Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Broccoli Dinner (Print Version)
Quick, flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Broccoli Dinner. My easy weeknight recipe, perfect for busy evenings.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
03 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Flavor Boosters
04 -
1 tsp garlic powder
05 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
06 -
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
07 -
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
08 -
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
→ Finishing Touches
09 -
Lemon wedges, for serving
10 -
Red pepper flakes (optional), for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your chicken breasts cut into those lovely 1-inch bites. Then, wash and chop your broccoli into similar-sized florets. I always make sure everything is pretty uniform so it cooks evenly – nothing worse than some pieces being raw and others dry! This is where I usually put on some music, honestly, it makes the prep feel less like a chore.
02 -
Grab two separate bowls, one for the chicken and one for the broccoli. Drizzle the chicken with about half the olive oil, then sprinkle generously with garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Give it a good toss! Do the same for the broccoli with the remaining olive oil and seasonings. Make sure everything is coated well, you want those flavors to shine.
03 -
This step is *so* important, don't be like me and forget it! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. A hot air fryer means crispy food, not sad, steamed food. While it's preheating, I usually tidy up my chopping board – tiny wins, right?
04 -
Once the air fryer is hot, arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the basket. You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Don't overcrowd it, or you'll lose that crispiness! Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and cooked through. I love the smell that starts to fill the kitchen here!
05 -
Now for the green goodness! Add the seasoned broccoli florets to the air fryer basket with the chicken (if you're doing a second batch of chicken, cook the broccoli with that, or after). Cook for another 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and slightly charred in spots. This is where the magic happens for our Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Broccoli Dinner.
06 -
Carefully transfer your perfectly cooked Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Broccoli Dinner to plates. Give it a squeeze of fresh lemon juice – trust me, it’s a game-changer! If you like a little heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Stand back and admire your handiwork. It always looks so vibrant and inviting, a true weeknight triumph.
# Notes:
01 -
Pat chicken super dry for extra crispiness.
02 -
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for best results, not the microwave.
03 -
Try adding a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick!
04 -
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens every bite.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
Large mixing bowls
03 -
Tongs
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 40g