Hey y'all! If you're looking for a breakfast that's juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make, this Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage is about to become your new morning favorite. With a perfectly seasoned blend of lean turkey and spices, these sausages cook up beautifully golden and tender in the air fryer—no fuss, no mess! Whether you're prepping for a weekday breakfast or a weekend brunch spread, these homemade patties are the delicious, healthy choice. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage
- Ready in just 20 minutes, making breakfast a breeze.
- Lean ground turkey keeps it healthy but still super juicy and flavorful.
- No need for extra oil or messy stovetop splatters thanks to the air fryer.
- Easy to customize—add your favorite herbs or spices for variety.
- Great for meal prep; make a batch and enjoy all week!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (optional for a sweet touch)
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, salt, pepper, sage, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and maple syrup. Mix well (clean hands work best!) until just combined—don't overmix or the sausage can get tough.
Step 2: Form the Sausage Patties
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Wet your hands lightly and shape each into a ½-inch thick patty, about 2 ½ inches across.
Step 3: Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray, then arrange patties in a single layer. (You may need to cook in batches.)
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip the patties and air fry another 5-7 minutes, or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest 2 minutes before serving.
Notes for the Best Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage
- For extra juicy sausage, use ground turkey that's not ultra-lean (about 93% lean is perfect).
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture—just combine until the spices are evenly distributed.
- For more info on safe meat handling and internal temps, check the USDA guidelines on handling ground turkey.
Variations on Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage
- Spicy Jalapeño: Add 2 tablespoons minced fresh jalapeño and swap in hot paprika for extra heat.
- Apple & Sage: Stir in ⅓ cup finely diced apple for a sweet, classic flavor combo.
- Italian Herb: Use Italian seasoning in place of sage and thyme, and add 1 tablespoon grated parmesan.
Essential Equipment for Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage
- Air fryer (basket-style or oven-style both work)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Kitchen scale (optional, for evenly sized patties)
- Nonstick spray
How to Store Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Let sausages cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap individual patties in plastic wrap, then place in a ziptop bag and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 4-5 minutes or until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage
- Serve alongside scrambled eggs, whole grain toast, and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Layer on an English muffin with egg and cheese for a quick breakfast sandwich.
- Pair with a breakfast hash or roasted potatoes for a hearty brunch.
Pro Tips for Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage
- Always check doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure sausage hits 165°F for food safety (learn more about using meat thermometers).
- If your air fryer tends to run hot, start checking for doneness at the lower end of the time range to avoid overcooking.
- Letting the patties rest a couple minutes after cooking keeps them juicy and lets flavors meld.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage
- Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
- Absolutely! Ground chicken works great and cooks in the same time frame—just watch for doneness and juiciness.
- How do I prevent the sausage from sticking to the basket?
- Lightly spraying the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or brushing with a little oil helps prevent sticking.
- Is homemade turkey sausage healthier than store-bought?
- Yes! You control the ingredients, sodium, and fat—plus, homemade versions skip preservatives; see more on ground turkey nutrition here.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, salt, black pepper, dried sage, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and maple syrup.
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2Mix the ingredients together until well combined, but do not overmix.
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3Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a small patty.
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4Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
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5Place the turkey sausage patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden brown.
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6Serve hot with your favorite breakfast sides.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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