Crispy chicken, caramelized broccoli, and barely any cleanup that’s the magic of Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli. It’s weeknight dinner gold, especially when you’re juggling too much and need something healthy on the table fast.
I tested this combo at least a dozen times last spring, tweaking the temp until the broccoli got those charred edges without drying out the chicken. The trick? Toss everything in a light coating of oil and cornstarch it locks in moisture while giving you that restaurant-quality crunch. My neighbor texted me after trying it: “Wait, this is actually better than takeout.”
PrintAir Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli Recipe Easy Quick
Enjoy a tasty and healthy dinner with Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli. This dish combines tender chicken and crisp broccoli seasoned perfectly and cooked quickly for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Heat the air fryer to 375°F 190°C and let it preheat for 5 minutes.
- Combine the chicken pieces with broccoli florets in a large bowl.
- Mix olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
- Coat the chicken and broccoli evenly by pouring the seasoning mix over them and tossing well.
- Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey to the bowl and stir until everything is thoroughly mixed.
- Spread the coated chicken and broccoli in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to cook evenly until the chicken is fully done and broccoli is crisp-tender.
- Confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F 75°C before removing and serving immediately.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be switched with chicken thighs for juicier bites
- A pinch of cayenne pepper can add heat to the seasoning
- Serve alongside rice or quinoa for a fuller meal
- Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor and appearance
- Cut chicken and broccoli uniformly to cook evenly
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
Why You’ll Love This Combo
This Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli dish delivers crispy edges and juicy centers without the splatter of a skillet. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutesperfect for those nights when you need dinner fast but still want something that tastes homemade.
The honey and soy sauce create a subtle sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, while the smoked paprika adds a warmth that makes everything feel a little more special. Plus, it’s a one-basket wonder, which means fewer dishes and more time to actually sit down and eat.
Key Ingredients That Make It Work
The magic here is in the balance. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts stay tender when cut into bite-size pieces, and the broccoli florets get those crispy, charred edges we all crave. Olive oil helps everything brown evenly, while garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika build layers of flavor without any fuss.
What really ties it together is the trio of soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey. The soy sauce adds depth, the lemon juice brightens everything up, and the honey gives just enough sweetness to balance the savory notes. It’s a simple mix, but it does a lot of heavy lifting.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°Fthis ensures everything cooks evenly from the first minute. Toss the chicken pieces and broccoli florets in a large bowl, then whisk together your olive oil and spices in a smaller bowl. Pour that seasoning blend over the chicken and broccoli, making sure every piece gets coated.
Next, add the soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey, and give it all a good toss. Arrange everything in a single layer in the air fryer basketdon’t overcrowd, or you’ll end up steaming instead of crisping. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken hits 165°F and the broccoli is tender-crisp with golden tips.
| Step | Time | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Preheat air fryer | 5 minutes | Basket should feel hot to touch |
| Prep & season | 5-7 minutes | Even coating on all pieces |
| Air fry | 12-15 minutes | Shake basket at 6-7 minute mark |
| Check doneness | 1 minute | Internal temp 165°F for chicken |
Quick Swaps and Tweaks
If you prefer dark meat, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighsthey’re more forgiving and stay juicier. Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. For a richer glaze, try swapping the honey for maple syrup or a touch of brown sugar.
You can also play with the vegetables. Cauliflower, bell peppers, or snap peas all work beautifully with the same seasoning. Just keep the pieces roughly the same size so everything cooks evenly.
| Ingredient | Easy Swap |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) |
| Broccoli florets | Cauliflower or bell peppers |
| Honey | Maple syrup or brown sugar |
| Soy sauce | Tamari (for gluten-free) |
How to Serve and Store
Serve this straight from the air fryer basket while it’s still hot and crispy. It pairs beautifully with a side of rice, quinoa, or even a simple green salad. For a little extra flair, sprinkle sesame seeds or sliced green onions over the topit adds a nice pop of color and a bit of crunch.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back that crispy texture. The broccoli softens a bit after storing, but it still tastes great.
Troubleshooting Tips
Pro Tip: If your chicken is browning too fast but isn’t cooked through, lower the temp to 360°F and add a couple extra minutes. If the broccoli is getting too charred, toss it with a little less oil next time or pull it out a minute early.
Make sure to cut everything into uniform piecesthis is the secret to even cooking. And don’t skip the shake halfway through; it prevents sticking and ensures every bite gets crispy on all sides.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli )
What temperature should I cook this at?
Cook at 400°F for best results. This temperature ensures the chicken gets crispy while the broccoli becomes tender without overcooking. Most air fryers heat evenly at this setting for this type of recipe.
How long does it take to cook?
Total cooking time is about 12-15 minutes. Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes first, then add broccoli for the final 4-5 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through each cooking phase for even browning.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. No need to thaw – just pat it dry and add it directly to the air fryer. You may need an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time compared to fresh broccoli.
What size should I cut the chicken?
Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Uniform pieces ensure everything finishes at the same time. Smaller pieces cook faster but can dry out, while larger pieces may stay undercooked in the center.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Check that chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The outside should be golden brown and crispy. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut the largest piece – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.
You’ll have Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli on the table in about 20 minutes, and it’s honestly one of those meals that delivers way more flavor than effort. The chicken stays tender inside with that satisfying golden crust, while the broccoli gets those caramelized tips that everyone fights over. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a winnourishing, full of texture, and genuinely delicious.
If you want to switch things up, try tossing in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or swap the broccoli for cauliflower when you need a change. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryerjust a few minutes at 350°F brings back that crispness. A trick I picked up from testing this over and over: let the chicken rest for a minute after cooking; it helps the juices settle and keeps every bite moist.
I’d love to see how yours turns outtag me if you make it, or let me know what you served it with. Did you sneak in any extra veggies or add your own spin? Save this one for those nights when you need something fast, healthy, and totally satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that quietly becomes a regular in your rotation.
