Mornings can be chaotic in my house – kids scrambling for backpacks, the dog barking at squirrels, and me desperately trying to pour coffee without spilling it everywhere. That’s why I’m obsessed with these air fryer sausage & cheddar breakfast sticks! They’re my secret weapon for busy mornings when we need something hot, hearty, and handheld. The crispy outside gives way to melty cheese and savory sausage bits that make even my picky eater actually sit down to eat. Best part? You can go from “I’m starving” to “breakfast is served” in just 20 minutes flat. Trust me, once you try these golden sticks of morning magic, you’ll never go back to sad, cold cereal again!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Sticks
Let me count the ways these became my family’s breakfast MVP:
- Crazy fast: From fridge to plate in 20 minutes (perfect for those “Oops, we overslept!” mornings)
- That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives them a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside fluffy
- Flavor bombs: Every bite has salty sausage, gooey cheddar, and just enough dough to hold it all together
- No fancy skills needed: If you can stir and press buttons, you’ve got this
Seriously – they disappear faster than the snooze button on Monday mornings!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Sticks
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of this recipe – just 7 basic ingredients you probably already have (I know I always do on sleepy mornings!):
- 8 oz breakfast sausage – Cooked until crumbly and golden, then drained (save that grease for biscuits!)
- 1 cup packed shredded cheddar – The sharper the better – it makes those melty cheese pockets magical
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Just plain old flour, no fancy blends needed
- 1 tsp baking powder – Our little rising helper for fluffy insides
- 1/2 tsp salt – Balances all that cheesy goodness perfectly
- 1/2 cup milk – Any kind works, though whole milk makes them extra rich
- 1 egg – The glue holding our breakfast dreams together
See? Nothing weird or complicated – just real food making real happy mornings!
Equipment You’ll Need
Grab these basics from your kitchen – no special tools required:
- Air fryer – Mine’s a 6-quart, but any size works
- Skillet – For browning that sausage to perfection
- Mixing bowl – The bigger, the messier (and more fun!)
- Measuring cups & spoons – Eyeballing leads to breakfast chaos
- Spatula – For flipping those golden sticks
That’s it! Now let’s make some magic.
How to Make Air Fryer Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Sticks
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is the fun part. It’s really just three simple steps, and I promise it’s way easier than trying to get a toddler to put on shoes in the morning.
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
First, get your sausage going in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with your spatula into little crumbles – I like mine in small bits so you get sausage in every single bite. Cook it until it’s all browned and delicious, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, this is important: drain off that extra grease! I just tip the skillet carefully over the sink into an old can. Let the sausage cool for a few minutes while you move on to the next step. Trust me, if you add it to the batter while it’s piping hot, you’ll end up with a greasy mess.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
Grab your mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a smaller bowl or just a measuring cup, beat the egg and milk together until they’re totally combined. Now, pour the wet stuff into the dry stuff and stir it just until there are no more dry flour pockets – a few lumps are totally fine, don’t overmix! Finally, gently fold in your cooled sausage crumbles and all that glorious shredded cheddar cheese. The batter will be thick and sticky, and that’s exactly what we want.
Step 3: Shape and Cook
While you were mixing, your air fryer should have been preheating to 375°F. Lightly grease the basket with a quick spritz of oil. Now, use two spoons to scoop up about two tablespoons of batter and form it into a rough log shape right in the basket. They don’t have to be perfect! Leave a little space between them so the hot air can circulate. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip them over (they should be getting golden on the bottom) and cook for another 5 minutes until they’re golden brown and firm to the touch. And just like that, breakfast is served!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Sticks
After making these dozens of times (my kids beg for them!), here are my hard-won secrets:
- Peek early: All air fryers run differently – check at 8 minutes to prevent over-browning
- Go lean: Less greasy sausage means crispier sticks (save the fatty stuff for gravy!)
- Serve immediately: They’re best piping hot when the cheese is gloriously melty
- Double batch hack: Freeze extras between parchment sheets – reheat at 350°F for 3 minutes
My biggest tip? Make extra – they’ll vanish before you can say “good morning!”
Variations for Air Fryer Breakfast Sticks
Once you’ve mastered the basics, get creative! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or smoked gouda for fancy weekends
- Add-ins: Toss in diced jalapeños, green onions, or a pinch of dried thyme
- Meat alternatives: Turkey sausage works great, or go wild with crumbled bacon
- Whole wheat twist: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat for extra fiber
The best part? No matter what you add, they’ll still be ready before the coffee finishes brewing!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities! These breakfast sticks are delicious plain, but here’s how we love them:
- Sweet & savory: Dunk in maple syrup like mini pancake sausages
- Classic combo: Ketchup or hot sauce for that diner-style breakfast feel
- Fresh balance: Serve with apple slices or berries to cut the richness
My kids? They just grab and go – no plate required!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
These breakfast sticks keep beautifully! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll taste freshly made! For longer storage, freeze them between parchment paper layers for up to a month (but let’s be real – they never last that long in my house!).
Nutritional Information
Here’s the skinny on these breakfast sticks (per serving):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 7g
Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary slightly depending on ingredients. But hey, at least it’s ending that “breakfast-skipping” nonsense!
FAQs About Air Fryer Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Sticks
Can I freeze these breakfast sticks?
Absolutely! They freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then pack them between parchment sheets in an airtight container. When that morning rush hits, pop them frozen into the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – good as new!
Can I use turkey sausage instead?
You bet! Turkey sausage works great if you’re cutting back on pork. Just be sure to pick one with good flavor – sometimes I add an extra pinch of salt and sage to compensate.
Why do my sticks stick to the basket?
Ah, the dreaded stick! Make sure you’re either greasing the basket well or using parchment with holes cut for airflow. Also, don’t flip too early – let them get golden first.
Can I make these ahead?
The batter keeps refrigerated for up to 24 hours if you want to prep the night before. Just give it a quick stir before cooking. Fresh is always best though!
20-Minute Air Fryer Sausage & Cheddar Breakfast Sticks
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 8 sticks
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Make crispy air fryer sausage and cheddar breakfast sticks for a quick and tasty morning meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz breakfast sausage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Brown sausage in a skillet and drain fat. Let it cool.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add milk and egg, stir until smooth.
- Fold in cooked sausage and shredded cheese.
- Scoop batter into greased air fryer basket in stick shapes.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes
- Use lean sausage for less grease.
- Check sticks early to avoid burning.
- Serve warm with ketchup or syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American