Sausage and Peppers (Air Fryer and Oven)

These Sausage and Peppers Recipe are made with sweet and spicy sausages, bell peppers, onions and air fried to crispy goodness.

This air fryer sausage recipe is so delicious because it leaves the sausage to be crispy but juicy on the inside. It is so quick and everything is made in the air fryer, which makes clean up so much easier. It is a great weeknight dinner. I have been so obsessed with my air fryer and have been making so many different recipes with it. Since I live in NYC, I don’t have access to a grill, especially in the winter. Luckily, the air fryer creates a similar taste, creating a perfectly brown crispy sausage. I love this meal because it is nutritious and keto friendly.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Sausage Skewer Appetizers or my Sausage and Mushroom Casserole.

Jump to:

• What are Italian Sausage and Peppers?
• What Kind of Sausage and Peppers to Use?
• Ingredients
• How to make Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers Recipe
• What to serve with Sausage and Peppers
• Substitutions
• Sausage and Peppers Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Sausage and Peppers
• Sausage and Peppers Recipe Top tips
• Sausage and Peppers Recipe
• Food safety

What are Italian Sausage and Peppers?

Italian Sausage and Peppers is a classic Italian-American dish that typically consists of sautéed Italian sausage, bell peppers, and onions. The dish is often served on a hoagie roll as a sandwich or over pasta or rice as a main course.

To make Italian Sausage and Peppers, the sausage is typically cooked in a skillet or pan until browned on both sides. Using an air fryer gives this same browning effect and texture. This air fryer Italian Sausage and Peppers is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. You can use different types of sausage or peppers to create variations on the classic recipe. Some recipes also call for additional ingredients like tomatoes, mushrooms, or wine.

What Kind of Sausage and Peppers to Use?

When making sausage and peppers, you can use a variety of sausage types depending on your preferences. Here are some popular options:

• Italian Sausage: Sweet or hot Italian sausage is a popular choice for sausage and peppers. Italian sausage is made with pork and flavored with herbs like fennel, garlic, and paprika.
• Andouille Sausage: Andouille sausage is a smoked sausage that originated in Louisiana. It is made with pork, spices, and smoked over pecan wood. Andouille sausage adds a spicy and smoky flavor to sausage and peppers.
• Bratwurst Sausage: Bratwurst sausage is a type of German sausage made with pork and veal. It is seasoned with spices like nutmeg, coriander, and caraway. Bratwurst sausage adds a milder flavor to sausage and peppers.
• Chicken or Turkey Sausage: If you are looking for a healthier option, you can use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork sausage. Chicken or turkey sausage is lower in fat and calories than pork sausage.
• Bell pepper: When it comes to peppers, you can use any kind of sweet bell peppers, such as green, red, yellow, or orange. You can also use hot peppers like jalapeno or serrano if you prefer a spicier dish. In addition to peppers, you can add other vegetables like onions, garlic, and mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Italian sausage
• Bell pepper
• Yellow onion
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Hint: You could chop the sausages for a crispier sausage.

What to serve with Sausage and Peppers

• Bread: A crusty baguette or Italian bread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful juices from the dish.
• Pasta: Serve the sausage and peppers over your favorite pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.
• Rice: Cook up a pot of white or brown rice to serve alongside the dish.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, squash, eggplant, or carrots can provide a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Potatoes: Roasted, boiled, or mashed potatoes can be a perfect complement to sausage and peppers.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables, such as asparagus or bell peppers, can add a smoky flavor to the dish.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw can balance the richness of the sausage and peppers.

Substitutions

Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for this, with a combination of some being spicy and some being sweet.

Bell pepper: You can use any color of bell pepper you desire. I used one green and one red pepper, because I love how colorful it makes the dish.

Onion: You can use any type of onion. Traditionally, this dish uses yellow onion, although white or red onion would work too.

Olive oil: I love using my olive oil spray whenever I make anything in the air fryer. It creates a much lighter feeling and it is so delicious.

Sausage and Peppers Recipe Variations

• Sausage and Peppers in the Slow Cooker: This recipe involves cooking Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and canned tomatoes in a slow cooker for a few hours. This is a great option for a hands-off, easy meal that is ready when you are.
• Sausage and Peppers with Potatoes: This variation adds diced potatoes to the dish for a one-pan meal. The potatoes are cooked until tender along with the sausage, peppers, and onions.
• Sausage and Peppers Pasta: In this version, the sausage and peppers are combined with cooked pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. This makes for a hearty and comforting pasta dish.
• Sausage and Peppers Casserole: This recipe layers sausage, peppers, onions, cooked rice, and cheese in a baking dish and bakes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is a great option for a crowd or a potluck.
• Spicy Sausage and Peppers: If you like your food with a kick, you can add some hot peppers like jalapeno or serrano to the dish. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of the sweet variety for extra heat.

Check out this Seafood Boil Bag.

Equipment

• Air Fryer: You will need an air fryer to cook the sausage and peppers. An air fryer is a countertop appliance that circulates hot air around food to cook it quickly and evenly. You can find air fryers in various sizes and models to fit your needs.
• Mixing Bowl: You will need a mixing bowl to combine the sausage and peppers with the seasoning.
• Cutting Board and Knife: You will need a cutting board and a sharp knife to slice the bell peppers and onions and the sausage into bite-sized pieces.
• Tongs or a Spatula: You will need tongs or a spatula to flip and toss the sausage and peppers in the air fryer.
• Measuring Spoons: You will need measuring spoons to measure the seasoning for the recipe.

How to store Sausage and Peppers

To store sausage and peppers, let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

If you want to freeze sausage and peppers, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label the container with the name of the dish and the date you made it. You can store sausage and peppers in the freezer for up to three months.

When you are ready to reheat the sausage and peppers, you can do so in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.

• Microwave: place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Place the desired amount in a skillet and heat over medium heat until heated through.
• Oven: Place the desired amount in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Sausage and Peppers Recipe Top tips

• Choose the right sausage: Use a good quality sausage, such as Italian sausage or chorizo, for the best flavor. You can use sweet or spicy sausage depending on your preference.
• Use a variety of peppers: Mix different colors of bell peppers, such as green, red, and yellow, for a colorful and flavorful dish. You can also add other types of peppers, such as poblano or Anaheim, for extra flavor and heat.
• Cut the ingredients evenly: Cut the sausage and peppers into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Season the dish well: Use a combination of dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, and basil to flavor the dish. Salt and pepper to taste.
• Cook the sausage and peppers separately: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sausage and peppers in batches. It's best to cook them separately so that they cook evenly.
• Toss the sausage and peppers halfway through cooking: Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs or a spatula to toss the sausage and peppers to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice char.
• Serve with bread or pasta: Sausage and peppers are delicious on their own, but they are also great served over pasta or with a crusty piece of bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Customize the dish: Add your favorite vegetables or spices to the dish to make it your own. Some great additions include garlic, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.