If you’re searching for a wholesome, weeknight-friendly dinner, this Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe will absolutely steal your heart and simplify your routine. It brings juicy, well-seasoned chicken and vibrant peppers together in a single basket, all roasted to lightly-charred perfection in just fifteen minutes. It’s seriously the kind of meal you crave when you want big flavor without a mountain of dishes, and the air fryer steps up as your secret weapon. Prepare to fall in love with a meal that feels like comfort food but cooks with the breezy ease of a one-pan wonder!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe has a purpose, from tender chicken that soaks up each spice, to colorful peppers that roast up sweet and smoky. It’s an unfussy, full-flavored combination where simplicity lets each element really shine.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless and cut into strips for quick, even cooking and juicy results.
- Bell peppers: Any color works – pick your favorites! They add sweetness, crunch, and beautiful color.
- Red onion: Sliced for mellow, caramelized flavor and extra savory goodness in every bite.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon helps the spices cling and the veggies get lightly crisped.
- Garlic powder: For bold, aromatic flavor that infuses every bite.
- Smoked paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and a gorgeous deep color.
- Italian seasoning: Adds herby, fragrant layers that tie the whole dish together.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and drawing out the veggies’ sweetness.
- Black pepper: A touch of gentle warmth to round out the seasoning.
- Cooking spray: Helps everything release beautifully from the basket and ensures crisp edges.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F before you do anything else. Starting with a hot basket is the secret to getting those irresistibly crisp edges on the chicken and peppers.
Step 2: Toss the Chicken and Veggies
In a roomy bowl, combine the chicken strips, sliced peppers, and onions. Drizzle in the olive oil, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss well, making sure every piece is coated with that savory, colorful spice blend.
Step 3: Prepare the Basket
Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, giving it a good, even coat. This prevents sticking and helps everything crisp without extra oil.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken and Peppers
Spread out the chicken and veggies in a single layer so the hot air can circulate. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking so every bite gets equal time with the heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is golden and cooked through, and the peppers are tender with perfectly blistered edges.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Transfer everything to a serving platter while it’s piping hot. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little zing. You can enjoy your Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe on its own, or keep reading for delicious serving ideas!
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or cilantro. A final squeeze of lemon or a dusting of grated Parmesan takes the Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe from everyday to restaurant-worthy. Red pepper flakes can add a little extra heat if you like things spicy!
Side Dishes
This recipe is super versatile: pile the chicken and peppers over fluffy rice, tuck them into warm wraps with a dollop of yogurt sauce, or serve over a crisp salad for a lighter meal. Roasted potatoes or quinoa also make hearty, satisfying partners.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn leftovers into a warm sandwich by stuffing them inside crusty rolls, use them as a taco or fajita filling, or toss with pasta and extra veggies. For a party, set out bowls of the Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe with toppings and let everyone build their own grain bowls or wraps!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken and peppers are completely cooled before storing to retain maximum freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and peppers in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, then reheat following the suggestions below.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F for best results; this revives the crisp edges perfectly. Alternatively, use a skillet over medium heat or the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe slightly juicier and more flavorful. Just cut them into strips and follow the same instructions.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can mix it up with zucchini, mushrooms, or even snap peas. Just keep the veggies cut in similar sizes to ensure even cooking alongside the chicken and peppers.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should be golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Slicing into a thick strip to check for doneness works in a pinch, too.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe is mild by default, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to suit your heat preference.
Can I double this recipe?
If you want to make a larger batch, simply cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Each piece needs space for the best possible texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe, you’ll see just how effortless and rewarding homemade dinners can be! It’s colorful, healthy, and packed with the flavors you love, all with minimal mess. Invite your tastebuds (and your friends!) to the table for a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Print
Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers recipe is a quick and healthy meal option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, and savory spices come together in the air fryer for a delicious dish that can be served with rice, in wraps, or over salad.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 2 bell peppers (any color, sliced)
- 1 small red onion (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- cooking spray
Chicken and Vegetables:
Seasonings:
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Air Fry: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken and vegetables in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the peppers are tender and slightly charred.
- Serve: Serve hot with rice, in wraps, or over salad for a quick, healthy meal.
Notes
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or squeeze fresh lemon over the top before serving for brightness.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
