Name: Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 red onion, chopped; 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons; 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp kosher salt; Pinch black pepper; 12 oz cooked chicken sausage, sliced into ¾-inch rounds

There are some recipes that instantly become part of your weekly rotation, and this 10-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies recipe is one of those gems. It’s the kind of dish you turn to when your day has been a whirlwind, and dinner still needs to happen—fast. With just a handful of ingredients, no complicated steps, and almost zero cleanup, this recipe is exactly what busy weeknights dream of.

Imagine perfectly browned slices of chicken sausage nestled among tender-crisp, caramelized veggies, all lightly seasoned and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The flavor is smoky, savory, and just a little bit sweet from the roasted bell peppers and onions. It’s a complete meal made in one basket, and the best part? It’s ready in just 10 minutes.

I stumbled upon this combo while trying to clean out my fridge before grocery day. I had one lonely zucchini, half a red onion, and a few bell peppers. Tossed them with some leftover chicken sausage, popped them into the air fryer, and boom—a delicious, satisfying dinner appeared with hardly any effort. Since then, it’s become my go-to for quick lunches, low-effort dinners, and even weekly meal prep. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and packed with flavor.

Whether you’re new to the air fryer game or you’re already obsessed with it (like me), this recipe is a great one to add to your lineup. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you’ll never get bored. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is one of those rare combinations of easy, healthy, and incredibly satisfying, and it checks all the right boxes for a weeknight winner.

First off, it’s lightning-fast. You’ll have everything chopped, seasoned, and ready for the air fryer in under 10 minutes—and that includes cleanup if you’re quick with a knife. Once in the air fryer, it cooks in just 10 minutes, which means dinner hits the table in under 20 minutes from start to finish.

Second, it’s a one-basket wonder. You don’t need to juggle multiple pots or pans. Just toss everything together, spread it in your air fryer basket, and let it do its magic. The sausage crisps up beautifully while the veggies caramelize just enough to bring out their natural sweetness.

Third, it’s healthy and balanced. With lean chicken sausage and fiber-rich veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, you’re getting protein, vitamins, and minerals all in one meal. It’s naturally gluten-free, and you can easily make it dairy-free or paleo depending on your sausage choice.

And last but not least, it’s endlessly customizable. Swap out the veggies for what you have on hand, use your favorite sausage brand, or add a drizzle of sauce to change things up. No matter how you spin it, this recipe delivers.

Health Benefits

This dish isn’t just fast and delicious—it’s also packed with nutritional value that supports a healthy lifestyle.

Chicken sausage is a lean protein source, especially when you choose varieties with clean ingredients and no added sugar. It provides essential amino acids, which help with muscle repair and support energy levels throughout the day. Look for halal-certified brands that use high-quality meat and minimal preservatives for the best option.

The vegetables bring in a rainbow of nutrients. Red and orange bell peppers are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune health. Zucchini is low in calories but rich in fiber, promoting good digestion and helping you feel full. Red onions add a mild sweetness and are a good source of flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Cooking everything in the air fryer means you use less oil while still getting that crispy, roasted texture. Avocado oil (or olive oil) used in moderation brings healthy fats to the dish, supporting heart health and enhancing the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the veggies.

Altogether, this recipe offers a well-rounded balance of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients, making it a smart choice for anyone aiming to eat clean without sacrificing flavor.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 19g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Ingredients List

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon kosher salt
A pinch of black pepper, to taste
12 oz cooked chicken sausage, sliced into ¾-inch rounds (halal and nitrate-free if possible)

