Pan-frying sausages is one of the simplest, quickest, and most reliable ways to cook them. Whether you’re preparing breakfast, making bangers and mash, or tossing sliced sausages into a pasta dish, using a frying pan gives you a crisp outside and juicy inside without much effort. With the right heat and a good-quality pan, your sausages can cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden colour.
On average, sausages take 12–15 minutes to cook in a frying pan. Larger or thicker sausages may take a little longer, while thin breakfast sausages cook more quickly. The key is to cook them slowly on medium heat so they cook through evenly without burning.
How Long Should You Fry Sausages?
| Sausage Type | Frying Time |
|---|---|
| Thin breakfast sausages | 8–10 minutes |
| Regular pork, beef or chicken sausages | 12–15 minutes |
| Extra-thick butcher sausages | 15–20 minutes |
Ideal internal temperature: 74°C for chicken sausages, 71°C for pork, beef, or lamb sausages.
Step-by-Step: How to Fry Sausages in a Pan
- 1. Preheat your frying pan: Heat the pan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes.
- 2. Add a little oil: A teaspoon of oil is usually enough, especially if your sausages are fatty.
- 3. Place the sausages in the pan: Keep space between each one for even cooking.
- 4. Cook slowly on medium heat: Turn the sausages every 2–3 minutes to brown all sides.
- 5. Reduce heat if browning too fast: You want a steady sizzle, not smoke.
- 6. Cook until fully done: After 12–15 minutes, the sausages should feel firm and browned evenly.
- 7. Rest before serving: Let them sit for a couple of minutes to keep the juices inside.
Tips for Perfect Pan-Fried Sausages
- Prick the sausages only if they are extremely fatty. Otherwise, leave them unpierced for juicier results.
- Use a heavy-base frying pan for even heat distribution.
- A splash of water halfway through cooking helps prevent burning and keeps sausages moist.
- For extra flavour, finish with garlic, herbs, or onions in the same pan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking on high heat: This burns the outside but leaves the inside raw.
- Overcrowding the pan: Sausages steam instead of browning.
- Not turning often enough: Turning ensures even cooking and better colour.
Choosing the Best Frying Pan for Sausages
Great sausages start with a great pan. A quality frying pan ensures even browning and consistent heat, which is essential for thick or juicy sausages. At The Living Styles, we stock some of the best cookware brands trusted by everyday NZ households and home cooks.
- Scanpan – Premium non-stick performance and perfect for low-oil cooking.
- Pyrolux – Budget-friendly with strong heat distribution and reliable everyday use.
- Valira – Spanish-made pans ideal for fast, even frying.
- Chasseur – Cast-iron pans that deliver exceptional browning and flavour.
- Flonal – Lightweight Italian pans known for durable non-stick coatings.
Explore our premium frying pan collection here: Shop Frying Pans Online in New Zealand
Whether you’re frying sausages, steaks, veggies, or breakfast dishes, these top cookware brands offer reliable performance, long-lasting durability, and fast cooking results. Enjoy quick delivery throughout New Zealand and free shipping on orders over $150.
