Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies has honestly become my go-to dinner fix for those oh no, what am I gonna make nights. You know the kind—work ran late, your brain’s fried, but your stomach’s growling like a wild raccoon. Been there more times than I care to count. This is faster than delivery and no need for fancy cooking tricks. And just between us, if you’re usually a fan of healthy chicken that’s a little more hands-on, recipes like these top-rated healthy chicken breast options or these skillet chicken breast casseroles are worth keeping on your radar. But when it comes to speed and flavor? Let’s get that air fryer going.
Why cook chicken sausage in the air fryer?
Alright, let me get right to it. The air fryer has one job and it does it brilliantly—you toss things in, walk away, and in what feels like two blinks and a shuffle, dinner’s done. Chicken sausage in the air fryer gets this awesome snappy bite on the outside, but stays soft and juicy on the inside. Sounds dramatic, I know, but it’s true.
Other ways, like the stovetop, make more dishes (I hate that part, honestly). Oven takes longer. The air fryer, though, makes the sausage taste like you put in way more effort than you did. It’s such a winner for busy folks or, let’s be real, when you’re just feeling lazy. Even my cousin—who insists she “can’t cook” unless boxed mac and cheese counts—swears by this method now.
What vegetables cook best in the air fryer?
Vegetables that are firm and not too watery honestly work magic here. Here’s the deal. Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and broccoli all love the air fryer. Why? They crisp up instead of turning to mush. Soft veggies go a bit sad and floppy (I’m glaring at you, tomatoes), so I skip those.
One time I got cocky and tossed in asparagus—too thin, it just shriveled! But carrots, sweet potatoes, and even chunks of cauliflower? Total gold. To be honest, I just raid my fridge and use whatever’s looking perky. If it fries up in 10 minutes and doesn’t end up limp, you’re basically set.
Your veggies will need cutting into bite-sized chunks. Not too tiny or they’ll vanish; not too chunky or they’ll need longer. I know, it sounds fussy, but after one round you’ll have it dialed in.
Expert Tips
I’ve messed this dish up so many ways (still tasty though), so here are my best bits of advice:
| Tip | Why | How | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don’t overstuff | Air needs room to move | Single layer veggies & sausage | Crispy, not soggy |
| Shake the basket | Even cooking | Midway through, just shake | No burnt bits |
| Add oil & seasoning | Flavor boost | Toss before frying | Mouthwatering results |
Quick thing—make it your own. Cajun spices, Italian blend, lemon pepper, whatever punches up your mood. Oh, and leftover veggies you’ve got hanging out? Toss ’em in. It’s so forgiving.
Serving Suggestions
Now, this Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies is pretty much a one-bowl wonder, but it gets even better. Try these:
- Pile it over fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty bowl
- Toss into a warm pita or wrap—hand dinner to-go
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs, feta, or parmesan for a five-star restaurant vibe
- Serve with a side of gluten-free zucchini bread if you love a touch of comfort
Whether you’re solo or feeding a hungry crew, it’s simple to double (or halve) the batch. Makes killer leftovers too.
Other Air Fryer recipes you will love!
If this meal unlocked your inner air fryer fan, you’re not alone! I get a weird kick out of experimenting. Got a hankering for juicy chicken? Dive into these bone-in chicken breast recipes—so much flavor. Or test out some stuffed chicken breast recipes for when you want something a little more “look at me, I can cook.”
Honestly, air fryer snacks and sides are where it’s at, too. Got a favorite? Tell me—I love new ideas!
Common Questions
How do I store leftovers?
Just pop them into a lidded container in the fridge. They’ll keep 2 to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a couple minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Chicken’s my go-to, but turkey, pork, or veggie sausage work fine. Adjust your cook time a tad if they’re thicker.
Do I have to preheat the air fryer?
Yep, for the best sear, let it preheat for 2-3 minutes. If you forget, it’s not the end of the world. Just let the food go an extra minute or two.
What spices should I use?
Honestly, whatever’s in your spice rack. Italian, Cajun, garlic powder, lemon pepper—mix it up!
Is it kid friendly?
Totally. Slice everything smaller and let the kids dip pieces in ranch or their favorite sauce.
Air Fryer Nights = Kitchen Win
That’s it—seriously, dinner in ten minutes, no stress, minimal clean-up. Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies is now practically a weeknight tradition at my house. You only need a handful of simple ingredients and the time it takes to scroll Instagram. If you ever need more dinner inspiration or want to switch things up, check out the ideas on 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies – Pinch Me Good or see how Air Fryer Sausage and Vegetables turns out with different veggie combos. Trust me, once you master this, you’ll never dread dinner again. Pick your favorite sausage, raid the fridge, and let the air fryer do its magic. You’ve got this.
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and easy dinner made with chicken sausage and a variety of crisp vegetables, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken sausages
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken sausages and vegetables with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place the mixture in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve hot, adding additional herbs or cheese if desired.
Notes
You can customize the vegetables according to what you have in your fridge. This recipe is forgiving and allows for a range of flavors with different seasonings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg