This Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal in just 20 minutes. Perfectly browned sausage coins mingle with crisp-tender vegetables, all beautifully seasoned with Italian herbs. This dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in just 20 minutes – faster than takeout and infinitely more satisfying.
  • One-Machine Wonder: Everything cooks in the air fryer, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as those delicious juices mingle together.
  • Versatile and Customizable: Works with whatever vegetables you have on hand and any type of pre-cooked sausage you prefer.
  • Naturally Healthy: Packed with colorful vegetables and protein, while using considerably less oil than traditional cooking methods.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Zucchini: Adds a mild flavor that soaks up the seasonings beautifully. Be sure to slice it into half circles so it cooks evenly with the other vegetables.
  • Green beans: Provide a satisfying snap and vibrant color. Cutting them into smaller pieces ensures they cook at the same rate as the other vegetables.
  • Bell pepper: Brings sweetness and beautiful color contrast. Red, yellow, or orange peppers add the most visual appeal, but green works perfectly too.
  • Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the vegetables and contributes to that beautiful caramelization. High-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle flavor boost.
  • Dried herbs and seasonings: The combination of basil, oregano, and garlic powder creates an Italian-inspired flavor profile that perfectly complements the sausage.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors. Don’t skimp here!
  • Fully cooked sausages: The star of the show. Use Italian, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausages—whatever your family prefers.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

  • Mediterranean Style: Use Italian sausage and add cherry tomatoes and olives during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
  • Cajun Inspired: Swap the Italian seasonings for Cajun seasoning and use andouille sausage for a spicy kick.
  • Breakfast Version: Use breakfast sausage links and add diced potatoes (pre-cook these for about 5 minutes before adding other vegetables). Serve with fried eggs on top.
  • Low Carb Focus: Add mushrooms and use chicken or turkey sausage to keep the carb count especially low.

How to Make Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables

Step 1: Prep and Season the Vegetables

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine your sliced zucchini, cut green beans, and bell pepper strips. Drizzle with olive oil or spray generously with avocado oil spray. Add the dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until each piece is glistening with oil and coated with herbs.

Step 2: Air Fry the Vegetables

Transfer your seasoned vegetables to the preheated air fryer basket, spreading them out as much as possible for best results. Let them cook for 10 minutes, which gives them a head start before adding the sausage.

Step 3: Add Sausage and Finish Cooking

Add your sliced sausage to the vegetables in the air fryer. Give everything a good stir to integrate the sausage with the partially cooked vegetables. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, depending on how tender you like your vegetables and how much browning you want on the sausage.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Overcrowd: Work in batches if needed. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than that crispy air-fried texture we’re after.
  • Cut Everything Uniformly: This ensures all pieces cook at the same rate. Aim for similar-sized pieces across all your ingredients.
  • Shake or Stir Halfway: For ultra-even cooking, give the basket a good shake halfway through each cooking segment.
  • Pre-slice Sausage: Cutting the sausage before cooking allows more surface area to brown and crisp up beautifully.
  • Check Early: Air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time. Start checking at the minimum cook time to prevent overcooking.

How to Serve

This versatile dish works beautifully in several serving styles:

Main Dish:

Serve in bowls as is for a complete low-carb meal that’s satisfying and flavorful.

Over Grains:

Spoon over steamed rice, quinoa, or farro for a more substantial meal that will feed a hungry family.

With Pasta:

Toss with cooked pasta and a splash of olive oil for an easy pasta primavera variation.

As a Side:

Can also work as a generous side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a larger gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight, making for a fantastic lunch the next day.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month, the vegetables may lose some of their texture when thawed. If freezing, slightly undercook the vegetables so they don’t become too soft when reheated.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F to restore some crispness. Microwave reheating works in a pinch (1-2 minutes), but the texture won’t be quite the same.

FAQs

  1. Can I use raw sausage instead of fully cooked?

    Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking method. Cook raw sausage links first at 370°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway. Then slice and proceed with the recipe, reducing the final cooking time with vegetables to about 5 minutes.

  2. My vegetables are burning but not tender inside. What am I doing wrong?

    Your air fryer might run hotter than average. Try reducing the temperature to 375°F and extending the cooking time slightly. Also, cutting the vegetables into slightly smaller pieces will help them cook through more quickly.

  3. Can I make this if I don’t have all the specified vegetables?

    Absolutely! This recipe works with virtually any quick-cooking vegetable. Try cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, or brussels sprouts. Just keep the pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly.

  4. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

    Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein, making it perfect for those following a keto diet. Just verify that your chosen sausage doesn’t contain fillers with hidden carbs.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables recipe proves that exceptional meals don’t require complicated techniques or endless ingredient lists. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you want something nutritious and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy sausage and perfectly cooked vegetables creates a satisfying meal that will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give it a try tonight – your family will thank you!

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Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables Recipe

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  • Author: Stacy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Enjoy a quick and healthy meal with this Air Fryer Sausage and Vegetables. Packed with vibrant veggies and flavorful sausages, this dish is perfect for busy weekdays or as a satisfying meal prep option. It’s nutrient-rich, easy to make, and bursting with Italian-inspired spices. Plus, it’s made effortlessly in your air fryer for a no-fuss cooking experience.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half circles
  • 12 ounces green beans, cut into halves or thirds
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), cored and cut into 1-inch strips

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil spray)
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sausage

  • 12 ounces fully cooked sausages (4 dinner-sized links), sliced into 1/4-inch thick circles

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer
    Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and helps the vegetables achieve a nice caramelization.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables
    In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, green beans, and bell pepper. Drizzle them with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or generously spray with avocado oil. Add the dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
  3. Cook the Vegetables
    Transfer the seasoned vegetables to the preheated air fryer. Spread them out in an even layer for optimal air circulation. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to prevent sticking and to promote even cooking.
  4. Add the Sausage
    After 10 minutes, add the sliced sausage to the air fryer basket. Stir to combine with the partially cooked vegetables. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred and the sausage is heated through.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or stovetop for best results.
  • Sausage Options: You can use your favorite fully cooked sausage variety, such as chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or traditional pork sausage.
  • Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots depending on what you have on hand.
  • Spice Variations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or freshly grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist after cooking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 290kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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