Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Broccoli Dinner (Print Version)

Quick and wholesome, this Easy Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Broccoli Dinner is my weeknight savior. Get crispy chicken and tender broccoli in one simple meal!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 18 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 medium heads fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp dried oregano
08 - ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
09 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

10 - 1 fresh lemon, cut into wedges
11 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your chicken ready. I always pat my boneless, skinless chicken breasts really dry with a paper towel – this is key for getting that crispy exterior! Then, chop them into roughly 1-inch cubes. For the broccoli, wash it well and cut it into small, uniform florets. Try to make them similar in size to the chicken bites so everything cooks evenly. I usually have a little bowl of prepped chicken and another for broccoli, ready for their seasoning bath.
02 - In a medium bowl, toss those chicken cubes with about half of your olive oil. Then, sprinkle generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Get in there with your hands (clean hands, of course!) and make sure every single bite is coated. I always think, "Am I being bold enough with the seasoning?" because bland chicken is just... sad. This is where the flavor truly starts, so don't be shy!
03 - Now for the broccoli! In another bowl, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the florets. Add a pinch more garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Again, give it a good toss. I sometimes add a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes here if I'm feeling a little spicy – it really wakes up the broccoli! You want a light coating, enough to make the florets glisten a bit. Don't overdo the oil, or they'll steam instead of crisp!
04 - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for crispiness, I learned that the hard way! Once hot, arrange the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You might need to do this in two batches, depending on your air fryer size. Overcrowding is a no-go; it steams instead of fries. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden and cooked through.
05 - Once the chicken has had its initial cook, carefully add the seasoned broccoli florets to the air fryer basket with the chicken. Give the basket a gentle shake to mix things up a bit. Continue to air fry for another 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and has those lovely charred edges. I love when the broccoli gets a little bit crispy, it’s just the best texture. Keep an eye on it; every air fryer is a little different!
06 - Carefully transfer the chicken and broccoli to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything – this brightens the flavors beautifully, honestly, don't skip it! Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you have it. It just makes the dish look so much more inviting. The aroma at this point is just incredible; savory chicken, slightly smoky paprika, and that fresh lemon zest. So good!

# Notes:

01 - Personal cooking tip I've learned through experience: Preheating your air fryer and not overcrowding the basket are absolute game-changers for crispy chicken and broccoli.
02 - Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: Always reheat your leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive that delicious crispness.
03 - Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: Chicken thighs make a juicier bite, and bell peppers or green beans are great stand-ins for broccoli.
04 - Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley really brightens up all the flavors at the end.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - mixing bowls
03 - tongs

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 12g
Protein: 40g

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