Ground Sausage And Rice Skillet In Air Fryer: Easy Dinner In Under 25 Minutes
A Personal Story: How It All Began
I’ll never forget that chaotic Tuesday night. I had just walked through the door after a long day, and my kids were already yelling, “What’s for dinner?” I stared into the fridge and spotted a single pack of ground sausage and some leftover rice. It didn’t look promising but I was too tired to cook a big meal.
That’s when I remembered how easy it was to cook sausage in the air fryer. I had used it the week before for crispy, juicy results that took barely 10 minutes.
Don’t miss our full guide on how to cook sausages in the air fryer if you’re starting from scratch.
With a little improvising, I created what’s now my go-to dish: the Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet in air fryer. It turned out flavorful, filling, and so easy, I knew I had to share it with others.
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Table of Contents
Why Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet in Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer
The Air Fryer Advantage
Cooking a ground sausage and rice skillet in air fryer doesn’t just save time it saves effort and cleanup. The air fryer quickly browns the sausage while keeping it juicy, and it brings a crispy texture to the rice that mimics stovetop results.
Time-Saving, One-Pan Perfection
The beauty of a ground sausage and rice skillet in air fryer is its simplicity. You only need one dish, one cycle, and 20–25 minutes. Plus, no extra grease or mess.
Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet in Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Skillet
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage mild or spicy
- 2 cups cooked rice white, jasmine, or brown
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 bell pepper optional
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil spray
Optional Add-Ins
- frozen peas or corn
- shredded cheese
- green onions
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Sauté sausage in a skillet or air fryer tray lined with foil. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes.
- Mix in cooked rice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Spray lightly with olive oil.
- Return mixture to the air fryer. Cook for 6–10 minutes until the rice becomes slightly crispy, stirring halfway through.
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Essential Ingredients for the Base Recipe
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
- Frozen peas or corn
- Shredded cheese
- Green onions
- Red pepper flakes
Want more bold sausage-based combos? Check out our Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
How to Make Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet in Air Fryer
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Sauté sausage in a skillet or the air fryer tray (line it with foil). Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles.
- Add veggies and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Mix in rice, spices, and a light spray of oil.
- Return everything to the air fryer and cook for 6–10 minutes until the rice gets slightly crispy.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use day-old rice for better texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the tray.
- Stir halfway through air frying for even browning.
Want a smoky twist? Try pairing this with our Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta
Nutritional Breakdown and Benefits
Balanced Macros
This ground sausage and rice skillet in air fryer offers protein, carbs, and healthy fats. It’s a great post-workout meal or weeknight dinner that satisfies without being too heavy.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fat | 21g |
Healthier Than Pan Frying
Air frying reduces oil usage by over 70%, cutting down saturated fats while keeping all the flavor. A better alternative for heart-conscious cooks.
Variations to Try
Tex-Mex Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet in Air Fryer
Add:
- Black beans
- Corn
- Cumin
- Shredded cheddar
- Jalapeños
Check out how we use sausage with beans in our Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
Italian-Inspired Skillet
Add:
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Mozzarella cheese
- Zucchini chunks
For more Italian sausage ideas, check out Sausage Stuffed Bell Peppers
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing the Skillet
- Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze up to 2 months for easy meal prep.
Reheating Tips
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes for best texture.
- Microwave works, but skip the crisp factor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Sausage
Always stop air frying once sausage turns golden brown. Overcooking dries it out.
Using Too Much Oil
A light mist is plenty—too much oil will make the dish greasy, which defeats the purpose of using an air fryer.
Skipping Seasoning
Ground sausage brings flavor, but the rice needs some love too! Always season well.
Conclusion: Why This Air Fryer Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite
The ground sausage and rice skillet in air fryer isn’t just another dinner. It’s the kind of meal you turn to when time is short, ingredients are minimal, but you still want something deeply satisfying.
It’s flexible, fast, family-approved, and ideal for weeknights or meal prep.
Discover great ideas like Skillet Sausage and Zucchini in Air Fryer
FAQs About Ground Sausage and Rice Skillet in Air Fryer
Can I use uncooked rice in the air fryer?
No, it’s best to use pre-cooked rice. Uncooked rice requires water and long steam time which isn’t air fryer-friendly.
Is this recipe spicy?
It depends on the sausage you choose. Opt for mild or hot based on your preference.
Can I use chicken sausage?
Yes, chicken sausage works well and cuts down on fat.
How do I avoid burning the rice?
Spray with oil and stir halfway through air frying.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep and stores well.
Is it gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free sausage and rice, yes!
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