That first sizzle when the air fryer kicks on? Music. Toss in sweet peppers, red onion, and juicy chicken sausage, and suddenly your kitchen smells like a county fair stallonly cleaner, and with way less oil. This air fryer chicken sausage veggies combo has been trending and for good reason: it’s the kind of quick dinner that feels indulgent but secretly keeps things light.
This dish leans on just a few fresh ingredientssmoked chicken sausage, colorful bell peppers, zucchiniand lets the air fryer do all the work. It’s vibrant, a little smoky around the edges, and ready in about 20 minutes. Sort of like that sheet pan dinner you love, but without heating up the whole kitchen. It’s also one of my favorite healthy air fryer meals when I want big flavor with minimal cleanup.
I started making this back in 2020, right when grocery runs got tricky and I needed recipes that worked with what I had. My sister came over once, smelled it cooking, and said, “Okaywhat spa menu is this from?” The key I discovered: slice the sausage a little thick so it crisps without drying out. After a decade of writing cozy, wholesome recipes, meals like this remind me simple can still taste kind of fancy.

Air Fryer Chicken Sausage Veggies: Delicious Easy Meal
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the veggies and add them to a large bowl.
- Drizzle with avocado oil and toss to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the spice blend over the veggies and toss to coat well.
- Slice the chicken sausage into 3/4 inch rounds and add to the bowl with veggies.
- Toss everything together gently.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (if needed) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Place the sausage and veggies in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Remove once golden and cooked through.
- Serve as is or with cauliflower rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use good quality chicken sausage; kielbasa is a good alternative.
- Cut veggies into even 1-inch pieces for uniform cooking.
- Toss or shake the basket at least once during cooking for crispy results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with colorful veggies, lean chicken sausage, and balanced seasoning, it feels indulgent but fits into healthy air fryer meals.
- Minimal Clean-Up: Your air fryer does all the heavy lifting, leaving you more time to relax.
- Customizable: Use whatever veggies or chicken sausage flavors you love mostperfect for a fridge cleanout meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your short and sweet shopping list for this cozy, vibrant dish:

- Veggies: A mix of fresh red and orange bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion keeps things crunchy and colorful.
- Chicken Sausage: Go for a robust Italian flavor (12 oz package). Feel free to sub kielbasa for a similar vibe.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepperyour secret to a rustic, flavorful finish.
- Avocado Oil: Just a tablespoon helps everything crisp perfectly without feeling heavy.
Pro Tip: Aim for good-quality chicken sausage to elevate the entire dishyour taste buds will notice!
Quick Ingredient Overview
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red Bell Pepper | 1 large | Cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Orange Bell Pepper | 1 large | Cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Zucchini | 1 medium | Cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Red Onion | 1 large | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Chicken Sausage | 12 oz | Slice into 3/4 inch rounds |
| Avocado Oil | 1 tbsp | For tossing |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | For seasoning |
| Onion Powder | 1 tsp | For seasoning |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 tsp | Adds earthy flavors |
| Kosher Salt | 1/2 tsp | To taste |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 tsp | Freshly ground, to taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Veggies: Chop the red and orange peppers, zucchini, and red onion into even, 1-inch pieces. This ensures everything cooks evenly in the air fryer.
- Toss with Oil and Seasoning: Add the chopped veggies to a large bowl, drizzle with avocado oil, and toss to coat. Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the veggies. Give everything another toss.
- Slice the Sausage: Cut your chicken sausage into 3/4-inch rounds and toss them into the bowl with the veggies. This creates a beautiful, colorful mix, ready for the air fryer!
- Cook in the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Spray the basket with cooking spray, then add the sausage and veggie mixture in a single layer. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Done and Serve: Once toasty and golden, serve as-is or alongside cauliflower rice or brown rice for a heartier meal.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy edges, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basketcook in batches if needed.
Troubleshooting & Tips
- Veggies Too Soft? Cut the pieces slightly larger. Overcrowding the basket can also lead to steamingkeep that layer thin!
- Sausage Not Crispy? Opt for a higher-quality sausage with a firmer textureit makes all the difference.
- Short on Time? Pre-chopped veggies and pre-cooked chicken sausage will shave off prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Storage and Reheating
This dish is perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Storage & Reheating Tips
| Storage Method | Best By | How to Reheat |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 4 days | Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight, then air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes |
Pro Tip: Warmed-up leftovers are just as delicious wrapped in a tortilla or tossed with a simple salad for a whole new meal vibe.
Expert Insight: Quick and Nutritious Air Fryer Meals
Air frying chicken sausage with veggies is an efficient way to lock in flavors while keeping the dish light and nutritious. The 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies recipe maximizes crispness and moisture, making it a balanced option that suits busy lifestyles without compromising on taste or texture.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
How I Perfected My Air Fryer Chicken Sausage Veggies
I spent several weekends tweaking this air fryer chicken sausage veggies recipeearly attempts were either dry or underseasoned. Watching the veggies crisp just right and the sausage stay juicy was a game-changer. This version reflects all those little lessons, making it a reliable, balanced meal for busy family nights.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Chicken Sausage Veggies )
How do I prep the ingredients for this recipe?
Chop vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking and slice chicken sausage into bite-sized rounds. Toss everything with a light coating of oil and your preferred seasonings. This simple prep ensures quick, consistent results in the air fryer.
Can I substitute other vegetables in the stir-fry?
Absolutely. Feel free to swap in bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli based on availability or preference. Just keep the vegetable pieces similar in size for even cooking in the air fryer.
What is the best way to cook this meal in an air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the sausage and veggies in a single layer for about 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. This allows everything to crisp nicely without overcrowding, resulting in a flavorful and healthy air fryer meal.
How can I make this dish more spicy or mild?
Adjust the seasoning by adding crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat. To keep it mild, simply reduce or omit spicy ingredients and focus on herbs like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop the veggies and slice the sausage a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Cook the dish fresh in the air fryer for best texture, but leftovers reheat well for quick meals later.

Conclusion
Air fryer chicken sausage veggies comes together in about 20 minutes, delivering a cozy, colorful meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying. You’ll love how the sausage crisps up just right, while the veggies stay tender with a hint of smokinessperfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends in your kitchen.
Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or try a spicy sausage for an easy twist. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer or wrapped in a tortilla, making it one of those healthy air fryer meals worth keeping in your regular rotation. My favorite tip, borrowed from a foodie friend, is to add a splash of balsamic vinegar right before servingit wakes everything up!
Did this dish bring back any family meal memories, or inspire a new favorite? I’d love to see your photos or hear your best tweaks. Share this recipe with someone who’d appreciate a fuss-free, homemade meal that feels a little special. You’ll wanna make it again, promise.










