Air Fryer Potatoes and Sausage

Air Fryer Potatoes and Sausage is one of those recipes that feels humble yet incredibly satisfying. It combines tender-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside potatoes with juicy, browned sausage and lightly caramelized onions—all cooked together in the air fryer for maximum flavor with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want a comforting, filling meal without turning on the oven.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility. You can change the sausage type, adjust the seasoning, add vegetables, or serve it in multiple ways. Whether you’re cooking for one person or feeding a family, this dish scales easily and delivers consistent results every time.

This comprehensive recipe will walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right ingredients to achieving the perfect crisp, plus helpful variations and serving suggestions.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1.5 pounds baby potatoes
Baby potatoes are ideal because they cook evenly and develop a beautiful crispy exterior while staying creamy inside. You may use baby gold, baby red, or a mix.
12–14 ounces smoked sausage (such as kielbasa, andouille, or beef sausage)
Smoked sausage works best because it is already fully cooked and packed with flavor.
1 small onion, chopped into chunks
White or yellow onion is recommended, but red onion also works well.

Seasoning & Oil

2 tablespoons oil (light olive oil or canola oil)
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped
Green onions, sliced

Equipment Needed

Air fryer (basket-style or oven-style)
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Large mixing bowl
Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Because baby potatoes have thin skins, peeling is not necessary and actually discouraged—you’ll get better texture and more nutrients by leaving the skins on.

Once washed, dry the potatoes with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent crisping in the air fryer.

Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces:

Small potatoes: cut in half
Medium potatoes: cut into quarters

Uniform size is essential to ensure even cooking. Uneven pieces may result in some potatoes being overcooked while others remain underdone.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage and Onion

Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch thick rounds. This thickness allows the sausage to brown nicely without drying out.

Chop the onion into chunky pieces rather than thin slices. Larger onion pieces hold their shape better during air frying and develop lightly caramelized edges instead of burning.

Step 3: Season Everything

Place the potatoes, sausage slices, and chopped onion into a large mixing bowl.

Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil, making sure everything gets lightly coated. Oil helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning and crispiness.

Sprinkle in:

1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper

Using clean hands or a spatula, toss everything together until the potatoes, sausage, and onions are evenly coated with oil and seasoning.

Tip: If you like stronger flavors, feel free to add:

Paprika
Onion powder
Italian seasoning
Smoked paprika
Cajun seasoning

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3–5 minutes. While some air fryers don’t require preheating, doing so helps the potatoes begin crisping immediately when placed inside.

Step 5: Air Fry the Potatoes and Sausage

Carefully place the seasoned mixture into the air fryer basket. Spread everything out into an even layer as much as possible.

Important: Do not overcrowd the basket. If your air fryer is small, cook in two batches for best results.

Set the air fryer to:

Temperature: 380°F (193°C)
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes

At the 10-minute mark, open the air fryer and shake the basket or use tongs to toss the ingredients. This step ensures even browning on all sides.

Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking until:

Potatoes are golden brown and crispy
Sausage is well-browned
Onions are soft with caramelized edges

Step 6: Check for Doneness

To test doneness:

Insert a fork into a potato—if it slides in easily, the potatoes are done.
Taste a small piece and adjust seasoning if needed.

If the potatoes need more crisping, cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, checking frequently.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the potatoes and sausage to a serving dish.

Garnish with:

Fresh chopped parsley
Sliced green onions

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served in many ways:

As a Main Dish

Serve with a simple green salad
Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans
Add a fried or poached egg on top for breakfast or brunch

As a Side Dish

Serve alongside roasted chicken
Pair with grilled pork chops
Complement a steak or meatloaf

With Sauces

Dijon mustard
Honey mustard
Garlic aioli
Ketchup or spicy mayo

Recipe Variations

Vegetable Add-Ins

Add these halfway through cooking:

Bell peppers
Zucchini
Mushrooms
Brussels sprouts

Sausage Options

Chicken sausage
Turkey sausage
Spicy andouille
Italian sausage (pre-cooked)

Spicy Version

Add:

Red pepper flakes
Cayenne pepper
Hot paprika

Herb-Forward Version