Air Fryer Hillshire Farm Beef Hot Links Smoked Sausage
- Spencer Airfryer
- May 6
- 3 min read

Air Fryer Hillshire Farm Beef Hot Links Smoked Sausage
Air frying Hillshire Farm Beef Hot Links Smoked Sausage gives you a crisp, caramelized casing with a juicy, spicy interior in under 10 minutes. These fully cooked sausages deliver bold heat and rich beef flavor—perfect for spicy sausage sandwiches, BBQ-style meals, or hearty rice bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spicy, Savory, and Satisfying
These hot links pack a punch of heat and deep smoky flavor in every bite.
Quick, Easy, and No Cleanup
The air fryer crisps the skin without oil or splatter—ready in minutes.
Ideal for Sandwiches, Bowls, or Skillets
Serve whole in buns or sliced into pastas, stews, or stir-fried meals.
Cook From Fresh or Frozen
Fully cooked and ready to air fry straight from the fridge or freezer.
Ingredients
1 package Hillshire Farm Beef Hot Links Smoked Sausage (fresh or frozen, fully cooked)
Optional:
Buns or tortillas for serving
BBQ sauce, mustard, or hot sauce
Grilled onions, peppers, or pickles for toppings
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Hot Links
Remove hot links from packaging.
Cut into 2–4 inch segments if needed to fit your air fryer basket.
If frozen, separate gently—no thawing required.
Arrange sausages in a single layer with space between each piece.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For frozen hot links, cook 10–12 minutes, flipping at the halfway point.
Hot links are ready when browned on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Rest & Serve
Let rest for 2 minutes before slicing or serving to lock in juices and intensify the flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Avoid Overcooking
Hot links can split if overcooked—monitor closely during the last 2 minutes.
Flip for Even Crisping
Turn halfway through cooking for a uniform, blistered skin.
Cook Whole for Best Results
Retains heat and moisture better—slice after cooking.
Skip the Oil
These sausages brown naturally without needing oil or spray.
What to Serve With Hillshire Farm Beef Hot Links
Sauce and Topping Ideas
BBQ Sauce or Spicy Mustard – Bold and zesty
Hot Sauce or Sriracha – For extra heat
Pickled Jalapeños or Slaw – Great for contrast
Cheddar, Onions, or Peppers – Loaded sausage toppings
Side Dishes
Mac and Cheese – Classic comfort pairing
Baked Beans or Cornbread – Southern-style balance
French Fries or Potato Wedges – Crispy sides that cool the spice
Rice or Cajun Dirty Rice – Great for a full bowl meal
Creative Serving Ideas
Hot Link Sandwich: Load into buns with mustard, grilled onions, and jalapeños
BBQ Bowl: Slice over rice with baked beans and roasted corn
Spicy Skillet: Toss with potatoes and peppers for a one-pan dinner
Hot Link Nachos: Slice and scatter over chips with cheese and hot sauce
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store Leftovers
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat in the Air Fryer
Reheat at 350°F (177°C) for 3–4 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again.
Can You Freeze After Cooking?
Yes—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 6–7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hillshire Farm Beef Hot Links Fully Cooked?
Yes—they are fully cooked. Just reheat to 165°F before serving.
Can I Cook Them From Frozen?
Yes—just add 2–3 minutes to the total cook time and flip halfway through.
Are They Really Spicy?
Yes—Hillshire Farm Beef Hot Links have a bold, spicy flavor with a smoky heat kick.
Do I Need Oil or Spray?
No—these sausages brown naturally and don’t require any added oil.
Make Hillshire Farm Beef Hot Links in the air fryer for bold, spicy sausage with crispy skin and juicy center—ready in under 10 minutes. Full instructions, tips, and serving ideas included. Air Fryer Hillshire Farm Beef Hot Links Smoked Sausage
Comments