Let’s be real for a second. Some days, the thought of cooking a real dinner feels impossible. You get home, you’re tired, you’re hungry, and ordering takeout feels like the only answer.
I get it. I’ve spent years in busy kitchens, and even I have days where I just can’t. But what if I told you that you could have a hot, healthy, and delicious meal on the table in about 10 minutes?
Yep, 10 minutes. This air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe is my secret weapon for those crazy nights. It’s so easy it almost feels like cheating.
So, let’s make something that will make you feel good, without all the work. You deserve an easy win.
What You’ll Need
This recipe is super simple. You just need a few basic things that you might already have. Don’t stress about getting the exact same stuff as me; we’ll talk about swapping things out later.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-cooked Chicken Sausage | 12 oz package | Any flavor you like works! |
| Bell Peppers | 2 medium | I like to use different colors. |
| Red Onion | 1 small | Adds a nice bit of flavor. |
| Zucchini | 1 medium | Or yellow squash. |
| Olive Oil | 1 Tablespoon | Just enough to coat everything. |
| Seasonings | To taste | Salt, pepper, garlic powder. |
Tools for the Job
You don’t need a bunch of fancy kitchen gadgets for this. Keeping it simple is the whole point!
- Air Fryer
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Large Bowl
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
This is the easy part. Seriously, you can’t mess this up.
Step 1: Start by chopping up your veggies and sausage. Try to cut everything into bite-sized pieces that are about the same size. This helps it all cook at the same speed.
Step 2: Throw all your chopped stuff into a big bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over everything and then sprinkle on your salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Give it all a good toss. You want to make sure every single piece is lightly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Step 4: Put everything into your air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 5: About halfway through, pull the basket out and give it a good shake. This moves everything around so it gets crispy on all sides. Put it back in to finish cooking. It’s done when the veggies are tender and a little browned.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
I’ve made this dish hundreds of times. Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned that make it even better.
- Don’t Crowd the Basket. This is the biggest rule of air frying. If you pile everything in, it will steam instead of roast. You want crispy, not soggy. If you have a small air fryer, just cook it in two batches.
- A Little Oil Goes a Long Way. You don’t need to soak your food in oil. Just one tablespoon is enough to get that perfect golden-brown color and keep things from drying out.
- Shake, Shake, Shake. Shaking the basket halfway through is super important. It makes sure the hot air can hit every surface, which is how you get everything perfectly cooked and crispy.
Swaps and Fun Twists
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can change it up based on what you have. It’s really hard to go wrong.
| Instead Of | Try Using | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Sausage | Turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even plant-based sausage. | Just check the cooking time if you use a different kind. |
| Bell Peppers/Zucchini | Broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. | Root vegetables like potatoes or carrots will need more cooking time. |
| Olive Oil | Avocado oil or another high-heat oil. | They work just as well. |
| Garlic Powder | Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. | A great way to add a different flavor. |
Tips for Making it Ahead
If you want to make your life even easier, you can do a little prep beforehand.
Chop up all your veggies and sausage and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to eat, just toss them with the oil and seasonings and throw them in the air fryer. Dinner is ready in minutes!
What to Serve With It
This meal is great all on its own if you’re eating low-carb. But if you want to make it a bigger meal, here are some easy ideas:
- Serve it over rice or quinoa.
- Put it in a warm tortilla for a quick taco.
- Mix it with some cooked pasta and a little marinara sauce.
Leftovers and Storage
If you happen to have any leftovers, they are super easy to store.
Just put them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3 to 4 days.
You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again, or just use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this?
Ans: Yes, you can! You don’t even need to thaw them first. Just know that you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q2. What’s the best kind of chicken sausage to use?
Ans: Any pre-cooked kind works great. I love using ones with flavors already mixed in, like apple gouda or spicy Italian. It adds extra flavor without any extra work.
Q3. My food isn’t getting crispy, what am I doing wrong?
Ans: You’re probably crowding the basket. Make sure the food is in a single layer with a little space between the pieces. If you have too much food, cook it in two smaller batches.
Wrapping Up
See? A healthy, homemade dinner doesn’t have to be hard or take a long time. This recipe is proof that you can cook a great meal, even on your busiest days.
So give it a try next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by dinner. I promise it’s a game-changer.
I’d love to hear how it goes for you! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it or if you made any fun changes.