Air Fryer Hillshire Farm Cheddarwurst Smoked Sausage

Air Fryer Hillshire Farm Cheddarwurst Smoked Sausage

Air frying Hillshire Farm Cheddarwurst Smoked Sausage gives you a crispy, browned casing with a juicy interior filled with melted cheddar cheese—all in under 10 minutes. These fully cooked sausages are perfect for quick meals, backyard-style dinners, or loaded sausage sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melty Cheese in Every Bite

The cheddar-filled sausage bursts with flavor while staying juicy inside and crisp outside.

Fast and Mess-Free

The air fryer crisps the casing without the mess of a stovetop or grill.

Great for Meals, Snacks, or Meal Prep

Serve in a bun, slice into mac and cheese, or build into a quick protein-packed lunch.

Cook From Fresh or Frozen

These sausages are fully cooked and air fryer–ready, straight from the fridge or freezer.

Ingredients

• 1 package Hillshire Farm Cheddarwurst Smoked Sausage (fresh or frozen, fully cooked)

Optional:

• Buns or hoagie rolls

• Mustard, ketchup, or cheese sauce

• Sauerkraut, caramelized onions, or jalapeños

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausages

• Remove sausage from packaging.

• If frozen, separate gently—no thawing required.

• Place whole sausages in the air fryer basket or tray, leaving space between each one.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

• Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• For frozen sausages, cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping after 5–6 minutes.

• Sausages are done when the exterior is golden brown and the interior reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Rest & Serve

Let rest for 2 minutes before slicing or serving to allow cheese to settle inside.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Don’t Overcook

Cheddarwurst can split if overcooked—watch closely during the final minutes.

Keep Whole While Cooking

Slice after cooking to retain the melted cheese inside.

Use Tongs, Not a Fork

Poking can cause the cheese to leak—handle gently when flipping.

Flip Once

This helps both sides brown evenly while keeping the inside juicy.

What to Serve With Hillshire Farm Cheddarwurst Smoked Sausage

Topping and Sauce Ideas

• Yellow or Dijon Mustard – Classic flavor contrast

• BBQ Sauce or Cheese Sauce – Sweet or creamy toppings

• Sautéed Onions and Bell Peppers – Hearty and flavorful

• Jalapeños or Pickles – For tangy or spicy balance

Side Dishes

• Potato Salad or Coleslaw – Cool, creamy sides

• French Fries or Tater Tots – Crispy and indulgent

• Mac and Cheese – Ultimate comfort food combo

• Baked Beans or Cornbread – Classic barbecue-style pairings

Creative Serving Ideas

• Cheddarwurst Sandwich: Load in a bun with grilled onions and mustard

• Skillet Dinner: Slice into potatoes and vegetables for a one-pan meal

• Loaded Mac Bowl: Add sliced sausage to mac and cheese with hot sauce

• Cheesy Breakfast Hash: Mix with eggs, hash browns, and peppers

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 heated through.

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 Cheddarwurst Sausages Fully Cooked?

Yes—these are fully cooked. Just heat to 165°F before serving.

Can I Cook Them From Frozen?

Yes—just increase the cook time by 2–3 minutes and flip halfway through.

Will the Cheese Leak Out?

If overcooked or punctured, some cheese may leak. Keep whole during cooking and avoid piercing.

Do I Need Oil or Spray?

No—these sausages contain enough fat to brown and crisp naturally.

Make Hillshire Farm Cheddarwurst Smoked Sausage in the air fryer for juicy, cheesy sausage with a crisp casing in under 10 minutes. Full instructions, tips, and serving ideas included.