Air Fryer Sausage Balls
Ready in about 28 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Cheesy sausage balls with a tender, savoury crumb, a Southern party staple made effortless. The air fryer browns them evenly and keeps the pork juicy, perfect for breakfast spreads or game day.
Written for 6. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 400 g sausage meat
- 150 g grated sharp cheddar
- 120 g self-raising flour
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper
Method
- 1Mix the sausage meat, cheddar, flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper until combined.
- 2Roll into walnut-sized balls.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 180°C/360°F and line with perforated paper.
- 4Arrange the balls in a single layer with space between.
- 5Cook for 12-14 minutes, shaking once, until golden and cooked through.
- 6Check they reach 71°C/160°F, then serve warm.
Tips for the best results
- Do not overmix or the balls turn dense; combine just until it holds.
- Make a batch ahead and freeze raw, adding a couple of minutes when cooking from frozen.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer sausage balls steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the shake every 8 min, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Sausage Balls is ready at 71°C / 160°F in the thickest part.
- Letting wet coating pieces touch, which peels the crust and keeps it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer sausage balls?
A typical starting point is 180°C / 360°F for 12-14 min, shake every 8 min. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer sausage balls is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Sausage Balls should reach 71°C / 160°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer sausage balls serve?
This recipe is written for 6. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.