Name: Air Fryer Chicken Bowl Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks; 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 small red onion, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs; ½ tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If your weeknights feel like a game of beat-the-clock, this Air Fryer Chicken Bowl might just be your new best friend. I get it—between work, errands, and feeding a hungry crew, dinner can feel like a daily mountain to climb.

That’s why I lean on recipes like this one: hearty, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s colorful, full of flavor, and doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes in its wake.

Whether you’re trying to eat lighter, fuel up on protein, or just need a quick win, this bowl checks all the boxes—and then some.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Bowl

This Air Fryer Chicken Bowl is a lifesaver on hectic nights. It’s fast, flavorful, and fuss-free—perfect for when your energy is running on fumes. You’ll love how the chicken turns golden and juicy while the veggies stay crisp-tender and vibrant. It’s a healthy air fryer dinner that feels indulgent but keeps things light. Plus, it’s a protein-packed dinner idea that even picky eaters gobble up without a fuss.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Bowl

Every time I make this Air Fryer Chicken Bowl, I’m amazed at how simple ingredients can come together in such a crave-worthy way. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this easy chicken and veggies recipe:

Chicken breast – Boneless and skinless is best here. It cooks quickly and stays juicy in the air fryer.
Zucchini – Adds a mild sweetness and soft texture. You can swap with yellow squash if that’s what you have.
Red and yellow bell peppers – These bring color and a little sweetness. Green bell peppers work too, but they’re less sweet.
Broccoli florets – A nutrient-packed veggie that crisps up beautifully when air fried.
Red onion – Adds a subtle zing and caramelizes slightly for extra depth.
Olive oil – A light drizzle helps everything roast to perfection. Avocado oil is a great alternative.
Garlic powder – For that warm, savory backbone without peeling cloves.
Italian herbs – A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme brings herby goodness to every bite.
Paprika – Adds smoky warmth and a hint of color. Smoked paprika works if you want deeper flavor.
Salt and black pepper – The classics that tie the dish together.
Optional: lemon juice or fresh parsley – A bright touch at the end to lift everything up.

You’ll find the exact measurements and a printable version of this quick weeknight meal down at the bottom of the post.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Bowl

Making this Air Fryer Chicken Bowl is like giving yourself a gold star on a busy day. It’s one of those one-pan air fryer recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar—without breaking a sweat. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a healthy air fryer dinner on the table in no time.

Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

First things first, grab your cutting board and a sharp knife. Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—think about the size of a large grape. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.

Next, slice your zucchini into thick rounds. Cut your red and yellow bell peppers into strips, break the broccoli into florets, and slice up that red onion. Toss it all into a large bowl. It’s already looking like a rainbow salad!

Step 2 – Season Everything Evenly

Drizzle the olive oil over your chicken and veggie mix. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Now, here’s the fun part—get in there with your hands or a big spoon and mix everything well. Make sure every piece is glistening with oil and coated in those savory spices. This is where the flavor magic happens in this easy chicken and veggies recipe.

Step 3 – Preheat the Air Fryer

While your ingredients are soaking up all that goodness, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. It only takes a few minutes, but it’s worth it.

A hot air fryer means you’ll get that beautiful char and crisp texture—perfect for a protein-packed dinner idea that doesn’t taste “healthy,” it tastes amazing.

Step 4 – Cook the Chicken and Veggies

Place your seasoned chicken and veggies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—if you’re cooking for a crowd, do it in batches.

Air fry for 15 to 18 minutes. At the halfway point, shake the basket or stir things up with tongs. This helps everything cook evenly and get those irresistible golden edges you love in low calorie air fryer meals.

Step 5 – Garnish and Serve

When the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are slightly charred, it’s showtime. Transfer everything to bowls while it’s still sizzling.

Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top or sprinkle with chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm—and you’ve got yourself a quick weeknight meal that looks like it came from your favorite bistro.

Tips for Success

Cut chicken and veggies into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Don’t skip preheating—it helps get that perfect golden sear.
Shake the basket halfway through to avoid soggy spots and ensure all sides crisp up.
Use a meat thermometer—chicken should hit 165°F to be safely cooked.
Want deeper flavor? Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes before air frying.

Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Chicken Bowl

Air fryer – Any standard model works great. I use a basket-style one for easy shaking.
Large mixing bowl – For tossing the chicken and veggies with seasoning.
Cutting board & sharp knife – Essential for prepping everything quickly and safely.
Tongs or a wooden spoon – Handy for mixing and flipping mid-cook.
Meat thermometer (optional) – Great for checking if the chicken’s perfectly done.

Variations of Air Fryer Chicken Bowl

Spicy Southwest Style: Add chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne. Toss in corn and black beans for a Tex-Mex twist.
Asian-Inspired Bowl: Swap Italian herbs for soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Add snap peas or shredded carrots for crunch.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the grain base and serve your chicken bowl over cauliflower rice or a bed of leafy greens.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Just make sure they’re well-seasoned and pressed for best texture.
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta on top right after air frying for a melty, creamy finish.
Mediterranean Flair: Add kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of tzatziki for bold, zesty flavor.
Kid-Friendly Bowl: Use mild seasoning and include familiar veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes to win over picky eaters.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Chicken Bowl

Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a heartier bowl that still feels light.
Add a dollop of hummus or tzatziki for creamy contrast and extra flavor.
Pair with a crisp white wine or a sparkling lemon water for a refreshing sip.
Top with avocado slices, toasted seeds, or a sprinkle of feta for added texture and richness.
Turn it into a wrap with warm pita bread or a large tortilla for an easy handheld option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this Air Fryer Chicken Bowl ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! I often prep everything the night before—just chop, season, and store it all in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, just toss it in the air fryer. It’s a lifesaver during busy weeks and still tastes fresh and fabulous. This trick alone has saved many of my weeknights from turning into takeout marathons.

Q: What other vegetables work well in this bowl?

A: Oh, the possibilities are endless! I’ve swapped in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, green beans—you name it. Just aim for veggies that roast well and don’t release too much water. This is one of those one-pan air fryer recipes that plays well with whatever’s in your crisper drawer.

Q: Is this a good low calorie air fryer meal?

A: Yes, and then some! Each serving of this Air Fryer Chicken Bowl clocks in at around 320 calories, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking for low calorie air fryer meals that don’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction. It’s light, yet hearty—just the way I like it.

Q: How do I store leftovers and reheat them?

A: Leftovers keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to bring back that crispiness. The microwave works too, but the air fryer keeps everything tasting fresh and not soggy.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken or vegetables?

A: You sure can, but there’s a catch. Frozen chicken should be fully thawed before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly. For veggies, go ahead and use them straight from the freezer—but pat them dry first. Otherwise, they’ll steam instead of roast, and you’ll miss out on those delicious crispy edges this healthy air fryer dinner is known for.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chicken Bowl has become my go-to lifeline on those whirlwind evenings when dinner feels impossible. It’s colorful, comforting, and comes together faster than my kids can ask, “What’s for dinner?”

There’s something so satisfying about tossing everything in one basket and ending up with a meal that looks—and tastes—like you spent hours on it. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight meal or a healthy air fryer dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this bowl delivers every time.

So grab your air fryer, and let’s make magic happen—one crispy, juicy bite at a time.

Air Fryer Chicken Bowl Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes