If you’re on the hunt for a colorful, protein-packed dinner that’s a breeze to throw together, look no further than this Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe. Juicy chicken pieces, sweet bell peppers, and savory onions are tossed with spices and crisped to perfection in your air fryer, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and making weeknight dinner feel downright exciting. Whether you’re going for a lower-carb meal or need something hearty to pile over rice or wrap up in a tortilla, this dish has you covered with bold flavor, minimal mess, and maximum ease!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe requires only a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one pulls its weight in building irresistible flavor and vibrant color. Here’s what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a single thing:
- Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up spices while getting beautifully browned edges in the air fryer.
- Bell peppers: Red, yellow, or green—each adds sweetness, crunch, and brilliant color for visual appeal and fresh flavor.
- Red onion: Adds juicy bite and a hint of natural sweetness that balances the peppers and chicken.
- Olive oil: Helps everything crisp nicely and carries those spices across all the veggies and chicken pieces.
- Garlic powder: An easy way to infuse bold, savory depth without chopping cloves.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle, smoky warmth that elevates all the other flavors.
- Dried oregano: Just a touch brings that distinctive earthiness you notice in all the best Mediterranean dishes.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors of every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and a bit of complexity.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little extra kick—add to taste!
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle on top brightens everything and makes your meal look restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when your ingredients are. Preheating helps ensure your chicken gets that golden-brown exterior and your peppers maintain their tender-crisp bite.
Step 2: Toss the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, sliced bell peppers, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Get in there and toss everything thoroughly—every bite should be well coated for maximum flavor!
Step 3: Arrange in Air Fryer Basket
Spread the chicken and veggies in a single, even layer in your air fryer basket. If you’re making a larger batch, cook in batches so everything has room to crisp up instead of steaming.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway point. You want the chicken to be cooked through and lightly browned, while the peppers and onions should be bright and just tender with a little bit of char.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When everything is cooked, transfer it to your serving dish and, if you like, sprinkle with fresh parsley. Admire those gorgeous colors—then dig in while it’s hot!
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley never fails to lift this dish visually and add a gentle herbal note. You could also add a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or a light sprinkle of feta or grated parmesan if you don’t need the meal to be dairy-free.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe shines in so many meals. Serve it over fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the juices, toss with your favorite pasta, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice. Warm tortillas or flatbreads make it perfect for wraps or fajitas!
Creative Ways to Present
Try stuffing the mixture into pita pockets or serving over a bed of crisp greens for a warm salad. You can also spoon it into meal prep containers with a grain of your choice for ready-to-go lunches. The vibrant peppers are a hit with kids and grown-ups alike, making it a go-to for family dinners and gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making your meal prep for the week a breeze.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe! Portion cooled chicken and veggies into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and lightly crisped. You can also warm them in the microwave or a skillet—just avoid overheating so the chicken stays juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and a bit more flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed, since thigh pieces might take a minute or two longer to cook through.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe is only as spicy as you want it to be! The red pepper flakes add gentle heat, so leave them out or adjust to your taste.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute with regular paprika, but smoked paprika adds a delicious depth you won’t want to miss. If you have a bit of chipotle powder, a tiny pinch can create a similar smoky note.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Zucchini slices, mushrooms, or even broccoli florets work beautifully and hold up well in the air fryer. Just be sure to cut everything to a similar size so it all cooks evenly.
Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes, as written, the Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Just double-check any sides or garnishes you add to ensure your meal fits your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a vibrant, rewarding meal that comes together in a flash, this Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe is sure to find a place in your regular rotation. Give it a try, put your own twist on it, and share with family or friends—you might just discover your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken pieces, colorful bell peppers, and onions are seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Serve this delicious meal over rice, in wraps, or with tortillas for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 bell peppers (any color, sliced)
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the chicken, bell peppers, and red onion with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook in the Air Fryer: Spread the seasoned mixture evenly in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm over rice, in wraps, or with tortillas.
Notes
- To make this dish more filling, serve over quinoa or toss with pasta.
- You can also add zucchini or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
