How to Prepare a Perfect Irish Banger
If you’ve ever tasted a true Irish sausage, you know how special it is. In one bite, it is savory, hearty, with a hint of spice. Whether you’re using Tommy Moloney’s award-winning Irish breakfast sausages or another authentic brand, cooking them properly is essential to bring out their full flavor and signature snap.
Despite what some Irish relatives may say (we can hear Nan’s voice right now…), there are different ways to cook Irish sausages. There’s the classic pan-fry or boil. You can bake them, or toss them on the grill for that American style. New technologies like air-frying even add a new element to the classics. If you’re up early with the birds to make a full Irish breakfast or prepping for a summertime backyard BBQ, you’ll be sure to find the right technique for your tastes.
Quick Cooking Note! Each method will have a different cook time, but you want to make sure the internal temperature reaches 160ºF to safely eat.
Pan-Frying Irish Sausages
Pan-frying is one of the most traditional ways to cook Irish sausages, and it’s easy to see why. A hot skillet helps develop that perfect golden-brown crust while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. It’s perfect for mornings when you’re running a little behind, but still want to tuck into a full Irish breakfast.
How-To: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat and add a touch of Irish butter or oil (we like avocado oil because of its higher smoke point). Place the sausages in the pan and turn them frequently to brown evenly. Cook until golden brown.
Pros:
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Delicious, crispy skin
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Quick and effective
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Great control over browning
Cons:
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Requires attention to prevent burning
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Can be a bit messy with oil splatter
Baking Irish Sausages
Baking your sausages is a great option for busy mornings or when cooking in large batches. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it method that delivers consistent results every time.
How-To: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper, place sausages in a single layer, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Pros:
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Less mess
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Great for batch cooking
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Even cooking throughout
Cons:
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Less crispy than pan-frying
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Takes longer to achieve browning unless you finish under the broiler
Grilling Irish Sausages
Grilling adds a deep, smoky dimension to Irish sausages. It’s our go-to choice for everything from summer cookouts to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to making the neighbors jealous!
How-To: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place sausages over indirect heat and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning regularly. Move to direct heat in the last few minutes for extra char.
Pros:
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Smoky, chargrilled flavor
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Great for entertaining
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No need to cook indoors
Cons:
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Easy to overcook or burn if not careful
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Requires a grill or outdoor space
Boiling Irish Sausages
Boiling may not sound glamorous, but it’s a gentle method that preserves moisture. This is a great choice for traditional Irish recipes when you need to prep sausage for another cooking step. This is one of the classic ways to prepare sausage in Ireland, and is how families have been making Dublin Coddle for ages.
How-To: Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil). Add sausages and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until cooked through. Optionally, brown them afterward in a skillet for texture.
Pros:
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Moist, tender results
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Low risk of burning
Cons:
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No browning unless followed by searing
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More bland if not paired with a flavorful dish
Air-Frying Irish Sausages
This is one that purists might be a little wary of. We get it, but don’t knock it until you try it! Air fryers are a game-changer for busy cooks who still want crispy edges and juicy centers. You’ll be amazed how beautifully Irish sausages turn out with minimal effort.
How-To: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Arrange sausages in a single layer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once halfway through. Make sure sausages don’t overlap to ensure even cooking.
Pros:
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Fast and efficient
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Crispy outside, juicy inside
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No added oil required
Cons:
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Small cooking space
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Can dry out thicker sausages if overcooked
A Taste of Home with Tommy Moloney’s
Whether you prefer the sizzle of the skillet or the smoky bite from the grill, there’s no wrong way to enjoy authentic Irish sausage. The right cooking method depends on your taste, tools, and time.
However, there’s no substitute for Tommy Moloney’s! Load up on your favorite Irish sausages and premium meats today.
