Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Peppers

Pre-cooked chicken sausages need 12–15 minutes at 375°F to heat through, develop a browned crust, and split slightly at the skin. Sliced bell peppers (1/2-inch strips) need 10–15 minutes at 375°F to become tender with caramelized edges. Because the timing is nearly identical, everything can go in together. Add both to the basket at the same time, shake at 7 minutes to redistribute for even browning, and serve at 12–15 minutes. Raw chicken sausages need 18–20 minutes — verify with a thermometer at 165°F.

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes. 2. Slice bell peppers (any color) into 1/2-inch strips. Thinly slice half an onion. Toss vegetables with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. 3. Score chicken sausages diagonally 3–4 times to help them cook evenly and absorb flavor. 4. Add sausages and pepper mixture to the basket together. 5. Cook at 375°F for 7 minutes. Shake basket thoroughly. 6. Cook another 6–8 minutes until sausages are browned and reach 165°F, and peppers are tender. 7. Serve in hoagie rolls, over rice, or with crusty bread.

Italian sausage and peppers is the classic pairing — Italian herbs (oregano, basil, fennel seeds), garlic, and olive oil on the vegetables match any Italian-style chicken sausage. For a smoky Spanish profile, use smoked paprika, garlic, and a splash of sherry vinegar. An apple chicken sausage pairs beautifully with peppers seasoned with a hint of brown sugar and mustard. For a lighter version, use lemon-herb seasoning on both. No matter what seasoning you use, the peppers and onions absorb the fat and juices from the sausage as it renders — keep the seasoning flexible to complement your specific sausage flavor.

Adding sliced onions alongside the peppers is traditional and adds sweetness — they cook in the same time as the peppers. For extra caramelization on the peppers, increase the temperature to 390°F in the final 3 minutes. Swap bell peppers for banana peppers or poblanos for more heat. If using raw (uncooked) chicken sausages, add 5–6 minutes and verify internal temperature reaches 165°F. Scale up easily in larger air fryers — just ensure there's space for air to circulate. Leftovers keep 3 days and reheat perfectly at 350°F for 4 minutes.