Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers are seasoned with spices to create a super easy and low-carb lunch or dinner, made with sausage, red and green bell peppers and the addition of delicious onions. You won’t believe how much flavor develops in the air fryer.
>> You might also like this Air Fryer Tilapia.
Super Useful Air Fryer Accessories
Once you’ve started using your air fryer more regularly, you’ll find there are so many other ways you *could* be using it, if you had a few extra useful accessories. Here are a few favorites that we use almost every day.
- 12-piece accessories kit for 3.7-5.8 quart air fryers – includes silicone cake pan, cake barrel, pizza pan, toasting/warming rack, skewer rack, silicone mat, bread rack and more
- Thermopen instant read thermometer for checking the internal temp of your meats
- Evo Oil Sprayer Bottle – BPA, latex, and dehp-free plastic, won’t clog or shatter, reusable, refillable, recyclable
Of all the dishes I make in the air fryer, this is one of my absolute favorites. a quick, easy, healthy, and delicious recipe for lunch or dinner.
Elevate your typical sausage and peppers with a few spices and toss it all into the air fryer to work its magic. It’s a really hands-off meal that’s easy to make and fun to eat.
What is Sausage and Peppers?
Sausage and peppers is an Italian-American dish that combines sausages, usually of Italian origin, with bell peppers and onions cooked together – in this case, in an air fryer. Sausage and peppers are commonly served in a sandwich, over pasta, or as a standalone main course.
Ingredients You Need
- Bell peppers: Based on the colors, their flavors can vary from fruity to citrusy. You can choose any colored bell pepper or a combination. Cut them in equal chunks, and that’s it.
- Onion: Onion has a unique sweet and savory flavor. You can use either red or white onion for this recipe. Cut the onion in chunks as well.
- Sausages: Sausages come in different varieties, and you are free to choose any. You can go for chicken, turkey, beef or pork sausages as well. We typically use Italian or Polish sausages. Cut them in thick slices.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is rich in healthy fats. You can use any other vegetable oil as well.
- Paprika: A dash of paprika will add smokiness and a punch of flavor to this dish.
- Garlic salt: Garlic salt adds a great garlic flavor while seasoning the veggies with salt.
- Onion powder: For a more savory flavor, use onion powder. If you are looking for more depth, add garlic powder as well.
- Herbs: Herbs like rosemary and thyme don’t just add aroma but also a distinct flavor to the dish. You can choose either fresh or dried herbs.
- Salt & pepper: No dish is complete without adding salt and black pepper at the end, to taste.
Ninja® Foodi®XL 2-Basket Air Fryer
- 2 independent XL air fryer baskets
- Integrated Foodi® Smart Thermometer
- Cook 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time
How to Make Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers?
Making Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers is super easy. Here is what you need to do:
Step 1: Cut up the bell peppers, onions and sausage into pieces that are all about the same size. This will ensure they cook at the same rate. Put them all into a large bowl.
Step 2: Add olive oil and the rest of the herbs and seasonings to the bowl. Mix everything together until it’s all well combined and the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into your air fryer basket. It’s okay if the pieces overlap. Generally, you’ll be filling the basket at least halfway up, depending on the size of your basket. It’s okay, because you’ll be stirring it twice during cooking.
Step 4: Cook on 400° F (200° C) for 10 minutes. Shake or stir the contents of the basket twice during cooking so that everything is cooked evenly. Once done, serve!
Why Use an Air Fryer
An air fryer is an incredibly easy way to cook just about anything. You place the food in a fryer-style basket and hot air rapidly circulates all around the food, making the food crisp – much like deep-frying, but without the oil. You can cook anything you’d make in the oven.
- I use a Ninja MaxXL air fryer (pictured left). If you don’t have an air fryer yet, check out these options to find one that fits your needs.
- See reviews and prices for air fryers on Amazon.
- Here’s a printable Air Fryer Cooking Times Cheat Sheet to get you started.
- Click to find more recipes to make in your Air Fryer.
- Learn how to make fun things in the air fryer, like potato wedges, pork belly bites, and chicken wings.
Can I Use Other Types Of Sausages?
There are several types of sausages that are commonly used in sausage and peppers, but the best type of sausage depends on personal preference. Here are some popular options:
- Italian sausage: This is a classic choice for sausage and peppers. Italian sausage is typically made with pork and seasoned with fennel, garlic, and red pepper flakes. It has a slightly spicy and savory flavor that pairs well with the sweet peppers.
- Sweet sausage: If you prefer a milder flavor, sweet sausage is a good choice. It is typically made with pork and seasoned with sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It has a slightly sweet and savory flavor that complements the peppers.
- Hot sausage: If you like your sausage and peppers with a little kick, hot sausage is a good option. It is typically made with pork and seasoned with spicy peppers like cayenne or jalapeno. It has a spicy and savory flavor that pairs well with the sweet peppers.
- Chicken sausage: For a lighter option, chicken sausage is a good choice. It is typically made with ground chicken and seasoned with herbs and spices. It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the peppers.
How To Store Leftover Sausages and Peppers.
