Busy weeknights can leave you scrambling for a dinner that’s both quick and nutritious. If you’re looking for a healthy, easy-to-make meal that your whole family will love, look no further than air fryer chicken and vegetables. This dish is packed with protein from juicy chicken and filled with the goodness of fresh vegetables, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The result? A flavorful, satisfying meal that takes just 25 minutes to prepare.
Air fryers have become a game-changer for busy home cooks. They offer a quicker, healthier alternative to traditional frying, requiring little to no oil while still achieving that crispy, golden exterior. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this air fryer chicken and vegetables recipe will quickly become a weeknight staple.
In this article, we’ll dive into the recipe, provide tips for air fryer cooking, and explore ways to customize your meal with different seasonings, vegetables, and sides.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
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Quick and Easy: This meal takes only 25 minutes to prepare, with minimal effort required. Perfect for busy nights!
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Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber from fresh vegetables, this dish is full of essential nutrients.
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Customizable: You can mix and match the vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste preferences, making this a versatile recipe.
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Crispy and Delicious: The air fryer ensures that the chicken gets crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside, and the vegetables are perfectly tender.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
To make this simple yet delicious dish, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
1. Chicken
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Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly in the air fryer and are easy to season.
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Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a juicier cut, chicken thighs are a great option. They take a bit longer to cook but are deliciously tender.
2. Vegetables
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Zucchini: Zucchini is a great low-carb vegetable that cooks well in the air fryer, becoming tender and slightly caramelized.
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Squash: Yellow squash or any variety of summer squash works beautifully in this dish, adding a mild sweetness.
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Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide a nice crunch and are rich in vitamins and fiber.
3. Oil and Seasonings
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Olive or Avocado Oil: A light coating of oil helps the chicken and vegetables cook evenly and crisp up in the air fryer.
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Seasonings: The flavor profile for this recipe is simple but impactful, including Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients give the dish a savory and slightly spicy kick.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking. This helps the food cook evenly and crisp up more quickly.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: If you’re using a smaller air fryer, don’t overcrowd the basket. Cooking in batches ensures that the food gets crispy and evenly cooked.
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Stir Halfway Through: Shake or stir the food halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
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Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the vegetables for others you enjoy. Bell peppers, carrots, or even sweet potatoes can make great additions or substitutions.
Can You Make Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables in Advance?
Yes! This dish can easily be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Here’s how:
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Meal Prep: Season the chicken and vegetables, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. When you’re ready to cook, just add them to the air fryer and cook as directed.
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Freezing: You can also freeze the chicken and vegetables for later. Place the pre-seasoned chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, simply thaw and air fry as usual, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
Variations for Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
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Spicy Chicken and Veggies: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some extra heat.
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Herb-Infused: Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to season the chicken and vegetables for a more aromatic flavor.
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Lemon and Garlic: Add lemon zest and minced garlic for a zesty, garlicky twist.
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Low-Carb Option: Pair this dish with cauliflower rice for a satisfying, low-carb meal.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 73 mg |
| Sodium | 599 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 745 IU |
| Vitamin C | 68 mg |
| Calcium | 75 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
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Brown Rice: A simple side of brown rice pairs wonderfully with the flavors of this dish.
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Salads: A light side salad, such as a spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette, makes a refreshing complement to the meal.
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Baked Potatoes: For a heartier side, try serving the chicken and vegetables with baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Air Fryer Chicken And Vegetables
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cutting board and knife
- Spatula or tongs
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium zucchinis sliced into ½-inch circles
- 1 medium yellow squash sliced into ½-inch circles
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat The Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
- Prepare The Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, zucchini, squash, and broccoli. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly coated.
- Cook In The Air Fryer:
- Place the chicken and vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then shake or stir halfway through.
- Finish Cooking:
- Air fry for another 5–10 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
- Serve:
- Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with rice, salad, or potatoes.
Notes
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 73 mg |
| Sodium | 599 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 745 IU |
| Vitamin C | 68 mg |
| Calcium | 75 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken And Vegetables
1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. However, it’s best to thaw and pat them dry first to prevent excess moisture, which can make the veggies less crispy.
2. What type of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs are juicier, while breasts cook faster and are leaner.
3. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and make sure to cut the chicken into even-sized pieces. You can also lightly coat the chicken in oil before seasoning to help retain moisture.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and veggies in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before air frying. It’s great for meal prep.
5. What other vegetables can I use?
You can use bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
6. How long does it take to reheat leftovers in the air fryer?
Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–5 minutes until warm and crispy again.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Cook in batches for the best texture and even cooking results.
8. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! This dish is low-carb and fits well into keto or paleo meal plans, especially when paired with cauliflower rice.
Conclusion Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables is the perfect weeknight meal—quick, healthy, and full of flavor. With juicy chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and simple seasonings, it’s a dish the whole family will love. The air fryer makes cooking easy, saving you time while still giving that delicious roasted taste without the extra oil. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a fast dinner after a long day, this recipe is your go-to for a wholesome, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
