Looking for a nutritious, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables recipe. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner — a one-basket wonder that’s as healthy as it is delicious. This dish is packed with lean protein and colorful veggies, all seasoned to perfection and cooked in just minutes thanks to the magic of the air fryer. The result? Juicy, tender chicken paired with crispy, caramelized vegetables — no greasy pans, no oven heat, and minimal cleanup.
Air frying has revolutionized home cooking by offering a quicker and healthier alternative to traditional frying and baking. It uses hot air circulation to cook food evenly, giving it a satisfying crisp texture with little to no oil. This chicken and vegetable combo is perfect for anyone trying to eat cleaner, stay on track with their diet, or just simplify dinner time.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a wholesome dish to feed the family, this air fryer chicken and vegetable recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving (approx): 350–400 kcal
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, sliced into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
- Lemon wedges for squeezing
Directions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a nice crisp on the veggies.
2. Prepare Chicken and Vegetables
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces and vegetables.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
- Toss everything together until well coated and evenly seasoned.
3. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket
- Place the seasoned chicken and vegetable mix in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches.
4. Cook the Chicken and Veggies
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Chicken should be cooked through (internal temp of 165°F or 75°C) and vegetables should be tender and lightly crisp on the edges.
5. Serve
- Once done, remove from the air fryer, garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon, and serve hot.
Why I Love This Recipe
We love Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables because it’s the ultimate combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal effort, this dish delivers juicy, tender chicken paired with perfectly roasted vegetables—all cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. It’s a wholesome, well-rounded meal that doesn’t compromise on taste while still being incredibly healthy.
What makes this recipe especially lovable is its versatility. You can use any vegetables you have on hand—like broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots—and they all come out crisp-tender with a slight caramelized edge. The air fryer not only cuts down cooking time but also reduces the need for excess oil, making this dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Why This Dish is a Must-Try
Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables is a must-try dish because it makes healthy eating simple, flavorful, and hassle-free. Unlike traditional roasting or sautéing, the air fryer locks in the juiciness of the chicken while giving the vegetables a beautiful crisp-tender texture in a fraction of the time. This means you get a meal that tastes like it came from the oven but is ready in under 30 minutes.
Another reason this recipe is a must-try is its adaptability. You can swap in your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasonings to match your taste, or even add a quick marinade for extra depth of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even as a light weekend dinner when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With its balance of lean protein, colorful veggies, and bold flavors, this dish is proof that quick meals can still be exciting, nourishing, and utterly delicious.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
- Cut ingredients evenly: Uniform sizes ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to soggy veggies and unevenly cooked chicken.
- Shake the basket: Do this halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get golden and crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer: To guarantee the chicken is safely cooked (165°F or 75°C inside).
Variations:
- Protein swaps: Try using shrimp, turkey breast, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Different veggies: Cauliflower, green beans, carrots, mushrooms, or asparagus work great too.
- Seasoning mix-ups: Use taco seasoning, curry powder, Cajun seasoning, or Italian herbs for new flavor profiles.
- Saucy twist: Toss with a spoonful of pesto, teriyaki sauce, or buffalo sauce after cooking for an extra flavor hit.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is super versatile! Here’s how to round it out into a complete meal:
- Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a hearty bowl.
- Pair with a simple green salad or a Greek yogurt dipping sauce.
- Wrap it in a tortilla or flatbread for an easy chicken and veggie wrap.
- Top with a sprinkle of feta cheese or a dollop of hummus for a Mediterranean twist.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables is a wholesome, fuss-free dish that checks all the boxes: healthy, flavorful, quick, and easy to clean up. Whether you’re trying to eat better, feed a family, or just need a reliable go-to dinner, this recipe will not disappoint. It’s endlessly customizable and great for batch cooking, and the air fryer ensures everything comes out perfectly cooked every time. Once you try it, it will surely earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen vegetables or chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw both first to ensure even cooking. Frozen ingredients release water, which may make things soggy.
2. Do I need to marinate the chicken?
It’s not necessary for this quick recipe, but if you have time, marinating for 30 minutes in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs will deepen the flavor.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — but you’ll need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
4. How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes to regain crispness.
5. Is this recipe keto or low-carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs, especially if you avoid starchy vegetables like carrots or corn.
6. What size air fryer should I use?
A 5-quart or larger air fryer works best for this recipe, especially if you’re cooking for multiple people.
Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
Course: Dinner IdeasDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes20
minutes35
minutesLooking for a nutritious, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables recipe. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner — a one-basket wonder that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken and Vegetables:
1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, sliced into chunks
1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 cup broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Optional Garnish:
Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
Lemon wedges for squeezing
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a nice crisp on the veggies.
- Prepare Chicken and Vegetables In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces and vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil, then add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Toss everything together until well coated and evenly seasoned.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket Place the seasoned chicken and vegetable mix in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches.
- Cook the Chicken and Veggies Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Chicken should be cooked through (internal temp of 165°F or 75°C) and vegetables should be tender and lightly crisp on the edges.
- Serve Once done, remove from the air fryer, garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon, and serve hot.