Easy Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli Recipe +Video

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Here’s an Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli recipe that’s better than takeout. The tender, juicy chicken complements the crisp, earthy broccoli, while the rich sauce adds a savory depth that brings it all together. 🤯 Fry it, to believe it!

Air fryer chicken and broccoli recipe bite shot, served in a grey plate.
Air fryer chicken and broccoli recipe bite shot, served in a grey plate.

We’ve already tried air fryer roasted broccoli, which makes for a fantastic side dish that pairs well with any protein or can be enjoyed as a snack with a ranch dipping sauce.

Today, I’m excited to share with you the best air fryer chicken and broccoli recipe—the juicy and tender chicken breast cubes are perfectly complemented by the earthy and crunchy broccoli, all tied together with a rich umami sauce.

It’s a satisfying and complete meal on its own. However, if you’re looking to add some carbohydrates, you can opt for a bowl of rice or choose a healthier alternative such as cauliflower rice or quinoa.

Making chicken and broccoli in the air fryer is generally a healthier option, as it requires less oil compared to traditional cooking methods. Air frying is also incredibly easy and convenient, allowing you to prepare this dish in less than 15 minutes.

Without any further delay, let’s get frying!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli

Ingredients for chicken and broccoli air fryer recipe

Here’s what you need to make this healthy Asian broccoli dish:

  • Chicken breast
  • Broccoli
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Smoked paprika
  • Honey
  • Sesame oil
  • Black pepper
  • Sesame seeds, for topping

📣 You can find the exact measurements and adjust the number of servings in the recipe card down below.

You could also make this a spicy dish by adding pepper flakes when seasoning your broccoli floret and chicken breast chunks.

Chicken and Broccoli Air Fryer Recipe Video

Don’t have time to read? We made this short recipe video just for you. 😉

*You can find the exact amount of ingredients and adjust the number of servings in the recipe card below.

How to Cook Chicken and Broccoli in the Air Fryer?

To make air fryer chicken and broccoli, follow these simple steps. It will take you less than 20 minutes, from prepping your ingredients to enjoying a perfectly air-fried chicken dinner.

1. Cut the broccoli head into florets.

Broccoli florets with broccoli stem

Begin by washing the broccoli head and cutting it into florets. If desired, you can also peel and slice the broccoli stem. Just make sure you’re slicing them thin enough.

💡Pro Tip: If you want your broccoli to be soft and tender, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before seasoning and air frying.

Otherwise, leave them as they are for an al dente finish.

2. Slice the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast cubes

First, pat the chicken breast dry and remove any tendons and tough tissues. Then, slice them into bite-sized portions as shown in the picture.

3. Prepare the marinade.

Mixing chicken and broccoli marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, crushed garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and rice vinegar. Mix until well combined.

4. Preheat the air fryer 380°F (193°C).

Preating Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer to 400°F (204°C).

If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 380°F or 193°C and then let it cook for 5 minutes without food.

🚨 Important: If you’re using a compact countertop convection oven such as our Ninja Foodi 4-Quart Basket Air Fryer, it is recommended to reduce the temperature to 360°F (182°C).

Smaller air fryers are hotter since the heating element is closer to the food.

5. Season the broccoli florets.

Seasoning broccoli florets

Add half of the marinade to the broccoli florets. Toss until they are evenly coated.

6. Season the diced chicken breasts.

Seasoning diced chicken breast

Pour the remaining marinade over the diced chicken breast and toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated.

7. Air fry seasoned chicken breasts.

Air fried chicken breast cubes

Since broccoli will cook faster than chicken breast, we need to air fry the chicken first for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through.

8. Air fry seasoned broccoli.

Cooking chicken and broccoli in air fryer

Now, add the broccoli florets and continue air frying for another 6 minutes.

Cook until the broccoli turns slightly golden and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) or higher.

I used a 6-quart air fryer to test this recipe. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.

