10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies – Easy & Delicious

You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, totally exhausted, and just need something delicious FAST? That’s exactly how this 10-minute air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe was born in my kitchen. I was running on empty after work one Wednesday, craving something hearty but not heavy, when I spotted a lonely package of chicken sausage and some veggies begging to be used. Fifteen minutes later (yes, really!), I was sitting down to the most satisfying, flavor-packed meal. The best part? Even my most kitchen-phobic friends can nail this one. If you can chop and shake a basket, you’ve got dinner handled. Let me show you how this magical combo of juicy sausage and crisp-tender veggies became my go-to lifesaver recipe!

Why You’ll Love This 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

This recipe checks all the boxes for those “I need dinner NOW” moments. It’s become my weeknight superhero – saving me from takeout menus and sad desk salads more times than I can count. Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite too:

Quick and Convenient

From fridge to plate in 15 minutes flat! The air fryer works its magic while you set the table (or scroll Instagram – no judgment here). Perfect for when soccer practice runs late or you just can’t face another complicated recipe after a long day.

Healthy and Balanced

Juicy chicken sausage gives you that protein punch without the grease, while the rainbow of veggies keeps things fresh and light. My nutritionist friend actually high-fived me when I showed her this combo – it’s that good for you!

Beginner-Friendly

If you can chop veggies and press “start” on your air fryer, you’ve got this. No fancy techniques, no weird ingredients – just straightforward, delicious results every time. Even my cousin who burns toast nailed it on her first try!

Ingredients for 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

This recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that pack a flavor punch. Here’s what you’ll need for two generous servings (though I won’t tell if you eat it all yourself!):

• 2 chicken sausages – sliced into ½-inch coins (the precooked kind work best)
• 1 cup bell peppers – any color combo, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup zucchini – sliced into half-moons (about ¼-inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – the good stuff helps everything crisp up nicely
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – our flavor secret weapon
• 1 teaspoon paprika – for that gorgeous color and smoky depth
• Salt and pepper – to taste (I’m heavy-handed with both!)

Ingredient Notes

This recipe is crazy flexible! Swap chicken sausage for turkey sausage if that’s what you’ve got, or try spicy Italian for extra kick. Not a zucchini fan? Green beans or broccoli florets work beautifully. The spice blend is totally customizable too – sometimes I’ll toss in some Italian seasoning or chili flakes when I’m feeling adventurous. The only non-negotiable? That tablespoon of olive oil – it keeps everything from sticking and helps the spices coat evenly.

Equipment You’ll Need

This recipe keeps cleanup easy with just a few basic tools. You’ll need your trusty air fryer (any size works – just don’t overcrowd the basket!), a mixing bowl for tossing everything together, a sharp knife for chopping, and a cutting board. That’s it! No fancy gadgets required – just grab these four things and you’re ready to rock.

How to Make 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe moves fast (hello, 10-minute dinner!), so I like to have everything prepped and ready to go. Trust me – once you taste how the sausage gets crispy edges while the veggies stay perfectly tender-crisp, you’ll be hooked!

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

First, grab those chicken sausages and slice them into ½-inch coins – this thickness lets them crisp up nicely without drying out. For the veggies, I aim for uniform 1-inch pieces of bell pepper and ¼-inch zucchini slices so everything cooks evenly. Pro tip: If your zucchini is looking watery, pat the slices dry with a paper towel first – this helps them roast instead of steam!

Step 2: Season and Mix

Now the fun part! Toss everything together in a big bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. I use my hands here – it’s messy but ensures every single piece gets coated evenly. The oil helps the spices stick and gives everything that gorgeous golden color. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – this is where all the flavor magic happens!

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) – this little step makes a big difference in getting that perfect texture. Once hot, add your sausage and veggie mixture in a single layer (crowding leads to steaming, and we want crispiness!). Set the timer for 10 minutes, but here’s the key – at the 5-minute mark, give that basket a good shake! This ensures even cooking and prevents any sticking. When the timer beeps, you’ll have golden-brown sausage coins and veggies with just the right amount of char. Dig in immediately – the smell alone will have you drooling!

