Breakfast sausage is one of those morning staples that can be surprisingly tricky to make from scratch — many store-bought versions sneak in citrus-based preservatives or natural flavorings that can be hard to spot on a label. This version keeps things clean and straightforward, built entirely around ground pork and a handful of pantry spices you can trust. Smoked paprika, sage, thyme, and garlic powder do the heavy lifting here, creating that deeply savory, slightly smoky flavor that makes a breakfast plate feel complete. A touch of maple syrup is optional but adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat from the red pepper flakes beautifully. The air fryer does an excellent job of getting the outsides golden and caramelized while keeping the inside juicy — no oil splatter, no babysitting a skillet. Pressing the patties to an even thickness and flipping halfway through ensures every bite is cooked through and consistent. These are the kind of patties that make you want to skip the drive-through entirely.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →4 servings
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, sage, thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes and maple syrup if using. Mix with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat, about 30 seconds — stop as soon as the mixture is uniform to keep the texture tender.
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and press each into a round patty about 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Slightly thinner edges help the patties cook evenly.
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!
(16k)
