Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli - Healthy Weeknight Dinner

Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle? This air fryer chicken and broccoli is your answer! Tender, juicy chicken paired with perfectly crispy broccoli florets, all done in under 25 minutes. I discovered this recipe on a hectic Tuesday evening when I needed something healthy, delicious, and quick.

The air fryer transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary—no oil splatter, no complicated steps, just pure deliciousness that’ll have your family asking for seconds every single time!

What is Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli?

Ever wondered why the simplest recipes get the fanciest names? Well, air fryer chicken and broccoli is exactly what it sounds like—deliciously seasoned chicken breast chunks and bright green broccoli florets cooked to perfection in your trusty air fryer.

No mystery ingredients, no complicated techniques. Just straightforward, wholesome cooking that proves the old saying true: the way to a man’s heart (and everyone else’s!) is through his stomach. Ready to make dinnertime exciting again?

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

It’s Ridiculously Easy and Quick

Life gets busy, and I totally get it. This air fryer chicken and broccoli comes together faster than ordering takeout! The air fryer does all the heavy lifting while you prep a side dish or simply relax. No preheating the oven for 15 minutes, no standing over a hot stove stirring constantly.

Budget-Friendly Home Cooking

Skip the $15 takeout meals! Making air fryer chicken and broccoli at home costs a fraction of restaurant prices. A pound of chicken and a head of broccoli stretch beautifully to feed a family of four. Plus, you control the ingredients—no mystery sauces or excessive sodium here.

Flavor That Packs a Punch

The magic happens in that air fryer basket. The chicken develops this gorgeous golden exterior while staying incredibly moist inside. The broccoli? Crispy edges with tender stems that taste absolutely nothing like the soggy steamed version from your childhood. Add your favorite seasonings—garlic powder, paprika, Italian herbs—and you’ve got a customizable flavor bomb every time.

If you loved my honey garlic air fryer salmon, you’ll absolutely adore this chicken version. Both recipes prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. Give this air fryer chicken and broccoli a try tonight, and I promise it’ll become your new weeknight staple!

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

Quick Overview

This air fryer chicken and broccoli recipe is foolproof and beginner-friendly. The chicken cooks up juicy and flavorful while the broccoli gets those restaurant-style crispy edges everyone loves.

Total Time Breakdown:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

The best part? Everything cooks together in one basket, making cleanup an absolute breeze!

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Broccoli:

3 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Finishing Touches:

Fresh lemon juice
Grated Parmesan cheese
Sesame seeds
Fresh parsley or cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. This size is crucial—too large and they won’t cook through properly, too small and they’ll dry out. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step matters more than you’d think! Dry chicken browns beautifully while wet chicken steams.

Season the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss until every piece is lightly coated. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon, making sure each piece gets an even coating of those delicious spices.

Prepare the Broccoli

Cut your broccoli into bite-sized florets. I like keeping some of the stem attached—it gets wonderfully crispy! In a separate bowl, toss the broccoli with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Don’t skip the oil—it helps the broccoli crisp up and prevents it from drying out.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380°F and let it preheat for 3-4 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking from the moment your food goes in. Different air fryer models vary, so check your manual if you’re unsure about preheating.

First Cooking Stage

Place the seasoned chicken pieces in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd! If needed, cook in batches. Air fry at 380°F for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The chicken should start developing that gorgeous golden color.

Add the Broccoli

After 8 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the basket with the chicken. Gently toss everything together so the broccoli nestles between the chicken pieces. Continue cooking at 380°F for another 7-8 minutes, shaking once halfway through.

Check for Doneness

Your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest piece. The broccoli should have crispy, slightly charred edges with tender stems. If your chicken needs more time, continue cooking in 2-minute increments.

Finish and Serve

Transfer everything to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for brightness, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately while everything’s hot and crispy!

What to Serve Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli With

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many sides! Here are my favorite combinations:

Grain Options:

Fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up any juices
Quinoa for extra protein
Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Buttery garlic bread for the carb-lovers

Additional Sides:

Simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted sweet potato wedges
Creamy mashed potatoes
Asian-style cucumber salad

Sauce Suggestions:

Teriyaki glaze drizzled on top
Creamy garlic aioli for dipping
Sweet chili sauce for a kick
Tzatziki sauce for Mediterranean vibes

I personally love serving this with coconut rice and a side of sesame ginger dressing for dipping. The combination is absolutely divine!

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

Cut Everything Uniformly

This is my number one tip! When your chicken pieces and broccoli florets are similar in size, they cook evenly. No more raw centers with burnt edges or overcooked pieces next to undercooked ones.

Don’t Skip the Oil

I know we’re using an air fryer, but a little oil is essential! It helps seasonings stick, promotes browning, and prevents drying. Just 2-3 tablespoons total is perfect—you’re still using 75% less oil than traditional frying.

Avoid Overcrowding

Your air fryer needs space for hot air to circulate. If you pack the basket too full, you’ll end up with steamed food instead of crispy perfection. Cook in batches if necessary—it’s worth it!

