Can you defrost sausage in the microwave?

Sausage can be thawed in the microwave, but it is not the recommended method for defrosting. The microwave power setting needs to be set to 50 percent when thawing pork and other meats.

If sausage is thawed in the microwave, it must be cooked immediately. Thawing times vary slightly by the type and brand of microwave that is used.

The safest method for defrosting sausage is in the refrigerator. This technique can take up to 24 hours and longer for larger cuts of meat.

Sausage can also be thawed in cold water. Meat needs to be tightly sealed in a plastic bag and left in cold water in the sink or a large bowl. Meat defrosted in this manner takes an average of 30 minutes per pound to completely thaw.