Like many busy parents, I used to think making chicken and broccoli meant pulling out a pan and watching it like a hawk on the stovetop. That’s how my mom taught me, and honestly, half the time the chicken would end up dry while the broccoli turned mushy.
Then I discovered the air fryer sitting on my counter could do more than just crisp up frozen fries. Turns out, cooking chicken and broccoli in the air fryer is basically foolproof – no constant stirring or worrying about burning. Plus, it gives the broccoli those slightly crispy edges that my kids actually ask for seconds of (yes, really!).
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
- Quick dinner solution – Ready in just 20-30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast but satisfying meal on the table.
- Healthier cooking method – Using the air fryer means you’ll get crispy, flavorful results with minimal oil, making this a lighter version of your favorite takeout dish.
- Basic ingredients – Most of these ingredients are probably already in your kitchen, and they’re easy to find at any grocery store.
- Meal prep friendly – This protein-packed dish keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for preparing lunches ahead of time or having leftovers for tomorrow’s dinner.
- Customizable heat level – You can easily adjust the spiciness by changing the amount of sriracha sauce to match your family’s preference.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
For this air fryer recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are your best bet, though you could also use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. Fresh chicken will give you the best results, but if you’re using frozen chicken breasts, just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before cutting them into chunks. When shopping, look for chicken breasts that are roughly the same size so they’ll cook evenly, and try to avoid any that have the woody breast condition (you can spot this by pressing the meat – if it feels unusually hard, pick a different piece). For the juiciest results, avoid pieces with white striping and choose chicken breasts that are pink in color with little to no bruising.
Options for Substitutions
This air fryer recipe is pretty flexible and you can make several easy swaps if needed:
- Chicken breasts: You can easily swap chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs – they’ll actually turn out even juicier! Or try firm tofu cut into chunks for a vegetarian version.
- Broccoli: Not a fan of broccoli? Try cauliflower florets, green beans, or bell peppers instead. Just keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Fresh ginger: If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ½ teaspoon of ground ginger powder. While the taste won’t be exactly the same, it’ll still add that nice ginger kick.
- Honey: Feel free to use maple syrup or brown sugar instead of honey. Use the same amount for either substitute.
- Sesame oil: While sesame oil adds a distinct flavor, you can use regular vegetable oil if needed – just add a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds at the end for that nutty taste.
- Sriracha: Any hot sauce works here – try sambal oelek, chili garlic sauce, or even a dash of red pepper flakes if that’s what you have.
- Mushrooms: You can skip the mushrooms or replace them with water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, or extra vegetables like carrots or snap peas.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Air Frying
The biggest challenge when making air fryer chicken and broccoli is overcrowding the basket, which prevents proper air circulation and leads to uneven cooking – work in batches if needed and leave some space between pieces for the best results. A common mistake is cutting chicken pieces in different sizes, causing some pieces to dry out while others remain undercooked – aim for uniform 1-inch chunks to ensure everything cooks evenly. To prevent your broccoli from becoming too crispy or burnt while waiting for the chicken to cook through, add it to the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time, and don’t skip tossing the ingredients halfway through cooking for even browning. For the most flavorful results, let the chicken marinate in the sauce mixture for at least 15 minutes before cooking, but avoid marinating for more than 2 hours as the soy sauce can make the meat too salty.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli?
Since this dish already includes protein and veggies, rice is the perfect base – I like using jasmine or brown rice to soak up all those tasty Asian-inspired flavors. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works great too, and you can even throw in some extra veggies like snap peas or carrots on the side. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing makes a cool, crisp side that balances out the warm chicken and broccoli perfectly. If you want to round out the meal even more, try adding some vegetable spring rolls or a small bowl of egg drop soup on the side.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: This air fryer chicken and broccoli makes great leftovers! Pack it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to store the rice separately to keep everything tasting its best. The sriracha mayo should also be kept in its own container in the fridge.
Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Divide everything into individual portions in microwave-safe containers. The chicken stays juicy, and the broccoli keeps its nice texture. You can make a batch on Sunday and have lunch ready for most of the work week.
Warm Up: When you’re ready to eat, just pop your portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you want to keep the vegetables crispy, you can also give it a quick 2-3 minute reheat in the air fryer. Add a fresh drizzle of sriracha mayo right before eating for the best flavor.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 50-60 g
- Fat: 30-35 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) 2-3 medium chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil (choose peanut, vegetable, or canola)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (200g, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (3 mm/⅛-inch thick)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (either all-purpose or light)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
- Rice
- Creamy sriracha mayo
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your Air Fryer to 400°F (205°C).
This ensures that the chicken and vegetables start cooking immediately, leading to a nicely charred exterior.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with broccoli, mushrooms, and your choice of seasonings.
Make sure everything is well-coated with the seasonings for maximum flavor.
You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any preferred herbs and spices.
Step 3: Cook in the Air Fryer
Once the Air Fryer has preheated, add the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture to the basket.
Arrange them to ensure even cooking.
Cook for 10 minutes, making sure to flip the ingredients halfway through the cooking time.
The dish is ready when the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges, giving it a delicious smoky flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the chicken and vegetables from the Air Fryer using tongs or a spatula.
Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Air Fryer creation!