Delicious Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers with Onions: Your New Weeknight Favorite
Seeking an incredibly easy, flavorful, and healthy dinner solution? Look no further than Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers! This versatile dish brings together savory Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and tender onions, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. It’s not just delicious; it’s also remarkably quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Our comprehensive guide ensures you can effortlessly create a meal that is low-carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and surprisingly low in calories. Imagine serving perfectly cooked air fryer Italian sausage links alongside beautifully caramelized peppers and onions. A drizzle of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese elevate this simple combination into a family favorite that everyone will adore. Whether you prefer it stuffed into hearty hoagie rolls, served over fluffy rice, or alongside healthier alternatives like zoodles or cauliflower rice, this recipe promises a satisfying and wholesome experience.
The beauty of this air fryer sausage and peppers recipe lies in its efficiency. By utilizing the air fryer, you can cook the sausages and vegetables simultaneously, saving you precious time and reducing cleanup. This method guarantees a delightful texture, with the sausages browned and juicy, and the vegetables tender-crisp. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this fantastic dish!
➕ What is Sausage and Peppers? A Classic Italian American Dish
Sausage and peppers is a beloved Italian American dish celebrated for its robust flavors and hearty simplicity. It traditionally features succulent sausage links—often Italian pork sausage, but varieties abound—cooked with a colorful medley of bell peppers and sometimes onions. The dish originated from Italian immigrants in America, who adapted traditional recipes with readily available ingredients, creating a staple that has graced countless family tables and street fairs. Whether sautéed, grilled, or, in our case, air-fried, the goal is always a harmonious blend of savory, spiced sausage and the natural sweetness of tender bell peppers, creating an immensely satisfying meal that is both comforting and quick to prepare.
🔪 How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Peppers with Onions
Crafting delicious Italian sausage and peppers in the air fryer is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. The air fryer excels at cooking both the protein and vegetables simultaneously, ensuring that everything is ready at the same time for a convenient and efficient meal.
Gather Your Ingredients for Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this fantastic air fryer Italian sausage and peppers dish:
- 4 links Italian sausage (approximately 12 ounces; choose pre-cooked pork sausage, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage for best results with this timing)
- 1-2 bell peppers (Any color works beautifully! Green bell peppers are economical, while red, orange, or yellow peppers add vibrant color and a sweeter flavor.)
- 1 medium yellow onion (adds a sweet, aromatic base)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (for flavor and to help caramelize the veggies)
- ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar (enhances the savory notes and adds a touch of acidity)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, crucial for seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (classic Italian herb for depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (another essential Italian herb that complements the sausage and peppers)
A printable recipe card with full details is available at the end of this post!
Choosing Your Air Fryer: Any Model Will Work
This recipe is adaptable to virtually any air fryer model you own. Whether you have a Ninja Foodi air fryer, Cosori, Pampered Chef, Actifry, Nuwave, Instant Vortex, Cuisinart, Philips, or Power Air Fryer, you can achieve excellent results. Keep in mind that air fryers vary in wattage and efficiency, so you might need to make slight adjustments to the cooking time based on your specific appliance. It’s always a good practice to monitor your food during the cooking process, especially the first time you try a new recipe with your air fryer.
Step-by-Step Directions for Air Frying Sausage and Peppers
Follow these simple directions for perfectly cooked air fryer sausage and peppers:
Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by cutting your bell peppers and onion into uniform slices, approximately 1-inch (2.54 cm) thick. This ensures even cooking. Next, slice the Italian sausage links into 1-inch thick diagonal pieces. Diagonal cuts provide more surface area for browning and an appealing presentation.
Season and Toss
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced sausages, onions, and bell peppers. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated with the seasonings. This step infuses the dish with its signature Italian flavor.
Air Fry to Perfection
Transfer the seasoned air fryer sausage peppers and onions mixture into your air fryer basket or onto the air fryer tray. Arrange the ingredients in a single layer as much as possible to ensure even cooking and optimal crisping. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, making sure to shake the basket and stir the contents every 5-6 minutes. This ensures uniform cooking and browning on all sides. Add additional air frying time if necessary, until the sausages are golden brown and the vegetables are tender with a slight char.
This method consistently delivers the best air fryer Italian sausage with peppers and onions recipe, yielding a deliciously savory and veggie-packed dinner that’s effortlessly prepared. The air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of the peppers and onions, while giving the sausage a lovely, crisp exterior and a tender interior.
Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers
For a truly satisfying and heartier meal, serve your cooked sausage and peppers air fryer creation in warm hoagie rolls, generously topped with your favorite marinara sauce and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re aiming for a low-carb option or specifically looking for keto sausage and peppers, substitute the bread or pasta with cooked spaghetti squash, fresh zoodles (zucchini noodles), or fluffy cauliflower rice. These alternatives allow you to enjoy all the rich flavors without the extra carbs.
⏲ Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers Cook Time: Quick and Easy
How long do you cook sausages in an air fryer? For this recipe, utilizing pre-cooked Italian sausages, you will air fry for approximately 15-18 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). There’s no need to preheat your air fryer, which simplifies the process even further. Ensure you shake the basket or stir the contents every 5-6 minutes to promote even cooking and a lovely golden-brown finish on both the sausages and vegetables. This consistent movement prevents sticking and encourages caramelization.
It’s important to remember that this specific cook time is optimized for pre-cooked sausages. If you opt for larger sausages or raw sausages, the cooking time will need to be extended. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure raw sausages reach a safe internal temperature—160°F (71°C) for pork and 165°F (74°C) for poultry—before serving.
🌭 Is it healthier to cook sausages in an air fryer? Exploring the Health Benefits
Cooking sausages in an air fryer can indeed be a healthier option, depending on your dietary goals and the type of sausage you choose. Air frying, much like oven roasting on a rack, is an excellent method for making fatty meats a little leaner. This is because the circulating hot air allows excess fat to drip away from the sausage during cooking, rather than having the sausage cook in its own grease. Furthermore, air frying typically requires minimal added oil or fat, contributing to a lower-calorie meal overall.
While pre-cooked sausages may release less fat, the air fryer still offers numerous advantages. Beyond the potential health benefits, air frying is considerably faster than traditional oven methods, making it ideal for quick meals. The cleanup is also typically minimal, as most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe. Plus, using an air fryer avoids heating up your entire kitchen, a welcome benefit, especially during warmer months.
Incorporating colorful bell peppers and onions into your dish further boosts its nutritional profile. These vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, adding fiber and essential nutrients to your meal, enhancing both its flavor and health benefits.
Customizing Your Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers: Endless Substitutions and Variations
This air fryer sausage and peppers recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to easily customize it to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sausages and seasonings to keep your meals exciting and fresh.
Sausage Variety Swaps
You can use virtually any of your favorite pre-cooked sausages in this recipe. Consider making:
- Air fryer chicken sausage and peppers: A leaner alternative, perfect for those watching their fat intake.
- Air fryer kielbasa and peppers: For a smoky, Eastern European flavor profile.
- Air fryer brats and peppers: Bring a touch of German-American flair to your plate.
- Air fryer andouille sausage: If you enjoy a spicier, Cajun-inspired kick.
- Even vegan “sausage” and peppers: A fantastic plant-based option for meatless meals.
Remember that the cooking time might need slight adjustments depending on the size and density of the sausage variety you choose. Always ensure sausages are thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Seasoning Enhancements
Beyond Italian seasoning, consider switching up the spices to create entirely new flavor experiences. For instance, try a bold Cajun seasoning blend or a generous pinch of red pepper flakes on smoked sausage with peppers and onions for a zesty, spicy twist. The possibilities are endless when it comes to herb and spice combinations.
Adding Other Vegetables or Starches
If you’re looking to make air fryer sausage and potatoes, we recommend steaming or par-boiling the potatoes first. Potatoes take longer to cook than sausages and peppers in the air fryer, so pre-cooking them ensures everything finishes at the same time and achieves the desired tenderness. Quick directions for microwaving vegetables can be a handy guide for this pre-steaming step. Other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can also be added for extra flavor and nutrients.
🌡️ How to Reheat Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers: Maximizing Leftovers
Leftover cooked Italian sausage and peppers are just as delicious the next day! Properly stored in an airtight container, they will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. When it’s time to enjoy them again, you have several reheating options to preserve their fantastic flavor and texture. You can quickly reheat them in the microwave, on the stovetop with a touch of oil to prevent drying, or for the best results, back in the air fryer.
