“I doubled the recipe as suggested because these sausage balls are incredibly good! I followed the recipe exactly, and they turned out perfect!”
– Ann

While regular breakfast sausage is a fantastic choice and what I typically use, don’t hesitate to experiment with different varieties to suit your taste. Hot or spicy sausage can add a pleasant kick, sage sausage offers an aromatic herbal note, and maple sausage can introduce a unique, sweeter flavor profile. Feel free to mix and match or choose your personal favorite for a customized experience.

Yes, absolutely! It’s highly recommended to lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Since these sausage balls contain cheese, there’s a good chance they could stick to the basket during cooking. Olive oil spray is one of the few nonstick sprays that won’t leave a sticky residue or “gunk up” the air fryer basket over time, helping maintain your appliance and ensure easy cleanup.

You can certainly double, or even triple, this recipe! These sausage balls are so incredibly popular and delicious that they tend to disappear quickly, especially at parties or family gatherings. When scaling up the recipe, remember that you will need to cook them in batches to ensure they are cooked evenly. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.

For the best flavor and texture, I personally prefer using freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and incorporates better into the mixture compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. However, you can also use other shredded cheeses like Pepper Jack for a spicy twist, Mozzarella for a milder, stretchier bite, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack.

Absolutely! If you don’t own an air fryer or simply prefer using your oven, these sausage balls can still be made. For precise instructions on how to bake them to perfection, you can refer to my Cream Cheese Sausage Balls recipe, which provides comprehensive oven-baking guidance. The cooking time and temperature will differ slightly from the air fryer method, but the delicious outcome remains the same!

While the recipe specifically calls for Bisquick, you don’t necessarily have to stick to that exact brand. The key is to use a high-quality “baking mix” that contains flour, leavening agents, and shortening. Many grocery store brands offer their own versions, such as Walmart’s Great Value baking mix, which is a very similar and often more budget-friendly alternative that works perfectly in this recipe.

Leftover Air Fryer Sausage Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they freeze exceptionally well. Allow the cooked sausage balls to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their quality for 1-2 months. To defrost, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in the microwave for a quick warm-up or pop them back into the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until heated through and slightly crispy again.

Most air fryer models, whether basket-style or oven-style, will work wonderfully for these sausage balls. The key is to ensure you don’t overcrowd the basket, allowing for proper air circulation, which is essential for achieving that desirable crispy texture. Basket-style air fryers are often more convenient for shaking the contents mid-cook, but oven-style models can handle larger batches if you’re cooking for a crowd.

Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. For added flavor, consider incorporating finely diced onion, green bell pepper, or even a touch of garlic powder into the mixture. A pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the spicy kick if you’re using hot sausage. Just be mindful not to add too many wet ingredients, as this could affect the dough’s consistency.

These savory bites are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with various dipping sauces. Classic choices include honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a tangy BBQ sauce. For those who enjoy a little heat, a spicy mayo or sriracha aioli would be excellent. They also make a great addition to a breakfast platter alongside scrambled eggs and fruit, or as part of a larger appetizer spread for parties.

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture. Begin by opening the package of ground sausage and crumbling it into a large mixing bowl. To this, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Bisquick baking mix, seasoned salt, and milk. Now comes the fun part: use your hands to thoroughly incorporate all the ingredients together. This ensures everything is well combined and distributed evenly, which is crucial for uniform flavor and texture. Mix until a cohesive “dough” forms.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer and Form Balls. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray. This step is important to prevent sticking, especially due to the cheese content. Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out individual sausage balls from the mixture. A scoop helps ensure consistent sizing, which leads to more even cooking.

Step 3: Arrange in Air Fryer. Gently roll each scooped portion between your palms to round them out into smooth balls. Carefully place the formed sausage balls into your prepared air fryer basket. It’s perfectly fine if they are touching each other slightly, but it’s essential not to stack them. For optimal crispiness and even cooking, arrange them in a single layer. If you have a large batch, you will need to cook them in multiple batches.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection. Close the air fryer basket and cook the sausage balls for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). There’s no need to preheat your air fryer for this recipe, which saves time! Halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-minute mark), you might want to gently shake the basket or flip the sausage balls to ensure even browning on all sides. They should be golden brown and cooked through.