9. Serve and enjoy your air fried chicken and broccoli!

Air fried chicken and broccoli served in a grey plate.

That’s how you make chicken and broccoli in the air fryer. It’s quick and easy, isn’t it?

You can choose to serve it as is or pair it with your preferred side dish, such as rice, quinoa, or noodles.

For better presentation and enhanced flavor, garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or cilantro.

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Meat Thermometer

Hate the guesswork of cooking? Picture achieving perfect results every time, no second-guessing or stress. 😉 That’s the major benefit of an instant-read thermometer. So, ignite and simplify your cooking with a meat thermometer today!

Chicken and Broccoli in Air Fryer FAQs

Can you air fry chicken and  broccoli?

Yes, you can air fry chicken and broccoli. It’s a super simple, healthy dish that will only take less than 15 minutes to make in the air fryer.

How to air fry frozen chicken and  broccoli?

To air fry frozen broccoli and chicken, first preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then place a single layer of frozen broccoli and chicken and cook them for 10-12 minutes. If you don’t want any browning, reduce the heat to 350°F (177°C).

Air fryer chicken and broccoli in a grey plate.

Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli Recipe +Video

rosel about pic 750pxRosel
Here's an Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli recipe that's better than takeout. The tender, juicy chicken complements the crisp, earthy broccoli, while the rich sauce adds a savory depth that brings it all together. 🤯 Fry it, to believe it!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 2 servings
Calories 494 kcal

Equipment

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Instant Vortex 6-qt Air Fryer
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Glass Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast
  • 1/2 pound broccoli

Marinade

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 teaspoon ginger grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for topping

Instructions
 

  • Wash the broccoli head and cut it into florets. You can also peel and chop the broccoli stem if you prefer.
    Broccoli florets with broccoli stem
  • Slice the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks.
    Boneless, skinless chicken breast cubes
  • Prepare the marinade. In a large bowl whisk together the olive oil, crushed garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, smoked paprika, ground black pepper and rice vinegar.
    Mixing chicken and broccoli marinade
  • Preheat the air fryer 380°F (193°C).
    Preating Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer to 380°F (193°C).
  • Season the broccoli florets using half of the marinade. Mix until evenly coated.
    Seasoning broccoli florets
  • Season the chicken breast chunks. Pour the remaining marinade over the diced chicken breast and toss until the chicken is well coated.
    Seasoning diced chicken breast
  • Air fry the seasoned chicken breast first. Arrange in a single layer and cook for 4 minutes. Then flip it and cook for another 2 minutes.
    Air fried chicken breast cubes
  • Then, add the broccoli florets and continue air frying for another 6 minutes. Cook until the broccoli turns slightly golden and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) or higher.
    Cooking chicken and broccoli in air fryer
  • Serve warm and top the air fryer chicken and broccoli with toasted sesame seeds. It is best enjoyed alongside a bowl of brown rice. Enjoy!
    Air fried chicken and broccoli served in a grey plate.

Video

Notes

  • If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 380°F or 193°C and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food.
  • You can also skip preheating by adding 2-3 minutes to your cooking time. Increment gradually, to prevent overcooking your cruciferous vegetable.
  • If you’re using a compact countertop convection oven like our Ninja Foodi 4-Quart Basket Air Fryer, it is recommended to reduce the cooking temperature by 20°F or decrease the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Smaller air fryers tend to cook faster and hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
  • Do not discard the stem, peel it, then once you get to the soft core, cut them into thin slices.
  • Soft & Tender – If you want your broccoli to be soft and tender, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before seasoning and air frying.
  • The internal temperature of the thickest chicken meat should reach 165°F (74°C) or higher.
  • I used a 6-quart Instant Pot Vortex Plus to test the Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli recipe. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.

Nutrition

Serving: 2servings | Calories: 494kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 1923mg | Potassium: 1303mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1022IU | Vitamin C: 105mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 3mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken and broccoli, chicken and broccoli in air fryer

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