10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies — Quick Air Fryer Recipe
I fell in love with this 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies the first week I unpacked my air fryer. Between work, kids’ soccer, and nights when I just didn’t want to spend forever in the kitchen, this meal felt like a tiny miracle: vibrant, warm, and ready in a flash. My grandmother loved hearty skillet dinners, and while this isn’t her Sunday pot roast, it borrows that same comforting spirit — roasted vegetables and savory sausage — updated for busy modern life with an air fryer twist. Air-frying is rooted in the desire for faster, crispier cooking with less oil, and pairing it with Italian-style chicken sausage gives a nod to classic sausage-and-pepper dishes found across Italian-American home kitchens.
Who is this recipe for?
- This recipe is ideal for busy parents, weeknight cooks, air fryer lovers, and anyone who wants a fast, healthy, and flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup.
Core ingredient overview:
- This simple recipe combines colorful bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, a touch of avocado oil, and a savory spice blend with a package of robust Italian-flavored chicken sausage to deliver a quick, balanced meal. The ingredients work together for bright flavors, quick roast times, and lean protein.
Tools & Ingredients
Tools
- Air fryer (basket-style or drawer-style)
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Cooking spray (or additional oil)
Ingredients (with benefits)
- 1 large red bell pepper — cut into 1-inch pieces
- Benefit: adds sweetness, color, and vitamin C.
- 1 large orange bell pepper — cut into 1-inch pieces
- Benefit: provides antioxidants and bright flavor.
- 1 red onion — peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- Benefit: adds savory depth and natural sweetness when roasted.
- 1 medium zucchini — cut into 1-inch pieces
- Benefit: boosts hydration and fiber with a tender texture.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- Benefit: high smoke point and heart-healthy fats for roasting.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Benefit: concentrated savory flavor and aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Benefit: layers umami and sweetness without extra chopping.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Benefit: classic herb blend that complements sausage and veggies.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Benefit: enhances natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Pinch of black pepper
- Benefit: adds slight heat and complexity.
- 1 package chicken sausage (12 oz) — I used a robust Italian flavor
- Benefit: lean protein that pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables.
Instructions
- Chop the red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini into 1-inch pieces and add them to a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the vegetables with 1 tablespoon avocado oil and toss gently to coat them evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well.
- Sprinkle the spice blend over the oiled vegetables and toss until everything is nicely coated.
- Slice the chicken sausage into 3/4-inch rounds and add the slices to the bowl with the seasoned vegetables. Toss together to combine.
- If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat it to 390°F (approximately 199°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Add the sausage and vegetable mixture to the air fryer basket in an even layer. Close the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning. Note: depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Once the chicken sausage and veggies are cooked and lightly charred on the edges, remove them from the air fryer. Serve hot as-is or over cooked cauliflower rice or brown rice for a heartier meal.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes. Cool the cooked sausage and veggies completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
Q: What can I use instead of chicken sausage?
A: You can swap in turkey sausage, smoked sausage, or your favorite plant-based sausage. Adjust cooking time slightly if using thicker links.
Q: Can I use different vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Try baby potatoes (par-cooked), broccoli florets, or sliced carrots — though root vegetables may need a slightly longer cook time or smaller pieces.
Q: How do I make this spicier?
A: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the spice blend or use a spicy Italian chicken sausage.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut vegetables into uniform 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket — an even layer crisps better. Cook in batches if needed.
- Lightly toss the mixture halfway through cooking to promote even browning and prevent sogginess.
- If you prefer extra char, add 1–2 minutes at the end on a higher temperature, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Enjoy this quick, colorful meal — feel free to share it with family or friends!
Conclusion
If you liked this speedy weeknight dinner idea, you might enjoy comparing variations and tips from other air fryer sausage and veggie recipes like this 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies or a slightly longer take on sausage and crispy vegetables such as 20 minute Air Fryer Sausage and Crispy Veggies. For another straightforward approach to air fryer sausage and vegetables, check out Air Fryer Sausage and Vegetables. If you’re planning sides or a weekly meal plan, inspiration like Spicy Edamame Cucumber Salad & more! can round out your menu. For a smoked sausage twist and different seasoning ideas, see Air Fryer Smoked Sausage with Vegetables.
10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Ingredients
- 1 large red bell pepper — cut into 1-inch pieces adds sweetness, color, and vitamin C.
- 1 large orange bell pepper — cut into 1-inch pieces provides antioxidants and bright flavor.
- 1 red onion — peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces adds savory depth and natural sweetness when roasted.
- 1 medium zucchini — cut into 1-inch pieces boosts hydration and fiber with a tender texture.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil high smoke point and heart-healthy fats for roasting.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder concentrated savory flavor and aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder layers umami and sweetness without extra chopping.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning classic herb blend that complements sausage and veggies.
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt enhances natural flavors of the ingredients.
- a pinch black pepper adds slight heat and complexity.
- 1 package chicken sausage (12 oz) — I used a robust Italian flavor lean protein that pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables.
Method
- Chop the red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini into 1-inch pieces and add them to a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the vegetables with 1 tablespoon avocado oil and toss gently to coat them evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well.
- Sprinkle the spice blend over the oiled vegetables and toss until everything is nicely coated.
- Slice the chicken sausage into 3/4-inch rounds and add the slices to the bowl with the seasoned vegetables. Toss together to combine.
- If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat it to 390°F (approximately 199°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Add the sausage and vegetable mixture to the air fryer basket in an even layer.
- Close the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning.
- Once the chicken sausage and veggies are cooked and lightly charred on the edges, remove them from the air fryer.
- Serve hot as-is or over cooked cauliflower rice or brown rice for a heartier meal.
