Some days, the thought of turning on the oven feels like a commitment I just can’t make. As someone who’s used small appliances since the 90s—shout out to the original George Foreman grill—I’ve learned how to make the most of countertop tools, especially when cooking gluten-free. For those of us juggling different diets in the same household, convenience and flexibility are non-negotiable. That’s why this recipe is one of my go-tos: it’s satisfying, completely gluten-free, and doesn't require an oven at all.

My small kitchen is powered by tools like the air fryer, microwave, and rice cooker. These are especially helpful on Sundays when I try to avoid anything that feels like work. This recipe works great whether you’re prepping just for yourself or doubling it up to feed the whole family. Since I often skip breakfast and don’t start eating until late morning, having something ready that’s easy to reheat—or even eat cold—is a game-changer. Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite oven-free recipes that fits right into this rhythm.

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Why Use a Rice Cooker and Air Fryer?

When you want to keep things simple but still eat well, few tools beat the rice cooker and air fryer. My favorite air fryer turns out crispy edges with no mess and barely any oil. The rice cooker, on the other hand, is more versatile than most people realize. I love using it for one-pot meals like sausage stir-fry. It’s reliable, no babysitting needed, and cleanup is a breeze—especially on days I just want to relax.

Ingredients:

1 cup jasmine rice (or brown rice for added fiber)
1 cup chopped frozen bell peppers
1/2 cup chopped onions (optional)
1 tsp minced garlic (I use pre-minced)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp dried oregano
2 gluten-free sausages, sliced (pre-cooked or fresh)
1/2 cup water or gluten-free broth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prep the Rice Cooker: Add the olive oil directly to the rice cooker bowl. Turn on the 'Cook' setting and let it heat up for a minute.
Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and onions (if using). Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Add rice, peppers, sausage, seasonings, and broth. Stir to combine.
Cook: Close the lid and cook as you would for regular rice. Most rice cookers will switch to "Warm" after 20–25 minutes.
Let It Sit: Let the mixture sit on "Warm" for another 5–10 minutes so the flavors meld.
Serve or Store: Fluff with a fork and serve warm. Makes 2 generous servings.

What to Serve with Sausage Stir-Fry:

Sliced avocado or guacamole
Gluten-free tortilla chips
A side salad with lime vinaigrette
Pickled jalapeños for heat
Iced herbal tea or sparkling water with lime

How to Store Sausage Stir-Fry:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or eat cold for a quick lunch. This also freezes well—just let it cool first and portion into freezer-safe containers.

Nutritional Information Disclaimer:

Nutritional values are not provided as they will vary depending on the brands and specific ingredients used.

Tools or Accessories Related to the Recipe:

FAQ

Can I use uncooked sausage? Yes, just slice thinly and make sure the sausage reaches 165°F internally. You may want to air fry it first to get crispy edges.

Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely. Use plant-based gluten-free sausage or sub in beans like black beans or chickpeas.

How do I reheat without drying it out? Add a splash of water before microwaving and cover loosely to retain moisture.

What kind of rice works best? I prefer jasmine rice for texture and speed, but brown rice adds more chew and fiber. Just increase water slightly.

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