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How to Cook Italian Sausage: Stove, Oven, Grill & Air Fryer

Frank and Sal Italian Market Cooking Guide

How to Cook Italian Sausage

Learn how to cook thick Italian sausage links, rope sausage and thin Chevalatta rings on the stove, in the oven or on the grill.

Quick Answer

Place fresh Italian sausage links in a skillet and add enough water to come about halfway up the links. Cover and gently simmer over medium-low heat for 10 to 12 minutes.

Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes, turning frequently, until evenly browned.

Pork sausage is done when the center reaches 160°F. Chicken or turkey sausage must reach 165°F.

How to Cook Italian Sausage on the Stove

  1. Place thawed sausage links in a single layer in a large skillet.
  2. Add enough cold water to come about halfway up the sides of the links.
  3. Cover and bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  4. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning the links once.
  5. Remove the lid and allow the remaining water to evaporate.
  6. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes, turning frequently, until the casing is browned.
  7. Check the thickest link with a meat thermometer before serving.
Do not use a hard boil. Gentle heat helps cook the center without splitting the casing.

How to Cook Italian Sausage in the Oven

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  3. Arrange the links in a single layer with space between them.
  4. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes.
  5. Turn the links after approximately 15 minutes.
  6. Remove when the proper internal temperature has been reached.

How to Grill Italian Sausage

  1. Preheat the grill to medium, approximately 375°F to 400°F.
  2. Set up a hotter side and a cooler side of the grill.
  3. Place the links on the cooler side and close the lid.
  4. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once.
  5. Move the links to direct heat and brown for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  6. Remove when the center reaches the proper temperature.
Watch closely when browning. Dripping fat can cause flare-ups.

How to Cook Italian Sausage in an Air Fryer

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
  2. Place the links in a single layer with space around each one.
  3. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes.
  4. Turn the links halfway through cooking.
  5. Check the internal temperature before serving.

How to Cook Thin Italian Sausage Rings

Thin Chevalatta or Cervellata rings cook faster than thick links. Cook the ring whole whenever possible to keep the juices inside the casing.

Skillet

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the whole sausage ring.
  3. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side.
  4. Turn as needed until evenly browned and cooked to 160°F.

Oven

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Place the ring in a shallow baking dish with about 1/4 inch of water.
  3. Cover with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Remove the foil and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes to brown the casing.

Grill

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. Grill the ring for 6 to 8 minutes per side.
  3. Turn carefully with two wide spatulas or long tongs.
  4. Remove when browned and cooked to 160°F.

What Temperature Should Italian Sausage Reach?

Insert an instant-read thermometer through the side of the sausage so the tip reaches the center.

  • Pork, beef, lamb or veal sausage: 160°F
  • Chicken or turkey sausage: 165°F

Do not rely only on color, firmness or the appearance of the juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I prick the sausage casing?

No. Piercing the casing allows fat and juices to escape, which can make the sausage dry.

Can Italian sausage still look pink when cooked?

Yes. Color can vary depending on the meat, seasoning and cooking method. A thermometer is the most reliable test.

Can I cook Italian sausage from frozen?

Yes, but thawing it in the refrigerator first will give you more even results. Allow additional cooking time when starting from frozen.

Can sausage finish cooking in tomato sauce?

Yes. Brown the sausage first, then finish it in gently simmering tomato sauce until it reaches 160°F.

Fresh Italian Sausage from Frank and Sal

Choose fresh Italian sausage links, rope sausage and thin Chevalatta rings in several flavors.

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