Cooking dinner on a busy weeknight requires fast methods and minimal cleanup. This air fryer chicken sausage veggies recipe combines protein and produce in a single basket. The circulating heat roasts the vegetables and browns the sausage edges in about 25 minutes.
Using fully cooked chicken sausage speeds up the process. You only need to chop a few vegetables and toss them with oil and spices. The Cajun seasoning adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor that coats the mushrooms and tomatoes as they soften.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
- Cooking the sausage first gives it a head start to brown before the moisture from the vegetables lowers the basket temperature.
- Tossing the vegetables in oil and seasoning separately ensures an even coating without making the sausage overly salty.
- Adding cherry tomatoes whole allows them to blister and release their juices, creating a light sauce in the basket.
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies Ingredients
- Chicken Sausage: Choose a fully cooked Andouille or smoked chicken sausage. You can use mild or spicy varieties depending on your preference.
- Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or orange peppers add a sweet flavor that balances the savory Cajun spices. Green peppers work but have a sharper taste.
- Mushrooms: White button or cremini mushrooms hold up well to the high heat. Wipe them clean with a damp cloth instead of washing them to prevent sogginess.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are a direct substitute. Leave them whole so they do not turn to mush during cooking.
- Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought blends vary in sodium. If your blend is very salty, you may want to use a little less.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Step 1: Brown the sausage
Start by cooking the sliced chicken sausage on its own. The high heat of the air fryer crisps the edges and renders out a little fat. This takes about eight minutes.
Step 2: Season the vegetables
While the meat cooks, prepare the produce. Combine the mushrooms, tomatoes, and peppers in a bowl. Coat them evenly with olive oil and Cajun seasoning.
Step 3: Combine and finish cooking
Add the seasoned vegetables directly into the basket with the hot sausage. Stir everything together and continue air frying until the vegetables are tender and blistered. Ensure the sausage reaches 165°F (74°C).
Storage Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended because the tomatoes and peppers will become mushy when thawed. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through to 165°F (74°C).
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
- Food safety: Always ensure poultry products reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Air fryer models vary in wattage. Check the vegetables at the 15-minute mark to prevent burning.
- Cut the bell peppers into large, uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate as the mushrooms.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies?
Serve this mixture over steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. It also pairs well with short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies Recipe FAQs
Can I use raw chicken sausage instead of fully cooked?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Raw sausage takes longer to cook through and must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before you eat it.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Preheating helps the sausage start browning immediately. If your model does not have a preheat function, run it empty at 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
Can I use different vegetables?
Zucchini, yellow squash, and red onions are good alternatives. Cut them into thick pieces so they do not overcook in the high heat.
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Ingredients
- 12 oz fully cooked chicken sausage sliced into rounds, 340g
- 8 oz white button mushrooms sliced, 225g
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes 225g
- 2 large bell peppers diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 15ml
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning 6g
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional), 4g
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the sliced chicken sausage rounds into the air fryer basket in an even layer.
- Cook the sausage for 8 minutes.
- While the sausage cooks, place the sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and diced bell peppers in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning. Toss well to coat.
- Open the air fryer and add the seasoned vegetables to the basket with the sausage. Stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, stirring the mixture halfway through the cooking time.
- Check that the chicken sausage reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the air fryer, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
