AIR FRYER CHICKEN SAUSAGE AND VEGGIES

AIR FRYER CHICKEN SAUSAGE AND VEGGIES

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If you’re looking for a meal that’s fast, healthy, and full of flavor, this Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies recipe is your answer! Perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this dish comes together in no time and provides a satisfying balance of protein and vegetables. It’s the ultimate in convenience and nutrition, ideal for lunch or dinner, and suitable for gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30 diets. In just about 20 minutes, you’ll have a colorful, nutrient-packed meal that the whole family will love.

Why It Works So Well for This Recipe

The beauty of the air fryer lies in its ability to cook food quickly while retaining a crispy, roasted texture—without the need for deep frying or excessive oil. When combined with the savory goodness of chicken sausage and a medley of fresh vegetables, air frying creates the perfect dish: tender, juicy sausage with perfectly roasted veggies. The even heat distribution and quick cooking time make the air fryer a fantastic tool for preparing a hassle-free meal without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this easy and delicious air fryer chicken sausage and veggie dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Red Bell Pepper: Full of vitamin C and antioxidants, this bell pepper adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
  • Orange Bell Pepper: Like the red bell pepper, orange peppers are a source of vitamins and add to the dish’s vibrant appearance.
  • Red Onion: Slightly sweet when roasted, red onions bring an earthy undertone to this medley of flavors.
  • Zucchini: A low-calorie vegetable that cooks perfectly in the air fryer, zucchini brings moisture and a mild flavor to balance the more intense flavors of the sausage and peppers.
  • Avocado Oil: A healthy fat that works beautifully in the air fryer, it helps the vegetables crisp up without being greasy.
  • Spices: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients while keeping the dish simple and tasty.
  • Chicken Sausage: Using chicken sausage makes this dish lighter without compromising on taste. The robust Italian flavor pairs perfectly with the veggies and spices, making each bite delicious.

How to Make This Dish

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Sausage

Start by washing and chopping your vegetables. Cut the bell peppers, onion, and zucchini into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Place the chopped veggies into a large bowl. Drizzle them with avocado oil, ensuring all the vegetables are evenly coated. In a separate small bowl, combine your garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Sprinkle this spice blend over the veggies and toss everything together so that the seasoning coats every piece of vegetable.

Now, take your chicken sausage and slice it into approximately 3/4 inch rounds. Add these sausage slices to the same bowl with the veggies and give everything a final toss to ensure even distribution of the sausage and vegetables.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer and Prepare the Basket

Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (approximately 200°C). If needed, spray the air fryer basket with a light layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking. It’s important to give your air fryer a little time to heat up to ensure the food cooks evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned sausage and vegetables in the basket. Arrange everything in an even layer, leaving some space between the pieces to allow the hot air to circulate properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the dish in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Cook the sausage and veggies for about 10 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time for even crisping. If you’re cooking in batches, simply remove the cooked food and set it aside while you prepare the next batch.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is cooked to your liking, remove the chicken sausage and veggies from the air fryer. Serve them as is for a light and healthy meal, or pair with a side of cauliflower rice or brown rice for a more filling option. This dish is perfect for meal prep as well—just store the leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them later in the week!

FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out the bell peppers, zucchini, and onion for other vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, asparagus, or sweet potatoes. The air fryer works well with a wide variety of veggies, so feel free to get creative!

Do I have to use chicken sausage?
While chicken sausage is a healthier choice, you can use other types of sausage if you prefer. Turkey sausage or even pork sausage will work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed, especially if the sausage is thicker or denser.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can chop the vegetables and sausage ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This will make your mealtime even quicker!

What other seasonings can I add to this recipe?
If you want to customize the flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, paprika for a smoky flavor, or a little lemon zest for freshness. You can also play with different dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.

Can I cook this in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook this dish in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the sausage and veggies on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer does a great job of crisping the food, but the oven will work well too.


Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

This fast and healthy recipe combines air fried chicken sausage with colorful vegetables for a nutritious, protein-packed meal in just 20 minutes! It’s perfect for busy days and dietary needs like gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30.

Ingredients

  • 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1 package chicken sausage

Instructions

  1. Chop the vegetables and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss.
  2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the spice mixture to the veggies and toss until evenly coated.
  3. Slice the chicken sausage into 3/4-inch rounds and add them to the veggie mix. Toss together.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
  5. Add the veggie and sausage mixture to the basket in an even layer. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
  6. Once done, serve immediately or with cauliflower rice or brown rice.

Enjoy your quick, healthy, and flavorful meal!

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