Sausages cooking times
How long to cook sausages: 12–15 min pan-fried, 20–25 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 10–12 min in an air fryer at 180°C and 12–15 min under the grill. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook sausages
Times are for 8 thick pork sausages.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-fry | 12–15 min | over a medium heat | In a little oil, turning often. Too hot and they split before the middle cooks. |
| Oven | 20–25 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Turn halfway. |
| Air fryer | 10–12 min | 180°C (350°F) | Shake halfway. From frozen, 14–16 minutes. |
| Grill | 12–15 min | under a medium grill | Turn every few minutes. |
| Barbecue | 12–15 min | over medium heat | Turn often; move to the cooler side if they flare. |
Before you start
No need to prick them. Chipolatas take about two-thirds of the time. Frozen sausages cook from frozen in about 5 minutes more.
How to tell it’s done
Browned all over and firm, with no pink inside.
Food safety: Cook mince, burgers and sausages all the way through, to 71°C (160°F), with no pink left in the middle.
Questions
How long to pan-fry sausages?
12–15 min over a medium heat. In a little oil, turning often. Too hot and they split before the middle cooks.
How long to cook sausages in the oven?
20–25 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Turn halfway.
How long to cook sausages in an air fryer?
10–12 min at 180°C (350°F). Shake halfway. From frozen, 14–16 minutes.
How long to grill sausages?
12–15 min under a medium grill. Turn every few minutes.
How long to barbecue sausages?
12–15 min over medium heat. Turn often; move to the cooler side if they flare.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.