[Full Guide] How Long To Cook Sausage In Instant Pot?

Cooking sausage in an Instant Pot can be a convenient and efficient way to prepare a delicious meal. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function helps to infuse flavors and retain moisture, resulting in perfectly cooked sausage. This comprehensive guide will take you through the process of selecting, preparing, and cooking sausage in the Instant Pot. We will also address common troubleshooting issues to ensure a successful cooking experience.

Quick Answer: How Long To Cook Sausage In Instant Pot

As a quick reference, the recommended cooking time for sausage in the Instant Pot is typically 5-7 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural release for 5 minutes. However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of the sausage.

Selection

When selecting sausage for cooking in the Instant Pot, consider the following options:

Type Of Sausage

• Italian Sausage: Whether sweet or spicy, Italian sausage is a popular choice for Instant Pot cooking. It adds robust flavor to various dishes.
• Bratwurst: Known for its savory and slightly sweet taste, bratwurst can be a great addition to stews and casseroles.
• Andouille Sausage: This smoked sausage with a spicy kick works well in Cajun-inspired recipes.
• Breakfast Sausage: Mild or spicy breakfast sausage links or patties are ideal for breakfast casseroles or sandwiches.

Fresh Vs. Precooked Sausage

• Fresh Sausage: If using fresh sausage, ensure it is raw and not precooked. Fresh sausage offers the flexibility to season or flavor it according to your preferences.
• Precooked Sausage: Precooked sausage, such as smoked or fully-cooked links, can be quickly reheated and infused with additional flavors in the Instant Pot.

Preparation

Proper preparation ensures the sausage is ready for optimal cooking in the Instant Pot.

Thawing

If the sausage is frozen, thaw it thoroughly before cooking, either in the refrigerator or using the defrost function of the microwave.

Pricking The Sausage

To prevent the sausage casings from bursting during cooking, lightly prick the sausage with a fork or skewer before placing it in the Instant Pot. This step also allows the flavors to penetrate the sausage more effectively.

Seasoning

Season the sausage according to your preferences. This could include rubbing it with herbs, spices, or a marinade to enhance its flavor.

Trimming

If there is excess fat on the sausage, consider trimming it to prevent excessive fat in the finished dish.

Instant Pot Cooking Times For Sausage

Determining the appropriate cooking time for sausage in the Instant Pot is crucial to achieving the desired texture and flavor.

Cooking Time Guidelines

• Fresh Sausage: Typically requires 5-7 minutes of high-pressure cooking, depending on the thickness and type of sausage.
• Precooked Sausage: Usually necessitates a shorter cooking time of 1-2 minutes on high pressure to ensure thorough heating.

Sausage Thickness

Thicker sausages will require a longer cooking time to ensure that the internal temperature reaches a safe level and that the flavors meld properly.

Natural Release

After the cooking cycle, allow a natural release of 5 minutes. This helps the sausage retain its juices and prevents any sudden changes in texture due to quick depressurization.

How To Cook Sausage In Instant Pot

Follow these step-by-step instructions for cooking sausage in the Instant Pot:

Ingredients

• Sausage of your choice
• Seasoning or marinade (optional)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Thaw the sausage if frozen and prick it lightly with a fork. Season or marinate as desired.

2. Searing (Optional): For added flavor and texture, consider searing the sausage in the Instant Pot using the sauté function before proceeding with pressure cooking.

3. Adding Liquid: If not using the sauté function, add a cup of liquid, such as water, broth, or beer, to the Instant Pot to create steam and prevent the sausage from sticking to the bottom.

4. Placing the Sausage: Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and arrange the sausages on top of it, ensuring they are not touching the liquid or the sides of the pot.

5. Pressure Cooking: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the manual/pressure cook function. Adjust the cooking time based on the type and thickness of the sausage, and then allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure.

6. Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes to preserve the sausage’s juices and flavors.

7. Finishing: After the natural release, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure. Use tongs to remove the sausages from the Instant Pot and serve them as desired.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sausage Is Undercooked

If the sausage is undercooked after the recommended cooking time, return it to the Instant Pot and pressure cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe level.

Sausage Is Overcooked

Overcooked sausage may become dry and lose its flavor. To prevent this, reduce the cooking time for future preparations, especially when dealing with thinner or precooked sausages.

Burst Sausage Casings

Lightly pricking the sausage before cooking helps prevent the casings from bursting. Ensure the pricks are gentle to avoid excessive loss of flavor and moisture.

Sausage Sticking To The Pot

To prevent sausage from sticking, ensure there is sufficient liquid in the Instant Pot. Additionally, using the trivet helps elevate the sausage and prevents direct contact with the pot’s bottom.

Cooking sausage in the Instant Pot offers a convenient and versatile way to prepare a wide range of flavorful dishes. Understanding the selection, preparation, cooking times, and troubleshooting techniques will empower you to achieve perfect results every time. Whether you’re incorporating sausage into soups, stews, casseroles, or standalone dishes, the Instant Pot provides a reliable and efficient cooking method for bringing out the best in this beloved ingredient. With the knowledge and tips provided in this guide, you can confidently embark on your sausage cooking adventures with your Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Cook Times For Frozen Sausage

The Instant Pot has gained immense popularity for its ability to streamline cooking processes and produce delicious meals in a fraction of the time. When it comes to cooking sausage, the Instant Pot offers a convenient and efficient method to achieve succulent and flavorful results. Whether you’re cooking fresh or frozen sausage, the Instant Pot can help you maintain the natural juices and enhance the overall texture and taste of the meat.

Cooking frozen sausage in the Instant Pot requires a slightly longer cooking time compared to fresh sausage. The high pressure and steam within the Instant Pot not only cooks the sausage thoroughly but also helps to maintain its succulent texture. Here are the recommended cook times for frozen sausage in the Instant Pot:

Cook Times For Different Types Of Sausage

• Frozen Pork Sausage: Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the sausages. Consider adding 1 cup of liquid, such as broth or water, to the Instant Pot to create steam and prevent burning.

• Frozen Chicken Sausage: Similar to pork sausage, frozen chicken sausage can be cooked on high pressure for 15-20 minutes. Ensure that the sausages are separated and not stuck together to ensure even cooking.

• Frozen Beef Sausage: Beef sausage can also be cooked in the Instant Pot for 15-20 minutes on high pressure. To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs, spices, or vegetables to the cooking liquid.

Tips For Cooking Frozen Sausage In Instant Pot

• It’s essential to ensure that the sausages are separated and not clumped together before placing them in the Instant Pot. This helps to promote even cooking and prevents the sausages from sticking together.

• Adding a cup of liquid, such as broth, water, or wine, to the Instant Pot before cooking the frozen sausages helps create steam, which aids in the cooking process and prevents the meat from drying out.

• To ensure that the sausages cook evenly, consider turning them halfway through the cooking process, especially if you are stacking multiple layers of sausages in the Instant Pot.

Achieving Perfect Texture

The Instant Pot is renowned for its ability to tenderize meats and achieve a perfect texture that is moist and succulent. When cooking sausage in the Instant Pot, there are several techniques that can be employed to ensure the meat retains its juiciness and maintains an appealing texture.

Searing The Sausage

Searing the sausage before pressure cooking can enhance the flavor and texture of the meat. To do this, select the sauté function on the Instant Pot and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, place the sausages in the pot and brown them on all sides. This step not only adds depth of flavor but also helps to lock in the natural juices of the sausage.

Natural Release

After the pressure cooking cycle is complete, allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for a few minutes can contribute to a more tender texture. Natural release allows the meat to rest and reabsorb some of the juices, resulting in a more succulent and moist outcome.

Using A Trivet

Placing a trivet or steaming rack at the bottom of the Instant Pot before adding the sausages can prevent direct contact with the cooking liquid. This method helps to avoid the sausages from becoming soggy and maintains their texture, especially when cooking delicate or thin sausages.

Flavor Infusion

The Instant Pot is not only efficient in cooking meats but also excels in infusing flavors into the food. When cooking sausage, there are various methods to enhance the flavor profile and create a delectable culinary experience.

Adding Aromatics And Seasonings

Incorporating aromatics such as onions, garlic, and herbs into the cooking liquid can infuse delightful flavors into the sausage. Additionally, spices and seasonings can be added to the liquid to create a more robust and flavorful profile for the sausage.

Using Broth Or Wine

Instead of plain water, consider using flavorful liquids such as broth or wine to cook the sausage. These liquids not only contribute to the overall taste of the sausage but also create a fragrant cooking environment that enriches the end result.

Finishing Touches

After the sausage is cooked, consider enhancing the flavor further by broiling or grilling it for a few minutes to achieve a caramelized exterior. This step adds a depth of flavor and an appealing texture to the sausage.

Other Instant Pot Cooking Methods For Sausage

In addition to pressure cooking, the Instant Pot offers various cooking methods to prepare sausage, allowing for flexibility in achieving different textures and flavors.

Slow Cooking

The slow cook function on the Instant Pot provides the option to cook sausage at a lower temperature over a longer duration. This method is ideal for achieving a tender and juicy texture, especially for sausages that benefit from longer cooking times, such as Italian sausage or bratwurst.

