The sizzle of chicken sausage hitting that hot air fryer basket is pure weeknight magic. This air fryer chicken sausage veggies recipe has become my go-to when I need dinner on the table fast, and honestly, it’s been trending for good reason.
Picture smoky chicken sausage, tender bell peppers, and golden onions all crisped up together in one basket. No oil splattering on the stovetop, no multiple pans to scrub. Everything cooks at the same temperature, and you get those perfectly caramelized edges that make healthy air fryer meals actually taste indulgent.
Started making this back in 2018 when my oldest daughter brought her new air fryer home from college. She tossed everything in together and walked awayI was skeptical until I tasted it. The trick I discovered? Cut your veggies the same size as your sausage slices so everything finishes cooking together. My whole family requests this weekly now.
Print10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
This quick and easy air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe is perfect for lazy days. Loaded with protein and colorful vegetables, it is a delicious and healthy air fryer meal you can enjoy any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 large red bell pepper – cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large orange bell pepper – cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion – peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini – cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- pinch of black pepper
- 1 package chicken sausage (12 oz) – I used a robust Italian flavor
Instructions
- Chop the veggies and add them to a large bowl then drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
- In a smaller bowl, mix the garlic powder onion powder Italian seasoning kosher salt and black pepper then add the spice blend to the veggies and toss to coat.
- Slice the sausage into 3/4 inch rounds and add to the bowl with the veggies and toss everything together.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F if needed and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Add the veggies and sausage in an even layer to the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes flipping halfway through.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve as is or with cooked cauliflower rice or brown rice.
Notes
- Buy good quality chicken sausage
- You can also use kielbasa’s
- Chop the veggies into even sizes (1-inch pieces) so they cook evenly
- Toss everything in the air fryer basket at least once during the cooking time to ensure it all gets nice and golden and crispy
- You can store this chicken sausage and veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Easily reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for a few minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g + 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe
This air fryer chicken sausage veggies recipe reminds me of those rushed Tuesday nights when everyone’s starving and I need something that feels like a real meal without the fuss. Its simplicity is truly its charmeverything goes into one basket, and fifteen minutes later you have this gorgeous medley of golden vegetables and perfectly crisped sausage.
What makes this special is how the air fryer creates those caramelized edges on the bell peppers and zucchini while keeping their centers tender. The chicken sausage’s savory juices naturally infuse all the vegetables, and those Italian herbs make the whole kitchen smell like you’ve been cooking all day.
- One-basket meal that serves four people
- Gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30 compliant
- Perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners
- No oil splattering or multiple pans to wash
Your Simple Ingredient Lineup
The deliciousness begins with just a handful of everyday ingredients that you probably already have tucked away in your pantry. I love how this recipe transforms basic vegetables into something that tastes restaurant-worthy.
The key is choosing good quality chicken sausageI always reach for a robust Italian flavor because it adds that perfect savory depth. For the vegetables, stick to the one-inch rule for even cooking, and a good quality avocado oil is essential because it helps everything crisp up beautifully. We’ll also be adding a touch of garlic powder and onion powder for an incredible flavor base.
| Ingredient | Amount | Easy Swaps |
|---|---|---|
| Bell Peppers (red & orange) | 1 large each | Yellow peppers, mini sweet peppers |
| Chicken Sausage | 12 oz package | Turkey sausage, kielbasa |
| Zucchini | 1 medium | Yellow squash, eggplant |
| Avocado Oil | 1 tablespoon | Olive oil, coconut oil |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 teaspoon | Herbs de Provence, oregano |
| Garlic Powder | ½ teaspoon | Fresh minced garlic (add last 2-3 mins of cooking) |
| Onion Powder | ½ teaspoon | Granulated onion |
How It All Comes Together
Start by chopping everything into uniform one-inch piecesthis is the secret to getting everything perfectly cooked at the same time. I like to prep my vegetables first, then slice the sausage into those chunky three-quarter-inch rounds that get golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
Tossing everything with the seasoning blend (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder) before it hits the air fryer ensures every piece gets coated with those warm, aromatic Italian flavors. This simple step creates an incredible base layer that makes healthy air fryer meals taste anything but boring.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F while you prep
- Flip everything halfway through the ten-minute cook time
- Work in batches if your air fryer basket feels crowded
- Look for golden edges on the vegetables when it’s ready
Timing Your Perfect Air Fryer Meal
| Step | Time | What You’re Doing |
|---|---|---|
| Prep Work | 5 minutes | Chop vegetables, slice sausage, mix spices |
| Preheat Air Fryer | 2-3 minutes | Heat to 390°F, spray basket |
| First Cook | 5 minutes | Cook without disturbing |
| Flip & Finish | 5 minutes | Toss everything, cook until golden |
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Sometimes the vegetables finish before the sausage gets those crispy edges you’re cravingjust remove the tender pieces and give the sausage an extra minute or two. If everything seems to be browning too quickly, lower the temperature to 375°F and add a couple extra minutes.
