Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- lemon wedges for serving
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryerPreheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 3 minutes.
- Prepare the chickenPlace the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, half of the garlic powder, half of the smoked paprika, half of the onion powder, half of the salt, and half of the black pepper. Toss to coat.
- Season the vegetablesIn a separate bowl, toss the zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion with the remaining olive oil and seasonings.
- Start cooking the chickenPlace the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6 minutes.
- Add the vegetablesShake the basket, then add the vegetables. Cook for another 7 to 9 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Check donenessMake sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- ServeServe immediately with lemon wedges or garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Cut the chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Softer vegetables cook faster, so avoid overfilling the basket.
- You may need to cook in batches depending on basket size.
- Add sturdier vegetables only if cut small enough to cook in time.
Recipe at a Glance
If you need a simple all-in-one dinner, this air fryer chicken and vegetables recipe is a great one to keep on repeat. The chicken turns out juicy, the vegetables get lightly crisp and tender, and everything cooks fast with minimal cleanup.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, healthy lunches, or easy meal prep. You can also switch up the vegetables depending on what you have at home.
Ingredients at a Glance
Nutrition
Per serving:
Calories: 260
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 2g
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
1. Season the chicken
Toss the chicken pieces with oil and spices so they are evenly coated.
2. Season the vegetables
Use a separate bowl so the vegetables are coated evenly too.
3. Cook the chicken first
Chicken needs a little head start before adding the vegetables.
4. Add the vegetables
Once the chicken is partly cooked, add the vegetables and continue air frying.
5. Finish and serve
Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
- Cut the chicken into even bite-sized pieces
- Do not overcrowd the basket
- Give the chicken a head start before adding vegetables
- Shake the basket halfway through
- Use quick-cooking vegetables for the best timing
- Check the chicken with a thermometer
Easy Variations
Italian Chicken and Vegetables
Add Italian seasoning and finish with parmesan.
Spicy Chicken and Vegetables
Add chili flakes or cayenne.
Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables
Finish with lemon juice and parsley.
Meal Prep Chicken and Veggies
Serve with rice or quinoa in containers for the week.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
Serve it with:
- rice
- quinoa
- roasted potatoes
- side salad
- meal prep bowls
- a simple yogurt-based sauce
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
The chicken freezes well, though the vegetables are best fresh.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, or until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the basket
Too much food at once can steam instead of roast.
Using slow-cooking vegetables
Some vegetables take longer than chicken pieces and may not finish at the same time.
Cutting uneven pieces
Uneven chicken pieces can cook inconsistently.
Skipping the head start
Adding chicken and vegetables at the same time may overcook the vegetables or undercook the chicken.
FAQ
Can I cook chicken and vegetables together in the air fryer?
Yes, but it works best when the chicken gets a small head start first.
What vegetables work best in the air fryer with chicken?
Zucchini, bell peppers, onion, broccoli, and green beans work well.
Is air fryer chicken and vegetables healthy?
Yes. It is high in protein, easy to make, and a great balanced meal option.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Chicken thighs work well, though cook time may vary.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes. It stores well for a few days and works great for lunches or quick dinners.
More High-Protein Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Chicken Bites
- Air Fryer Chicken Meal Prep
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken
Save This Recipe for Later
Save this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast recipe to Pinterest so you can come back to it for quick dinners, healthy lunches, and easy meal prep.
