Sausage and Peppers in the Air Fryer
Air fryer sausage and peppers puts the whole dinner in one basket. The links brown and release their juices over the sliced peppers and onions, which soften and caramelize at the edges in about 18 minutes at 380 °F. There is no skillet to scrub, and it works with Italian, smoked or chicken sausage.
- Temperature
- 380°F190 °C
- Total time
- 31min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Internal temp
- 160°F71 °C
- Per serving
- 380kcal
Why the air fryer works for sausage and peppers
Sausage and peppers is normally a skillet dish, and the usual problem is the timing. Sausage needs 15 minutes or more to cook through, while peppers and onions turn limp after 10. In the air fryer, the sausage sits on top of the vegetables. Its fat and juices drip over them as it cooks, while the hot air dries the surface and browns the tips of the peppers.
The skin of the sausage tightens in the dry heat, which gives a snappy bite and a deep brown color without any oil. Pricking the casing once lets steam escape and keeps the links from bursting. For other methods and flavors, see sausage in the air fryer.
How to make sausage and peppers in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Season the vegetables In a large bowl, toss the peppers, onion and garlic with the olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper until coated.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 380 °F for .
- Load the basket Spread the vegetables in the basket. Prick each sausage once or twice with a fork and set the links on top in one layer, so the juices drip over the vegetables. This fits a 5 qt basket or larger; in a smaller basket, halve the recipe or cook in two rounds.
- Cook Cook for . After , flip the sausages and stir the vegetables. The sausages are done when they are browned and an instant-read thermometer reads 160 °F in the center.
- Rest and serve Move the sausages to a plate and let them rest for . If the vegetables need more color, cook them for 2 more minutes. Slice the sausages or serve whole with the vegetables on top.
Times and temperatures
| Sausage and Peppers | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Italian sausageFlip after 9 min | 380 °F (190 °C) | 18 min |
| Smoked or fully cooked sausageHeat to 165 °F | 375 °F (190 °C) | 10–12 min |
| Raw chicken sausageCook to 165 °F | 380 °F (190 °C) | 15–16 min |
| Frozen raw sausageAdd vegetables at the 12 min mark | 360 °F (180 °C) | 20–24 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 160 °F (71 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Cut vegetables to the same size. Strips of about ½ inch cook at the same pace as the sausage.
- Choose a fresh sausage. Sweet or hot Italian links work best, and good quality sausage releases more flavorful juices.
- Check the temperature. Color is not a reliable guide for sausage, so use a thermometer.
What to serve with sausage and peppers
The classic way is in a toasted hoagie roll with a little mozzarella, but it also works over polenta, rice or pasta with marinara. Add a green salad or garlic bread for a weeknight dinner. If you like the peppers in a different form, try stuffed peppers in the air fryer.
Storing and reheating
Leftovers keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Reheat sausage and peppers in the air fryer at 350 °F for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring once, until the sausage reaches 165 °F in the center. Cooked sausage and peppers also freeze for up to 2 months, although the peppers will be softer after thawing.
Variations
- Smoked sausage: Use kielbasa or andouille. The sausage is already cooked, so 10 to 12 minutes is enough.
- Chicken sausage: Use raw chicken sausage links and cook them to 165 °F.
- Sausage, potatoes and peppers: Add 1 lb of halved baby potatoes, started 10 minutes earlier. For potatoes alone, see mini potatoes in the air fryer.
If it does not turn out right
- The sausage skin splits or bursts
- The links cooked too hot or were not pricked. Prick each one lightly and keep the temperature at 380 °F or lower.
- The vegetables are soggy
- The basket was too full. Keep the vegetables in a single loose layer, or cook them in a second round.
- The sausage is pale
- The links were crowded or straight from a wet package. Pat them dry and leave space between them.
Questions and answers
How long does sausage and peppers take in the air fryer?
18 minutes at 380 °F for raw Italian sausage links, flipping halfway. Fully cooked smoked sausage needs only 10 to 12 minutes.
What temperature should the sausage reach?
160 °F for raw pork sausage, and 165 °F for chicken or turkey sausage and for fully cooked sausage you are reheating.
Can I cook frozen sausage and peppers in the air fryer?
Raw frozen links can go in without thawing. Cook them at 360 °F for 20 to 24 minutes and add the fresh vegetables for the last 12 minutes.
Can I add potatoes?
Yes. Add 1 lb of baby potatoes cut in half, tossed in 1 tbsp oil, and give them a 10-minute head start before the sausage and peppers go in.
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