Air Fryer Chicken And Vegetables (in 15 Minutes!)

Using the air fryer means less mess and no waiting around for the oven. I usually serve it with a sprinkle of herbs to give it an extra pop. Yum!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast keeps this dish light. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Quinoa or tofu can also make for a great plant-based twist!

Vegetables: While broccoli and bell pepper are great, feel free to swap them out. Cauliflower, carrots, or snap peas work well. Just remember to cut them to similar sizes for even cooking.

Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps with cooking. If you’re out of olive oil, any other cooking oil will do, like avocado or canola oil. Just keep in mind that each oil has its own flavor profile.

Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning enhance the taste. If you’re missing one, you can use fresh garlic, onion, or any mixed herbs you prefer like oregano or basil!

How Do I Ensure Even Cooking in the Air Fryer?

The air fryer cooks quickly, but achieving that perfect texture takes a bit of attention. Here’s how to make sure everything cooks evenly:

• Preheat the air fryer: This step is key as it helps start the cooking process right away.
• Spread the food in a single layer: Avoid overcrowding so the hot air circulates properly.
• Shake the basket: About halfway through cooking, shaking helps everything cook evenly and prevents sticking.
• Check for doneness: Always make sure the chicken is fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 onion, diced

For the Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take about 5 minutes to prep and 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer, for a total of around 20 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s ready in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This should take about 5 minutes. Preheating helps cook the chicken and vegetables evenly.

2. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and diced onion. This colorful mix is packed with nutrients!

3. Season the Mixture:

Drizzle the olive oil over your chicken and vegetable mixture. Then, add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together well to make sure all the pieces are coated with the seasoning.

4. Cook in the Air Fryer:

Carefully place your seasoned chicken and vegetables into the air fryer basket, spreading them out evenly in a single layer for even cooking. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches.

5. Shake and Cook:

Cook the mixture in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly.

6. Check for Doneness:

Once the time is up, check that the chicken is fully cooked through (it should be no longer pink in the center) and the vegetables are tender. If needed, add a couple more minutes of cooking time.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Remove the cooked chicken and vegetables from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely finish. Enjoy your quick, healthy meal!

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to thaw it first. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw it in cold water—just seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour, changing the water halfway through.

What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?

If you don’t have zucchini on hand, feel free to swap it out for other vegetables like yellow squash, asparagus, or even carrots. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly!

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until heated through. This helps keep them crispy!

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can add other veggies like bell peppers of different colors, snap peas, or even mushrooms. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some vegetables may cook faster than others!