Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

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If you’re anything like me, you crave meals that are quick to whip up but still pack a ton of flavor. That’s exactly why I keep coming back to this Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli recipe. It’s a beautiful balance of crispy, juicy chicken and perfectly roasted broccoli—all cooked in under 20 minutes thanks to the magic of the air fryer. No need to heat up the whole kitchen or deal with multiple pans. Just toss, air fry, and enjoy.

I love this dish not only for its simplicity but also for how customizable it is. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a busy weeknight or trying to impress someone with a “healthy-ish” dinner idea, this one has your back. Plus, the golden brown caramelization on both the chicken and broccoli adds that irresistible texture and depth of flavor you just don’t get from steaming or microwaving.

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

• Ready in 20 Minutes – Minimal prep, minimal cleanup, maximum satisfaction.
• Healthy and Balanced – Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich veggies.
• Versatile Flavors – Works well with teriyaki, garlic butter, or even a spicy chili glaze.
• Perfectly Crispy – The air fryer gives you that pan-seared finish with little to no oil.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Stays great in the fridge and reheats like a dream.
• Kid-Approved and Adult-Obsessed – It’s one of those rare recipes that satisfies every age group.

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What Cut of Chicken Works Best for Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli?

You can’t go wrong with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but I personally love using chicken thighs for their extra juiciness and richer flavor. Thighs tend to stay tender even if you slightly overcook them—a little insurance if you’re multitasking. Chicken breasts, on the other hand, are leaner and perfect if you’re aiming for a lighter dish. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized cubes so everything cooks uniformly in the air fryer.

If you’re in a hurry or working with what you have on hand, even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken tossed in at the last minute can work. The key is to match the cooking time of the chicken with the broccoli so you get that crisped-up finish on both.

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Options for Substitutions

• Protein Swaps: Not into chicken? Try tofu, shrimp, or even tempeh. Just adjust cook times—shrimp will be done faster, tofu may need a bit more crisping.
• Veggie Alternatives: Broccoli is classic, but feel free to sub in cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Firm veggies do best in the air fryer.
• Low Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice if you’re keeping it keto.
• Flavor Twists: Swap your seasoning blend with Cajun spice, lemon pepper, or your favorite Asian-inspired marinade.
• Oil-Free: Use a light spritz of cooking spray or skip oil altogether—air fryers do an excellent job crisping without much added fat.
• Gluten-Free: Stick to gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos if adding any sort of sauce.

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Ingredients for This Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

Let’s break down what makes each component essential in this flavor-packed dish:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs
  This is the protein powerhouse of the recipe. Boneless, skinless cuts work best because they cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Thighs offer juicier bites, while breasts are leaner and lighter.
• Broccoli Florets
  The roasted edges of the broccoli bring a subtle smokiness and crunch. Cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken.
• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
  A small amount of oil helps everything get that irresistible golden finish. It also carries the seasoning and keeps things from sticking.
• Soy Sauce or Tamari
  Adds umami and saltiness, helping the meat and veggies caramelize slightly in the air fryer. Go for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Garlic Powder
  Brings in bold flavor without having to chop fresh garlic. It’s easy, fast, and evenly coats everything.
• Onion Powder
  Complements the garlic with a mild sweetness and savory depth.
• Paprika (Smoked or Sweet)
  Adds a pop of color and a hint of smoky warmth. Use smoked paprika if you want a deeper flavor.
• Salt & Pepper
  The essentials that balance and elevate every ingredient. Season to taste depending on your soy sauce’s salt level.
• Cooked White Rice (optional for serving)
  The perfect base that soaks up all the juices and seasoning from the chicken and broccoli. Brown rice or quinoa are great too.

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Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Broccoli

Start by cutting your chicken into evenly sized cubes—about 1 to 1½ inches each. This ensures every piece cooks through at the same rate. Chop the broccoli into medium florets, not too small so they don’t burn quickly in the air fryer.

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Step 2: Season Everything

In a large bowl, combine the chicken and broccoli. Drizzle with a bit of olive or avocado oil, then toss in the soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well so each piece is nicely coated with seasoning.

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Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

While the flavors are soaking in, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes. This helps jumpstart the cooking process and gives you that nice caramelized surface on the chicken and broccoli.

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Step 4: Cook in Batches (If Needed)

Place the seasoned chicken and broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding—this step is key to getting a crispy texture. If needed, cook in two batches.

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Step 5: Air Fry

Air fry at 380°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The broccoli should be crisp on the edges, and the chicken golden and fully cooked (internal temp should hit 165°F or 74°C).

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Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let everything rest for 2 minutes to allow juices to settle. Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or your grain of choice. Drizzle with extra sauce or a squeeze of lemon for added zing if desired.

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How Long to Cook Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

The beauty of the air fryer is how quickly it delivers a roasted finish without the oven wait. Here’s what to expect for timing:

• Preheat: 3–5 minutes at 380°F (193°C)
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
  Halfway through cooking, be sure to shake the basket or stir the contents for even browning. Chicken cubes should be golden and fully cooked through, while the broccoli edges turn crispy and slightly charred.
• Internal Temperature for Chicken: 165°F (74°C)
  Always double-check with a meat thermometer to be safe, especially if using larger pieces or chicken thighs.

