How to Cook Italian Sausage in a Convection Oven

Cooking Italian sausage in a convection oven is a convenient process that leverages the circulating hot air for even cooking. This method is perfect for achieving a delicious and evenly cooked meal without the fuss of constant attention. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Ingredients

Italian sausage links Olive oil (optional) Seasonings (optional) e.g. garlic powder, pepper

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your convection oven to 375°F (190°C). The convection setting ensures that hot air circulates evenly, resulting in consistently cooked sausages.

Prepare the Sausages: If desired, you can lightly coat the sausages with olive oil and season them with your preferred spices for added flavor.

Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Ensure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.

Cooking: Bake the sausages in the preheated convection oven for about 20-25 minutes. Turn the sausages halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly.

Check for Doneness: The internal temperature of the sausages should reach 160°F (71°C) for pork or beef sausages. Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.

Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the sausages from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and enhances the flavor.

Additional Tips

If you want a crispier exterior, you can broil the sausages for the last few minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

You can also add vegetables like bell peppers and onions to the baking sheet for a complete meal. These vegetables will roast and add a delightful complement to the sausages.

Understanding Convection Ovens

Remember, a convection oven is similar to a regular oven with a built-in hair blower. This feature speeds up the cooking process, so it's important to avoid cooking covered foods. When cooking Italian sausages, you can use a baking pan covered with tin foil, or poke holes in the skin of the sausage to allow steam to escape.

Alternative Cooking Methods for Raw Sausage

If you are using raw Italian sausage, there are alternative methods to achieve a delicious meal. Boiling the sausage in lightly salted water for 90 minutes, then simmering it in warm water for another 30 minutes, is an effective approach. Afterward, you can brown the sausages in a skillet with onions and peppers, or serve them in a mother dish.

This cooking technique is applicable to any raw sausage, ensuring a uniformly cooked and flavorful result. Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight meal or a more complex dish, cooking Italian sausage in a convection oven is a practical and efficient method that delivers excellent results every time.