
Tender & Juicy Fried Vienna Sausage
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat18gram
Protein8gram
Ingredients
- Vienna sausages (whole, canned) - choose those with minimal additives and intact casing for best texture6 pieces
- Vegetable oil or any neutral frying oil - use fresh, not reused oil for best flavor and safety2 tbsp

This recipe guides you through frying Vienna sausage whole to achieve tender, juicy bites with a golden exterior. Using everyday kitchen tools and common ingredients, you'll have a delicious snack or meal addition ready in minutes. The total ingredient cost is approximately $2.00 / €1.80 / £1.60 / ₹160. Each serving contains about 220 kcal. This recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick treat for any time. It fits into a quick snack or casual meal diet type.
Preparation instructions
Drain and Prepare Sausages
1Open the can of Vienna sausages and pour the contents into a strainer to drain the liquid thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels gently to remove excess moisture; this helps avoid oil splatters during frying. (2 minutes)
Heat the Pan and Oil
2Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes. Properly heated oil ensures even frying and prevents sticking.
Fry the Vienna Sausages
3Add the Vienna sausages whole to the hot oil in a single layer. Fry for about 3 minutes on one side without moving them to develop a golden crust. Then, turn them carefully using tongs and fry for another 3 minutes on the other side to ensure even cooking and browning.
Check for Doneness and Safety
4Vienna sausages are pre-cooked, so the goal is heating through and achieving a nice texture. To ensure food safety, heat sausages to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). You can check this using a food thermometer inserted into the center of a sausage.
Serve
5Use tongs to remove sausages from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve warm as a snack, with bread, or alongside your favorite dishes. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips
1If you prefer less oil, you can use a non-stick spray and reduce the oil to 1 tablespoon.
2For a different flavor, sprinkle a little garlic powder or smoked paprika while frying.
3Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary to keep heat consistent.
4Use tongs for turning sausages gently to keep them whole and avoid breaking the casing.
Equipment Needed
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Food thermometer (optional but recommended for safety)
- Strainer
- Measuring spoons
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Vienna sausages (canned) ~ $1.50 (choose intact casing, minimal additives)
- [ ] Vegetable oil ~ $0.50 (choose fresh, neutral oil like canola or sunflower) Total approximate cost: $2.00
FAQ
Are Vienna sausages safe to eat without frying?
Yes, Vienna sausages are pre-cooked and can be eaten straight from the can. Frying enhances flavor and texture.
How do I avoid oil splatters when frying Vienna sausages?
Make sure to dry the sausages thoroughly and use moderate heat. Avoid adding sausages if there's water or moisture in the pan.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil, but it has a lower smoke point, so use medium heat to avoid burning.
How do I know when the sausages are cooked?
Since Vienna sausages are pre-cooked, frying aims to heat through and brown the outside. Heat to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for safety.