Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Vegetables: A Fast, Healthy, One-Basket Dinner You’ll Make Every Week

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If you’ve been searching for a simple, nutritious, flavor-packed meal that cooks in under 20 minutes, this Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Vegetables recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. It’s everything busy home cooks want: fast, full of protein, loaded with veggies, and delicious enough to satisfy even picky eaters. Because the air fryer circulates heat efficiently, everything cooks evenly — the chicken stays juicy while the vegetables caramelize beautifully.

This dish is excellent for meal prep, low-carb plans, busy evenings, or anyone trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, this recipe delivers huge results with tiny effort.

Let’s dive into why this recipe works so well.

Why Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables Works Perfectly

1. One basket = one dinner

No pots, no pans, no oven — just one air fryer basket and you’re done.

2. Chicken breast stays juicy

Air fryers trap moisture while creating a lightly crisp exterior, solving the common problem of dry chicken breasts.

3. Veggies roast to perfection

You get tender-crisp vegetables with caramelized edges, all cooked at the same time as the chicken.

4. Seasoning versatility

The recipe uses an all-purpose garlic-herb blend, but the flavor options are endless.

5. Healthy without effort

Lean protein + high-fiber vegetables = satisfying, energizing, nutrient-packed.

6. Perfect for meal prep

The cooked chicken and veggies reheat beautifully without drying out.

Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken.

Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub with olive oil, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and onion powder.

2. Toss the vegetables.

In a bowl, toss broccoli, peppers, and zucchini with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Load the air fryer.

Place the chicken breasts on one side of the basket. Spread vegetables on the other side.

4. Air fry.

Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through.
Veggies should be tender but slightly crisp at the edges.

5. Check doneness.

Chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F internally.

6. Serve.

Slice chicken, plate with roasted vegetables, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything. Garnish with parsley.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Vegetables

A quick, healthy, and flavorful air fryer meal featuring juicy chicken breasts and roasted mixed vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for chicken
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
Vegetables
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 1 zucchini sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for vegetables
  • lemon wedges for serving
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with olive oil, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
  2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Place chicken on one side of air fryer basket and vegetables on the other.
  4. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping chicken halfway.
  5. Check chicken for doneness at 165°F internal temperature.
  6. Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Add potatoes for a heartier meal; cook 8 minutes first before adding chicken.

Expert Tips

1. Pound chicken for even cooking

Even thickness = perfect doneness every time.

2. Don’t overcrowd the basket

Leave space for airflow to maintain crispiness.

3. Use pre-cut veggies for speed

This makes the recipe even faster on busy nights.

4. Add potatoes

If adding diced potatoes, cook them for 8 minutes before adding the chicken breast.

5. Change the seasoning profile anytime

Try taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, teriyaki glaze, lemon pepper, or BBQ rub.

Serving Suggestions

This meal is perfect on its own but can be paired with:

  • Rice or quinoa
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Garlic butter noodles
  • A fresh side salad
  • Warm soft pita or crusty bread

Variations

Mediterranean Style

Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and oregano.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Veggies

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan during the last 2 minutes.

Honey Mustard Version

Brush chicken with honey + Dijon mixture.

Spicy Chipotle

Add chili powder and smoked paprika.

Meal Prep & Storage

Refrigerate:

Up to 4 days in airtight container.

Freeze:

Chicken freezes well; vegetables are best eaten fresh.

Reheat:

Air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, or microwave.

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