Frozen sausages are one of the easiest things to keep in the freezer for a quick breakfast, a tiffin or a weeknight dinner. The only questions are whether to thaw them first, which method to use, and how to tell when they're done. This guide covers all three.
The quick answer
- Best results: thaw overnight in the fridge, then pan-fry on medium heat, turning often, until browned all over and hot right through.
- No time to thaw: thin sausages (franks, cocktail sausages) can go into the pan or air fryer straight from frozen. Cook on lower heat for longer so the middle heats through before the outside burns.
- Done when: hot all the way through, with no pink in the middle for raw sausages. A food thermometer should read 72°C or more at the centre.
Should I thaw sausages before cooking?
Thawing gives more even cooking and a better browned outside, especially for thick sausages like bratwurst, bangers and Old Calcutta. Move the pack from the freezer to the fridge the night before. Keep it sealed and on a plate.
If you forgot, put the sealed pack in a bowl of cold water for 30 to 60 minutes, changing the water once. Don't thaw sausages on the kitchen counter or in hot water.
Thin sausages, such as smoked chicken franks and cocktail sausages, cook well from frozen.
Raw or pre-cooked? Check the pack
Some sausages are sold raw and need to be cooked through. Others are smoked or cooked already and only need heating. The pack will tell you. If it's raw, cook it until there's no pink in the middle. If it's pre-cooked, heat it until it's hot through and nicely browned.
How to cook sausages in a pan
- Heat a teaspoon of oil in a heavy pan on medium heat. Too hot and the skins split before the middle is cooked.
- Add the sausages with space between them.
- Turn every couple of minutes until browned on all sides.
- Check the middle of the thickest one before serving.
Tip for thick sausages: add two tablespoons of water, cover the pan for a few minutes to steam them through, then uncover and brown.
How to cook sausages in an air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to around 180°C.
- Lay the sausages in a single layer, not touching.
- Cook, shaking the basket or turning them halfway, until browned and hot through. Thin sausages take only a few minutes; thick ones take longer.
The air fryer is the easiest way to make cocktail sausages crisp for a party.
How to cook sausages in the oven
- Heat the oven to 200°C.
- Put the sausages on a lined tray with a little oil.
- Bake, turning once, until evenly browned and hot through.
The oven is best when you're cooking a big batch, for a brunch or a party.
How to grill or barbecue sausages
Cook over medium heat, not over the hottest flames, turning often. For thick sausages like bratwurst, you can simmer them gently in water or beer for a few minutes first, then finish on the grill for colour.
Which sausage for what?
- Breakfast and tiffins: Keells Krest chicken sausages, Old Calcutta Chicken, British Bangers
- Hot dogs: Bockwurst, Bacon & Cheese, Keells Smoked
- The grill: Bratwurst, BBQ Chorizo, Schublig Chilli
- Parties: Keells Cocktail Extra Spicy
Good to know
Can you cook sausages from frozen?
Yes, especially thin ones. Use medium-low heat and allow extra time so the middle heats through.
Why do sausages split when cooking?
The heat is too high. Turn it down to medium and turn them often.
Should I prick sausages before cooking?
No. Pricking lets the juices out and makes them dry.
How do I know a sausage is cooked?
It should be hot all the way through, with clear juices and no pink in the middle for raw sausages, or 72°C at the centre on a thermometer.
Can I refreeze thawed sausages?
Only if they were thawed in the fridge and haven't been cooked. For the best texture, thaw only what you'll use.
Shop gourmet sausages and Keells Krest sausages. Order before 4 PM for same-day delivery across Delhi NCR. Free delivery on orders above ₹449.