To maintain freshness and flavor, store the leftover sausages and peppers in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to keep the aroma from permeating other things in your refrigerator. If you have a large batch of sausage and peppers, consider separating them into individual portions before storing them.
You can reheat the sausage and peppers in the air fryer basket, just as you did the first time. It will take about 5 minutes on 400 degrees F.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Sausage Should I Use?
There are so many different types of sausage. This recipe can be made with any sausage you like. That’s what makes it a truly versatile meal. We typically use Vienna sausage (in the pictures), but we’ve also used Italian sausage, Polish sausage, and even breakfast sausage. This is a great breakfast hash with a fried egg served over the top!
Does it Matter What Peppers I Use?
Nope. Just like with the sausage, you can use whatever peppers you want. Bell peppers are the best type because they’re thick and large. Any color is fine. Red peppers have more sweetness. Green is more bitter and savory. You can also use Anaheim or pointed peppers…
Can I Reheat Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers?
Yes. You can store the leftover by placing them in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer at 400° F for about 5 minutes. You can also freeze this dish, either before or after cooking. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. This is a great freezer meal that you can always have on hand to toss into the air fryer when you’re needing to make a quick meal.
How long to cook sausages in an air fryer?
For fresh sausages (uncooked): Cook at 400°F (200C) for about 12-15 minutes, turning the sausages halfway through cooking. For pre-cooked or frozen sausages: Cook at 400°F (200C) for 10-12 minutes, turning the sausages halfway through cooking.
Can you put sausage in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook sausages in an air fryer! Before placing the sausages in the air fryer, prick a few holes in each sausage with a fork to prevent them from bursting when cooking. Or better yet, slice them up.
How to Change It Up A Bit
If you’re looking for different ways to spice this dish up, we’ve got a few great ideas here.
- Add mushrooms and/or potatoes
- Sprinkle on Cajun seasoning or Old Bay Seasoning
- Use Spicy Italian sausage or include a few jalapeno peppers in the mix
What Side Dishes to Serve?
You can serve some really easy side dishes with your main dish cooked in the Air Fryer. Sometimes, you can cook them together in the air fryer to make it even faster.
Some of our favorite side dishes to serve include:
- Air fryer cauliflower
- Air fryer baked potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Corn on the cob
- Crispy smashed potatoes
- Cottage fries
Here are 28 more air fryer side dishes to try
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Air Fryer Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 bell peppers any color, cut in chunks
- 1 large onion cut in chunks
- 2-3 Sausages thick sliced
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Dash rosemary
- Dash thyme
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Put the bell peppers, onions, and sausage in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with seasonings. Stir to coat.
- Pour the sausage mixture into the air fryer basket. Cook on 400°F (200C) for 10 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring twice during cooking.
All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.
Nutrition
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Laura is a passionate foodie and owner of Air Fry Anytime She is dedicated to sharing delicious recipes and helpful tips for using air fryers at home. With years of experience in the kitchen and a love for healthy, flavorful cooking, Laura has become an expert at using air fryers to create amazing meals that are both nutritious and delicious.
This was DELICIOUS! I used a Cajun-style sausage so I omitted the spices except for the salt/pepper and served over rice. I almost used green bells instead of red, but I’m glad I didn’t…it would have tasted totally different! DEFINITELY a keeper!
Yes, it would taste quite a bit different with green vs red peppers. I like the sweetness of the red. Glad you liked the recipe!
It was delicious! Good flavor & simple prep, cooked in 13 minutes! 10 on one side, 3 on the other.
I made the recipe simply because I had all the ingredients. lt was a Monday night and I wanted to attend Bible Study. I had a red and yellow peppers, onions and kielbasa. I also had leftover mashed potatoes. To be honest, I thought my husband would hate it. Our tastes do not always collide. I work first shift, and he works 2nd shift, so dinners and leftovers are always a consideration. I can make a great meal, but if it can’t be easily reheated it’s not necessarily a good option.
To my great surprise, He Loved this meal. Furthermore, his coworkers were drooling over the scent. He says it’s a win!
Don’t you love it when you find a recipe that is a hit with everyone? So glad you loved the recipe. Thanks for reaching out.
Great recipe I also added some mushrooms and it was delicious thank you
These were so quick and hassle-free to make, thanks to the airfryer
do you pre-heat airfryer or start cold
Hi Peter. I almost always start cold, without preheating, unless I’m cooking steak or something that needs to be precise.
The sausages were juicy on the inside and had a nice crispy exterior. The peppers and onions complemented the dish beautifully
So glad it came out great for you!
is there a specific type of sausage that works best for the airfryer?
All sausage cooks well in the air fryer. You can choose the one you like the best. We like to use Italian sausage or Polish sausage.
Can I add can potatoes and mushrooms to the other ingredients?
You sure can! Just be aware that some ingredients will cook faster together than others. The mushrooms will cook great with the peppers and onions.
Are there any other spices you recommend using for this dish for more flavor?
I typically use Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, but you could also use Cajun seasoning or another dry rub you like.
I didn’t have sausages on hand, so I used chicken thighs instead, and the result was gret
That sounds lovely.
I used turkey sausauges instead of normal and it came out so good!
added some sliced zucchinis and still enjoyed it