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Air Fryer Italian Sausage With Peppers and Onions – Fast, Flavorful, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Italian sausages (mild or hot)
  • 3 bell peppers (mixed colors look great), sliced into strips
  • 1 large yellow or sweet onion, sliced
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon (for brightness)
  • Optional for serving: crusty rolls, hoagie buns, cooked rice, polenta, or pasta

Method
 

  1. Prep the basket. Preheat your air fryer to 370–380°F (about 190–193°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice the veggies. Cut the peppers into 1/2-inch strips and the onion into similar slices. Keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
  3. Season the mix. In a bowl, toss peppers and onions with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Start the vegetables. Add the seasoned peppers and onions to the air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they start to soften.
  5. Add the sausage. Nestle the sausages on top of the vegetables. Make sure they’re not touching too tightly so hot air can circulate.
  6. Cook to juicy and browned. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping the sausages once. Most sausages will be done in 16–20 minutes total from the start, but cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Finish with brightness. Toss the vegetables with a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon if you like. Taste and adjust salt.
  8. Serve your way. Pile into warm rolls, spoon over rice or polenta, or serve straight from the basket with a simple salad. Add grated Parmesan or fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy.