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Let me tell you about the time I discovered how game-changing the air fryer could be for weeknight dinners. I was rushing home after a long day, staring at a pack of chicken sausage and a fridge full of veggies, wondering what magic I could whip up without firing up the oven. That’s when I made this Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies, and honestly, it became an instant favorite in our house. It’s so simple, yet the flavors pop in a way that feels like I spent hours in the kitchen.
I’ve always loved recipes that let you toss everything together and let the appliance do the work, and this Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies fits the bill perfectly. The sausage gets that crispy edge while the veggies caramelize beautifully, all with minimal oil. Whether you’re meal prepping or just need something quick, this dish has saved me more evenings than I can count. In my experience, it’s the kind of meal that makes healthy eating feel effortless and delicious.
Now, you might be thinking, “Chicken sausage and veggies? Sounds basic.” But trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies, you’ll see why it’s anything but. I’m excited to share the recipe with you today, complete with all my tips to make it shine. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
For more quick chicken ideas, check out our 15-Minute Pad See Ew Noodles or Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.
Key Takeaways:
- Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies is a one-pan wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes for busy nights.
- It’s incredibly versatile, using whatever veggies you have on hand to cut down on waste and shopping trips.
- The smoky, savory flavors from the sausage pair perfectly with tender-crisp veggies for a meal that’s both hearty and light.
- For the best results, don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat quickly for easy lunches.
Why You’ll Adore This Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Effortless Weeknight Hero: Here’s the thing—life gets hectic, and who has time for complicated meals? This Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies comes together with just a few chops and a quick shake in the air fryer, leaving you more time to relax. I’ve made it on those rushed Tuesdays, and it always feels like a win.
Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Loaded with colorful veggies and lean protein, it’s a dish that nourishes without feeling like a chore. The vibrant bell peppers and zucchini add vitamins and fiber, while the chicken sausage keeps things satisfying. You’ll love how it balances indulgence with health, especially after a day of indulgences.
Flavor Explosion in Minutes: What I find interesting is how the air fryer’s magic turns simple ingredients into something crave-worthy. The Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies gets that irresistible char on the sausage and a slight sweetness from the roasted veggies. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, warm and comforting.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and picky eaters? No problem. This recipe is customizable and approachable, making dinner time smoother. Let’s be honest, anything that gets everyone excited about veggies is a keeper in my book.
Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Chicken Sausage: This is the star protein here, providing juicy, flavorful bites that cook up perfectly in the air fryer. I prefer pre-cooked varieties like Italian or apple-infused for extra taste, but any will do. It adds that savory depth without needing much seasoning, keeping the whole Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies dish light yet satisfying. In my experience, slicing them into rounds ensures even cooking and better veggie integration.
Bell Peppers: These colorful gems bring sweetness and crunch to the mix, roasting up with a beautiful char. Red, yellow, or green—mix them for visual appeal and varied nutrients. They soften just right in the air fryer, absorbing the sausage’s flavors while staying vibrant. Don’t skip them; they’re what makes the veggies pop.
Zucchini: A mild, tender veggie that soaks up seasonings like a sponge, zucchini adds moisture and freshness to your Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies. Slice it thick to avoid mushiness, and it caramelizes nicely for that perfect bite. It’s low-carb and filling, helping balance the meal without overpowering the sausage.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering everything for your Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies—it’s all about that quick assembly. Wash and chop the veggies into even-sized pieces: slice bell peppers into strips, zucchini into half-moons, and onions into wedges if you’re adding them. The chicken sausage should be cut into 1-inch rounds for uniform cooking. Toss everything in a large bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe some Italian seasoning for that herby kick. I’ve found that prepping on a cutting board keeps things tidy and fun. This step takes about 10 minutes and sets the stage for crispy perfection.
Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F while you shake off excess seasoning from the bowl. Arrange the sausage and veggies in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd, or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. You’ll smell the savory aromas building, and the veggies will start to soften with charred edges. In my kitchen, this is when the excitement hits; it’s so hands-off yet rewarding. Keep an eye on the sausage to avoid overcooking, as it browns quickly.
Serve and Enjoy
Once done, the Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies should be golden and tender—test a veggie for doneness. Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Let it rest for a minute to meld flavors, then dig in. This step is pure joy, especially on a busy night. For a grilled twist, check out our Greek Chicken Bowls recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced into strips
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Serves 4. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 12 minutes.
