Quick & Easy Air Fryer Sausage Veggie Bake (Keto, Low-Carb & One-Basket Meal!)
Whip up a satisfying and healthy meal in minutes with this Quick & Easy Air Fryer Sausage Veggie Bake! Diced smoked turkey sausage, vibrant bell peppers, tender broccoli, and sweet onions are tossed with olive oil and seasonings, then air-fried to perfection. It’s a fantastic one-basket, low-carb, and gluten-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 (about 8-10 ounce) pre-cooked smoked turkey sausage, diced (check for no added sugar or fillers)
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup onion, sliced into thin strips
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cleaned and sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or tongs
- Air fryer
- Non-stick cooking spray (optional, for air fryer basket)
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Slice the onion and bell pepper into thin strips. Dice the smoked turkey sausage into ½ to ¾ inch pieces.
- Combine & Season: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced smoked turkey sausage, chopped broccoli florets, sliced onion, and sliced bell pepper.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings (like garlic powder or paprika).
- Mix thoroughly with a spatula or your hands until all ingredients are well coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray if desired.
- Add the sausage and veggie mixture to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Turn the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the contents halfway through (around 5-6 minutes) to ensure even cooking and browning. The vegetables should be tender-crisp and the sausage heated through.
- Serve & Enjoy! Carefully remove the cooked mixture from the air fryer. Serve warm immediately.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcrowd: This is crucial for air frying. Overcrowding will steam the food instead of crisping it, leading to soggy results. Cook in multiple batches if needed.
- Veggie Size: Cut vegetables into similar, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Sausage Choice: Use a pre-cooked smoked turkey sausage that is low-carb and free of added sugars or unhealthy fillers. You can also use other keto-friendly pre-cooked sausages like kielbasa or chicken sausage.
- Customization: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on preference and what you have on hand (e.g., zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus). Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Flavor Boost: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh parsley after cooking can brighten the flavors.
Storage: Store any leftover Air Fryer Sausage Veggie Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to regain some crispness.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is high in protein from the turkey sausage.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Smoked Turkey Sausage: Crucial to check labels for hidden sugars or fillers, as some sausages can contain them.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided the smoked turkey sausage is certified gluten-free (most are, but always good to check).
Read on how to prepare Turkey and Spinach Meatballs.