These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and easy to find. The chicken sausage brings flavor and protein, while the veggies provide color, texture, and nutrition. Italian seasoning ties everything together with a herby kick, and the oil helps everything crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing and chopping all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform size so everything cooks evenly. Place the chopped red and orange bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini into a large mixing bowl.
Add Oil and Seasonings
Drizzle the avocado oil over the veggies. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the spice mix over the veggies and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece is lightly seasoned for the best flavor.
Add the Chicken Sausage
Slice the chicken sausage into ¾-inch thick rounds. Add it to the bowl with the seasoned veggies. Toss everything together again so the sausage gets a light coating of oil and spices.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for about 2–3 minutes. This helps the food start crisping up right away.
Load the Air Fryer Basket
Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add the sausage and veggie mixture in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Cook
Air fry at 390°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the contents halfway through. This ensures even browning on all sides.
Check for Doneness
After 10 minutes, the veggies should be tender-crisp with slightly charred edges, and the sausage should be golden and slightly crispy.
Serve Immediately
Serve the sausage and veggies warm, either on their own or paired with your favorite side dish. It’s a simple, satisfying meal ready in no time.

How to Serve

This Air fryer chicken sausage is super versatile and can be enjoyed in several different ways:

Serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb, protein-packed bowl.
Pair with mashed sweet potatoes for a cozy, comforting combo.
Wrap in a whole grain or lettuce wrap for a portable lunch option.
Add to a grain bowl with hummus, greens, and a drizzle of tahini dressing.
Top with your favorite sauce, like pesto, green goddess, or a simple garlic yogurt drizzle.

Pairing Suggestions

This meal pairs well with both light and hearty sides:

Fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Roasted baby potatoes for a more filling dinner.
Steamed rice or brown rice for a classic, kid-friendly pairing.
Grilled flatbread or pita for scooping and wrapping.
For a drink, try sparkling water with lemon, or herbal iced tea to keep things light and refreshing.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage:
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing:
You can freeze this dish after cooking. Spread the cooled sausage and veggies on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
To reheat, warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. For best texture, use the air fryer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the basket: If the air fryer is too full, the veggies will steam instead of crisp. Work in batches if needed.
Uneven chopping: Different sizes cook at different speeds. Keep pieces uniform for even cooking.
Skipping the oil: A little oil is key for crispiness. Don’t go completely oil-free.
Using raw sausage: Make sure your chicken sausage is fully cooked before using. This recipe doesn’t cook raw meat.
Not flipping halfway: This step helps achieve even browning and crisp edges.

Pro Tips

Use high-quality sausage for better flavor. Look for halal options with minimal ingredients and natural spices.
Chop in advance to save time. You can prep the veggies and sausage the night before.
Try different spice blends like Cajun, taco seasoning, or smoked paprika for variety.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking to brighten up the flavors.
Double the recipe for meal prep. It reheats beautifully and keeps well in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use uncooked sausage in this recipe?
This recipe works best with fully cooked sausage. If using raw sausage, pre-cook it before adding it to the veggies.

What are the best veggies to use?
Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini work great, but you can also try mushrooms, broccoli, or green beans.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. You can use a milder sausage and adjust seasonings to suit younger taste buds.

Can I use olive oil instead of avocado oil?
Yes, olive oil works just as well. Just avoid oils with low smoke points.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! Bake everything at 425°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 20 minutes, stirring halfway.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep everything a day ahead and store in the fridge. Just cook when ready to eat.

Is this recipe Whole30 or paleo-friendly?
Yes, as long as your sausage is compliant with those diets. Check the label for ingredients.

How can I reduce the calories in this dish?
Use cooking spray instead of oil and choose lower-fat sausage.

What sauce goes best with this?
Try it with tahini sauce, pesto, or a garlic-herb yogurt sauce for added flavor.

How do I know when the veggies are done?
They should be slightly browned on the edges and fork-tender. A little char adds great flavor.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This 10-minute air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe proves that healthy, flavorful meals don’t have to take hours. With just a few ingredients and almost no cleanup, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table faster than you can scroll through takeout options.

Whether you’re looking to simplify weeknights, meal prep like a pro, or just add a little color and crunch to your dinner plate, this dish delivers every time. I hope it becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Snap a photo and tag me online, or drop a comment to let me know your favorite veggie combo. Happy cooking!