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss sliced chicken sausage, bell peppers, zucchini, and onion with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until veggies are tender and sausage is crispy.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Season Generously: A good pinch of garlic powder elevates the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
Batch It Up: If your air fryer is small, cook in two batches to maintain crispiness—it’s worth the extra few minutes.
Lemon Zest Finish: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest at the end for a fresh, bright contrast to the savory elements.
You Must Know
- Air fryers vary by model, so check for doneness at the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Chicken sausage is fully cooked, so you’re just crisping it up—focus on veggie tenderness.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check sausage labels for allergens.
- Oil is key for even cooking, but use sparingly for a lighter version.
How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Let your Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies cool completely before transferring to an airtight container—it’ll last up to 4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 2 months, though the veggies might soften a bit upon thawing. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to recapture that crispiness, or microwave in short bursts. I’ve reheated leftovers this way for lunches, and they taste almost as good as fresh.
Customizing Your Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Swap in broccoli or carrots for the zucchini if you want more variety, or use turkey sausage for a leaner twist— the Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies adapts easily to what’s in your fridge. Add a spicy kick with cayenne or go Mediterranean with feta crumbles on top. For a marinade idea to amp up the flavor, try our 6 Simple Chicken Marinade Recipes. Experimenting keeps it fresh and fun every time.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
This dish shines on its own, but pair it with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette for added crunch and freshness. Crusty bread or quinoa soaks up any juices beautifully, making it a complete meal. For drinks, a crisp white wine or iced tea complements the savory notes without overwhelming. In summer, serve it over couscous for a light picnic vibe.
10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
This quick and easy air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe is the perfect lazy day meal you can have on the table in minutes. It is loaded with protein and colorful vegetables and you can make it in 10 minutes! Enjoy it as a healthy lunch or dinner any day of the week! Gluten free, paleo, whole30.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1 large red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 02 1 large orange bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 03 1 red onion (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 04 1 medium zucchini (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 05 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 06 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 07 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 08 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 09 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 1 pinch black pepper
- 11 1 package (12 oz) chicken sausage (I used a robust Italian flavor)
Instructions
Chop the veggies and add them to a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss to coat them all. In a smaller bowl, mix the spices together with the salt and pepper and add the spice blend to the veggies. Toss them in the spices to get them all nice and coated.
Slice the sausage into 3/4 inch rounds and add it to the bowl with the veggies and toss everything together.
Preheat the air fryer, if needed to 390 degrees F and spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add the veggies and sausage to the air fryer basket in an even layer and close and cook them for 10 minutes, flipping them in the basket halfway through the cooking time. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Once the chicken sausage and veggies are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and serve as is or with cooked cauliflower rice or brown rice.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Can I make Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies ahead of time?
Absolutely, prep the veggies and sausage up to a day in advance and store in the fridge. Just toss with oil right before air frying to keep everything crisp. It’s a great time-saver for busy evenings.
How long does Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies last in the fridge?
Properly stored, it stays fresh for 3-4 days. Beyond that, freeze it to extend usability. Always reheat to at least 165°F for safety.
Is Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies healthy?
Yes, it’s packed with lean protein and veggies, low in carbs, and made with minimal oil. It fits keto or whole30 diets with tweaks. A balanced, feel-good option.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Bake on a sheet pan at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway. It won’t be as crispy, but still delicious. Your Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies will turn out great. For similar oven ideas, see our Baked Honey Sesame Chicken.
Can I use frozen veggies?
Fresh is best for texture, but frozen works—thaw and pat dry first to avoid sogginess. Add them midway through cooking. Adjust time as needed.
How do I make Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies spicier?
Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the seasoning mix before tossing. Choose spicy sausage varieties for built-in heat. The Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies gets a fun kick this way without much effort.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely—cut pieces smaller and mild seasonings keep it appealing. Involve kids in chopping for engagement. It’s colorful and tasty for all ages.
Can vegetarians adapt Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies?
Swap sausage for plant-based links or extra veggies like mushrooms. It stays just as satisfying. Check out our Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl for more inspo, minus the meat.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up, this Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies recipe has become my go-to for those days when simplicity meets flavor in the best way. It’s proof that quick cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or nutrition. I encourage you to give it a whirl tonight—you won’t regret it, and your family will thank you. Happy cooking!