Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Vegetables recipe is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of garlic, paprika, and Italian herbs, then air fried alongside vibrant broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini to create a balanced and delicious dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
Seasoning & Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as basil, oregano, thyme)
Optional
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking, which helps achieve even cooking and crispy edges.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which allows the seasoning to adhere better and promotes browning.
- Mix Seasoning: In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs, stirring well to create a flavorful seasoning mixture.
- Season Chicken: Pour half of the seasoning mixture over the chicken breasts, coating them evenly to infuse flavor throughout the meat. Set the chicken aside.
- Season Vegetables: In the same large bowl, add broccoli florets, sliced bell pepper, and zucchini. Drizzle with the remaining seasoning mixture and toss well to coat all vegetables evenly.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Add Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables around the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket without overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate freely.
- Cook: Air fry for 18-22 minutes, turning the chicken and vegetables halfway through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Rest Chicken: Remove chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes to redistribute juices, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and serve warm with the cooked vegetables and optional lemon wedges for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute the vegetables with your favorites like asparagus, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Lemon wedges add a fresh citrus flavor that complements the herbs and spices.
