This quick dish brings together juicy chicken sausage and colorful veggies, all made in just 10 minutes! It’s healthy, tasty, and perfect for busy days.
Cooking everything in the air fryer makes it simple and fun. I love how the veggies get a little crispy, and the sausage adds a nice flavor. So, who’s ready for dinner in a flash? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Sausage: Choose your favorite flavor—italian, spicy, or even apple chicken sausage for a twist! If you’re vegetarian, you can easily swap in veggie sausages or tofu for a similar texture.
Vegetables: Zucchini and bell peppers are excellent here, but feel free to mix in any other veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the density of the vegetables.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps with crisping, but avocado oil or grapeseed oil work too. For a lighter option, you can reduce the oil, though the veggies may not get as crispy.
Italian Seasoning: This is great for flavor, but if you don’t have it, a mix of dried basil and oregano works well. You can also try other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different taste.
How Do I Get Crispy Veggies in the Air Fryer?
To get those perfect, crispy veggies, here are some tips:
- Make sure the veggies are cut evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate, which is key for crispiness.
- Remember to toss or shake the basket halfway through cooking. This promotes even cooking and browning.
- Adding a bit of oil (like olive oil) helps the veggies to crisp up nicely, so don’t skip it!
- Check for doneness. Cooking times can vary, so keep an eye out for golden edges and tender textures.
Easy 10-Min Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 chicken sausage links (uncooked or pre-cooked), cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil mix)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 5 minutes to prepare and then just 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer, making it a total of around 15 minutes to have dinner on the table. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3-5 minutes. This helps get everything nice and crispy!
2. Prepare Your Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced zucchini, chopped red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion chunks. This colorful mix will add flavor and nutrition!
3. Season the Veggies:
Drizzle the olive oil over the veggies. Then, sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the veggies are well-coated and evenly seasoned.
4. Combine with Chicken Sausage:
Add the chicken sausage pieces to the bowl and gently toss again to combine everything. The sausage will add a savory taste that complements the veggies perfectly!
5. Air Fry the Mixture:
Transfer the veggie and sausage mixture to the air fryer basket, arranging it as evenly as possible in a single layer. This ensures that everything cooks evenly.
6. Cook to Perfection:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10 minutes. Remember to shake the basket or toss the ingredients halfway (around 5 minutes) to make sure they brown evenly!
7. Check for Doneness:
Once the time is up, check that the sausages are nicely browned and cooked through, and that the veggies are tender with some crispy edges. Yum!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the mixture from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your quick, nutritious meal!
Enjoy your flavorful and colorful chicken sausage and veggie meal in just 10 minutes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any favorite veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots. Just keep in mind that denser vegetables may need slightly longer cooking times, so cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until heated through. If using the air fryer, reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain some crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe with Different Types of Sausage?
Yes, you can! Feel free to use turkey, pork, or even vegetarian sausage. Just ensure that any sausage you choose is fully cooked if it’s pre-cooked, or follow recommended cooking times if it’s raw.
Can I Cook This Recipe in the Oven Instead?
Definitely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, tossing everything halfway through to ensure even cooking. Make sure to use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup!
