I remember the first time I needed dinner on the table in under twenty minutes and only had a fridge full of colorful odds and ends. That evening taught me how a single hot pan, a friendly sausage, and a handful of vegetables can feel like a hug. A quick toss of ingredients, the comforting sizzle that fills the kitchen, and the way the peppers caramelize just enough to become sweet and tender those small things make weeknight dinners feel like home. I love how simple, bright food can still feel special, which is exactly why the 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies recipe has become my fallback for busy nights and last-minute guests. It’s the kind of meal that looks like you planned it, even when you didn’t. The aroma of Italian-spiced chicken sausage mingling with roasted peppers and onion is homey and vivid. You’ll love how fast it comes together and how little cleanup is involved. This recipe makes cooking feel doable and warm again.
Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need: 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
You do not need a lot to make this come together, but a few reliable tools will make the process effortless. An air fryer is the star here because it roasts evenly and crisps without extra oil. A good, sharp knife speeds up prep and keeps pieces uniform so everything cooks at the same time. A roomy mixing bowl lets you toss the vegetables and spices without spills. Finally, a spatula or tongs make turning the food in the air fryer quick and safe.
- Air fryer with a basket large enough to hold an even layer
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp chef’s knife and a cutting board
- Small bowl for mixing spices
- Tongs or a sturdy spatula
- Cooking spray or oil mister
These essentials keep the whole process smooth and create the best texture, from crisped edges on the peppers to juicy, browned rounds of sausage.
Why You’ll Love This 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
This recipe feels like cozy comfort that happens in a flash. The colors alone are a joy. Bright red and orange peppers, jewel-toned onion, and green zucchini create a plate that looks vibrant and inviting. The chicken sausage I used had a robust Italian flavor that pairs perfectly with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Air frying gives a gentle charring on the vegetables while keeping them tender-crisp. That contrast between slightly caramelized edges and a soft interior is the kind of texture that makes you slow down and savor each bite.
Emotionally, this dish is the friend you call on busy afternoons. It is practical yet unapologetically satisfying. You get protein and veggies in one tray, minimal cleanup, and a meal that can go from prep to table in the time it takes to set the table and steam a grain on the side. Here are a few reasons it shines:
- Speed: Ready in about ten minutes of active cook time.
- Flavor: Italian-spiced sausage and simple seasonings that deepen in the air fryer.
- Versatility: Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or toss with pasta.
- Comfort: Warm, roasted aromas that make your kitchen feel cozy.
It is the kind of weeknight dinner that keeps everyone happy and you feeling accomplished.
10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies Ingredients
1 large red bell pepper – cut into 1-inch pieces, 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) – I used a robust Italian flavor.
In addition to the ingredients listed above, I often keep pantry staples on hand like extra kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, a little smoked paprika for warmth, or a splash of lemon for brightness at the end. Olive oil can be used if you prefer its flavor, though avocado oil has a high smoke point and yields a clean roast. If you like an herbier finish, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil right before serving brightens everything up.
Step-by-Step 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. As you toss, notice each pepper piece glistening lightly with oil and the onion edges beginning to take on the spice flecks.
- Slice the sausage into 3/4 inch rounds and add it to the bowl with the veggies and toss everything together. The sausage rounds should look plump and evenly sliced so they crisp up uniformly next to the veg.
- 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. Watch for golden edges on the vegetables and a firm, slightly browned exterior on the sausage. The aroma of roasted peppers and garlic will let you know you are getting close.
- 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. Let everything rest a minute so the juices settle. Taste for seasoning and, if needed, add a final sprinkle of salt or a squeeze of lemon to lift the flavors.
Fun Variations You Can Try
- Swap the zucchini for yellow squash or chopped Brussels sprouts for a heartier bite. Brussels get deeply caramelized in the air fryer and add a nutty note.
- Use smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne for a smoky, slightly spicy twist. That works especially well with chicken sausage that has milder seasoning.
- For Mediterranean vibes, add halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkling of oregano, then finish with crumbled feta after cooking.
- Make it sheet-pan style in the oven if you do not have an air fryer. Roast at 425 degrees F for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once.
- Keep this vegetarian by swapping the chicken sausage for thick slices of smoked tempeh or sturdy chickpea-based sausages.
- For more richness, toss in a tablespoon of butter or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right at the end.
- To make it heartier, mix the finished veggies and sausage with cooked orzo or penne and a splash of reserved pasta cooking water.
These swaps let you tailor the dish to what’s in your pantry and the mood you are feeding.
How I Love to Serve It
I like serving this dish straight out of the basket into a warm shallow bowl. The colors make a simple plate feel celebratory. If we are keeping it light, I spoon it over cauliflower rice with a scattering of fresh herbs. On evenings when we want something more filling, I put it on a bed of brown rice or toss it with cooked pasta and a tiny splash of olive oil.
Try this little routine for a comforting meal:
- Warm the plates or bowls briefly so the food stays hot.
