Air Fryer Sausage & Loaded Broccoli Bowl
The Air Fryer Sausage & Loaded Broccoli Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal combining juicy sausage and vibrant, roasted broccoli topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect for a speedy lunch or dinner, it offers a tasty, nutrient-rich, and customizable dish ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz Italian sausage (or your favorite type)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Prepare the ingredients: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and slice the sausage into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking in the air fryer, resulting in crisp-tender broccoli and juicy sausage.
- Season the broccoli: In a mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning enhances the broccoli’s natural flavors and helps create a crispy texture when air fried.
- Air fry the sausage and broccoli: Arrange the sausage and seasoned broccoli in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. The sausage should be golden brown, and the broccoli caramelized but still vibrant.
- Add cheese and finish cooking: Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the sausage and broccoli in the air fryer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts perfectly, creating a warm, gooey topping that enhances the dish.
- Assemble and garnish: Transfer the sausage and broccoli mixture to a bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives and optionally add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; spread ingredients in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
- If short on time, use pre-cooked sausage and simply warm it in the air fryer.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model; shake basket halfway through to prevent burning.
- Experiment with seasonings like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
- Choose soft melting cheeses like mozzarella or shredded cheddar for the best gooey texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: air fryer, sausage, broccoli, quick meal, healthy, gluten free, cheese, easy recipe