Air Fryer Sausage & Loaded Broccoli Bowl

Looking for a quick and flavorful dish that hits all the right notes? The Air Fryer Sausage & Loaded Broccoli Bowl is your new go-to recipe. This tasty bowl combines juicy, perfectly cooked sausage with vibrant roasted broccoli, layered with melty cheese and a handful of fresh toppings to deliver a satisfying meal in minutes. Whether you need a healthy lunch or speedy dinner, this recipe is packed with flavor and easy enough to whip up any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes thanks to the efficient air fryer method.
• Healthy ingredients: Loaded with nutrient-rich broccoli paired with protein-packed sausage.
• Flavor explosion: Bold seasonings and melted cheese create a crave-worthy taste experience.
• Minimal cleanup: One-bowl recipe plus air fryer means less mess and more time to enjoy.
• Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients and make it your own based on preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Sausage & Loaded Broccoli Bowl plays an important role—balancing flavors, textures, and color to create a harmonious and satisfying meal that’s as fun to eat as it is simple to make.

• Fresh broccoli florets: The star veggie, adding crunch, vitamins, and a pop of green color.
• Italian sausage (or your favorite type): Provides rich, savory protein and spices that blend beautifully with the broccoli.
• Olive oil: Helps crisp up the broccoli in the air fryer while adding a subtle fruitiness.
• Grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Melts over the sausage and broccoli to create a luscious, gooey finish.
• Garlic powder and smoked paprika: Add warmth and depth without overpowering the main ingredients.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all natural flavors to life.
• Optional fresh herbs (parsley or chives): For a refreshing, bright finishing touch.

Variations for Air Fryer Sausage & Loaded Broccoli Bowl

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, letting you tailor it with different proteins, veggies, or cheeses. Feel free to experiment—this dish easily adapts to suit your taste buds and kitchen staples.

• Switch the sausage: Use chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage for different flavors and dietary preferences.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
• Try different cheeses: Swap cheddar for feta, goat cheese, or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne powder if you like a little heat.
• Make it grain-free: Serve the bowl over cauliflower rice or enjoy it as is for a keto-friendly meal.

How to Make Air Fryer Sausage & Loaded Broccoli Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Start by cutting the broccoli into bite-size florets and slicing the sausage into even pieces. This ensures everything cooks uniformly in the air fryer, achieving crisp tender broccoli and juicy sausage.

Step 2: Season the broccoli

In a mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning blend enhances the natural flavors of the broccoli and creates a deliciously crispy texture once air fried.

Step 3: Air fry the sausage and broccoli

Place the sausage and seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The sausage should be golden brown and the broccoli caramelized but still vibrant.

Step 4: Add cheese and finish cooking

Sprinkle grated cheese over the sausage and broccoli in the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts perfectly. This step creates a warm, gooey, and cheesy topping that brings the whole bowl together.

Step 5: Assemble and garnish

Transfer the hot sausage and broccoli mixture to a bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives and an optional squeeze of lemon juice for brightness before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Sausage & Loaded Broccoli Bowl

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Spread ingredients in a single layer for the crispiest results.
• Use pre-cooked sausage if short on time: Just warm it in the air fryer to save a few minutes.
• Adjust cooking time by air fryer model: Keep an eye and shake halfway to prevent burning.
• Experiment with seasoning: Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist.
• Cheese choice matters: For best melting results, use softer cheeses like mozzarella or shredded cheddar.

How to Serve Air Fryer Sausage & Loaded Broccoli Bowl

Garnishes

Fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil add a beautiful pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast that brightens the rich, cheesy bowl.

Side Dishes

Pair this bowl with a crisp green salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or a simple quinoa pilaf for a complete meal full of texture and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in colorful bowls topped with avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add creaminess and visual appeal. Adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds adds crunch and an extra nutritional boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover sausage and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any garnishes separate until ready to serve.

Freezing

This bowl freezes well. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer or oven to retain crispiness—microwaving tends to make broccoli soggy and sausage rubbery. Just 5 minutes at 350°F should bring it back to life.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just thaw and pat it dry before seasoning to avoid sogginess during air frying.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use gluten-free sausage and check your seasonings for any hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes! Substitute the sausage for a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.

What temperature should I set the air fryer to?

400°F is ideal for roasting the broccoli and sausage quickly, ensuring a crisp texture without drying out the sausage.

Can I batch cook this for meal prep?

Definitely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy easy, healthy bowls throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

The Air Fryer Sausage & Loaded Broccoli Bowl is one of those recipes that feel like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy. With quick prep, flexible ingredients, and bold flavors, it’s a shining star in any weeknight meal rotation. Don’t wait to try this crowd-pleaser; your taste buds will thank you for it!

Related Posts

• Baked Chicken & Potato Gratin
• Chicken Alfredo Bake
• Garlic Herb Au Gratin Potatoes

Print