Air Fryer Chicken And Veggies: Can You?

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook chicken and vegetables together in one pot. The cooking time is fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It is a healthy meal with tons of flavor and a great way to add protein to your vegetables. You can use any brand of air fryer, such as Ninja Foodi, Cosori, or AirWave, and customize the ingredients based on your preferences. The key to success is ensuring that the vegetables and meat are ready at the same time, which may require some experimentation with timing and temperatures.

Cooking times and temperatures for chicken and vegetables in an air fryer

Cooking chicken and vegetables together in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthy, tasty, and nutritious meal. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type and size of your air fryer, the size of the chicken pieces and vegetables, and how crispy you like your food.

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer for the best results. Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F for 5 minutes.

For a convection oven-style air fryer, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Then cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.

For a compact basket air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken and vegetables in batches. Place the chicken and vegetables in a single layer and cook at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir halfway through the cooking time.

If you are using a Ninja Foodi, preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Then, cook the chicken and vegetables for 15 minutes. Open the basket and toss the contents, spraying with olive oil. Increase the temperature to 375°F and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.

You can also cook chicken and vegetables together in an air fryer without preheating. Simply place the chicken and vegetables in the air fryer and cook at 390°F for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type and size of your air fryer, as well as the size of the chicken pieces and vegetables. Always ensure that the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

How to prepare chicken and vegetables for air frying

Preparing chicken and vegetables for air frying is a simple process. First, you'll want to cut your chicken and vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Aim for even-sized pieces to ensure that everything cooks evenly. You can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, or even turkey. For vegetables, you can use quick-cooking veggies such as asparagus, string beans, broccoli, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and more.

Next, you'll want to season your chicken and vegetables. You can use a variety of seasonings such as garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, lemon-pepper, cajun, or even just simple salt and pepper. Mix your chosen seasonings with olive oil, and coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. You can also use avocado oil spray if you prefer.

Now you're ready to cook your chicken and vegetables in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook for 10 minutes. Shake or stir the contents halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

For chicken, you'll want to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the model of your air fryer and the size, you may need to cook in batches or adjust the cooking time. Larger convection oven-style air fryers will cook faster, while compact basket air fryers may take longer and require multiple batches.

Your air-fried chicken and vegetables will be ready in under 20 minutes, making this a quick and easy meal that's healthy, low-carb, and full of flavor.

The best vegetables to cook with chicken in an air fryer

Air fryer chicken and vegetables is a healthy one-pot meal with tons of flavor. It is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The best vegetables to cook with chicken in an air fryer include:

• Broccoli
• Squash
• Zucchini
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• Asparagus
• Green beans
• Brussel sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Onions

You can also add potatoes to make the meal heartier.

To prepare, simply chop the vegetables and chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them with olive oil and seasonings. Spread the ingredients in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. For extra crispness, you can increase the temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit for the last 5-8 minutes. The chicken and vegetables are ready when they are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to season chicken and vegetables for air frying

To season chicken and vegetables for air frying, start by cutting the chicken and vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken and vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil and seasonings to the bowl and toss to combine. You can use a variety of seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, lemon-pepper, or cajun seasoning. Mix well to ensure that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated.

After seasoning, add the chicken and vegetables to the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the contents halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispness. Increase the temperature and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

For a simple seasoning option, you can stick to a combination of salt and pepper. However, feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to find your preferred flavor profile. You can also try using olive oil spray instead of pouring olive oil directly onto the ingredients to reduce the amount of oil used.

How to cook chicken and vegetables together in an air fryer to get them crispy

Yes, you can cook chicken and vegetables together in an air fryer. This method of cooking chicken and vegetables is a quick and easy process that yields a healthy, tasty, and crispy meal.

To cook chicken and vegetables together in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 350–400°F (180–200°C). While the air fryer preheats, prepare the chicken and vegetables. Cut the chicken and vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces. The ideal size for the chicken pieces is about 1 inch. Suitable vegetables include zucchini, squash, broccoli, mushrooms, onions, sweet potatoes, and more.

Next, season the chicken and vegetables. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. You can also add other seasonings like Old Bay, garlic salt, or cajun seasoning.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the chicken and vegetables in the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect cooking. Cook for 10 minutes, then shake the basket or stir the contents to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

For chicken, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This may take another 5–10 minutes, depending on the size of your air fryer and the amount of food you're cooking. Vegetables are done when they are tender and crispy to your liking.

For an extra crispy texture, spray the chicken and vegetables with oil a second time, halfway through the cooking process.

Your air-fried chicken and vegetables will be juicy, tender, and flavorful, with a nice crispy exterior. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions