A no-fuss family meal with juicy sausage, colorful bell peppers, and zero cleanup stress
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Cost per Serving: ~$2.50
- Calories per Serving: ~290 kcal
- Servings: 3–4
A Real-Life Dinner Saver, Right from My Air Fryer
Some nights, dinner just needs to be brain-off easy — and that’s exactly where this air fryer chicken sausage and peppers comes in. It’s one of those “toss it all in and go” kind of meals that’s ready in under 20 minutes, with zero mess and 100% flavor.
My husband loves it on toasted hoagie rolls with mustard, while the kids eat it deconstructed with ketchup (of course 😄). Me? I throw it over a bed of rice or cauliflower mash. This is one of those super-flexible meals that works your way.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
Let me tell you — this air fryer chicken sausage and peppers has saved my dinner routine more times than I can count. It checks all the boxes when life feels chaotic but you still want to put something warm and satisfying on the table.
It’s truly a no-stress dinner.
There’s no need to babysit a pot on the stove or wash five different pans. You just slice, toss, and let the air fryer do the work while you help with homework or sneak a minute to breathe (or scroll Instagram 👀).
It’s healthy-ish and super colorful.
Between the lean chicken sausage and those sweet roasted peppers, you get a nice balance of protein, color, and texture — without needing to serve a “real vegetable” on the side. The kids don’t even realize they’re eating three kinds of peppers!
It’s totally flexible.
You can add more veggies, skip the onions, serve it over rice or pasta, stuff it into hoagie rolls, or wrap it up in tortillas — seriously, it adapts to whatever your family loves (or whatever’s in your fridge).
It’s picky-eater friendly.
My kids love the sausage pieces by themselves, while my husband piles everything into a toasted bun like it’s a sausage sandwich. It’s one of those meals where everyone gets what they want without making three separate dinners.
It’s done in under 20 minutes.
Which means you can go from “What’s for dinner?” to plates-on-the-table in less time than it takes to order takeout — and waaaay less cleanup.
How to make Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
Ingredients you will need (Simple & Flexible)
1 package of chicken sausage (fully cooked)
I love using pre-cooked chicken sausage — it’s leaner than pork, full of flavor, and cooks up quickly in the air fryer. Brands like Applegate, Aidells, or Trader Joe’s are all great.
Optional veggies (but highly recommended!):
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- ½ onion, sliced
These add a sweet, smoky flavor and make the meal feel fresh and colorful. You can totally skip them on a super busy night, or swap in zucchini, mushrooms, or even frozen peppers.
Pro tip: Slice everything in the morning and keep it in the fridge — then just toss it in when dinner time hits!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) — this helps everything cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Slice the sausage into 1-inch pieces, and if you’re using peppers and onions, slice those too.
- In a bowl, toss the sausage and veggies with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper (optional: garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs).
- Add everything to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the sausage is browned and the veggies are tender-crisp.
- Serve hot — in a bowl, on rice, in a wrap, or however your family loves it!
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage Tips for Busy Moms
Let’s be real—weeknight dinners need to be quick, low-stress, and cleanup-friendly. Here are my go-to tips to make this air fryer chicken sausage and peppers recipe even easier when time (and patience) is short:
1. Use pre-sliced veggies
Don’t feel like chopping after a long day? Grab pre-cut bell peppers and onions from the grocery store, or even frozen sliced peppers. They go straight from the fridge or freezer to the air fryer.
2. Choose fully cooked chicken sausage
Using precooked sausage means less stress and less time watching the clock. Just slice, heat through, and you’re done—no need to worry about internal temperature or overcooking.
3. Skip the oil if you want to
The sausage adds flavor and moisture on its own. A quick drizzle of olive oil helps the veggies get a little softer and caramelized, but it’s completely optional.
4. Line your air fryer basket for fast cleanup
Air fryer parchment liners or silicone inserts are a game-changer. They keep your basket clean and make post-dinner cleanup so much easier.
5. Double the batch and save some for later
This dish reheats really well. Make a double batch and store leftovers in the fridge for wraps, rice bowls, or quick lunches later in the week.
6. Turn it into a full meal with pantry staples
Serve the sausage and peppers over rice, couscous, or even stuff them into a tortilla for a quick wrap. It’s easy to stretch this into a complete dinner with whatever you have on hand.
Perfect Pairings for a Quick & Cozy Dinner
This air fryer chicken sausage and peppers recipe is flavorful and filling all on its own, but if you want to round it out into a full meal, here are a few simple sides and add-ons that pair beautifully with it. No complicated prep, just easy ideas that fit right into a busy schedule.