Customize Your Seasonings

The basic seasoning is fantastic, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Try Cajun seasoning for Southern flair, curry powder for Indian-inspired flavors, or Chinese five-spice for Asian fusion. This recipe is incredibly forgiving.

Add Broccoli Midway Through

Broccoli cooks faster than chicken, so adding it after the chicken has a head start prevents mushy, overcooked vegetables. This timing trick is crucial for perfectly textured results.

Use a Meat Thermometer

Don’t guess! A $10 instant-read thermometer is the best investment for perfectly cooked chicken every time. 165°F is your target temperature.

Let Chicken Rest at Room Temperature

Take your chicken out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking. Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly than ice-cold chicken straight from the fridge.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage:

Store leftover air fryer chicken and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation, which makes everything soggy. I like using glass containers—they don’t absorb odors and reheat beautifully.

Freezing Instructions:

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled chicken and broccoli in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. The texture is best within the first month, but it’s still delicious after that.

Reheating Methods:

For the best results, reheat in your air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes. This restores the crispy texture beautifully! Alternatively, use your oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible—it makes everything rubbery and sad. If you must microwave, use 50% power in 30-second intervals to prevent overcooking.

Meal Prep Friendly:

This recipe is phenomenal for meal prep! Cook a double batch on Sunday, portion into containers with your favorite grains and veggies, and you’ve got healthy lunches for the entire week. The flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge as everything marinates together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Frozen Chicken

Always thaw your chicken completely before air frying. Frozen chicken releases too much moisture, preventing that crispy exterior we’re after. It also cooks unevenly, leaving you with a potentially undercooked center.

Cutting Chicken Too Thick

If your pieces are larger than 1 inch, the outside will overcook before the inside reaches safe temperature. When in doubt, go smaller! Smaller pieces also give you more crispy surface area to enjoy.

Forgetting to Shake the Basket

Those few seconds of shaking ensure even browning on all sides. Set a timer reminder if you’re forgetful like me! Without shaking, you’ll have beautifully golden pieces on one side and pale pieces on the other.

Using Wet Marinades

Save the saucy marinades for after cooking! Wet marinades cause steam and prevent crisping. Instead, use dry seasonings during cooking and add wet sauces as a finishing touch.

Not Preheating the Air Fryer

Just like your oven, your air fryer performs best when preheated. Those few minutes make a significant difference in cooking time and browning.

Opening the Basket Too Often

Every time you open the basket, heat escapes and cooking time increases. Trust the process and only open when it’s time to shake or check doneness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. They may need an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time due to higher fat content. Dark meat lovers will prefer this version!

Do I need to use fresh broccoli or can I use frozen?

Fresh broccoli works best for this recipe. Frozen broccoli contains too much moisture and won’t crisp up properly. If you must use frozen, thaw it completely and pat it very dry with paper towels first.

What if I don’t have an air fryer basket that fits everything?

Cook in batches! Keep the first batch warm in a 200°F oven while the second batch cooks. Alternatively, cook the chicken completely first, then add the broccoli for the final few minutes.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese topping or use a dairy-free alternative. The recipe itself contains no dairy, making it naturally dairy-free and suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

How do I prevent the broccoli from burning?

Make sure your broccoli florets aren’t too small, toss them well with oil, and place them underneath larger chicken pieces for some protection. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce the temperature to 370°F.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! Air fryer chicken and broccoli is perfectly keto-friendly with only about 4g net carbs per serving. Skip any sugary sauces and serve with cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work wonderfully. Add harder vegetables like peppers with the chicken, and softer vegetables like mushrooms with the broccoli.

What’s the best way to get extra crispy chicken?

Pat the chicken extremely dry, use a light coating of oil, and don’t overcrowd the basket. For extra crispiness, spray the chicken with cooking spray halfway through cooking.

Can I use pre-cut chicken from the store?

Yes, but check the size! Many pre-cut chicken pieces are too large and will need to be cut down further for even cooking in the air fryer.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Visually, the chicken should be opaque throughout with clear juices running out.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	285
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	7g
Fiber	3g
Net Carbs	4g
Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	98mg
Sodium	425mg
Potassium	720mg
Vitamin C	85mg
Calcium	65mg
Iron	2mg

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 4 servings without optional toppings.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the ultimate guide to making perfect air fryer chicken and broccoli! This recipe has honestly changed my weeknight dinner routine. It’s healthy, delicious, and so simple that even my teenager can make it without supervision.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Some nights I go Mediterranean with lemon and oregano, other nights I’m craving Asian flavors with soy sauce and ginger. It never gets boring!

I’d love to hear how your air fryer chicken and broccoli turns out! Drop a comment below with your favorite seasoning combinations or any creative twists you tried. And if you’re feeling generous, share a photo on Instagram and tag me—I feature reader recreations every week!

Happy air frying, friends! Here’s to easy, healthy meals that actually taste amazing.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with someone who needs a new weeknight dinner idea!