There’s something undeniably satisfying about the cozy, savory combination of sausage and fresh vegetables cooked to perfection, and the Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to whip up when I want a simple but hearty meal. This dish brings together smoky, juicy sausage slices with colorful bell peppers, tender zucchini, and sweet red onion, all seasoned with fragrant Italian herbs and garlic, then cooked effortlessly in the air fryer. The result is a perfectly balanced plate bursting with flavor, vibrant textures, and just the right amount of crispiness that makes weeknight dinners feel gourmet without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s so great about this Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables Recipe is how it uses simple, fresh ingredients that combine to create a dish packed with flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role, whether it’s the smoky richness of the sausage or the natural sweetness of the bell peppers and onion, making every bite a delight.
- Smoked sausage or chicken sausage, 12 oz sliced into ½-inch rounds: The star protein that brings smoky, juicy flavor and a satisfying bite.
- Red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant color and a mild, sweet crunch that balances the savory sausage.
- Yellow bell pepper, sliced: Works alongside the red peppers for a gorgeous color contrast and natural sweetness.
- Small red onion, cut into chunks: Brings a subtle sweetness and gentle sharpness once roasted.
- Medium zucchini, sliced: Tender and light, it soaks up flavors while adding a fresh texture.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Helps the vegetables and sausage caramelize beautifully in the air fryer.
- Garlic powder, ½ teaspoon: Imparts that warm, irresistible aroma and flavor that ties everything together.
- Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon: A fragrant blend of herbs that enhances the rustic vibe of the dish.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Black pepper, ¼ teaspoon: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the seasoning.
How to Make Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Toss
Begin by chopping your sausage into half-inch slices – this size allows for even cooking and bite-sized pieces that mix well with the vegetables. Then slice the bell peppers and zucchini, and chunk the red onion. Placing everything in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on top. Toss it all together with your hands or a spoon until every piece is beautifully coated in the fragrant seasoning and oil. This initial step is key because it ensures all the flavors get evenly distributed during cooking.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
While the ingredients marinate for a minute or two in the bowl, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is important because it guarantees that when you place the sausage and veggies in the basket, they start cooking immediately, leading to that perfect browned, slightly crisp texture we love.
Step 3: Cook in the Air Fryer
Transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture in an even layer inside the air fryer basket. This is where the magic happens! Cook the ingredients for about 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This shake ensures everything cooks evenly and crisps up on all sides. You’ll notice the sausage browning beautifully while the veggies soften yet retain a tiny bit of bite and light char on the edges – pure heaven in each forkful.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
For an added fresh touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley or fresh basil leaves on top just before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the rich flavors wonderfully and give the dish a lovely zesty contrast. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and taste-wise without overpowering the main ingredients.
Side Dishes
This recipe is delicious on its own but pairs perfectly with a bed of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a light pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or alongside a crisp green salad for a refreshing balance. The versatility makes it great for any meal of the day.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or add a fun twist? Serve the sausage and veggies stuffed inside warm pita bread or hearty buns with a dollop of mustard or aioli. You can also use it as a colorful topping for flatbreads or as a filling in roasted bell peppers for a one-dish meal. The Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables Recipe really lends itself to creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover sausage and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days and retain their flavor well, making for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead in bulk, this dish also freezes beautifully. Simply place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and date it, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you need a fast meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for best results, about 5 minutes at 350°F, to bring back the crispiness and warmth. Alternatively, you can gently warm it in a skillet on medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! The Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables Recipe is very flexible. You can swap in turkey sausage for a leaner option or try spicy chorizo for more heat. Just make sure the sausages are pre-cooked or fully cook them in the air fryer.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to experiment with mushrooms, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or even slices of eggplant. Just choose vegetables that cook quickly or cut bigger pieces smaller for even cooking alongside the sausage.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making this a perfect option if you’re avoiding gluten. Just double-check the sausage brand to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
You can easily adapt the veggie portion for a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage or substituting with plant-based sausage alternatives. Roasted vegetables with seasoning alone are delicious too!
How crispy will the vegetables be?
The vegetables will be tender with slightly crisp edges that come from the air fryer’s quick circulation of hot air. If you prefer softer veggies, reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables Recipe is truly one of those go-to meals that feels cozy, colorful, and effortless all at once. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners, the blend of smoky sausage and vibrant roasted veggies will win over your taste buds every time. Give it a try soon and enjoy how this simple recipe elevates your everyday cooking with bold flavors and satisfying textures!
Print
Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner option. Featuring smoky sausage combined with crisp-tender bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini, all seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, this meal is easy to prepare and cooks to perfection in the air fryer for a deliciously crispy finish without excess oil.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 12 oz smoked sausage or chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the sliced sausage, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion chunks, and zucchini slices. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, then sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: Place the sausage and vegetable mixture into the air fryer basket in an even layer. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning and crisping. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and the vegetables are tender with slightly crisp edges.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the sausage and vegetables hot. Enjoy them as is or pair with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Feel free to swap in other quick-cooking vegetables such as mushrooms or asparagus for variety.
- Use turkey sausage for a leaner protein option with lower fat content.
- Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps ensure even browning and prevents sticking.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper crispness.
