10-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies: Quick, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal

When life gets busy, finding a healthy, satisfying meal that comes together in minutes can feel impossible. That’s where this 10-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies recipe saves the day. Bursting with flavor, packed with protein, and loaded with colorful vegetables, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a quick lunch. Best of all, it’s done in just 10 minutes, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.

This recipe is a brilliant combination of juicy chicken sausage, crisp-tender vegetables, and a hint of seasoning that brings out the natural flavors without overpowering them. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping meals for the week, or craving a fast, wholesome dinner, this dish hits the mark.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken sausages (preferably pre-cooked or fully cooked for speed)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley, thyme, or grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures that the vegetables and sausage cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
2. Prepare the ingredients: Slice chicken sausages into bite-sized pieces. Cut bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli into similar-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
3. Season the vegetables: In a medium bowl, toss the bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
4. Combine sausage and veggies: Add the sliced sausages to the seasoned vegetables and toss lightly to mix.
5. Air fry: Transfer the mixture to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. Sausages should be lightly browned, and vegetables crisp-tender.
6. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding prevents the air from circulating properly, which can make veggies soggy. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use similar-sized pieces: Cutting the vegetables and sausage into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
• Mix in extra flavor: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate the dish without adding prep time.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness.

Variations to Try

• Spicy version: Use chicken sausage with chorizo seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Mediterranean twist: Toss in cherry tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of oregano. Finish with crumbled feta cheese.
• Low-carb option: Substitute sweet potato cubes for some of the vegetables for a hearty, low-carb meal.
• Meal prep-friendly: Cook double the amount and portion into containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• A side of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Quinoa or couscous for a filling, fiber-rich meal
• Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any juices
• A simple green salad for extra freshness

Fun Facts and Cultural Context

Air frying is one of the fastest ways to achieve the crispiness of fried foods without the excess oil. It’s especially popular in weeknight meal prep because it reduces cooking time while maintaining flavor and texture. Chicken sausage, often flavored with herbs, garlic, or paprika, adds protein and depth of taste without needing additional seasoning. Pairing it with colorful vegetables not only boosts nutrition but also creates a visually appealing plate that encourages mindful eating.

Did you know? The concept of air frying was first popularized in the early 2010s as a “healthier frying method,” and it’s now a global phenomenon, perfect for fast and nutritious meals like this one.

10-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Quick, healthy, and flavorful chicken sausage and vegetable dish ready in just 10 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 2 people

Course: Dinner, Snack

Cuisine: American, Quick Meals

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 chicken sausages pre-cooked or fully cooked
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
• 1 zucchini sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Slice the chicken sausages and vegetables into similar-sized pieces.
3. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the sliced sausages to the vegetables and mix lightly.
5. Place the mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Remove from air fryer, garnish with parsley or Parmesan, and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or chili flakes before air frying.