To reheat in the air fryer, simply spread your leftovers in the air fryer basket or on the tray and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. This method will help revive some of that delightful crispness. Leftovers are particularly excellent when reheated and tucked into a crusty roll to create a savory Italian sausage sandwich, a perfect quick lunch or dinner!
🥗 Sausage and Peppers in the Air Fryer: Diverse Serving Suggestions
This vibrant recipe for air fryer sausage and peppers serves as a fantastic entrée, adaptable to various meal preferences and occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or preparing a quick weeknight meal, these serving ideas will complement your dish beautifully:
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that adds a comforting, garlicky crunch.
- Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables: Quickly cook a side of broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for added greens and nutrients.
- Spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles): An excellent low-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta, allowing the flavors of the sausage and peppers to shine.
- Rice or cauliflower rice: Provides a satisfying base, with cauliflower rice being a great low-carb option.
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries (for air fryer sausage and chips or air fryer sausage and potatoes): A fun, crispy side that makes for a more casual, pub-style meal.
- Keto Onion Rings (Air Fryer): For a delightful, crunchy, and low-carb addition.
- A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Creamy polenta or grits for a hearty, comforting accompaniment.
FAQs About Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers
Can you cook raw sausages in an air fryer?
Yes, absolutely! The air fryer is an excellent appliance for cooking raw sausages. Its circulating hot air cooks them thoroughly and creates a lovely crispy exterior. However, the cooking times and internal temperature requirements will differ from pre-cooked sausages.
How long do you cook raw sausages in the air fryer?
As a general guideline for raw sausages, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook them for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. It is crucial to use a meat thermometer to verify that raw pork sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and raw poultry sausages reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Always consult the specific instructions on your sausage packaging for the most accurate guidelines. (For pre-cooked sausages, follow the recipe instructions provided above in the recipe card.)
👩🏻🍳 Discover More Air Fryer Sausage Recipes!
If you’ve enjoyed the convenience and deliciousness of air fryer sausage and peppers, you’ll love exploring other ways to cook sausage in your air fryer. Here are some more fantastic air fryer recipes featuring sausage:
- Sausage Patties in Air Fryer: Perfect for a quick and easy breakfast.
- How to Cook Chicken Sausage: Versatile and healthy for any meal.
- Air Fryer Brats: Get those stadium flavors right in your kitchen.
- Kielbasa in Air Fryer: A simple way to cook this savory sausage.
- Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer (easily adapt this recipe to make air fryer Italian sausage balls from frozen for a speedy appetizer or addition to pasta).
While you’re here, don’t forget to check out our entire section dedicated to Air Fryer Recipes for more inspiration and culinary adventures! And for the truly ambitious home cook, why not try your hand at making your own homemade Italian fennel sausage from scratch? It’s a rewarding experience that guarantees fresh, authentic flavor.
Watch How to Make It!
Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers (Air Fryer Italian Sausage)
Summer Yule
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Ingredients
- 4 links Italian sausage (12 ounces pre-cooked pork sausage, chicken sausage or turkey sausage)
- 1-2 medium bell peppers
- 1 medium onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the peppers and onions into slices that are about 1-inch (2.54 cm) thick. Slice the sausage into 1-inch thick (2.54 cm) diagonal cuts.
- Put the sausages, onions, and peppers in a large bowl. Stir in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place the air fryer sausage peppers and onions mixture in your air fryer basket or tray. Air fry for 15-18 minutes at 400℉ (200℃), shaking the basket and stirring the food every 5-6 minutes. Add additional air frying time as needed.
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Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Knife
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). The calories in air fryer sausage and peppers will ultimately depend on your portion size, your sides, and the sausages you use. Serve it over roasted (low oil) spaghetti squash for a lighter meal. Enjoy it in your favorite sub roll or over pasta to bump up the energy.
I also recommend adding a big side salad filled with non-starchy veggies to help fill you up more. Other veggies, such as broccoli or asparagus, are great with this meal too. Choose low fat chicken sausages if you want lean protein.
Nutrition information is for one serving and depends on the type of sausage you use.
Nutrition Info Disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
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