Olivia Carter
Looking for a delicious and easy breakfast option? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to cook square sausage in a Ninja Air Fryer. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone.
Square sausage, also known as Lorne sausage or slice sausage, is a popular breakfast item in Scotland. Its unique shape and flavorful taste make it a favorite among locals. Traditionally, it is made by combining ground pork, beef, or a mixture of both with various seasonings.
Now, with the help of a Ninja Air Fryer, you can enjoy this tasty breakfast treat in no time. The Ninja Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that allows you to cook your favorite foods with little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Plus, it cooks food quickly and evenly, so you can have a perfectly cooked square sausage every time.
So, let’s get started on this delicious journey of cooking square sausage in a Ninja Air Fryer. Follow the easy steps below and enjoy a fantastic breakfast that will impress your family and friends.
Preparation Steps
Before cooking square sausage in the Ninja Air Fryer, it’s important to properly prepare the sausage to ensure a delicious meal. Follow these steps to get started.
Step 1: Defrost the Sausage
If your square sausage is frozen, it’s important to defrost it before cooking. Place the sausages in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave to thaw them.
Step 2: Season the Sausage
Next, season the square sausages according to your taste preferences. You can use a simple seasoning like salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to the recommended temperature for cooking sausages. This will help ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Step 4: Arrange the Sausage in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the seasoned square sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave enough space between each sausage so they can cook evenly.
Step 5: Cook the Sausage
Cook the square sausage in the Ninja Air Fryer according to the recommended cooking time. Flip the sausages halfway through the cooking process to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Once the sausages are cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are cooked through.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the cooked square sausages from the air fryer and serve them hot. They can be enjoyed on their own, as part of a breakfast sandwich, or however you prefer!
Cooking Steps
Cooking square sausage in a Ninja Air Fryer is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Place the square sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other.
3. Cook the sausages for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure that they are evenly cooked on both sides.
4. Check the internal temperature of the sausages with a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
5. Once the sausages are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the air fryer basket and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Serve the square sausages with your favorite breakfast sides, such as eggs, toast, and hash browns.
Enjoy your delicious square sausages cooked to perfection in the Ninja Air Fryer!
Tips and Tricks
If you’re looking to make the perfect square sausage in your Ninja Air Fryer, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat
The key to a delicious square sausage is using the right cut of meat. Look for lean cuts such as ground pork or pork shoulder. Avoid using fatty meats as they can lead to a greasy texture.
2. Seasoning is Key
Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning. Mix your preferred spices, herbs, and seasonings into the ground meat to enhance its flavor. Popular choices include sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Shape It into a Square
To achieve the distinct square shape, use a square sausage press or simply shape the ground meat into a square using your hands. Make sure to press it firmly to maintain its shape during cooking.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating the Ninja Air Fryer is essential for even cooking. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature (usually around 375°F) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes before adding the square sausage.
5. Use Parchment Paper
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent the square sausage from sticking to the basket. This also makes for easier cleanup afterwards.
6. Cook in Batches
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can result in uneven cooking. Cook the square sausages in batches, leaving space between each one for better air circulation.
7. Flip and Rotate
Halfway through cooking, flip the square sausages to ensure even browning. You can also rotate the positions of the sausages in the air fryer basket to promote even cooking on all sides.
8. Check Internal Temperature
To ensure the square sausages are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The minimum safe temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C).
9. Let Rest Before Serving
Once the square sausages are cooked, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain their juices and ensures a more flavorful bite.
| Tips Summary: |
|---|
| Choose lean cuts of meat |
| Season the ground meat |
| Shape the meat into a square |
| Preheat the air fryer |
| Use parchment paper to prevent sticking |
| Cook in batches for even cooking |
| Flip and rotate sausages for even browning |
| Check internal temperature for doneness |
| Let the sausages rest before serving |
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you don’t have a Ninja Air Fryer or simply want to try different cooking methods, there are a few alternatives you can consider for cooking square sausage.
Pan-frying: Pan-frying square sausage is a traditional cooking method that can be done easily. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the square sausage in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are browned and cooked through.
Oven-baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the square sausage on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are browned and cooked through.
Grilling: Square sausage can also be cooked on a grill for a delicious smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the square sausage on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are browned and cooked through.
Boiling: Boiling square sausage is another option if you prefer a softer texture. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the square sausage to the boiling water and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until they are cooked through. This method is commonly used for breakfast sausage.
Whichever alternative cooking method you choose, make sure the square sausage is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
Serving Suggestions
Once your square sausages are cooked to perfection in the Ninja Air Fryer, it’s time to think about how you want to serve them. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to get you inspired:
Classic Scottish Breakfast
Traditionally, square sausages are a key ingredient in a classic Scottish breakfast. Serve them alongside eggs, bacon, black pudding, hash browns, and grilled tomatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal to start your day.
Square Sausage Sandwich
For a quick and tasty lunch option, why not make a square sausage sandwich? Place your cooked square sausage between two slices of fresh bread, and add your favorite condiments such as ketchup or HP sauce. You can also add lettuce, tomato, and cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Square Sausage Pizza Topping
If you’re feeling creative, try using square sausage as a pizza topping. Simply slice your cooked sausages into thin rounds and scatter them on top of your favorite pizza dough along with cheese, tomato sauce, and any other toppings you desire. Bake according to the pizza dough instructions for a unique and delicious pizza experience.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities for serving square sausages are endless. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover new and exciting flavor combinations that work for you. Enjoy!
FAQ
What is square sausage?
Square sausage, also known as Lorne sausage, is a traditional Scottish breakfast sausage that is shaped into a square patty instead of the typical cylindrical shape.
Can I cook square sausage in a Ninja Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook square sausage in a Ninja Air Fryer. The air fryer provides a quick and convenient way to cook sausage without using any oil.
