Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers (+Onions)

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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.

air fryer 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.

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.

Why You’ll Love It

  • 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, cooked in one pot for minimal clean-up that’s easy to make and fun to eat.
  • The air fryer brings out the best in these sausage and peppers, creating a perfect blend of savory flavors and delightful textures. The sausages are evenly cooked, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, while the peppers achieve a tender yet slightly charred consistency.
  • Cooking sausage and peppers in the air fryer offer a healthier, convenient, and family-friendly culinary experience that’s hard to resist.

Sherry says: 5 stars 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!

Pamela says: 5 stars I made the recipe simply because I had all the ingredients. 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. To my great surprise, He Loved this meal. Furthermore, his coworkers were drooling over the scent. He says it’s a win!

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.

Equipment Information

Helpful Tips

  • Make sure to cut the veggies into the same sized pieces for easy cooking.
  • It’s okay if the sausage and peppers overlap. You will be shaking the basket twice while cooking.
  • Experiment with using different kinds of sausage and different peppers.

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: Prep the ingredients

Peppers

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.

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 2: Add to the air fryer basket

Sausage, Peppers and onions

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 3: Air fry

Sausage, Peppers and onions

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!

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 the Leftovers

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° F(205°C).

Sausage, Peppers and onions

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.

Questions About the Recipe

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…

How 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(205°C) 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 (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, turning the sausages halfway through cooking. For pre-cooked or frozen sausages: Cook at 400°F (200°C) 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.

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Plate of peppers, onions and sausage

Air Fryer Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Air Fryer Sausage Peppers and Onions are seasoned with spices to create a super easy and low-carb lunch or dinner, made with sausage, red and green bell peppers and onions. You won't believe how much flavor develops in the air fryer.
4.8 from 117 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 175 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 2 bell peppers any color, cut in chunks
  • 1 large onion cut in chunks
  • 2-3 Sausages thick sliced
  • 1/2 tablespoon (7 ml) olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) 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 (205°C) for 10 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring twice during cooking.

Notes

  • Make sure to cut the veggies into the same sized pieces for easy cooking.
  • It’s okay if the sausage and peppers overlap. You will be shaking the basket twice while cooking.
  • Experiment with using different kinds of sausage and different peppers.

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

Calories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 7gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 419mgPotassium: 273mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1905IUVitamin C: 79mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Onions, Peppers, Sausage
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

25 thoughts on “Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers (+Onions)

  1. Sherry says:

    5 stars
    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!

    • Laura Lynch says:

      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!

  2. Pamela says:

    5 stars
    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!

    • Laura Lynch says:

      Hi Peter. I almost always start cold, without preheating, unless I’m cooking steak or something that needs to be precise.

  3. Russle 4 says:

    5 stars
    The sausages were juicy on the inside and had a nice crispy exterior. The peppers and onions complemented the dish beautifully

    • Angela Morris says:

      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.

    • Angela Morris says:

      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.

  4. JP says:

    I don’t know if you’re still reading comments on this, but you have any idea on the size of the sausages you used? Wanting to make it in the upcoming week and the type of sausage I have access to is about 10 ounces so would it be 2 to 3 of those?

4.83 from 117 votes (109 ratings without comment)

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