- Place a scoop of rice or cauliflower rice down first.
- Pile the sausage and veggies on top to show off the colors and textures.
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt and a few torn basil leaves or parsley for brightness.
If you are feeding kids, serve the sausage on the side as rounds and let them build their own bowl. For a casual family-style meal, put the air fryer basket or a large platter on the table. The combination of charred edges, tender vegetable centers, and garlicky sausage makes every bite satisfying and homey.
Helpful Tips from My Kitchen
- Cut everything to uniform 1-inch pieces so the vegetables and sausage cook evenly. Consistent size prevents some pieces from burning while others are underdone.
- Pat the zucchini pieces dry with a paper towel if they look wet. That helps them blister instead of steaming.
- Toss the spice mix with the veggies while the oil is still fresh on them. Oil helps the spices stick and bloom in the heat of the air fryer.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. An even layer allows hot air to circulate and creates the best roast and crisp. If necessary, cook in batches and keep finished batches warm in a low oven.
- Give the basket a gentle shake or use tongs to flip items at the half-way mark. This promotes even browning.
- If you prefer softer vegetables, reduce the temperature by 10 to 15 degrees and add 2 to 3 minutes to the cook time.
- Taste and adjust salt after cooking. Sausage can be different brands and salt levels vary, so a quick tasting helps you balance the dish.
- Make a little honey mustard or yogurt-herb sauce on the side for dipping. It adds creaminess and a bright contrast to the roasted notes.
These small techniques will elevate the final dish and make weeknight cooking feel effortless.
Important Cooking Reminders
- Always preheat your air fryer if your model recommends it for more consistent results.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches to avoid steaming the vegetables.
- Use tongs or a heatproof spatula to flip items halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes to regain crispness rather than microwaving, which can make veggies soggy.
- Check that chicken sausage is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before serving.
- Let the cooked food rest a minute before serving to redistribute juices.
- Avoid using high-sugar sauces in the air fryer without monitoring closely as they can burn quickly.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
This is an approximate estimate per serving when the recipe is divided into four portions. Calories will vary by the exact sausage brand and portion sizes. Expect a moderate carbohydrate amount from the peppers and onion, a balanced fat content from the oil and sausage, and a satisfying protein hit from the chicken sausage. Roughly, a serving is about 310 to 380 calories, with carbohydrates around 12 to 18 grams, fats approximately 18 to 22 grams, and protein near 20 to 26 grams. If you serve this over rice, add those calories and carbs accordingly.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3 to 4
Common Questions You Might Have
Q: Can I make this ahead and reheat it? A: Yes. Store cooked sausage and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes to bring back crispness. If you reheat in the microwave, the vegetables will soften more and lose some of their roasted texture.
Q: What if my air fryer is small? A: Cook in batches rather than crowding the basket. Keep finished batches warm on a baking sheet in a 200 degree F oven while the remaining batches finish. This ensures even roasting and crisp edges without steaming the veggies.
Q: Can I use a different oil or sausage? A: Absolutely. Olive oil works fine and adds a bit more flavor, though avocado oil handles higher heat well. You can switch to turkey or plant-based sausage if you prefer. Just watch the seasoning level and cook times because sausage sizes and densities vary.
Conclusion: 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
This recipe is one of those little kitchen wins that proves simple ingredients can feel thoughtful and nourishing. The way the peppers soften and char, the onion sweetens as it caramelizes, and the sausage rounds develop those golden edges makes a weekday evening feel like a small celebration. I love how you can toss everything together in one bowl, let the air fryer do its work, and then pull a fragrant, colorful meal from the basket with barely any cleanup. It is practical and warm, the sort of recipe you turn to when you want something honest and fast.
If you enjoyed this, you might like to see a step-by-step take on a similar dish over at 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies – Pinch Me Good for another perspective. For a slightly longer roast and extra-crisp veggies, check out 20 minute Air Fryer Sausage and Crispy Veggies – Wholesomelicious which has ideas that complement this quick version.
Thank you for letting me share this cozy, simple recipe with you. I hope it brings a bright and comforting weeknight to your table.
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10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and comforting meal featuring Italian-spiced chicken sausage and vibrant vegetables, all cooked in an air fryer in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 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), preferably Italian flavor
Instructions
- Chop the veggies and add them to a large bowl. Drizzle with avocado oil and toss to coat.
- In a smaller bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the spice blend to the veggies and toss to coat.
- Slice the chicken sausage into 3/4 inch rounds and add to the bowl with the veggies, tossing to combine.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Spray the basket with cooking spray and add the veggie and sausage mixture in an even layer.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through until the vegetables are golden and the sausage is browned.
- Serve immediately, optionally over cooked cauliflower or brown rice.
Notes
For a different twist, try using smoked paprika, add halved cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean vibe, or swap chicken sausage with vegetarian options. Serve with a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: air fryer, sausage, quick dinner, weeknight meal, vegetables