Tips for Perfect 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

After making this recipe more times than I can count (seriously, my air fryer might be permanently stained paprika-orange), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks for the best results every time:

Don’t crowd that basket! I learned this the hard way – when you pile too much in, everything steams instead of crisps. If your air fryer’s small, just cook in batches. It’s worth the extra few minutes for those perfect caramelized edges.

Peek at the 8-minute mark – all air fryers run a bit differently. If your veggies are already looking nicely charred but the sausage needs more time, pull the veggies out and let the sausage go solo for another minute or two.

Taste and adjust! Right after shaking the basket at halftime, I always sneak a bite to check seasoning. Sometimes it needs an extra pinch of salt or a shake of red pepper flakes to wake up the flavors.

Variations for 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up! I’ve tried so many combos that my fridge raids have turned into delicious experiments. Swap the bell peppers for sweet potatoes (cut small so they cook fast) or toss in some Brussels sprouts halves for extra crunch. Not feeling chicken sausage? Turkey kielbasa or even plant-based sausages work beautifully here.

The spice game is wide open too – I’ve used everything from Cajun seasoning to herbes de Provence depending on my mood. Last Tuesday I went Mediterranean with oregano, lemon zest, and feta crumbles on top – absolute magic! The basic method stays the same, but your taste buds get a new adventure every time.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a total chameleon when it comes to serving options! On lazy nights, I eat it straight from the air fryer basket (who needs plates?), but when I’m feeling fancy, I love pairing it with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all those delicious juices. For a heartier meal, scoop it over quinoa or couscous – the grains catch every bit of that smoky paprika flavor.

My secret weapon? A hunk of crusty bread to wipe the bowl clean. And if you’ve got company coming, toss everything with cooked pasta and a splash of olive oil for an instant crowd-pleaser. Leftovers (if you have any!) make the most amazing omelet filling the next morning.

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the good news – leftovers taste almost as amazing as fresh! Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat again, skip the microwave (it makes everything soggy) and toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. They’ll come out crispy and hot – like magic! I’ve even been known to snack on the cold leftovers straight from the fridge… no shame.

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no dietitian, but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each satisfying serving (and trust me, you’ll want seconds!): About 250 calories packed with 18g protein to keep you full, plus a rainbow of veggies for fiber and nutrients. Remember – these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients and air fryer magic. My advice? Enjoy every bite without stressing the details!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get so many questions about this recipe from friends and family – here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers!

Can I use frozen veggies?

Absolutely! Frozen peppers and zucchini work in a pinch, but here’s my trick – thaw them first and pat them SUPER dry with paper towels. You’ll need to add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time since frozen veggies release more moisture. I sometimes toss them in the air fryer solo for 2 minutes before adding the sausage to help them crisp up.

Can I make this without an air fryer?

You bet! For oven lovers, spread everything on a baking sheet at 425°F and roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway. Stovetop fans can sauté the sausage first, then add veggies and cook over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes. Both methods work – they just take a smidge longer than our speedy air fryer version.

How do I prevent drying out?

Two words: olive oil! That tablespoon is your insurance policy against dryness. Also, don’t walk away – 10 minutes goes fast, and overcooking is the main culprit. If your air fryer runs hot, check at 8 minutes. Leftovers? A quick spritz of oil before reheating brings them right back to life!

Rate and Share Your 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Nothing makes me happier than hearing how this recipe worked in your kitchen! Did you add an extra kick of spice? Try it with different veggies? Snap a photo and tag me – I live for those crispy-edge sausage shots! Leave a star rating below if this became your new weeknight hero. Sharing is caring, so pin it, tweet it, or text it to that friend who still thinks cooking takes hours. Let’s spread the 10-minute dinner love! Share this recipe on Pinterest!

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