Quick and delicious, this recipe for Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Peppers is made with sweet Italian sausage and a colorful mix of peppers and onions. It's an Italian classic dish made easy, right in the air fryer.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Sausage Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Italian Sausage
• 🔪 How to Make Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers
• 💡 Tips for Making Air Fryer Italian Sausage
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Sausage and Peppers
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can You Cook Raw Sausage in the Air Fryer?
• How Do You Keep Sausages From Bursting in the Air Fryer
• Can I Cook Frozen Sausages in the Air Fryer?
• What if I Don't Have an Air Fryer?
• 🍽️ More Nutritious Dinner Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Sausage Recipe

• Sweet Italian sausage
• Colorful peppers and onions mix
• Classic Italian dish made easy
• Takes only 20 minutes to make
• Keto friendly

If you're a fan of hassle-free cooking that has fantastic results, then this air fryer sausage and peppers should be next on your list. Mouth-watering, juicy Italian sausages combined with tender and flavorful peppers and onions are perfect for those busy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day parties.

The real bonus of this recipe is that you prepare it all right in the air fryer. You just toss the ingredients into the air fryer and let the hot air circulation take care of the rest. In just 20 minutes, dinner is served!

I have been on an air fryer kick lately. I love how quickly and easily it cooks anything from these Air Fryer Bone-in Pork Chops to these Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. You're going to love the way it cooks this sausage dish, too.

🛒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Italian Sausage

• Italian Sausage
• Bell peppers
• Onion
• Olive oil
• Garlic salt
• Dried basil
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Air fryer

🔪 How to Make Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.

Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to a mixing bowl.

Add the olive oil, garlic salt, dried basil, and ground black pepper over the top. Mix to combine, making sure everything is well coated.

Pour the mixture into your air fryer basket in a single layer.

Place the sausage links on top of the peppers and onions.

Cook on 380°F 15-18 minutes. 

Halfway through, flip the sausage and shake the peppers and onions.

💡 Tips for Making Air Fryer Italian Sausage

The air fryer makes for fairly straightforward cooking. Just keep in mind that different models of air fryers may cook differently. Here are a few other general tips to keep in mind.

• Check the sausage halfway through cooking. If it appears they are swelling, take a fork and carefully prick the skin to allow excess fat to escape. This will prevent them from bursting inside the cooker during cooking.

• Ensure the sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F on an instant read meat thermometer. Adjust cooking time if needed.

• If preparing a large batch, cook the sausages in batches rather than overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures better air circulation which allows even cooking.

• Allow the sausages to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices.

☑️ Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Let the sausage and veggies cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.

• Freezer: You can also freeze leftovers. Place them in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date they were cooked. You can freeze them for up to a couple of months.

• To reheat: Reheat refrigerated sausages in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through. You can also stick them in the microwave for about a minute.

🍴 What to Serve with Sausage and Peppers

You can serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or cauliflower rice or one of these tasty sides:

• Greek Quinoa Salad
• Burrata Caprese Salad
• Pickled Beets Salad
• Sauteed Broccolini
• Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Crispy Smashed Potatoes
• Garlic Potatoes with Green Beans

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Spicy kick: Swap the sweet sausage with spicy or hot Italian sausages for an extra kick. You can also add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to spice things up.

• Other veggies: Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the pepper and onion mixture.  

• Fresh herbs: Top the cooked sausage with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or oregano.

• Balsamic glaze: Drizzle some of this balsamic glaze over the sausages and peppers after cooking for a sweet and tangy topping.

• Cheese: You can grate some parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the sausages and peppers before serving.

Can You Cook Raw Sausage in the Air Fryer?

Sure. The air fryer is designed to cook raw foods. Just make sure you preheat it before adding them to the basket.

How Do You Keep Sausages From Bursting in the Air Fryer

If your sausages begin to swell while cooking, take the tip of a sharp knife or a fork and gently poke a couple of holes in the skin. You don't want all the fat to escape so just make a few holes.

Can I Cook Frozen Sausages in the Air Fryer?

It's recommended to use thawed sausages for even cooking. If you're using frozen, add to cooking time by several minutes. You'll want to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

What if I Don't Have an Air Fryer?

No worries. You can just pop them in the oven. Cook in a preheated oven on 400°F for about 30 minutes or until cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

🍽️ More Nutritious Dinner Recipes

• Fried Cabbage with Ham
• Egg Roll Soup
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Chicken Corn Chowder
• Shrimp Pan Shrimp and Veggies
• Best Homemade Chili