If you’re anything like me, your weeknights can get pretty hectic. That’s why I absolutely love making air fryer chicken and vegetables in 15 minutes! It’s a total lifesaver, especially when I’m juggling work, family, and everything in between. The best part? You can whip this up with just a handful of simple, healthy ingredients. Seriously, in the time it takes to scroll through social media, you can have a delicious dinner on the table that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. The air fryer does all the hard work for you, giving you crispy chicken and perfectly tender veggies without the fuss of traditional cooking methods. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to for those busy nights!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or your favorites)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheating the Air Fryer
First things first, let’s get that air fryer preheating! This step is super important because it ensures your chicken and veggies cook evenly and get that gorgeous crispy texture we all love. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes while you prep the ingredients. Trust me, preheating is a game changer!
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
Now, grab your bowl and toss in those chicken cubes. Drizzle the olive oil over them and sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands (or a spoon if you prefer) and mix it all up until every piece of chicken is coated in that flavorful goodness. Once that’s done, add in your mixed vegetables. I like to use a colorful variety like bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli, but feel free to toss in whatever veggies make your heart sing! Gently toss everything together until it’s all combined.
Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to transfer our delicious mixture to the air fryer! Place the chicken and vegetable mix in the basket in a single layer. This step is crucial for even cooking—no one wants soggy chicken! Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, but don’t forget to give the basket a good shake halfway through. This helps everything cook evenly and gives you that perfect golden-brown finish.
Checking for Doneness
Once the timer goes off, check your chicken for doneness. It should be juicy and no longer pink in the middle, ideally reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The vegetables should be tender yet still vibrant. If everything looks good, serve it up hot and enjoy a delicious meal that’s ready in a flash!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to quick meals, air fryer chicken and vegetables in 15 minutes doesn’t just save you time—it’s pretty nutritious too! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 35g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But one thing’s for sure: you’re getting a healthy, balanced meal that’s also bursting with flavor!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work great in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they might need a minute or two extra cooking time since they’re colder. Make sure to shake the basket halfway to help them cook evenly!
What if I don’t have garlic powder?
No worries! If you don’t have garlic powder, you can use fresh minced garlic instead. About 1-2 cloves should do the trick. Just remember to adjust the amount based on your taste preference!
How can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure to reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get that crispy texture back!
Can I add extra spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your spices. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning, cumin, or even some chili flakes can add an exciting twist to your chicken and vegetables. Go wild!
Do I need to flip the chicken while it cooks?
Not necessarily! The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, so it cooks evenly. Just remember to shake the basket halfway through to keep everything from sticking and to ensure a nice, even cook.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- One-pan meal with minimal cleanup; less time in the kitchen means more time to relax.
- Healthy ingredients packed with protein and nutrients, keeping you satisfied.
- Versatile recipe—swap in your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
- Crispy, tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables every time, thanks to the air fryer magic!
- Kid-friendly and great for the whole family; everyone will love the vibrant colors and flavors.
- Easily adaptable for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week!
Tips for Success
Getting your air fryer chicken and vegetables in 15 minutes just right is all about a few little pro tips! First off, make sure to cut your chicken into uniform cubes; this helps them cook evenly. If you’re using larger pieces, you might want to adjust the cooking time to about 15-18 minutes, just to ensure everything is cooked through.
When it comes to vegetables, think about their cooking times. Harder veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts might need a bit longer than softer ones like zucchini or bell peppers. If you’re mixing different types, cut the harder veggies smaller so they cook at the same rate as the rest. Also, try to use a colorful mix—this not only looks stunning but also packs in more nutrients!
Don’t forget to shake that basket halfway through cooking! It’s key to achieving that crispy texture on all sides. And if you love a bit of extra crunch, consider giving everything a light spray of olive oil just before cooking. This little touch can elevate the crispiness factor!
Lastly, be sure to check the doneness of your chicken with a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) is the magic number. If you’re ever unsure, it’s better to give it a couple more minutes than to risk undercooking. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about this air fryer chicken and vegetables in 15 minutes recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever you have on hand or whatever you’re craving! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix. It’ll give your dish a zesty twist that’ll wake up your taste buds!
- Herbaceous Delight: Swap out the paprika for fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. This gives your chicken and veggies a lovely aromatic quality that’s simply irresistible.
- Different Proteins: Don’t feel limited to chicken! Try this with shrimp or cubed tofu for a delicious alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—shrimp cooks super fast!
- Veggie Variety: Experiment with different vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or snap peas. They all bring unique flavors and textures, making your meal even more exciting.
- Citrus Zing: Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice over your chicken and veggies before cooking for a bright, fresh flavor that complements everything beautifully.
- Asian Flair: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delicious Asian-inspired version. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal!
With these variations, you can keep your meals fresh and exciting every week! I can’t wait to hear which combination you end up trying!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your air fryer chicken and vegetables in 15 minutes is super simple! If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, because it’s so tasty!), allow them to cool completely before storing. Grab an airtight container and pop them in the fridge; they’ll keep well for about 2-3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly to lock in all that delicious flavor!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using your air fryer again if you can. It’s the best way to bring back that crispy texture you love. Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. If you don’t have an air fryer, a skillet on medium heat works well too—just add a splash of olive oil to help crisp things up again!
Microwaving is definitely an option for a quick reheat, but just a heads-up—it won’t give you that crunchy goodness. If you go this route, heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time, until warmed through. Remember, no matter how you reheat, enjoy every bite of this flavorful dish!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables in 15 Minutes Delight
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and easy air fryer chicken and vegetables recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add mixed vegetables to the bowl and toss everything together.
- Place the chicken and vegetables in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check that the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of chicken pieces.
- Use your favorite vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken and vegetables in 15 minutes
