AIR FRYER CHICKEN SAUSAGE AND VEGGIES

When you’re in the mood for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that requires minimal prep and cooks in under 15 minutes, this Air Fryer Chicken Sausage with Vegetables is perfect. Packed with protein from the chicken sausage and vibrant nutrients from the array of vegetables, this dish is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re seeking a nutritious dinner or a hearty lunch, this simple yet satisfying meal is your answer.

Why Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies?

The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook by offering a healthier and faster alternative to traditional frying. Cooking chicken sausage with vegetables in the air fryer brings out their natural flavors while using minimal oil, making it a guilt-free option. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to substitute your favorite vegetables or use what you already have in the fridge.

Plus, this meal is ideal for busy days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. From chopping to seasoning to cooking, the entire process is done in less than 20 minutes, and cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this easy, flavorful dish:

Bell Peppers: used a combination of red and orange peppers. These not only provide a vibrant color contrast but also add sweetness and crunch to the meal. Feel free to experiment with green or yellow peppers if that’s your preference.
Zucchini: A nutritious and versatile vegetable, zucchini adds a delicate flavor and tender texture. If you don’t have zucchini, yellow squash is an excellent substitute.
Red Onion: The mild sweetness of red onions complements the savory flavors in this recipe. However, yellow or white onions would also work well.
Chicken Sausage: For this recipe, chose nitrate-free, pre-cooked Italian-style chicken sausage. It has a robust flavor profile, perfect for pairing with vegetables. You can also opt for other chicken sausage flavors or brands, as long as they’re pre-cooked.
Avocado Oil: This heart-healthy oil is ideal for air fryer cooking due to its high smoke point. If you prefer, extra virgin olive oil is a great alternative.
Spices: To add depth to the dish, used garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Feel free to adjust these spices or experiment with your favorite seasoning blends.

How to Make Chicken Sausage and Veggies in the Air Fryer

This recipe is super easy to follow and will be ready in no time. Let’s break it down into simple steps:

Step 1: Chop Your Vegetables

Begin by chopping your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. For the bell peppers and zucchini, aim for 1-inch cubes, and for the red onion, slice it into 1-inch segments. Having uniform-sized pieces ensures that everything cooks evenly in the air fryer.

Step 2: Season Your Vegetables

Once the veggies are chopped, drizzle them with a tablespoon of avocado oil. Next, in a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the vegetables and toss them until they’re well coated.

Step 3: Slice the Chicken Sausage

Cut the pre-cooked chicken sausage into ¾-inch thick rounds. You want the pieces to be a similar size to the vegetables so they cook at the same rate.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Add the sliced sausage to the seasoned vegetables and toss everything together, ensuring the sausage pieces are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (if required by your model). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the vegetables and sausage in the basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook the sausage and vegetables for about 10 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket halfway through. This step ensures everything gets crisp and evenly cooked. After 10 minutes, the veggies should be tender and slightly caramelized, and the sausage will have a crispy exterior.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the sausage and vegetables from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. You can serve this dish on its own or pair it with sides like quinoa, brown rice, or even a fresh salad. Drizzle with a favorite sauce like pesto or a light vinaigrette for added flavor.

Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Choose High-Quality Chicken Sausage: For the best results, choose a high-quality chicken sausage, such as Applegate Farms, which is nitrate-free and has a robust flavor. Different flavors of sausage (like smoked or spicy) can offer an exciting twist.
Cut Ingredients Evenly: Ensure that the vegetables and sausage are cut into similar-sized pieces to promote even cooking. This helps prevent undercooked vegetables or overcooked sausage.
Shake or Toss Midway: About halfway through the cooking process, shake or toss the contents in the air fryer basket. This step is crucial to ensure that all sides of the veggies and sausage become crispy and browned evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Air fryers work best when there’s space for the hot air to circulate. If the basket is too full, the food won’t get crispy. It’s better to cook in batches if necessary.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead: To prepare in advance, chop and season the veggies and sausage up to one day before cooking. Store the prepped ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use. When it’s time to cook, give everything a quick stir and proceed with air frying.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it an ideal meal for meal prep or for enjoying throughout the week.
Reheating: Reheat the leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through, or you can quickly microwave portions if you’re in a hurry.

Serving Suggestions

This Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Vegetables meal is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy it:

Serve with a grain-based side like quinoa, brown rice, or even farro for a more filling meal.
Pair with roasted or mashed sweet potatoes for added sweetness.
Drizzle with sauces such as pesto, a balsamic glaze, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Enjoy with a simple green salad for a lighter meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Change the Vegetables: Swap zucchini for yellow squash, broccoli, or mushrooms to mix things up.
Try Different Sausages: While this recipe calls for chicken sausage, you can use turkey or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
Add Extra Flavor: Experiment with other seasoning blends like Cajun, lemon pepper, or paprika for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts:

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 110
Total Fat: 7.3g (9%)
Saturated Fat: 1.6g (8%)
Cholesterol: 23.2mg (8%)
Sodium: 324.7mg (14%)
Total Carbohydrate: 5.5g (2%)
Dietary Fiber: 1.5g (5%)
Sugars: 3.2g
Protein: 5.5g