevent sticking and help you achieve a smoother surface on the sausages.

• ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for breakfast sausages.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste of the sausage.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and peppery flavor but with a slightly different aroma.

• garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic offers a fresh and robust garlic flavor, though it may slightly change the texture.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can provide a similar flavor profile, though they will add a bit of texture to the sausage.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can add a similar color and a bit of heat, though it may be spicier than paprika.

• dried sage - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor, making it a good alternative to sage.

• Allow the turkey sausage patties to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.

• Place the cooled patties in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help to maintain their freshness and prevent them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the sausages within 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

• To freeze, lay the patties out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the patties are frozen solid. This is known as flash freezing and helps to maintain the shape and texture of the patties.

• Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date so you can keep track of their freshness.

• When ready to eat, you can reheat the frozen patties directly in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Alternatively, you can thaw the patties overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them in the air fryer or on the stovetop until warmed through.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the leftover turkey breakfast sausages in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.

• For a quick stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a small pat of butter. Place the sausages in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and nicely browned.

• If you prefer using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.

• For microwave reheating, place the sausages on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have a toaster oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausages on the rack or a small baking tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, turning once, until they are hot and slightly crispy.

• For a steaming method, place the sausages in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the sausages tender.

• Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, perfect for making crispy and evenly cooked turkey breakfast sausages.

• Large bowl: Used to mix together the ground turkey and spices, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring out the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried sage.

• Mixing spoon: Handy for combining the ground turkey with the spices thoroughly.

• Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

• Spatula: Useful for flipping the patties halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.

• Plate: Needed for placing the formed patties before cooking and for serving the cooked sausages.

• Meat thermometer: Optional, but can be used to check that the internal temperature of the sausages reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

Pre-mix spices: Combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried sage in advance to save time when mixing with the ground turkey.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and cook extra patties to freeze for future quick breakfasts.

Uniform shape: Use a small ice cream scoop to ensure all patties are the same size, which helps them cook evenly.

Preheat air fryer: Start preheating your air fryer while you mix the ingredients to save time.

Quick cleanup: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to make cleanup faster.