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Home » Recipes » Snack Recipes

Air Fryer Sausage Balls

Close up overhead shot of air fryer sausage balls on a plate with ketchup.
Crispy on the outside, deliciously juicy and soft inside air fryer sausage balls are not only easy but the perfect game day food.
Prep Time :5 minutes mins
Cook Time :10 minutes mins
Total Time :15 minutes mins
Servings :20
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Side view of a dish full of sausage balls with a bowl of ketchup and some text overlay for pinterest.

Published: Aug 5, 2023 · Modified: Nov 6, 2024 by Melanie Cagle · Leave a Comment

Once I had tried cooking my sausage balls in the air fryer there was no going back. Crispy outside, soft and juicy inside - air fryer sausage balls are going to be your new favorite party food.

Side view and close up of some sausage balls.
Air Fryer Sausage Balls

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I normally like to bring out the sausage balls for game day and super bowl, or parties where finger food is the norm.

You could even serve it as a delicious appetizer, depends on the setting. They're a massive crowd pleaser.

Jump to:
  • What makes this recipe so yummy
  • Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
  • Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
  • Recipe variations and substitute ideas
  • Necessary gear: Equipment
  • More air fryer recipes I think you'll love
  • How to store leftovers
  • Mel's kitchen notes
  • Air Fryer Sausage Balls
  • 💬 Comments

What makes this recipe so yummy

  • You can have these sausage cheese balls in your air fryer in 5 minutes. It's quick, super quick.
  • What's more addictive than breakfast sausage? I tell you, I don't know. These sausage balls are literally my favorite snack.
  • These are perfect as make ahead breakfast snacks.
  • As it is an air fryer recipe it's a healthier option.
  • Make these for your next party, they also make the perfect appetizer.
  • They're perfect for the holiday season.

Groceries you'll need: Ingredients

Air Fryer Sausage Balls Ingredients.
  • Breakfast sausage
  • Pancake Mix (like Bisquick)
  • Cream Cheese
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese (freshly shredded cheese)
  • Parsley
  • Garlic Powder

See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

Recipe walkthrough: Instructions

This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • Step 1: Preheat your air fryer. Add all ingredients to the bowl of your stand mixer and mix sausage until totally combined. (Or add to a large mixing bowl and use your hands).
  • Step 2: Take 2 tablespoons of the sausage mixture and using your hands roll into about 1-½ inch balls. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
  • Step 3: Lightly spray the basket for your air fryer with cooking spray. Lay out the sausage balls 1" apart in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook in 2 batches depending on the size of your air fryer).
  • Step 4: Air fry sausage balls for 10 minutes until golden brown. Once cooked, if you're cooking 2 batches, use tongs and place the cooked sausage balls on a baking sheet while you cook the rest.
Sausage Balls laid out on a pan after being cooked in the air fryer.

Hint: I typically offer ketchup with our sausage balls, but really they go with pretty much any dip.

Recipe variations and substitute ideas

  • Italian Sausage - Italian ground sausage instead of breakfast sausage.
  • Spicy Sausage - if you like a little heat try using a spicy sausage.
  • Almond Flour - For a keto version replace the cup of bisquick with almond flour.
  • Red Pepper Flakes - Add a little heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Monterey Jack - Swap out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack (or any other favorite cheese).
  • Sour Cream - try swapping out a little cream cheese for sour cream.
  • Turkey Sausage - a little healthier option.
  • Rosemary Leaves - another herb I've heard people like to add.
  • Pork Sausages - you could use pork sausages but you'll have to increase the amount of spices you add.
  • Crescent Roll Dough - try using this instead of the pancake mix.
  • Maple Syrup - this tastes great added.
  • Hot Sausage - if you like the heat.
Overhead shot of a plate full of air fryer sausage balls and a small bowl of ketchup.

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Necessary gear: Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

I have a link to the type of air fryer I use, in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

More air fryer recipes I think you'll love

  • A plate of air fryer crab cakes with lemon wedges.
  • A close up shot of some air fried ranch chicken wings with some celery and ranch dip.
  • Overhead and close up shot of the inside of a mac and cheese bite.
  • air fryer corn dogs in a pile on a plate in front of an air fryer featured image
  • Air Fryer Crab Cakes
  • Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings
  • Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites
  • Air Fryer Corn Dogs
  • Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
  • Ham and Cheese Bites

You should also try these cheddar bay sausage balls with my southern white gravy. They're delicious. Or try making these Natchitoches Meat Pies.

How to store leftovers

Once cooled completely store the cheesy sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 4 days.

Place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Mel's kitchen notes

To reheat bring back to room temperature then pop them back into the air fryer again for 1-2 minutes to stay crispy.


If you’ve tried these Air Fryer Sausage Balls or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!

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Close up overhead shot of air fryer sausage balls on a plate with ketchup.
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Air Fryer Sausage Balls

Crispy on the outside, deliciously juicy and soft inside air fryer sausage balls are not only easy but the perfect game day food.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time15 minutes mins
Servings: 20
Cuisine: American
Author: Melanie Cagle
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Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • Vortex Air Fryer by Instant

Ingredients

  • 1 Pound Breakfast Sausage
  • 2 Cups Pancake Mix like Bisquick
  • 1 (8 Ounce) Block Cream Cheese
  • 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • ¼ Cup Fresh Parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
  • Add all ingredients to the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large bowl to mix by hand) and mix until well combined.
    1 Pound Breakfast Sausage, 2 Cups Pancake Mix, 1 (8 Ounce) Block Cream Cheese, 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, ¼ Cup Fresh Parsley, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • Take 2 Tablespoons of the mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the sausage mixture.
  • Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray and line up the sausage balls about 1" apart.
  • Cook for 10 minutes. Check for doneness then serve with your favorite dip.

Notes

Cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer you use. You may need to watch after 8 minutes or may need longer than 10. If in doubt, use a meat thermometer, they need to be 160°F internal temperature.
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Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 518kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 1274mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g

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Filed Under: Christmas, Game Day Recipes, Lunch Recipes, Snack Recipes, Thanksgiving

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