Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies | Easy Meal

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It was one of those Tuesdays. I had about 15 minutes before back-to-back Zoom calls, a hungry toddler asking for dinner, and zero energy to deal with dishes. So I grabbed what I had in the fridge some pre-cooked chicken sausage, bell peppers, and a zucchini—and tossed them into the air fryer. Ten minutes later? Dinner magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. It’s:

  • Ready in 10 minutes
  • Packed with color and flavor
  • Naturally gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30 compliant
  • Perfect for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner
  • Minimal cleanup (just one bowl and the air fryer basket)

You can also prep everything ahead of time. That means all you have to do at dinnertime is toss, air fry, and serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this dish both simple and satisfying:

  • Bell peppers (I use red and orange for sweetness and color)
  • Zucchini and red onion (for that roasted veggie goodness)
  • Chicken sausage (pre-cooked, Italian-style like Applegate or Trader Joe’s works great)
  • Avocado or olive oil
  • Simple spices: garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper

Feel free to swap in other veggies—this recipe is flexible and forgiving.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Step 1 – Chop and season the veggies

Cut your bell peppers, onion, and zucchini into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. Add them to a big mixing bowl and drizzle with avocado oil. Toss to coat evenly.

Then, in a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice mix over the veggies and toss again.

Step 2 – Slice the sausage

Cut your chicken sausage into ¾-inch thick rounds. Add them to the bowl with the seasoned veggies and mix everything together.

Step 3 – Air fry at 390°F for 10 minutes

Preheat your air fryer if it needs it. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray.

Spread the sausage and veggie mix in a single layer. This helps everything cook evenly and get slightly crisp.

Step 4 – Toss halfway for crispiness

At the 5-minute mark, shake the basket or flip the pieces with tongs. This step is key for getting those golden edges.

Air fryer chicken sausage and veggies cooked in air fryer basket

Step 5 – Serve hot with optional sides

Serve the mix just as it is, or pair it with cauliflower rice, brown rice, or mashed sweet potatoes. I often eat it right out of the bowl while standing at the counter. No shame.

Expert Tips for Best Results

  • Use high-quality sausage. Flavor matters, and the good stuff (like Bilinski’s or Trader Joe’s) makes a big difference.
  • Cut everything evenly so it all cooks at the same pace.
  • For fewer calories, skip the oil and just use a spray.
  • Don’t skip the midway toss—it makes the texture so much better.
Air fryer chicken sausage and veggies with cauliflower rice in a white bowl

Make-Ahead, Storing & Reheating

You can chop your veggies and slice the sausage a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Got leftovers? Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes, or microwave if you’re in a rush.

You can also freeze the veggie-sausage mix, but the texture may soften when thawed.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Veggie swaps

Switch it up with:

  • Carrots (sliced thin)
  • Mushrooms
  • Green beans
  • Broccoli florets

Whatever’s in the fridge will likely work.

Serving with sauces

This dish is delicious with:

  • Romesco
  • Pesto
  • Green goddess dressing
  • Cilantro lime drizzle

Just a spoonful adds a pop of flavor and freshness.

Side pairings

Make it a full meal with:

  • Cauliflower rice (for low carb)
  • Mashed sweet potatoes
  • Crispy smashed potatoes

Or toss leftovers into a grain bowl for lunch the next day.

Oven Method

No air fryer? No problem.

Just spread the sausage and veggies on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

This method works well if you’re doubling the recipe or feeding a crowd.

Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies Recipe Card (Mandatory)

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Colorful air fryer chicken sausage and veggies bowl with cauliflower rice

Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies | Easy Meal


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2–3 servings

Description

A quick, colorful 10-minute air fryer dinner with juicy chicken sausage, tender veggies, and simple spices. Perfect for busy nights or healthy lunches. Gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30 compliant.


Ingredients

Scale

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 (or extra virgin olive oil)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Pinch of black pepper

1 package (12 oz) chicken sausage (robust Italian flavor, pre-cooked)


Instructions

1. Chop all vegetables into 1-inch pieces and place in a large bowl.

2. Drizzle with avocado oil and toss to coat.

3. Mix all spices in a small bowl and add to veggies, tossing to coat.

4. Slice chicken sausage into ¾-inch rounds and mix with veggies.

5. Preheat air fryer to 390°F if needed and spray basket with cooking spray.

6. Add mixture to air fryer basket in an even layer.

7. Cook for 10 minutes at 390°F, flipping halfway through.

8. Serve hot as-is or with cauliflower rice or brown rice.

Notes

Use high-quality sausage like Applegate Farms, Trader Joe’s, or Bilinski’s.

Cut everything to similar size for even cooking.

Toss halfway through for best texture.

Use spray oil instead of liquid oil for a lower-calorie version.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F or microwave until warm.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Air Fryer Recipes
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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FAQs

Can I cook chicken and veg together in an air fryer?

Yes! As long as the sausage is pre-cooked, they can safely go in together. Everything cooks evenly in about 10 minutes.

How long does it take to cook chicken sausages in an air fryer?

If they’re pre-cooked, sliced sausages only need about 8–10 minutes at 390°F.

Can you air fry meat and vegetables at the same time?

Absolutely. Just make sure they’re cut to similar sizes, so nothing overcooks or undercooks.

Can I put raw sausages in the air fryer?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them longer—usually 15–20 minutes depending on thickness. Always check the internal temp (should be 165°F).

Final Thoughts

This air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe is one of those no-fuss meals that checks every box: fast, flavorful, and healthy. It’s perfect for those in-between moments when you need real food, real fast.

Try it once, then make it your own with your favorite veggies or sauces. And if you enjoyed it, save it on Pinterest or share it over on Facebook—I love seeing what you cook up in your kitchens.

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