Pro Tip: If your air fryer tends to run hot, start checking at the eight-minute mark. Each air fryer model can vary slightly, and you’ll quickly learn its quirks after making this a few times.
- Vegetables too soft? Cut them larger next time
- Sausage not crispy enough? Add 2-3 extra minutes
- Everything sticking? Make sure your basket is properly sprayed
Serving and Storage Made Simple
This air fryer chicken sausage veggies recipe is perfect straight from the basket, but I love serving it over cauliflower rice for a complete meal or alongside some crusty bread when I’m feeling indulgent. The leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryerjust a few minutes at 350°F and they taste freshly made.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Air fryer: 350°F for 3-4 minutes |
| Meal Prep Containers | 4-5 days | Microwave: 90 seconds, then air fry 2 minutes |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | Thaw overnight, reheat as above |
Serving Ideas: Try it over brown rice, quinoa, or even stuffed into warm pita pockets for a quick lunch. The flavors get even better after sitting for a day, making this perfect for Sunday meal prep.
Expert Insight: Maximizing Flavor and Nutrition
Using an air fryer for chicken sausage veggies not only speeds up cooking time but also helps retain moisture and nutrients. The high, circulating heat ensures even browning without excess oil, making this method a smart choice for a quick, healthy meal packed with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
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The Journey to the Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Sausage Veggies
It took quite a few kitchen experiments to balance the crispness of chicken sausage with tender, roasted veggies in the air fryer. I remember one batch where everything was crunchy except the sausage, but after patient tweaks, this recipe finally delivers that perfect harmonya simple, comforting meal shaped by time and taste.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Chicken Sausage Veggies )
How do I prep the ingredients for this recipe?
Chop vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking and slice chicken sausage into bite-sized rounds. Toss everything with a light coating of oil and your preferred seasonings. This simple prep ensures quick, consistent results in the air fryer.
Can I substitute other vegetables in the stir-fry?
Absolutely. Feel free to swap in bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli based on availability or preference. Just keep the vegetable pieces similar in size for even cooking in the air fryer.
What is the best way to cook this meal in an air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the sausage and veggies in a single layer for about 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. This allows everything to crisp nicely without overcrowding, resulting in a flavorful and healthy air fryer meal.
How can I make this dish more spicy or mild?
Adjust the seasoning by adding crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat. To keep it mild, simply reduce or omit spicy ingredients and focus on herbs like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop the veggies and slice the sausage a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Cook the dish fresh in the air fryer for best texture, but leftovers reheat well for quick meals later.
This air fryer chicken sausage veggies recipe delivers golden perfection in just fifteen minutesthe kind of meal that simplifies weeknight cooking. You’ll love how the sausage gets those crispy edges while the vegetables stay tender, and that Italian seasoning creates the most incredible aroma floating through your kitchen.
Try tossing in some cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes for extra color, or swap the zucchini for yellow squash when it’s in season. Leftovers taste amazing cold in a salad the next daysomething my mom taught me years ago when we’d pack these flavors into lunch containers. Store everything in the fridge for up to four days.
I’d love to see your version of this recipe! Share a photo and tell me what vegetables you addeddid you sneak in some mushrooms or sweet potato? Pin this for those busy weeknights when you need dinner magic, and maybe share it with a friend who’s always asking for quick meal ideas. Here’s to more delicious moments around your table.