Sautéing

The sauté function can be utilized not only for searing the sausage but also for creating flavorful sauces or condiments to accompany the cooked sausage. By sautéing onions, peppers, and other aromatics directly in the Instant Pot after cooking the sausage, a delightful topping or accompaniment can be prepared.

Steaming

For a lighter and healthier option, steaming sausage in the Instant Pot is an excellent choice. By placing a steaming rack or trivet in the pot and adding water, the sausage can be cooked gently, retaining its natural juices and flavors.

Instant Pot Tips For Sausage

To ensure successful and flavorful results when cooking sausage in the Instant Pot, consider the following additional tips and techniques:

Preparing The Instant Pot

Before cooking sausage, ensure that the sealing ring is properly in place and the venting knob is set to the sealing position to prevent steam from escaping during the cooking process. Additionally, verify that the inner pot is clean and free from any residue to avoid potential burning or sticking.

Using The Correct Cooking Mode

When cooking sausage, select the appropriate cooking mode on the Instant Pot based on the desired outcome. For pressure cooking, ensure that the pressure valve is set to the sealing position. Using the sauté function for searing and creating flavorful sauces can elevate the overall dish.

Checking Internal Temperature

To ensure that the sausage is thoroughly cooked, especially for larger or thicker sausages, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for pork and 165°F (74°C) for chicken sausage to ensure it is safe to eat.

Resting The Sausage

After the sausage has been cooked, allowing it to rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving helps to redistribute the juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful outcome.

Creative Instant Pot Sausage Recipes And Variations

The versatility of sausage lends itself to a wide array of recipes and variations that can be prepared using the Instant Pot. Whether it’s incorporating sausage into hearty stews, pasta dishes, or flavorful soups, the Instant Pot allows for the creation of an assortment of delicious meals.

Instant Pot Sausage And Bean Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once hot, add the sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside.

2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot and sauté until the vegetables are tender.

3. Pour in the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Return the cooked sausage to the Instant Pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.

5. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes.

6. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a natural release for 5 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

7. Serve the sausage and bean stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Instant Pot Sausage And Peppers Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of sausage links, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 bell peppers, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 12 oz of pasta
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Select the sauté function on the Instant Pot and brown the sausage slices. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.

2. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened.

3. Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, pasta, Italian seasoning, and the browned sausage. Stir to combine.

4. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for the recommended time for the specific type of pasta you are using.

5. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.

6. Serve the sausage and peppers pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Instant Pot Sausage And Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 cups of kale, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the sausage. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.

2. Add the onion and garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté until fragrant.

3. Place the diced potatoes in the pot and pour in the chicken broth.

4. Return the browned sausage to the Instant Pot and secure the lid. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

5. Perform a quick release of the pressure and stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale.

6. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes before serving. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Conclusion

Cooking sausage in an Instant Pot offers a convenient and efficient method to achieve perfect texture and infuse delightful flavors into the meat. Whether you’re preparing frozen sausage or opting for different cooking methods such as slow cooking or sautéing, the Instant Pot provides ample opportunities to create a variety of delicious sausage dishes. Incorporating creative recipes and variations further elevates the culinary experience, making the Instant Pot a versatile tool for cooking sausage in a multitude of ways. By following the recommended cook times, employing techniques to achieve the ideal texture, infusing flavor, and exploring new recipes, you can confidently harness the full potential of the Instant Pot to cook sausage to perfection.

FAQS

Can I Cook Frozen Sausages In An Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook frozen sausages in an instant pot. However, it is recommended to first thaw the sausages for even cooking and better flavor.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Sausage In An Instant Pot?

The cooking time for sausages in an instant pot will vary depending on the type and size of the sausages. Generally, it takes about 8-10 minutes for fresh sausages and 15-20 minutes for frozen sausages to cook in the instant pot.

Do I Need To Add Extra Liquid When Cooking Sausages In An Instant Pot?

No, you do not need to add extra liquid when cooking sausages in an instant pot. The sausages will release their own juices during cooking, which is enough to create pressure for the instant pot to work.

How Do I Ensure That My Sausages Are Cooked Thoroughly In An Instant Pot?

To ensure that your sausages are cooked thoroughly in an instant pot, it is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The recommended internal temperature for fully cooked sausages is 160°F.

Can I Cook Different Types Of Sausages Together In An Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook different types of sausages together in an instant pot. However, it is important to consider the cooking time for each type of sausage and adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking or undercooking. You can also use a trivet or a steaming basket to separate the sausages while cooking.