10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies is my go-to when the day runs long and my stomach is already negotiating for dinner. I love this because it’s fast, colorful, and honestly kind of hard to mess up. You toss everything in a bowl, season it well, and the air fryer does the heavy lifting. Cleanup is quick, the kitchen stays cool, and dinner tastes like you spent way more time than you did. If you’re in that hungry-but-tired mood, this is your recipe.
Why cook chicken sausage in the air fryer?
Two words: quick browning. Chicken sausage crisps on the outside while staying juicy inside, and that little bit of char is what makes each bite pop. The air fryer circulates hot air so efficiently that sliced sausage hits that perfect texture in minutes. You also use less oil and still get those golden edges that make you feel like you cooked with intention. And if you’re working with pre-cooked chicken sausage, you’re basically heating and crisping, which fits perfectly with a weeknight routine.
Another thing I like is control. You can crank the temperature for extra crispness or dial it back for softer veggies without babysitting a skillet. Plus, the basket lets the sausage and veggies spread out, which helps prevent steaming. If you love fast air fryer dinners, these air fryer chicken bites are another crowd-pleaser for nights when time gets away from you.
“I tried this on a chaotic Wednesday and my kids demolished their plates. The sausage edges were crisp, the peppers were sweet, and I felt like a dinner magician.”
Also, if you’re tracking nutrition, chicken sausage is a great protein that brings tons of flavor without a lot of fuss. I keep a few flavors in the fridge like Italian, apple, or spicy. Then I choose veggies to match whatever mood I’m in. And yes, 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies really does hit the table fast if you slice everything thin and preheat the basket.
What vegetables cook best in the air fryer?
I’m a big believer in using what you have, but some veggies just shine in the air fryer. Think sturdy, quick-cooking, and moisture-friendly. Here are my favorites for that tender-crisp bite:
Bell peppers and red onions: sweet, colorful, and fast. Zucchini and yellow squash: slice thicker so they don’t go mushy. Broccoli and green beans: they get little crispy bits that taste like the best part of a stir fry. Brussels sprouts sliced in halves or quarters are fantastic. Carrots in thin coins or matchsticks can work too if you give them an extra minute or two.
Size matters. Keep pieces around 1-inch and consistent so everything cooks evenly. Pat wet veggies dry and toss with just enough oil to lightly coat. If you’re starting with frozen veggies, it’s still doable. Don’t thaw them, cook in a single layer, and shake often to release moisture. For a quick side, check out this method for crispy air fryer frozen broccoli that pairs perfectly with sausage.
Seasoning-wise, simple is smart. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika always work. If you’re in the mood for extra zing, a squeeze of lemon over hot veggies at the end brightens everything up.
How to make Air Fryer Sausage and Veggies
What you’ll need
- Chicken sausage: pre-cooked links, any flavor you love, sliced into 1/2-inch coins
- Veggies: bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, and broccoli florets
- Olive oil: just enough to coat, about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons
- Seasoning: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional extras: a pinch of red pepper flakes, lemon wedges, or a drizzle of balsamic at the end
Step-by-step
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes so the basket is hot.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced chicken sausage and prepared veggies with oil and seasonings until everything is nicely coated.
- Spread the mixture in the basket in a mostly single layer. A few overlaps are okay, but avoid a big pile.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway. Check at 8 minutes for your preferred texture.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon or a light drizzle of balsamic. Taste and add a sprinkle of salt if needed.
Make it a meal
Serve over rice, stuff into warm tortillas, or pile onto a grain bowl with greens. If you’re leaning into sausage nights, this cozy option is great too: dairy-free one pot chicken sausage and rice. For a lighter plate, add a simple salad or roasted potatoes. My kids like it with a quick garlic yogurt sauce or honey mustard on the side. And if you want more crunch, toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes for the last 2 minutes so they just burst.
Tips For This Recipe
- Cut for speed: Smaller, even pieces cook fast and crisp better.
- Don’t crowd the basket: If needed, cook in two quick batches and combine at the end.
- Pre-cooked vs raw: Most chicken sausage is pre-cooked, which means you’re crisping and heating. If using raw, give it a head start for 3 to 4 minutes before adding veggies, and cook until fully done.
- Use the shake: Shake the basket halfway. It’s the easiest way to get even browning.
- Finish with acid: A squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar brightens the whole pan.
- Storage: Cool and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 2 to 3 minutes.
If you’re expanding your air fryer lineup, you’ll probably like the way chicken cooks in it too. Juicy, quick, and hands-off is my sweet spot, and this method for air fryer chicken breast nails it for meal prep or salads.
Adaptations:
Flavor paths that work
Italian-style: Use Italian chicken sausage, add extra Italian seasoning, and finish with grated Parmesan and parsley. Serve over orzo.
Fajita-style: Use chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and lime. Add extra peppers and onions, then stuff into tortillas with salsa.
Cajun-style: Toss with Cajun seasoning and add okra or corn if you have it. For another tasty sausage idea, try this easy slow cooker creole chicken and sausage when you want something set-it-and-forget-it.
Dairy-free: The base recipe is naturally dairy-free, and it pairs well with rice. You can also go for a cozy bowl like this dairy-free chicken sausage and rice on nights when you want everything in one pot.
Plant-forward: Swap in your favorite vegan sausage and load up on extra veggies. It still cooks in under 10 minutes.
Oven method: No air fryer? Use a large sheet pan at 425°F for 18 to 22 minutes, stirring once.
And yes, if you’re following the core approach, 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies still comes together fast even with swaps. Your seasoning blend might shift a bit, but the method stays easy and predictable.
Common Questions
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
It helps a lot for browning. Give it a 3-minute preheat so the sausage and veggies hit a hot surface.
Can I use raw chicken sausage?
Yes. Cook the sliced sausage alone for 3 to 4 minutes, then add veggies and continue until the sausage is cooked through and the veggies are tender-crisp.
What if I only have frozen veggies?
Use them straight from the freezer and cook in a single layer. Shake often and expect a minute or two more. Season at the end if they release lots of moisture.
How do I prevent soggy veggies?
Pat them dry, use just enough oil, avoid overcrowding, and preheat the basket. A quick shake halfway keeps edges crisp.
How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer for a couple minutes so it stays crisp.
Ready to cook dinner in 10?
If you’ve been chasing fast and flavorful, 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies is the kind of weeknight recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation. It’s flexible, colorful, and uses staple ingredients you probably already have. For more takes on this idea, peek at this helpful guide from 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies – Pinch Me Good and another tasty spin in 20 minute Air Fryer Sausage and Crispy Veggies – Wholesomelicious. Try it tonight, tweak the seasoning to match your mood, and watch how quickly it disappears.
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 links Chicken sausage Pre-cooked, any flavor, sliced into 1/2-inch coins
- 1 cup Bell peppers Sliced
- 1 medium Red onion Sliced
- 1 medium Zucchini Sliced
- 2 cups Broccoli florets
- 1.5 tablespoons Olive oil Just enough to coat
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Optional Extras
- to taste Red pepper flakes For added heat
- 1 wedge Lemon For squeezing over finished veggies
- to drizzle Balsamic vinegar Optional, for finishing
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes to ensure the basket is hot.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced chicken sausage and prepared veggies with olive oil and seasonings until everything is coated.
Cooking
- Spread the mixture in the air fryer basket in a mostly single layer, allowing a few overlaps but avoiding a pile.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check at 8 minutes for your preferred texture.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon or a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Taste and add a sprinkle of salt if needed.
