Parsley: Provides fresh, herbaceous note and subtle green brightness to finish the dish.
Tools That Get the Job Done in the Air Fryer
Air fryer: Your main cooking device for this delicious recipe.
Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing sausage, peppers, and onions with oil and seasonings.
Cutting board: Essential for slicing sausage and chopping vegetables.
Sharp knife: Needed for precise cutting of ingredients.
Wooden spoon or tongs: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients during cooking.
Measuring spoons: Helpful for adding the right amount of seasonings.
Cooking Sausage and Peppers in the Air Fryer
Prep Station Gather your sausage, colorful bell peppers, and onions on a clean cutting board. Slice everything into delicious bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly and look amazing.
Flavor Boost Drizzle some olive oil over the sausage and veggie mixture, then sprinkle your favorite herbs and spices. Gently toss everything together so each piece gets a yummy coating of seasoning.
Air Fryer Magic Transfer the sausage and pepper mix into the air fryer basket. Spread it out loosely so hot air can circulate and create that perfect golden-brown crispiness we all love.
Cooking Time Set the air fryer to 400°F and let it work its magic for about 12-14 minutes. Give the basket a quick shake halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly and gets that beautiful caramelized exterior.
Final Touch Once the sausage is sizzling and the peppers are tender, carefully remove the basket. Do a quick taste test and add a pinch of extra seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, hassle-free meal!
Tips for Crisping Peppers Just Right
Experiment with different sausage varieties like spicy Italian, chicken apple, or bratwurst to transform the flavor profile of your dish.
Mix in additional vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to create a more colorful and nutritious meal.
Serve over rice, stuff into hoagie rolls, or toss with pasta for quick and delicious meal transformations that keep things interesting.
Dial up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce during seasoning for those who love a kick of spiceness.
Serving Ideas for Sausage and Peppers Meals
Hearty Sandwich Stuffing: Pile the sizzling sausage and peppers into a crusty Italian roll for a classic street food experience that bursts with flavor and texture.
Protein-Packed Pasta Topper: Spoon the golden-brown mixture over al dente pasta, creating a quick and satisfying meal that brings together juicy sausage and tender vegetables.
Zesty Rice Bowl Base: Serve the sausage and peppers atop fluffy white or brown rice, adding a drizzle of hot sauce or fresh herbs for an extra kick of deliciousness.
Game Day Appetizer Platter: Arrange the sizzling sausage and peppers on a platter with toothpicks, making it a crowd-pleasing finger food perfect for parties and gatherings.
Keeping Sausage and Peppers for Lunch Tomorrow
Smart Portion Planning: Prepare enough for 4 servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Leftovers stay fresh in sealed containers for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer-Friendly Technique: Freeze cooked sausage and peppers in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Quick Meal Transformation: Repurpose leftovers into sandwiches, pasta dishes, or scrambled eggs for effortless next-day meals. Add fresh herbs or a splash of hot sauce to reinvent the flavor profile.
Ingredient Prep Hack: Slice sausages and chop vegetables in advance and store separately in refrigerator containers. This saves 15-20 minutes during busy weeknight cooking and keeps ingredients fresh for 2-3 days.
Hearty sausage and peppers invite comfort with classic Italian-American flavors. Garlicky sausages nestled among sweet bell peppers create a simple, satisfying meal you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
16 oz (453 g) Polish sausage, kielbasa, or rope/link sausages
3 bell peppers, any color, chopped into 1-inch pieces
0.5 large yellow or white onion, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 tbsp (15 mL) avocado or olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp parsley
0.5 tsp onion powder
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
Instructions
Prep Components: Slice hot Italian sausage diagonally and chop bell peppers and onions into uniform pieces for balanced cooking and texture.
Season Mixture: Toss sausage, peppers, and onions with olive oil, sprinkling dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a well-coated, flavor-packed blend.
Air Fry Configuration: Spread seasoned ingredients in the air fryer basket, ensuring slight overlap to allow heat circulation and maximize caramelization potential.
Cooking Process: Activate air fryer at 400°F (204°C), roasting for 12-15 minutes, rotating contents midway to guarantee uniform browning and prevent uneven cooking.
Doneness Verification: Confirm sausage reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and vegetables achieve a tender, golden-brown appearance with crisp edges.
Final Presentation: Extract the aromatic mixture, letting it rest briefly to stabilize internal juices, then plate with complementary accompaniments like crusty bread, rice, or pasta.
Notes
Slice Strategically: Cut sausage and vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
Season Thoroughly: Massage oil and spices into ingredients to guarantee deep flavor penetration and balanced taste in every bite.
Arrange Wisely: Create space between ingredients in the air fryer basket for optimal hot air circulation, preventing steaming and promoting perfect caramelization.
Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm sausage reaches 160°F, guaranteeing food safety without overcooking and maintaining juicy, tender results.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.