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

• Cut Uniform Pieces: Keep chicken and broccoli pieces similar in size so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
• Dry Ingredients Before Seasoning: Pat chicken and broccoli dry with a paper towel before adding oil and seasoning. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes crispiness.
• Don’t Crowd the Basket: If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cook in batches to avoid steaming your ingredients instead of crisping them.
• Flip or Shake Midway: Shaking the basket or flipping ingredients halfway through ensures even browning and prevents burning.
• Use a Light Hand with Oil: Too much oil can make everything soggy. A light drizzle or quick spray is all you need.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Give the cooked chicken a minute or two to rest once it’s out of the air fryer. This helps lock in the juices and keeps it moist.
• Add Sauce After Cooking: If you’re using a sticky glaze or sauce (like teriyaki or honey garlic), toss it with the cooked chicken after air frying to avoid burning the sugars.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple dish like air fryer chicken and broccoli can go sideways with a few common slip-ups. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket
  This is the most common mistake. If everything’s piled up, you’ll get steaming instead of that crisp, roasted finish. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Skipping the Preheat
  Preheating your air fryer ensures the food starts cooking immediately and browns better. It also helps maintain accurate cooking times.
• Too Much Oil
  A heavy hand with the oil can result in soggy broccoli or greasy chicken. A light drizzle or spray is all you need for a crisp result.
• Cutting Chicken Unevenly
  Mismatched sizes mean some pieces cook faster while others lag behind. Aim for consistency in your cuts to prevent undercooked or dry bites.
• Using Frozen Broccoli Without Thawing
  Frozen broccoli holds a lot of water and can turn mushy. If using frozen, thaw and pat it dry before air frying.
• Neglecting to Shake the Basket
  This ensures every piece gets equal exposure to the hot air, preventing uneven cooking or burnt edges.
• Adding Sauce Too Early
  Sauces with sugar content (like teriyaki or honey garlic) can burn in the air fryer. Add them at the end to avoid bitterness.
• Not Checking the Chicken’s Temperature
  Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken hits 165°F. It’s the safest way to ensure doneness without overcooking.

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What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli?

The versatility of this dish makes it easy to build a full meal around. Here are eight great serving ideas:

White Jasmine or Basmati Rice

Light and fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up every bit of seasoning and sauce from the chicken and broccoli.

Fried Rice

Turn it into a takeout-style dinner by pairing with homemade or store-bought vegetable or egg fried rice.

Asian Slaw

A tangy cabbage-based slaw adds crunch and contrast, especially if you’re keeping it low-carb.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

The sweetness balances out the savory flavors and adds color to your plate.

Stir-Fried Snap Peas

These cook quickly and retain a great crunch—ideal if you want to add another veggie.

Noodles with Soy Sauce and Scallions

Ramen or soba noodles tossed with soy, sesame oil, and scallions make a hearty base.

Miso Soup

A warm and comforting side that turns this meal into a cozy experience.

Cucumber Salad

Light and refreshing with a vinegar kick—it’s the cool note to your hot, crispy chicken and broccoli.

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Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli recipe is how well it holds up for leftovers. Whether you’re meal prepping or saving extra portions, here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerator:
  Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure the chicken and broccoli are completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Freezer:
  You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best results, freeze the chicken and broccoli separately from rice or sauces.
• Reheating:
  Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crisp texture. You can also microwave it for 1–2 minutes, though the broccoli may soften more than desired.
• Meal Prep Tip:
  Portion into individual containers with rice or grains at the bottom, then layer the chicken and broccoli on top. Add sauce or garnish after reheating to keep flavors fresh.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving of Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli (without rice or added sauces):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 520mg (varies with type of soy sauce used)

Note: Nutrition values are estimated based on standard ingredients. For precise tracking, input your specific brands and quantities into a nutrition calculator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I cook chicken and broccoli in the air fryer?

Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This is the sweet spot for getting the chicken juicy and the broccoli crisp without overcooking either.

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Do I need to marinate the chicken beforehand?

Not necessarily! While a quick 15-minute marinade can add depth, the seasoning blend used in this recipe provides plenty of flavor even without a long soak.

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Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat it dry first. Frozen broccoli straight from the bag tends to release moisture, which can make the dish soggy.

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How do I make this recipe spicier?

Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a spicy marinade to give it heat. A dash of cayenne or hot sauce in the seasoning mix will also do the trick.

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Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, both of which are gluten-free alternatives.

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Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just be sure to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking and soggy textures.

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What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can roast everything in the oven at 425°F (218°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

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How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the meat should be white and firm.

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Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli is the kind of dish that proves fast food can still be wholesome, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just need something quick after a long day, this recipe brings the goods. It’s endlessly adaptable, easy to scale, and fits right into everything from clean eating to indulgent comfort meals.

This is one of those go-to meals that never fails me—and I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too.

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