Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 1 zucchini, sliced - 1 red onion, cut into wedges - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped Air fryer chicken and veggies bring joy to dinner. First, we need chicken thighs. They are juicy and cook well in the air fryer. Choose fresh, boneless, skinless thighs for the best taste. Next, let’s add colorful veggies. I love using red and yellow bell peppers for sweetness. Zucchini adds a nice crunch, and red onion gives depth to the flavor. Together, they create a beautiful plate. For flavor, we use olive oil. It helps the spices stick to the chicken and veggies. Garlic powder adds a nice kick. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky flavor. Dried oregano brings an Italian touch. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the tastes. Finally, we garnish with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and freshness. This simple herb brightens the whole dish. Enjoy these delicious flavors in every bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Place them in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well so that the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step helps the chicken soak up all those great flavors. While the chicken marinates, let’s prep the veggies. Grab a second bowl and toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, 1 sliced zucchini, and wedges of 1 red onion. Drizzle a little olive oil over the veggies and add salt and pepper. Mix them well to coat all the pieces evenly. This adds flavor and makes them delicious when cooked. Now, it’s time to cook! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes. Once it’s hot, place the marinated chicken thighs in the basket. Spread them out in a single layer. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes. After this time, carefully open the air fryer and add the seasoned veggies around the chicken. Cook everything for another 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This helps everything cook evenly. To know if your meal is done, check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. The veggies should be tender and have a slight char. This means they are perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. This helps the spices soak in. You can also marinate it longer, up to two hours, if you have time. Just keep it in the fridge. This extra time allows the chicken to get even more tasty. To ensure even cooking in the air fryer, place the chicken in a single layer. Avoid stacking. This allows hot air to flow around the chicken and veggies. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for best results. This helps everything cook evenly and get that nice crispy texture. To make your dish look appealing, serve the chicken and veggies on a large platter. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. This adds a nice touch and makes the dish look gourmet. You can also arrange the veggies in a colorful pattern to catch the eye. Pro Tips Marination Matters: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavor profile. For even better results, marinate it for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Veggie Variety: Feel free to mix and match your vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Broccoli, asparagus, or carrots can add even more color and nutrients. Don’t Overcrowd: When cooking, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows for even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crispiness. Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and the best texture. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Chicken thighs are great, but chicken breast works too. If you prefer something plant-based, tofu is an excellent option. Just press the tofu to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes and marinate like the chicken. It absorbs flavors well and cooks nicely in the air fryer. Feel free to use different vegetables based on what's in season. Broccoli, carrots, and asparagus all make great additions. If you like greens, try adding snap peas or green beans. The air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables. Mixing colors adds fun to your plate and boosts nutrients. Experiment with spices and marinades. Try a zesty lemon herb mix with lemon juice, thyme, and rosemary. If you enjoy heat, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper. A honey mustard glaze can give your chicken a sweet twist. The best part? You can adjust flavors based on your mood or what you have on hand. To store leftovers, let the chicken and veggies cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, make sure to seal the container tightly. If you want to freeze portions, let the dish cool completely. Divide it into smaller, freezer-safe containers. You can use freezer bags too. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This prevents freezer burn. The chicken and veggies can last up to three months in the freezer. Remember to label the containers with the date. To reheat air fryer chicken and veggies, use the air fryer for best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-8 minutes. This method keeps the chicken crispy. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Just heat it on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Make sure everything is hot before serving. Cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer usually takes about 20 minutes. Start by cooking the chicken for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). After this, carefully add veggies and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. This step ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Yes, you can cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer. Place the frozen thighs in the basket. Cook them for about 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip halfway through. Make sure to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Air fryer chicken and veggies go well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Rice: White, brown, or wild rice adds a nice base. - Quinoa: This nutty grain is a healthy option. - Salad: A fresh green salad can add crunch. - Couscous: This fluffy grain soaks up flavors nicely. - Bread: Garlic bread or crusty rolls can be a great addition. These sides enhance the main dish and create a complete meal. Enjoy! In this post, I covered everything you need for air fryer chicken and veggies. We discussed the main ingredients, useful tips, and step-by-step instructions for an easy meal. I shared various protein and vegetable options for flexibility and storage advice to keep leftovers fresh. Cooking can be fun and simple. With these insights, you can enjoy delicious meals every time. Experiment and make this dish your own, as it can fit any taste or preference. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Chicken & Colorful Veggies

A delicious and healthy dish featuring marinated chicken thighs and vibrant vegetables cooked in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thighs boneless, skinless chicken
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 piece yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 piece zucchini, sliced
  • 1 piece red onion, cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
  • While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. In another bowl, toss the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are well coated.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes.
  • After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and carefully add the veggies to the basket around the chicken. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the veggies are tender with a slight char.
  • Once done, remove the basket from the air fryer and let it sit for a minute. Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve on a large platter with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, healthy, vegetables