Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Vegetables – Healthy, Juicy, and Ready in Minutes
Air fryer meals have become a weeknight hero for good reason — they’re quick, easy, healthy, and produce incredibly delicious food with minimal effort. This Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Vegetables recipe is the perfect example of everything an air fryer can do. You get juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts paired with caramelized, golden-roasted vegetables, all cooked together in one basket for an easy, no-fuss dinner.
If you’ve ever struggled with dry chicken breasts, this recipe will change your mind forever. The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, sealing in moisture while creating a lightly crisp exterior. Meanwhile, the vegetables roast beautifully in the same basket, absorbing all the seasoning and natural juices from the chicken as they cook. In under 20 minutes, you have a complete, colorful, nutrient-packed meal that looks like something straight out of a café.
The best part? You can use any vegetables you like — broccoli, zucchini, peppers, onions, carrots, Brussels sprouts, green beans — the air fryer handles them all with ease. The chicken is seasoned with a simple but flavor-packed blend of spices and a touch of garlic and olive oil. Everything cooks evenly, tastes amazing, and requires almost zero cleanup.
Whether you meal prep for the week, cook for the family, or just want something fast and healthy, this air fryer chicken and veggies dish will instantly become a regular rotation. Below you’ll find the full recipe, tips for success, variations, and serving suggestions.
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry, then rub with olive oil.
- Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a bowl, toss the vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving space around them.
- Add the vegetables around the chicken (do not overcrowd).
- Cook for 16–18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken if desired.
- Serve warm with fresh parsley sprinkled on top.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Vegetables
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Season chicken with spices and olive oil.
- Toss vegetables with oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place chicken and vegetables in air fryer basket.
- Cook 16–18 minutes, flipping chicken halfway.
- Rest chicken, slice, and serve with parsley.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for perfect cooking.
- For extra juiciness, marinate chicken for 30 minutes beforehand.
- Shake the vegetables halfway through for even browning.
- Use parchment air fryer liners for easier cleanup.
- Add 1 more teaspoon olive oil to veggies if you want deeper caramelization.
Variations
- Mexican-Style: Season with chili powder, cumin, and lime.
- Garlic Parmesan: Toss vegetables with parmesan after cooking.
- Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Low-Carb Boost: Add cauliflower, asparagus, or green beans.
- Fall Veggie Mix: Add sweet potatoes or butternut squash (cut smaller so they cook evenly).
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with quinoa, rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for brightness.
- Pair with a creamy yogurt or garlic herb sauce.
- Slice chicken and make air fryer meal bowls.
Storage Information
- Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes for best results.
- Freeze cooked chicken (not veggies) for up to 2 months.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 5–7 minutes and season after the chicken softens slightly.
Can I use different vegetables?
Yes — anything works. Just cut harder veggies smaller.
Why did my chicken dry out?
It overcooked. Pull it out at 165°F for perfect juiciness.
History / Fun Facts
The air fryer gained mass popularity in the late 2010s as a healthier alternative to deep frying, but it quickly became beloved for its versatility. Roasting chicken and vegetables together mimics the traditional sheet-pan method — but at triple the speed and with almost no cleanup. Today, it’s a go-to tool for busy families who want fast meals without sacrificing flavor.
