Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 medium chicken breasts)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- ½ onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt or 1 crumbled bouillon cube
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or another spice blend of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken and Vegetables
Place the chopped chicken and vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the top. Toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well coated with oil and seasoning.
Step 2: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Spread the seasoned chicken and vegetables evenly in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches to prevent steaming instead of roasting.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken and Vegetables
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10 minutes. At the 5-minute mark, shake the basket or use tongs to flip the chicken and vegetables for even cooking.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
After 10 minutes, check if the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (75°C). The vegetables should be slightly charred but still crisp. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the cooked chicken and vegetables to a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red chili flakes if you prefer extra spice. Serve immediately.
Notes
How to Tell if Chicken is Cooked Properly
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Cut into a piece of chicken. If the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the center, it’s fully cooked.
How to Prevent Overcooking
- Since air fryers cook quickly, check your chicken at the 8-minute mark if your air fryer runs hot.
- Avoid cutting the chicken too small, as smaller pieces cook faster and may dry out.
How to Avoid Soggy Vegetables
- Make sure to pat dry any vegetables with excess moisture before cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as too many vegetables will steam instead of roast.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make this recipe using an oven or stovetop:
- Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 15-18 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes