This Venison Breakfast Sausage recipe combines ground venison and pork with sage, thyme, and a hint of maple syrup for a savory, high protein breakfast. Cooked in the air fryer, these sausage patties get a nice, crisp golden edge while staying super tender.
Whenever I have ground venison in my freezer, breakfast is one of my favorite ways to use it. These sausages remind me of weekend mornings with a hot cup of coffee and a stack of pancakes to go alongside.
How to Cook Deer Sausage in the Air Fryer
To cook venison breakfast sausage patties in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place raw patties in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 12 to 15 minutes (flip halfway through for even browning) until the internal temperature reaches 145°F-160°F.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Freezer-friendly: Shape and freeze patties for a quick weekday breakfast.
Juicy and flavorful: Seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of maple syrup.
Good source of protein: one serving of breakfast sausage has 21g of protein!
What You'll Need
Ground Venison: Wild game is super lean and packed with protein, making it the star of this recipe.
Ground Pork: Use standard unseasoned ground pork (or raw pork sausage) to blend with the lean venison.
Fresh Sage & Thyme: Bring earthy, savory flavor to the sausage.
Maple Syrup: Adds a hint of sweetness.
Why Add Ground Pork? (Juicy Sausage Tips)
Venison is super lean, which means it doesn't have much natural fat to hold in moisture. Adding ground pork gives the patties just enough fat to stay juicy and soft while they cook in the air fryer, rather than drying out or getting tough.
If you want to make sure your sausage stays nice and tender, start checking the patties with a meat thermometer around the 8-10 minute mark so you don't accidentally overcook them.
Easy Swaps and Flavor Ideas
- Herbal/Spice: Swap fresh sage/thyme for dried herb, add in 1 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds for a traditional sausage flavor, or add crushed red pepper flakes for heat..
- Use store-bought ground pork sausage instead of ground pork for more sausage flavor.
- Use all ground venison and 2 tablespoons duck fat if you don't have ground pork.
- Keto/Low-Carb: Using sugar-free maple syrup or a keto swetener alternative.
Shelby's Top Tips
- Use the air fryer for best results. No flipping required!
- Chill the patties before cooking to help them hold their shape.
- Don't overcook, check at 8 minutes for doneness and avoid drying them out.
Storing & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze raw or cooked sausage patties in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How to Cook from Frozen: Place frozen or raw patties directly into the air fryer basket at 375°F (190°C) and cook for 16-18 minutes (flip halfway through) until the internal temperature reaches 145°F-160°F.
What to Serve with Breakfast Sausage
These breakfast sausage patties are delicious next to a stack of fluffy blueberry pancakes, waffles, or tucked into a Sausage, Egg & Cheese sandwich on your favorite bagel.
More Venison Recipes to Enjoy
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
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📖 Recipe
Easy Venison Breakfast Sausage Patties (Air Fryer)
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Ingredients
- ¾ pound ground venison
- 6 ounces ground pork
- 7 leaves fresh sage minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground venison, pork sage, thyme, syrup, and salt.
- Using a large cookie scoop (¼ cup size) scoop 10 equal-sized meatballs and shape into patty form.
- Place venison breakfast sausage patties in the air fryer, and cook at 375 degrees for 15 minutes, or until internal temperature is at 145 degrees.
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