Air Fryer Veggie Sausage Casserole: A Quick and Healthy Weeknight Dinner

Are you looking for a delicious, hearty meal that’s both vegetarian-friendly and easy to prepare? Look no further than this air fryer veggie sausage casserole.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines the savory flavors of plant-based sausages with fresh, colorful vegetables and a touch of herbs for a meal that’s sure to satisfy even the most dedicated meat-eaters in your family.

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Veggie Sausage Casserole

The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, making it possible to create crispy, flavorful dishes with minimal oil and maximum convenience.

Air Fryer Veggie Sausage Casserole recipe

This veggie sausage casserole takes full advantage of your air fryer’s capabilities, delivering a meal that’s:

Ready in under 30 minutes
Packed with protein and vegetables
Easily customizable to your preferences
Perfect for meal prep
Low in fat but high in flavor
Ideal for vegetarians and flexitarians alike

Plus, cooking this casserole in an air fryer means you’ll get those deliciously crispy edges and perfectly cooked vegetables without turning on your oven – perfect for warm summer evenings or when you’re short on time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this air fryer veggie sausage casserole, you’ll need:

4 plant-based sausages (choose your favorite brand)
1 medium zucchini, chopped into chunks
1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 medium red onion, sliced into wedges
2 cups baby potatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
1 cup cherry tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian herbs or mixed herbs
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed

Air fryer (3.5 quart or larger recommended)
Cutting board and knife
Mixing bowl
Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
While the air fryer preheats, prepare your vegetables. Wash and chop the zucchini, bell peppers, and halve the baby potatoes. Slice the red onion into wedges and mince the garlic.
Slice the plant-based sausages into chunks about 1 inch thick. If your sausages are frozen, you may want to thaw them slightly before cutting.

Cooking the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared vegetables (potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, cherry tomatoes) and minced garlic.

Air Fryer Veggie Sausage Casserole ingredients

Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and add the Italian herbs, smoked paprika, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
Transfer about half of the vegetable mixture to your air fryer basket, spreading it out in an even layer.
Place the sausage pieces on top of the vegetables, making sure they’re distributed evenly.
Add the remaining vegetables on top, creating a layered effect.
Cook in the air fryer at 380°F for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the basket and gently stir or shake the contents to ensure even cooking.
Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the sausages are golden brown and crispy on the edges.

Serving

Once cooked, transfer the veggie sausage casserole to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Serve hot, either on its own as a complete meal or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Other Air Fryer Recipes:

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (Recipe Makes 4 Servings)

Calories: 320
Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 480mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 8g
Protein: 18g
Vitamin A: 35% DV
Vitamin C: 180% DV
Calcium: 8% DV
Iron: 15% DV
Potassium: 890mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on the specific brands of plant-based sausages used and any recipe modifications.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Veggie Sausage Casserole

Choose potatoes of similar size or cut them to uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – if your air fryer is smaller, consider cooking in batches for the best results.
Different brands of plant-based sausages have varying cooking times. If your preferred brand cooks quickly, you might want to add them halfway through the cooking process instead of at the beginning.
For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to the vegetables before cooking.
If you prefer a saucier casserole, add 1/4 cup of vegetable broth to the mix before air frying.

Variations to Try

This air fryer veggie sausage casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are some tasty variations to consider:

Mediterranean Style

Add olives, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of feta cheese (or vegan alternative) during the last few minutes of cooking. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh oregano.

Spicy Southwest

Swap the Italian herbs for a blend of cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Add a diced jalapeño to the vegetable mix and serve with a dollop of guacamole or vegan sour cream.

Autumn Harvest

Replace the zucchini and bell peppers with diced butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and apple chunks. Use sage and thyme instead of Italian herbs for a cozy fall flavor.

Breakfast Version

Add diced vegan breakfast sausages instead of regular plant-based sausages, and crack a few eggs (or pour in some liquid vegan egg alternative) over the vegetables during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking for a hearty brunch option.

Make It a Complete Meal

While this air fryer veggie sausage casserole is satisfying on its own, you can pair it with these sides for a more substantial meal:

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
Crusty whole grain bread or garlic bread
Steamed quinoa or rice
Hummus and pita bread
A light soup as a starter

Storage and Reheating

This veggie sausage casserole is perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste just as good, if not better, the next day!

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the desired portion back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
You can also reheat in a microwave, though the vegetables and sausages won’t retain their crispiness.
For freezing, allow the casserole to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Benefits

This air fryer veggie sausage casserole isn’t just delicious – it’s also packed with nutrients:

Plant-based sausages provide protein without the saturated fat of meat sausages
Bell peppers are high in vitamin C and antioxidants
Zucchini offers fiber and potassium
Potatoes provide energy-giving carbohydrates and vitamin B6
The minimal oil used in air frying makes this a lower-fat alternative to traditional casseroles

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular meat sausages instead of plant-based ones?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with any type of sausage, including chicken, turkey, or pork varieties. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as meat sausages may need a bit longer to cook through.

My air fryer is small. Can I still make this recipe?

Yes, you can make this in a smaller air fryer by cooking in batches. Start with the potatoes as they take longest, then add the quicker-cooking vegetables and sausages later.

Can I make this in an oven instead?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the ingredients on a large baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

How can I make this recipe oil-free?

You can skip the oil and instead spray the vegetables lightly with water before adding the seasonings. The natural moisture from the vegetables will help create steam in the air fryer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

That depends on the plant-based sausages you choose. Many brands offer gluten-free options, so check the packaging to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Conclusion

This air fryer veggie sausage casserole is more than just a convenient weeknight dinner – it’s a delicious, nutritious meal that proves plant-based cooking can be satisfying and flavorful. By using your air fryer, you’ll cut down on cooking time and clean-up while still enjoying a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Whether you’re a committed vegetarian or simply trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this versatile casserole is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. The combination of crispy-edged vegetables, savory plant-based sausages, and aromatic herbs creates a comfort food dish that’s surprisingly healthy.

So dust off that air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious veggie sausage casserole that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Your taste buds – and your schedule – will thank you!

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