Easy Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies You’ll Make on Repeat

Name: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies You’ll Make on Repeat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490952H42M44S
Total time: PT-490952H42M44S
Ingredients: 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds; 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons (about 1 ½ cups / 180 g); 1 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup / 150 g); 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup / 150 g); 1 small red onion, sliced (about ¾ cup / 100 g); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Author: Michelle Davis

Published: 3 January 2026

0 2 27

There are certain meals that quietly earn a permanent place in your weekly rotation, and this easy air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe is one of them. It’s the kind of dish you turn to on busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or whenever you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer works its magic by crisping the sausage and vegetables to perfection while keeping everything juicy and full of flavor.

This recipe was inspired by the need for a wholesome, no-fuss dinner that still feels comforting. It reminds me of family meals where simple ingredients came together to create something everyone looked forward to eating. With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and endless customization options, this dish proves that home-cooked meals can be both practical and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

This recipe checks all the boxes for a dependable, go-to meal. It’s quick, nutritious, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, it adapts beautifully to your needs.

Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
Uses simple, everyday ingredients
Balanced with protein and colorful vegetables
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Customizable with different vegetables and seasonings

The air fryer ensures even cooking and a lightly crisp texture without needing excess oil, making this dish feel indulgent while still being light and wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients, measured precisely for consistent results:

12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons (about 1 ½ cups / 180 g)
1 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup / 150 g)
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup / 150 g)
1 small red onion, sliced (about ¾ cup / 100 g)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

These ingredients create a balanced blend of savory, slightly smoky, and naturally sweet flavors once cooked.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer for Even Cooking

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating is an important step that many people overlook, but it makes a noticeable difference in the final texture. Starting with a hot air fryer helps the chicken sausage develop lightly crisp edges right away and allows the vegetables to begin roasting instead of steaming. This initial blast of heat sets the stage for even cooking and better caramelization throughout the dish.

Step 2: Prepare and Combine the Ingredients

While the air fryer is preheating, add the sliced chicken sausage, zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion to a large mixing bowl. Cutting the vegetables into similar-sized pieces is essential. Uniform sizes ensure that everything cooks at the same rate, preventing some pieces from becoming too soft while others remain undercooked. This step is where the foundation of the dish is built, so taking a moment to prepare the ingredients carefully pays off in the final result.

Step 3: Season for Balanced Flavor

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the sausage and vegetables. The oil helps the seasonings adhere evenly and encourages browning during cooking. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This blend creates a well-rounded flavor profile with savory depth and a subtle smokiness. At this stage, resist the urge to over-season. The air fryer concentrates flavors as moisture evaporates, so a measured approach results in a more balanced dish.

Step 4: Toss Thoroughly for Even Coating

Using clean hands or a large spoon, toss everything together until the sausage and vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasonings. This step ensures that every bite tastes consistent and well-seasoned. Pay special attention to the bottom of the bowl, where spices can sometimes settle. A thorough toss also helps prevent sticking during cooking and promotes even browning across all ingredients.

Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Transfer the seasoned mixture into the air fryer basket, spreading it out into an even layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this can trap moisture and cause the vegetables to steam instead of roast. If necessary, cook the mixture in batches. Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate freely around each piece, which is key to achieving tender vegetables with lightly crisp edges and sausage that browns beautifully without drying out.

Step 6: Begin Air Frying and Shake Midway

Air fry the mixture for 10 minutes, then pause the cooking to shake the basket or stir the contents. This mid-cook shake redistributes the ingredients, exposing new surfaces to the hot air. It prevents sticking and ensures even caramelization. This step is especially important for vegetables like bell peppers and onions, which benefit from being turned to develop sweetness and color evenly.

Step 7: Finish Cooking to Perfect Texture

Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 6–8 minutes. During this time, the vegetables become tender and lightly caramelized, while the chicken sausage heats through and develops crisp edges. Keep an eye on the mixture during the final minutes, as air fryers can vary slightly in intensity. The goal is a combination of soft interiors and lightly browned exteriors without overcooking.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Once cooking is complete, remove the basket and let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the flavors to settle and prevents excess steam from softening the crisp edges. After resting, the sausage and veggies are ready to be served as-is or paired with your favorite sides for a satisfying, well-balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve it over cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous for a heartier meal. You can also tuck it into warm flatbread or tortillas with a spoonful of yogurt-based sauce or hummus for a quick wrap.

For a lighter option, enjoy it as-is with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or alongside a crisp green salad.

Tips for the Best Results

Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Shake the basket halfway through to prevent sticking and encourage browning.
If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Adjust seasonings to taste after cooking if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely. One of the best things about this air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe is its flexibility. You can swap in vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Broccoli florets, cauliflower, green beans, carrots, or mushrooms all work well. Just keep in mind that denser vegetables like carrots may need to be sliced thinner or cooked a few minutes longer. The goal is to have all the vegetables finish cooking at roughly the same time, so adjusting size and thickness is key.

What type of chicken sausage works best?

Most fully cooked chicken sausages will work well in this recipe. Look for varieties that are mildly seasoned so they complement the vegetables rather than overpower them. Options with herbs, garlic, or roasted pepper flavors tend to pair especially well. Avoid sausages with overly sweet glazes, as they may brown too quickly in the air fryer. Always check the packaging to confirm the sausage is fully cooked before air frying.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chicken sausage and veggies back into the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 4–5 minutes, shaking halfway through. This method helps restore some of the crisp texture. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water or oil to prevent sticking.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is excellent for meal prep. It holds up well in the refrigerator and can be easily portioned into containers for lunches or quick dinners. For best results, slightly undercook the vegetables by about a minute if you know you’ll be reheating them later. This helps prevent them from becoming too soft after reheating while still maintaining great flavor.

Final Thoughts

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies is one of those recipes that proves simple cooking can still be deeply satisfying. With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and reliable results, it’s a meal you can confidently turn to again and again. The air fryer brings out rich, roasted flavors in the vegetables while giving the chicken sausage just the right amount of crispness.

What truly sets this dish apart is how adaptable it is. You can change the vegetables with the seasons, experiment with different spice blends, or pair it with a variety of sides to keep things interesting. It works just as well for a quick solo dinner as it does for feeding a family on a busy weeknight.

This recipe also encourages mindful cooking. Instead of complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients, it relies on fresh produce and straightforward techniques. That simplicity makes it approachable for beginners while still appealing to experienced home cooks who appreciate efficiency.

Once you make this air fryer chicken sausage and veggies, it’s easy to see why it becomes a repeat favorite. It’s nourishing without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and comforting in the best possible way. Keep it in your recipe collection for those days when you want something reliable, delicious, and effortlessly homemade.