Let me paint a picture for you: it’s 6:30 p.m., your stomach’s growling, the kids are giving you the “what’s for dinner” look, and you’re two seconds from just ordering takeout. Don’t do it. Instead, pull out your air fryer and let’s make something that checks all the boxes: quick, healthy, and ridiculously easy. Welcome to your new favorite recipe—Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies.
This is a meal made for weeknights, lazy Sundays, and everything in between. It’s got color, crunch, protein, and spice—and it all comes together in one little basket. Whether you’re a college student, a parent juggling schedules, or just someone who wants dinner now, this recipe’s for you.
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Why Use the Air Fryer for Chicken Sausage?
Here’s the thing: the air fryer is the real MVP when it comes to quick dinners. When you toss in chicken sausage with veggies, something magical happens.
- Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside. Pre-cooked chicken sausage gets that perfect snap while the veggies turn beautifully golden.
- Fast and easy cleanup. One basket. One bowl. That’s it.
- Cooks everything together. The sausage and veggies go in at the same time and come out perfectly cooked, which is more than I can say for most relationships.
So if you’ve been wondering how to cook sausage in the air fryer or if you can cook sausage and veggies together, the answer is a delicious YES.
Best Vegetables to Use
This recipe is super forgiving. If it’s colorful and can handle 10 minutes at high heat, toss it in.
Our go-to veggie mix:
- Red and orange bell peppers (sweet, crisp, and colorful)
- Zucchini (mild and quick-cooking)
- Red onion (adds a pop of sharpness and sweetness)
Great swaps and additions:
- Brussels sprouts (halved)
- Mushrooms (thickly sliced)
- Green beans
- Butternut squash or sweet potatoes (cut small so they cook in time)
Basically, if it roasts well, it air fries well. Want more ideas? Use seasonal veggies like those in this butternut squash and sweet potato guide.
Ingredients List
- 2 precooked chicken sausages (Applegate, Bilinski’s, or Trader Joe’s work great)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional but amazing:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- A drizzle of pesto or Romesco sauce
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
- Chop the veggies. Aim for 3/4-inch pieces. Uniform size = even cooking.
- Slice the sausage. Same rule applies—1-inch slices work great.
- Toss everything in a bowl. Drizzle with oil, then sprinkle in your seasonings.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Or don’t—some models don’t need it. I’m not judging.
- Load the basket. Don’t overcrowd! If you have a smaller air fryer, cook in batches.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
- Serve warm. Plate it over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice if you’re feeling extra.
Expert Tips
- Use a good brand of sausage. Look for nitrate-free and gluten-free options like Applegate or Bilinski’s.
- Don’t skimp on seasoning. The sausage brings flavor, but the veggies need love too.
- Mid-cook shake is a must. Ensures everything gets crispy.
- Spray oil > drizzle. Especially if you’re watching fat intake or want that even coat.
Make-Ahead Tips
Want to save even more time? Here’s how:
- Chop your veggies and sausage the night before.
- Toss them with oil and seasoning.
- Store in an airtight container.
- The next day, just dump it all in the air fryer and press start.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a chameleon. You can serve it a bunch of ways:
- Over cauliflower rice or brown rice
- With mashed sweet potatoes or quinoa
- Topped with pesto, romesco, or creamy cilantro lime sauce
- Serve alongside these easy crispy breakfast potatoes
- Or pair with oven crispy golden country potatoes
Storing and Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Toss back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Sausage Recommendations
Here are some solid picks that bring the flavor without the additives:
- Applegate Chicken Sausage (classic and clean)
- Bilinski’s Italian Sausage (herb-forward)
- Trader Joe’s Spicy Chicken Sausage (budget-friendly with a kick)
- Greenwise from Publix (great texture and minimal ingredients)
Oven Alternative
No air fryer? No problem.
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Spread everything on a lined baking sheet
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway
Additional Recipe Suggestions
Want to switch it up? Check these out:
- Try this sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole
- Alternative quick protein like honey garlic chicken
- For another protein-and-vegetable combo, try chicken drumsticks with tomatoes and peppers
- Check out these high-protein dinner ideas
- A great meatless alternative like this fajita casserole
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, juicy chicken sausage and perfectly roasted veggies made in just 10 minutes. Your new weeknight lifesaver is healthy, colorful, and done in one basket.
Ingredients
- 2 precooked chicken sausages (Applegate, Bilinski’s, or Trader Joe’s)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Optional: drizzle of pesto or Romesco sauce
Instructions
- Chop all vegetables into roughly 3/4-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Slice sausage into 1-inch pieces.
- Toss sausage and vegetables in a bowl with oil and seasonings until well coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (optional depending on model).
- Place mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through.
- Serve warm over rice, quinoa, or on its own with your favorite sauce.
Notes
Use high-quality sausage and don’t skip the shake halfway through! Perfect for quick dinners or meal prep. Try it with mashed sweet potatoes or on top of a grain bowl.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Final Thoughts
Air fryer chicken sausage and veggies is the kind of recipe you keep on speed dial. It’s low-stress, high-reward, and endlessly flexible. Switch up the veggies, the sausage, or the seasonings to make it your own.
Because honestly? Dinner shouldn’t be complicated. It should be good, fast, and something you actually look forward to. This one hits all the marks.
Now go forth and air fry.
Got leftovers? Let them shine. Got 10 minutes? You’ve got dinner.
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