How Long to Cook Frozen Sausage in Your Pressure Cooker

Ever found yourself staring at a block of frozen sausage, wishing you hadn’t forgotten to thaw it? Good news! Your pressure cooker is about to become your new best friend. Cooking frozen sausage in a pressure cooker isn’t just possible; it’s incredibly efficient, safe, and delivers delicious results with minimal fuss. This guide will walk you through exactly how long to cook frozen sausage in your pressure cooker, along with essential tips for perfect results every time.

Why Pressure Cook Frozen Sausage? It’s a Game-Changer!

There are plenty of reasons to embrace this speedy cooking method:

• No Thawing Required: This is the ultimate time-saver! You can go straight from freezer to dinner without any advance planning.
• Lightning Fast: Pressure cooking drastically cuts down cooking time compared to conventional methods, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Consistently Delicious: The high-pressure environment helps cook the sausage thoroughly and evenly, keeping it moist and flavorful.
• Safe and Sound: Cooking frozen meat quickly and to a safe internal temperature minimizes the risk of foodborne illness.
• Easy Cleanup: Often, it’s a one-pot wonder, simplifying your post-meal cleanup.

Getting Started: What You’ll Need

Before you dive in, gather these simple items:

• Your Pressure Cooker: An Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker will do.
• Frozen Sausage: Links, patties, or crumbled – whatever you have on hand.
• Liquid: Water, broth, beer, or even hard cider work great to create the necessary steam.
• Trivet/Steamer Rack: Crucial for keeping your sausage out of the liquid and ensuring even cooking.
• Tongs: For safely adding and removing the hot sausage.
• Meat Thermometer: Absolutely essential for checking doneness.

Step-by-Step: Cooking Frozen Sausage in Your Pressure Cooker

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked frozen sausage:

1. Add the Liquid: Pour 1 cup of liquid (water, broth, etc.) into the bottom of your 6 or 8-quart pressure cooker pot. This liquid creates the steam needed for pressure cooking.
2. Insert the Trivet: Place the trivet or steamer rack into the pot, above the liquid. This keeps the sausage elevated, preventing it from boiling directly in the liquid and ensuring it cooks evenly.
3. Arrange the Sausage: Carefully place your frozen sausage links, patties, or crumbles onto the trivet. Try not to overcrowd the pot; arrange them in a single layer if possible, or stack loosely to allow steam to circulate. If cooking crumbled sausage, you can place it directly on the trivet or in a heat-safe bowl on the trivet.
4. Seal the Lid: Close the pressure cooker lid and ensure the vent is set to the sealing position.
5. Set the Cooking Time: This is where knowing “how long to cook frozen sausage in pressure cooker” comes in! We’ll cover specific times below. Set your pressure cooker to HIGH pressure.
6. Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, you have two options:
   • Quick Release (QR): Manually move the vent to the venting position to release the pressure quickly. This is generally preferred for sausages to prevent them from becoming too dry.
   • Natural Release (NR): Allow the pressure to release naturally, which can take 5-15 minutes or more. This is less common for sausages unless you desire a slightly more tender texture.
7. Check for Doneness: Carefully open the lid away from your face. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage. Pork and beef sausages should reach 160°F (71°C), while poultry sausages (chicken, turkey) need to reach 165°F (74°C).
8. Brown if Desired: For that irresistible golden-brown crust and extra flavor, you can sauté the cooked sausage in a pan with a little oil after pressure cooking. You can even use your pressure cooker’s “Sauté” function for this!

The Big Question: How Long to Cook Frozen Sausage in Pressure Cooker?

The cooking time for frozen sausage in a pressure cooker depends primarily on its form:

• Frozen Sausage Links or Patties (e.g., Italian sausage, breakfast links, bratwurst):
  • Set your pressure cooker to HIGH pressure for 5-7 minutes.
  • For thicker links, err on the side of 7 minutes. For thinner breakfast links, 5 minutes might be sufficient. Always follow up with a temperature check!
• Frozen Crumbled or Loose Sausage (e.g., breakfast sausage crumbles, ground sausage):
  • Set your pressure cooker to HIGH pressure for 4-5 minutes.
  • If cooking in a bowl on the trivet, ensure the bowl is shallow enough for even heat distribution.

Remember: These times are starting points. Always, always verify doneness with a reliable meat thermometer.

Essential Tips for Perfect Frozen Sausage Every Time

• Don’t Skip the Liquid: The 1 cup of liquid is non-negotiable for pressure to build. Broth adds extra flavor!
• Use a Trivet: This ensures your sausage steams rather than boils, leading to a better texture and preventing sticking.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Give your sausages space. Too many at once can lead to uneven cooking. If you have a large batch, cook in shifts.
• Browning is Your Friend: While pressure cooking cooks the sausage through, a quick pan-fry or sauté afterward adds a beautiful sear and deepens the flavor profile.
• Consider Cutting Thicker Sausages: For very thick sausages, cutting them in half (even when frozen) can help them cook more evenly and quickly, though it’s often not strictly necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pressure Cooking Frozen Sausage

Can I put frozen meat directly into a pressure cooker?

Yes, absolutely! The pressure cooker is one of the safest and most efficient appliances for cooking frozen meats, including sausage, directly from the freezer.

Do I need to thaw frozen sausage before cooking in a pressure cooker?

No, and that’s the main advantage! You can place frozen sausage directly into your pressure cooker without any thawing.

How much water do I need for frozen sausage in a pressure cooker?

For most 6-quart or 8-quart pressure cookers, 1 cup of water, broth, or other suitable liquid is sufficient to create the necessary steam.

Can you brown frozen sausage in a pressure cooker?

You can use the sauté function on your pressure cooker to brown the sausage after it has been pressure cooked through. This adds flavor and texture that pressure cooking alone doesn’t provide.

Is it safe to cook frozen sausage in a pressure cooker?

Yes, it is very safe. The pressure cooker heats food rapidly and to high temperatures, ensuring that the sausage reaches a safe internal temperature quickly, minimizing the time it spends in the “danger zone.” Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

Can you overcook sausage in a pressure cooker?

Yes, it is possible. Overcooking can lead to dry, crumbly, or rubbery sausage. That’s why following recommended cooking times and always checking the internal temperature is crucial.

Enjoy Your Quick and Easy Meal!

Cooking frozen sausage in your pressure cooker is a true culinary hack. It saves time, reduces stress, and consistently delivers delicious results. So next time you’re short on time or forgot to plan ahead, pull out your pressure cooker and those frozen sausages. Dinner will be ready before you know it!