1. Steamed or microwave rice
A bowl of white, brown, or even cauliflower rice is a great base for the sausage and peppers. It soaks up all the flavor and makes the dish feel complete. I always keep a few microwave pouches in the pantry for nights like this.
2. Buttered pasta or orzo
For a kid-friendly twist, serve the sausage and peppers over simple buttered pasta or orzo. A sprinkle of Parmesan pulls it all together.
3. Garlic toast or crusty bread
Quick garlic bread or warm baguette slices are perfect for scooping up any roasted veggie bits left in the bowl. It turns dinner into something cozy and satisfying.
4. Side salad
A quick green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the savory sausage. Use whatever greens you’ve got—spinach, romaine, or even bagged salad mix.
5. Roasted potatoes or sweet potato wedges
If you’ve got a little extra time or a second air fryer drawer, toss in some baby potatoes or sweet potato wedges. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika for an easy side the whole family will love.
Love Easy One-Pan Meals? Try This Next
If you enjoy simple dinners that bring big flavor with minimal cleanup, you’ll love my Garlic Butter Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Pasta. It’s another family favorite — rich, comforting, and packed with tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and a buttery garlic sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Perfect for those cozy nights when you want something hearty without the hassle.
FAQ – Your Air Fryer Questions Answered
How long to cook chicken sausages in an air fryer?
Fully cooked chicken sausages usually take about 12 to 14 minutes at 375°F (190°C) in the air fryer. Slice them before cooking for faster, more even browning, or cook them whole if you prefer juicier results.
How long do you cook sausages in an air fryer?
It depends on the type.
- Fully cooked sausages: 12–14 minutes
- Raw sausages: 15–18 minutes, or until they reach 165°F internally
Always shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Can you put peppers in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Bell peppers roast beautifully in the air fryer and only need about 10 to 12 minutes at 375°F. Slice them thin and toss them with a bit of oil for extra softness and sweetness. They go perfectly with chicken sausage for a complete meal.
Should you poke holes in sausage before air frying?
No need. Poking holes can actually cause the sausage to lose its juices, making it dry. Most sausages — especially pre-cooked ones — are ready to go as-is. Just slice or place them whole in the basket, and let the air fryer do its magic.
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage with Peppers and onions
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy air fryer chicken sausage and peppers recipe is the perfect busy weeknight dinner. It’s quick, healthy-ish, and made with fully cooked chicken sausage and colorful bell peppers. Ready in 20 minutes, all in one basket — it’s a no-fuss meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 package of chicken sausage (fully cooked)
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
½ onion, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. While it heats, slice your chicken sausage and vegetables. In a bowl, toss the sausage, peppers, and onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any seasonings you like. Spread everything in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Cook for 12 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the sausage is golden and the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized. Serve hot on its own, over rice, in a wrap, or however your family enjoys it.
Notes
This recipe is super flexible — feel free to skip the veggies, switch up the sausage flavor, or toss in other quick-cooking ingredients like zucchini or mushrooms. You can also double the batch for meal prep. Leftovers store well in the fridge and reheat perfectly in the air fryer in just 3–4 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frayer
- Cuisine: American, Family-style
Nutrition
- Calories: 290kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken sausage, chicken sausage and peppers, air fryer sausage dinner, quick air fryer meals, healthy air fryer recipes, family-friendly sausage recipe, one basket air fryer meal
Final Thoughts – A Go-To Dinner That Doubles as Lunch
This air fryer chicken sausage and peppers has become one of those dinners I know I can count on — easy, flavorful, and always a hit at our table. What I love most? It’s just as good the next day.
In fact, my husband takes the leftovers to work in his lunchbox, and he swears it tastes even better reheated. I just pack it in a little glass container with some rice or a wrap on the side, and he’s set for the day. It’s a great way to turn a quick dinner into an even quicker lunch.
So whether you’re making this for a no-fuss weeknight dinner, prepping meals ahead, or looking for something that works beautifully in a lunchbox, this recipe checks every box.
If you give it a try, let me know how your family liked it — leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @SavorAtHome. I always love seeing your kitchen wins!
Shop My Kitchen Tools
These are the exact tools I use to make this Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Peppers dinner quick, easy, and mess-free. They’ve become total game-changers in my kitchen, especially on busy nights!
A compact, family-sized air fryer that crisps everything perfectly. Super easy to use and clean — mine runs almost daily!
Parchment Paper Liners (Air Fryer Safe)
Say goodbye to stuck-on food and scrubbing. These make cleanup so fast, and they’re great for veggies and sausage.
I love
★★★★★