✔ Updated · 5 methods, times and the 165°F safety rule
Yes, you can reheat cooked sausages, and done right they stay juicy with a nice snap. Here are the 5 best ways, how long each takes and the one temperature that matters: 165°F.
Yes. Cooked sausages can be safely reheated once, as long as they were refrigerated within 2 hours and eaten within 3 to 4 days. The best way is a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water for 5 to 8 minutes, or the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Whichever method you use, reheat until the center reaches 165°F.
- Skillet: 5–8 minutes, covered, medium-low, splash of water.
- Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Air fryer: 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Microwave: covered, in 30-second bursts.
- Safe temp: 165°F in the center, measured with a thermometer.
How to Reheat Sausages: 5 Methods
| Method | Temp and time | Best for | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skillet | Medium-low, covered, 5–8 min | Links, patties, sausage and peppers | Juicy with a browned skin |
| Oven | 350°F, 10–15 min | Big batches, thick sausages | Even and hands-off |
| Air fryer | 350°F, 3–5 min | A few links or patties | Crispiest skin |
| Microwave | Covered, 30-second bursts, 1–2 min total | Fast single portions | Quick but softer skin |
| Grill | Medium heat, 4–6 min, turning | Leftover BBQ sausages | Smoky and charred |
1. In a Skillet (Best Overall)
- Add a drizzle of oil and the sausages to a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water and cover with a lid. The steam heats them through without drying them out.
- After 4 to 5 minutes, uncover and turn them so the water cooks off and the skin browns again.
- Check that the center reaches 165°F. For sausage and peppers, reheat them together the same way.
2. In the Oven
- Heat the oven to 350°F.
- Lay the sausages on a baking sheet or in a dish and cover loosely with foil so they don't dry out.
- Bake 10 to 15 minutes (a little longer for thick bratwurst), uncovering for the last few minutes to crisp the skin.
- Check that the center reaches 165°F.
3. In the Air Fryer
This is the trick for a crispy, just-grilled snap. Arrange the sausages in a single layer and air fry at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking halfway. Patties take about 3 minutes; thick links may need 6. Check for 165°F in the middle.
4. In the Microwave
Fastest, but the skin softens. Put the sausages on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second bursts, turning between each, for 1 to 2 minutes total. Microwaves heat unevenly, so slice thick sausages in half lengthwise and check several spots for 165°F.
5. On the Grill or in Other Dishes
Leftover BBQ sausages love a second trip to the grill over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes, turning often. Or slice them into a hash, pasta sauce, fried rice, pizza or breakfast burritos and let the dish heat them through to 165°F. Honestly, sliced sausage in a cheesy breakfast hash is the best use of leftovers ever.
Food Safety: Storing and Reheating Sausages
- Chill fast: refrigerate cooked sausages within 2 hours (1 hour if it's above 90°F outside, like at a BBQ).
- Fridge: eat cooked sausages within 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer: freeze cooked sausages for 1 to 2 months for best quality; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat to 165°F in the center, and only reheat the amount you'll eat.
- Reheat once: each cool-down and reheat sends food back through the 40–140°F danger zone, so don't reheat the same sausages again and again.
- Cooking raw sausage? That's different: cook pork and beef sausage to 160°F and chicken or turkey sausage to 165°F the first time.
Can You Eat Cooked Sausages Cold?
Yes, if they were fully cooked the first time and stored in the fridge within 2 hours. Cold sliced sausage is lovely in sandwiches and salads. Hot dogs and other ready-to-eat sausages are the exception: the USDA advises heating them until steaming hot, 165°F, especially for pregnant people, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Keep Exploring
More leftover guides: how to reheat quiche, how to reheat pancakes and how to reheat a smoked ham. Got extra sausage? Try Bisquick sausage balls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to reheat sausage?
The best way to reheat sausage is in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with 2 to 3 tablespoons of water for 5 to 8 minutes, then uncovered to brown the skin. The steam keeps them juicy. The oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes is best for big batches. Reheat to 165°F.
How do you reheat sausage patties?
Reheat sausage patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side, in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 30 to 60 seconds. Make sure the center reaches 165°F.
Can you reheat sausages more than once?
It is best to reheat cooked sausages only once. Each time food cools and reheats, it passes through the 40 to 140°F danger zone where bacteria grow. Reheat only the portion you will eat, and keep the rest in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
How long do cooked sausages last in the fridge?
Cooked sausages last 3 to 4 days in the fridge when refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. For longer storage, freeze them for 1 to 2 months. Throw out sausages that smell sour, feel slimy or have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
How do you reheat sausage without drying it out?
Add moisture and use gentle heat. In a skillet, add a splash of water and cover the pan. In the oven, cover the dish loosely with foil. In the microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel. Avoid high heat, which splits the skins before the center is hot.
