Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers

Equipment

• Air Fryer: (Standard basket style or oven style both work). If using an oven-style air fryer, you may need to reduce the time by 1–2 minutes.
• Large Mixing Bowl: To toss the ingredients.
• Tongs: Essential for flipping the sausage without piercing the casing.
• Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: Highly recommended to ensure the sausage is cooked through.

Ingredients

The Proteins & Vegetables

• 1 lb (450g) Italian Sausage: You can use sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage. Turkey or chicken sausage works well too, though you may need to adjust the oil slightly as they are leaner.
• 2 Large Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and orange looks best, but green works well for a more traditional, slightly bitter flavor.
• 1 Large Yellow Onion: Sweet onions (like Vidalia) are great here, but yellow or white onions provide the best savory base.
• 3 cloves Garlic: Freshly minced is non-negotiable for the best flavor.

The Seasoning & Oil

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: This is crucial. It helps the vegetables roast rather than steam and prevents the sausage casings from sticking.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for those who like a little heat.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish (optional).

Instructions

Step 1: The Prep (Time: 5 Minutes | Intensity: Low)

1. Start by prepping your vegetables. Wash your bell peppers, remove the seeds and membranes, and slice them into 1/2-inch thick strips. Slice the onion into similar 1/2-inch wedges. If you slice them too thin, they will burn in the air fryer; if they are too thick, they won’t cook in time.
2. Place the sliced peppers and onions into a large mixing bowl. Add the minced garlic.

Step 2: The Toss (Time: 3 Minutes | Intensity: Low)

1. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together with your hands or a spoon until the vegetables are evenly coated.
2. The Sausage: Prick the sausages a few times with a fork. This prevents them from bursting in the air fryer. Add the sausages to the bowl and rub them in the oil and seasoning mixture. Alternatively, you can keep the sausages separate and season them directly, but tossing them in the bowl is faster and mess-free.

Step 3: The First Air Fry (Time: 8 Minutes | Intensity: Medium)

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating is critical for getting a good sear on the sausage.
2. Once preheated, carefully place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not crowd them. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook in two batches.
3. Air fry the sausages alone for 8 minutes at 380°F. This gives the sausage a head start on cooking, ensuring the inside is done before the vegetables turn to mush.

Step 4: The Combine (Time: 7–10 Minutes | Intensity: Medium)

1. After 8 minutes, open the air fryer. The sausages should be browning. Flip the sausages over using tongs.
2. Now, add the bowl of seasoned peppers and onions to the air fryer basket, arranging them around and over the sausages. It is okay if the basket looks full; the vegetables will cook down significantly.
3. Important Note: If your air fryer basket is very small, remove the sausages, add the veggies, and place the sausages back on top. If the basket is overflowing, the air cannot circulate, and the food will steam instead of roast.

Step 5: The Final Roast (Time: 7–10 Minutes | Intensity: Medium-High)

1. Cook everything together for another 7 to 10 minutes at 380°F.
2. Check for Doneness: The sausage is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) . The vegetables should be tender and slightly charred at the edges.
3. Pro Tip: If you want crispier vegetables, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them so the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Rest and Serve (Time: 3 Minutes | Intensity: Low)

1. Remove the basket from the air fryer. Let the sausage and peppers rest for 3 minutes. This allows the juices inside the sausage to redistribute, ensuring a moist bite.
2. Slice the sausage on a bias (diagonal) into 1-inch chunks and toss with the peppers and onions. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 380 kcal · Protein: 19g · Fat: 28g · Carbohydrates: 12g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 9g · Fiber: 3g · Sugar: 6g · Sodium: 850mg (dependent on sausage brand)