The sizzle of sausage, the crisp pop of bell peppers, that cozy roasted smell curling through the kitchenthis air fryer chicken sausage veggies recipe brings it all to the table without even turning on the stove. It’s been catching on like crazy lately, probably because we’re all craving easy comfort that still feels light.
This dish starts with smoky chicken sausage, sweet peppers, and tender zucchini. Everything gets tossed in a touch of oil and herbs, then roasted quickly in the air fryer for a charred, caramelized finish. Like a sheet pan supper but way faster. Best part? It’s a one-basket wonder. Nothing fancy. All you need is what’s already in your fridge and pantryperfect for healthy air fryer meals any day of the week.
I first whipped this up back in spring 2021, when my oldest asked for “something like stir-fry, but not soggy.” I tossed the mix into the air fryer, and twenty minutes later, we were crunching into golden veggies with juicy sausage slices on top. Learned quick that even pre-cooked sausage benefits from a high-heat crisp. Been sharing simple, real-food recipes here for 10+ years, and this one’s a keeper for busy nights.
Yesica Andrews
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage Veggies: Delicious Easy Meal
This air fryer chicken sausage veggies recipe is a quick and healthy air fryer chicken sausage veggies meal that’s perfect for busy days. Packed with protein and colorful vegetables, it makes one of the best healthy air fryer meals you can prepare in just minutes. Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious dish for lunch or dinner any day of the week!
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) – robust Italian flavor
Method
Chop the veggies and add them to a large bowl.
Drizzle with avocado oil and toss to coat evenly.
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Sprinkle the spice blend over the veggies and toss to coat well.
Slice the chicken sausage into 3/4 inch rounds and add to the bowl with veggies.
Toss everything together gently.
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (if needed) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
Place the sausage and veggies in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 10 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Remove once golden and cooked through.
Serve as is or with cauliflower rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
Notes
Use good quality chicken sausage; kielbasa is a good alternative.
Cut veggies into even 1-inch pieces for uniform cooking.
Toss or shake the basket at least once during cooking for crispy results.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this recipe isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a vibrant, flavorful solution that’s genuinely fresh, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. It quickly became a staple in our home, and here’s why it deserves a spot on your menu too:
Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in just about 20 minutes, with only 10-12 minutes in the air fryer. Ideal for those truly busy evenings!
Nutrient-Packed: Bursting with colorful, fiber-rich veggies and lean protein from the chicken sausage, making it a perfectly balanced and nutritious option.
Infinitely Customizable: This recipe is a canvas! Swap in your favorite seasonal veggies, adjust the herbs, or sprinkle in some chili flakes to match your mood.
One-Basket Wonder: Everything cooks together beautifully in a single air fryer basket, meaning maximum flavor development and minimal cleanup. Pure win!
And those irresistibly crispy, golden edges the air fryer delivers? It’s like having the rich char of oven-roasted goodness but in a fraction of the timeno special chef skills required!
Key Ingredients and Flavor Notes
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s exactly what you need when dinner has to be on the table, fast, without sacrificing flavor.
Red & Orange Bell Peppers: These aren’t just for color; when air-fried, they become wonderfully sweet and slightly smoky, adding depth.
Red Onion: It softens and caramelizes beautifully, contributing a mild, sweet bite that complements the other ingredients.
Zucchini: A fantastic absorber of flavors, zucchini becomes tender and juicy with just the right amount of charred crispness on its edges.
Chicken Sausage: Opt for a pre-cooked Italian-style chicken sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference). Brands like Aidells or Applegate are great. This choice really packs an aromatic punch of herbs and spices, elevating the whole dish.
Seasonings: We keep it simple yet impactful with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, a touch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This blend creates that wonderfully cozy, herb-forward flavor profile.
Avocado Oil: Its high smoke point makes it perfect for air frying, ensuring a lovely crisp texture without burning. Olive oil works well too if that’s what you have!
Pro Tip: Using a pre-cooked chicken sausage is a game-changer! It significantly cuts down on your active prep and cook time, ensuring everything finishes cooking together perfectly.
Ingredient Table Summary
Ingredient
Quantity
Notes
Red Bell Pepper
1 large
Cut into 1-inch pieces
Orange Bell Pepper
1 large
Cut into 1-inch pieces
Red Onion
1 medium
Cut into 1-inch chunks
Zucchini
1 medium
Cut into 1-inch pieces
Chicken Sausage
12 oz
Pre-cooked, sliced into 3/4-inch rounds
Avocado Oil
1 tbsp
Or olive oil
Garlic Powder
1 tsp
Onion Powder
1 tsp
Italian Seasoning
1 tsp
Salt
1/2 tsp
To taste
Black Pepper
1/4 tsp
Freshly ground, to taste
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
One of my favorite things about this air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe? It’s truly foolproofyou can almost make it on autopilot, even after a long day. Here’s how you’ll get it done:
Prep the Veggies: Start by chopping all your bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini into uniform 1-inch pieces. Consistency here is key for even cooking and perfectly tender-crisp results.
Toss and Season: Transfer the chopped veggies to a large bowl. Drizzle generously with avocado oil, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together really well, making sure every piece is lightly coated with oil and seasoning.
Slice the Sausage: Slice your pre-cooked chicken sausage into ¾-inch thick rounds. Add them to the bowl with the seasoned veggies and give everything another gentle toss to combine thoroughly.
Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the seasoned sausage and veggies in an even, single layer in the basket. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is smaller to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes, making sure to toss or flip everything halfway through (around the 5-6 minute mark) for that beautiful golden-brown crispness.
Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the cooked sausage and veggies from the air fryer. Serve them immediately as a complete meal, or pair with a side of fluffy brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even a fresh green salad. It’s comfort food that feels light and utterly satisfying!
Pro Tip: Seriously, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! If the ingredients are stacked too high, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Cook in two batches if necessaryit’s worth the extra minute for that perfect texture.
Serving and Storage Tips
This air fryer chicken sausage and veggies dish isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile and fantastic for meal prep. It’s a lifesaver for anyone looking to simplify dinnertime without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
Serving Ideas: Enjoy it hot straight from the air fryer! It’s wonderful on its own, or you can serve it with hearty brown rice, lighter cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even nestled in a warm pita. For an extra pop of freshness, a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving are fantastic additions.
Storage: Leftovers are absolutely delicious the next day! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches.
Reheating: For the best texture, toss leftovers back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. This method helps to re-crisp the veggies and sausage, making them taste almost as fresh as when they were first cooked.
Storage & Reheat Tips
Storage Method
Max Time
Reheating Instructions
Fridge (Airtight Container)
Up to 4 days
Air fry at 350°F for 3-5 min
Pro Tip: To get a head start on meal prep, chop all your vegetables and slice the chicken sausage the day before. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge, then combine and cook when you’re ready. This shaves precious minutes off busy weeknights!
Expert Insight: Boosting Flavor and Nutrition
When cooking vibrant dishes like Air Fryer Chicken Sausage Veggies, think beyond just the main ingredients. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of balsamic glaze after cooking can awaken all the flavors and add a bright, zesty finish. To maximize the nutritional punch, consider adding a handful of spinach or kale to the air fryer for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, wilting them gently into the mix. This not only enhances satiety with extra fiber but also boosts your intake of essential vitamins. The air fryer’s quick, high-heat cooking method is excellent for preserving the crisp-tender texture and nutritional integrity of the vegetables, making it a smart choice for wholesome, delicious meals.
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Finding Comfort in Air Fryer Chicken Sausage Veggies
Developing this air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe was a journey of patient tweaking and happy accidents. I recall one early attempt where the veggies were too soft, another where the seasoning was just slightly off. But through each round of testingadjusting the cook time, experimenting with different herb ratios, and finding that perfect crisping temperatureI finally landed on this version. It now consistently comes out juicy, fragrant, and perfectly balanced every time. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create truly comforting food you can feel good about.
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.
Conclusion
This air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe truly deliversit comes together in a flash, offering that perfect blend of crispy, tender, and savory flavors that just hit the spot. You’ll absolutely love how the fresh, vibrant bell peppers and juicy chicken sausage roast to a beautiful golden perfection, creating a dish that’s simple, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully fuss-free. It’s truly one of those meals that feels lovingly homemade without demanding hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights or a relaxed family dinner.
Ready for a twist? Try swapping the zucchini for tender asparagus spears or adding sliced cremini mushrooms for a lovely earthy depth. Trust me, leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer, retaining that delightful crisp bite we all crave. And here’s a little tip I picked up from a seasoned market cook: a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the entire dish, making all those flavors sing. Easy tweaks, huge flavor impactthat’s exactly how we like our cooking.
Give this recipe a whirl in your own kitchen and share your successes! Did a family member rave about it, or did you discover a fantastic veggie swap? Spread the culinary love by pinning this recipe or sharing it with someone special. After all, good food has a wonderful way of bringing us closer, one warm, delicious meal at a time.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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