There’s something about the way sausage sizzles alongside sweet peppers that just feels right. Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers brings that classic combo together fastno skillet, no fuss, just juicy links and caramelized veggies with all the flavor you crave.
I started testing this back in spring 2019 when I realized the circulating heat mimics a hot cast iron without the babysitting. The peppers get those blistered edges while the sausage stays snappymy favorite discovery was adding a pinch of fennel seed halfway through for that subtle Italian edge. After nearly a dozen rounds (and just as many happy dinner guests), I can say the timing here makes all the difference.
PrintAir Fryer Sausage and Peppers Recipe Easy and Delicious
This Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers recipe is a quick and tasty dinner perfect for busy nights. It is healthy, gluten-free, and low carb while offering a delicious blend of juicy sausages and tender peppers in minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Pork
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 16 ounce Polish sausage kielbasa or your choice of rope sausage or link sausages
- 1/2 large yellow or white onion sliced in 1 inch pieces
- 3 bell peppers any color combination seeds and stems removed and chopped in 1 inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the sliced sausage along with the chopped peppers and onions in a large bowl.
- Pour in the oil and sprinkle the garlic powder onion powder parsley salt and pepper then toss everything to coat the sausage and vegetables evenly.
- Transfer the mixture into the air fryer basket or rack making sure not to pile it too high.
- Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes shaking or tossing halfway through.
- If you prefer crispier sausage or peppers cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove carefully and season with extra salt or garlic powder if desired before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g + 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Why You’ll Love This Quick Weeknight Dish
The beauty of this recipe is how effortlessly everything comes together in one basket. No multiple pans, no splattering oil on the stovetopjust toss, cook, and serve. The circulating heat crisps the sausage edges while the peppers soften into sweet, caramelized ribbons that soak up every bit of seasoning.
What makes this special is the hands-off approach. While the air fryer works its magic, you’re free to set the table or toss a simple salad. It’s a dinner that feels indulgent but checks all the boxes for busy nightsgluten-free, low carb, and ready in under thirty minutes.
Ingredient & Tool Notes
The ingredient list is refreshingly short, which means each component really shines. Polish sausage or kielbasa brings that smoky, savory backbone, while bell peppersany color you likeadd sweetness and a pop of color. The yellow or white onion caramelizes beautifully, and the combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley keeps things simple yet flavorful.
- Sausage: Look for rope sausage or links that are fully cookedthey’ll crisp up faster and stay juicy inside.
- Peppers: Cut them into 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly alongside the sausage without turning mushy.
- Oil: Avocado oil or olive oil helps everything brown and prevents sticking.
As for tools, a large bowl for tossing and a good pair of tongs are your best friends here. If your air fryer basket is on the smaller side, plan to cook in batches rather than overcrowdingit’s the secret to getting those crispy edges.
How It All Comes Together
Start by slicing your sausage into rounds or chunkswhatever feels right for your family. Toss them into a large bowl with the chopped peppers and onion, then drizzle with oil and sprinkle the seasonings over top. Use tongs or two big spoons to toss until everything’s evenly coated; this step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Transfer the mixture to your air fryer basket. Don’t stress about arranging it in a perfect single layera little overlap is fine, just avoid piling it too high or the heat won’t circulate properly. Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes, tossing halfway through with your tongs. If you love extra crispy sausage or deeper caramelization on the peppers, add two more minutes at the end.
| Step | Time | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Prep & Toss | 5 min | Everything evenly coated with oil and seasonings |
| First Cook | 6 min | Sausage starting to brown, peppers softening |
| Toss & Finish | 6 min | Crispy edges, caramelized peppers, juicy sausage |
| Optional Crisp | +2 min | Deeper browning and extra crunch |
Simple Swaps & Tweaks
One of the joys of Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers is how flexible it is. Swap the Polish sausage for Italian links if you want a fennel-forward flavor, or try chicken sausage for a lighter option. Mix up your pepper colors for a more vibrant plate, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix if you like a little heat.
| Ingredient | Easy Swap |
|---|---|
| Polish sausage | Italian sausage, chicken sausage, bratwurst |
| Bell peppers | Mini sweet peppers, poblano for mild heat |
| Avocado oil | Olive oil, grapeseed oil |
| Garlic powder | Fresh minced garlic (add after cooking) |
Serving & Storage Tips
Serve this straight from the basket while it’s still steamingpile it onto a platter and let everyone dig in family-style. It’s delicious over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal, tucked into a hoagie roll for a quick sandwich, or alongside roasted potatoes if you’re feeding a crowd.
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to bring back that crispy texture, or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to steam the peppers.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Air fryer at 350°F for 5 min or skillet with a splash of water |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight, then reheat as above |
Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes
If your peppers are still firm after 12 minutes, simply add 2–3 more minutes of cook timedifferent air fryer models vary slightly in heat intensity. On the flip side, if your sausage is browning too fast, reduce the temperature to 375°F and extend the time by a minute or two.
- Peppers too soft? Cut them slightly larger next time, or add them halfway through cooking.
- Sausage not crispy enough? Pat it dry before tossing with oil, and make sure your basket isn’t overcrowded.
- Sticking to the basket? A light spray of oil on the basket before adding the sausage works wonders.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers )
What temperature should I cook this at?
Set your air fryer to 400°F for best results. This temperature allows the sausages to cook through while getting nicely browned. The peppers will also caramelize beautifully without burning at this heat.
How long does this recipe take to cook?
Total cooking time is about 12-15 minutes. Cook the sausages for 8 minutes first, then add the peppers and continue for another 4-7 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, preheating for 3-5 minutes ensures even cooking from the start. This helps the sausages develop a nice sear immediately. Most air fryers heat up quickly, so it won’t add much time to your meal prep.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage, bratwurst, or smoked sausage all work wonderfully. Choose pre-cooked varieties for faster results, or raw sausages for deeper flavor. Just make sure they’re not too thick or they won’t cook evenly.
Can I add onions to this dish?
Absolutely! Sliced onions are a perfect addition to this meal. Add them along with the peppers for the last 6-8 minutes of cooking. They’ll caramelize beautifully and add extra sweetness to complement the sausages.
This Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers comes together in just twelve minutes, and the result is pure comfortjuicy sausage with crisp edges, sweet peppers that char just right, and that irresistible caramelized onion aroma filling your kitchen. You’ll love how effortlessly it turns out, no skillet watching required, just toss and let the heat work its magic while you catch your breath.
For a little extra depth, I like to toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or a few fresh basil leaves right before servingit’s a trick I picked up testing endless pepper combinations last summer. Swap the Polish sausage for spicy Italian if you’re craving heat, or pile everything into crusty rolls with melted provolone for game day. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer at 350°F, crisping right back up like they’re freshly made.
I’d love to see how yours turns outtag me with your favorite way to serve this, or tell me if sausage and peppers reminds you of Sunday dinners at someone’s table. Save this one for a night when you need comfort without the fuss, and share it with anyone who deserves a warm, easy meal. Happy cooking, friend.
