Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Slice Vegetables: While the air fryer is preheating, slice the bell peppers and onion.
Step 2: Season the Vegetables
- Season: In a large bowl, toss the sliced peppers and onions with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Step 3: Air Fry the Sausages and Vegetables
- First Cook the Sausages: Place the Italian sausages in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time.
- Add Vegetables: After 10 minutes, carefully add the seasoned bell peppers and onions to the air fryer basket, distributing them evenly around the sausages.
- Continue Cooking: Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the vegetables halfway through, until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Serve
- Check Doneness: Ensure the sausages are fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the sausages and vegetables from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Dish: Serve the sausages and vegetables on their own for a low-carb meal.
- With Pasta: Toss with cooked pasta and a drizzle of olive oil or marinara sauce.
- In Sandwich Rolls: Place the sausages and vegetables in sandwich rolls for a delicious sub.
- With Rice: Serve over a bed of rice for a hearty and filling meal.
Tips for Success
- Even Cooking: Make sure the vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Flip Halfway: Turning the sausages and stirring the vegetables halfway through cooking helps achieve even browning.
Variations
- Different Sausages: Try using chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or bratwurst for a different flavor.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetables for a spicy kick.
- Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese over the cooked sausages and vegetables for added richness.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Italian Sausage with Onions and Peppers is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of juicy sausages, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions is a classic that never disappoints. Enjoy this versatile dish on its own, with pasta, or in a sandwich for a satisfying and flavorful dinner. Buon appetito!