Can I use raw sausage instead of pre-cooked?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking method. Start by air frying the raw sausage links whole for about 8-10 minutes at 370°F. Then slice them, add the vegetables, and continue cooking according to the recipe. Always ensure sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

What vegetables work best in the air fryer?

Firm vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower work exceptionally well. Softer vegetables like tomatoes or delicate greens should be added in the last few minutes of cooking or avoided altogether.

My air fryer is small. Can I still make this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply cook in batches if necessary. Start with half the vegetables for the first 10 minutes, then add the remaining vegetables and sausage and cook until everything is done. This ensures proper air circulation for the best results.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

While a little oil helps with browning and flavor, you can reduce it significantly. Use just a light spray of oil or substitute with 1-2 tablespoons of low-sodium broth to help the seasonings adhere to the vegetables. The natural fat from the sausage will release during cooking and provide some moisture and flavor.

Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half circles; 12 ounces green beans, cut into halves or thirds; 1 bell pepper (any color), cored and cut into 1-inch strips; 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin, or substitute with avocado oil spray); 2 teaspoons dried basil; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 12 ounces fully cooked sausages (4 dinner-sized links), sliced into 1/4-inch thick circles

This Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in just 20 minutes! Perfectly cooked sausage slices mingle with tender-crisp vegetables, all seasoned with aromatic herbs for a dinner that’s both satisfying and fuss-free. It’s the ideal solution for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in 20 minutes! This recipe respects your busy schedule while still delivering a home-cooked meal.
Minimal Cleanup: One bowl for prep and the air fryer basket to cook – that’s it! No multiple pans to scrub when you’re done eating.
Customizable: Swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand or change up the sausage variety for endless flavor combinations.
Healthy Option: Air frying gives you that satisfying roasted vegetable taste without drowning everything in oil.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Zucchini: Provides a tender, mild base that absorbs all the savory flavors. Slice them into half-circles for even cooking.
Green Beans: Adds a satisfying snap and bright color. Fresh works best, but frozen (thawed and patted dry) will work in a pinch.
Bell Pepper: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color. Any color works great – choose red for sweetness, green for a slightly bitter contrast, or yellow/orange for a middle ground.
Olive Oil/Avocado Oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the vegetables and promotes beautiful browning. Use a high-quality extra virgin for best flavor.
Dried Herbs (basil and oregano): These Mediterranean classics complement both the sausage and vegetables perfectly. They bloom in the heat to release aromatic flavors.
Garlic Powder: Adds that essential savory note that ties everything together. It distributes more evenly than fresh garlic in this quick-cooking recipe.
Salt and Pepper: The foundation of good flavor – don’t skimp on these basic seasonings!
Fully Cooked Sausages: The star of the show! Use any variety you love – Italian, chicken apple, kielbasa, or even flavored chicken sausages all work beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious twists to try:

Mediterranean Style: Use chicken sausage and add cherry tomatoes and olives in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Spicy Kick: Choose andouille or spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasonings.
Seasonal Mix: In fall, try sweet potato cubes and Brussels sprouts with apple chicken sausage. In summer, use yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, and corn kernels.
Low-Carb Version: Double the vegetables, use half the amount of sausage, and add mushrooms for extra umami flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables

Step 1: Prep and Season

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine your sliced zucchini, cut green beans, and bell pepper strips. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with avocado oil, then sprinkle with dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 2: Air Fry the Vegetables

Transfer your seasoned vegetables to the preheated air fryer basket, arranging them in as even a layer as possible. Cook for 10 minutes, which gives them a head start since they take longer than the sausage.

Step 3: Add Sausage and Finish Cooking

Add the sliced sausage to the air fryer basket with the partially cooked vegetables. Give everything a good stir to incorporate the sausage slices among the vegetables. Continue cooking for 5-10 more minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is nicely browned and heated through.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd: If you have a smaller air fryer, cook in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting.
Cut Uniformly: Keep your vegetable pieces similar in size for even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster than larger chunks.
Check Early: Air fryers can vary in temperature and power, so start checking at the minimum time suggested to avoid overcooking.
Shake the Basket: For optimal browning, shake or stir the contents halfway through each cooking interval.
Pat Vegetables Dry: If your vegetables are damp from washing, pat them dry before adding oil and seasonings. This helps achieve better browning.

How to Serve

This versatile dish works beautifully in multiple serving scenarios:

Main Dish:

Serve as a complete meal on its own for a light dinner or lunch. A sprinkle of fresh grated parmesan cheese adds a nice finishing touch.

With Grains:

Spoon over cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro for a more substantial meal that stretches the recipe further.

As a Side:

Serve alongside a simple protein like grilled chicken or fish when you want to emphasize the vegetables more than the sausage.

Brunch Option:

Top with a fried or poached egg for a savory weekend brunch dish that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight, making this a great meal prep option.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the vegetables may become softer when thawed. If freezing, store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain some crispness. Microwave on 70% power if you’re in a hurry, though the texture won’t be quite as good.

FAQs

Can I use raw sausage instead of pre-cooked?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking method. Start by air frying the raw sausage links whole for about 8-10 minutes at 370°F. Then slice them, add the vegetables, and continue cooking according to the recipe. Always ensure sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
What vegetables work best in the air fryer?

Firm vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower work exceptionally well. Softer vegetables like tomatoes or delicate greens should be added in the last few minutes of cooking or avoided altogether.
My air fryer is small. Can I still make this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply cook in batches if necessary. Start with half the vegetables for the first 10 minutes, then add the remaining vegetables and sausage and cook until everything is done. This ensures proper air circulation for the best results.
Can I make this recipe oil-free?

While a little oil helps with browning and flavor, you can reduce it significantly. Use just a light spray of oil or substitute with 1-2 tablespoons of low-sodium broth to help the seasonings adhere to the vegetables. The natural fat from the sausage will release during cooking and provide some moisture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables recipe is a true weeknight hero – quick, delicious, customizable, and satisfying. It’s the perfect solution for those evenings when you want something homemade but don’t have the energy for elaborate cooking. The combination of savory sausage with herb-roasted vegetables delivers big flavor with minimal effort, proving that healthy, home-cooked meals don’t need to be complicated. Give this recipe a try tonight – I’m confident it will become a regular in your dinner rotation!