Golden chicken bites tumble out of the air fryer basket, crispy edges catching the light, broccoli florets charred just right at the tips. Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli is what happens when you need dinner fast but refuse to compromise on that satisfying crunch.
I shot this dish on a Tuesday in February 2019, studio lights warming my hands while the air fryer whirred behind meit was supposed to be a quick test run, but I ended up eating half the batch between camera clicks. After eight years of photographing food, I’ve learned that 375°F and a single shake halfway through gives you restaurant-level browning without any oil splatter on your stovetop. The broccoli gets sweet and crispy, not sad and steamed.
Thomas Baker
Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli Recipe Easy Quick
Enjoy a tasty and healthy dinner with this Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli recipe. Featuring crispy chicken bites paired with fresh broccoli florets, this quick weeknight meal is perfect for anyone seeking easy air fryer recipes and a wholesome chicken dinner.
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
Method
Start by heating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Toss the chicken pieces and broccoli florets together in a large bowl.
Whisk olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until blended.
Pour the seasoning mix over the chicken and broccoli, stirring to coat everything evenly.
Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey to the mixture and stir thoroughly to combine.
Spread the chicken and broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
Cook in the air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Use a thermometer to confirm the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Remove the cooked chicken bites and broccoli from the air fryer and serve right away for the best taste and texture.
Notes
Chicken thighs can be swapped in place of breasts for a juicier outcome. To add heat, mix in some cayenne pepper with the spices. Pair this dish with rice or quinoa to round out the meal. Garnishing with sesame seeds or sliced green onions enhances both flavor and presentation. Cut the chicken and broccoli into similar sizes to help them cook evenly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is the weeknight hero you’ve been waiting forcrispy, golden chicken paired with broccoli that actually has texture, not the mushy stuff from a microwave steam bag. Everything cooks together in one basket, which means less cleanup and more time to sit down with your family.
Quick and beginner-friendly: From fridge to table in 30 minutes, with just one appliance doing all the work.
Healthy without feeling like diet food: Lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and just enough honey-soy glaze to make it crave-worthy.
Crispy texture you can’t get from the oven: The air fryer gives you that restaurant-quality char on the broccoli tips and golden edges on every chicken bite.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters go back for seconds when the chicken is this tender and the broccoli tastes like it’s been roasted over an open flame.
Key Ingredients and What They Do
You’ll find everything for this recipe at your regular grocery storeno specialty shop required. The boneless, skinless chicken breasts get cut into bite-size pieces so they cook fast and stay juicy. Broccoli florets become sweet and slightly crispy, thanks to the high heat and a toss of olive oil.
The seasoning blendgarlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepperbuilds a warm, savory base. Then comes the magic trio: soy sauce adds umami depth, lemon juice brightens everything up, and honey creates a subtle glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. Whisk your seasonings together first so every piece gets evenly coated.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutesthis step matters more than you’d think, as it helps the chicken get that golden crust right from the start. Toss your chicken pieces and broccoli florets in a large bowl with the olive oil and spices, then add the soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey. Mix everything until it’s glossy and well-coated.
Arrange everything in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t crowd itif you pile things on top of each other, you’ll end up with steamed chicken instead of crispy bites. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and the broccoli will have tender-crisp florets with charred tips.
Step
Time
What to Look For
Preheat air fryer
5 minutes
Ready light comes on
Coat chicken and broccoli
3-4 minutes
Even glaze on all pieces
Air fry (first half)
6-7 minutes
Chicken starts to brown
Shake basket
30 seconds
Pieces rearrange evenly
Air fry (second half)
6-8 minutes
Chicken 165°F, broccoli charred
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Cut your chicken and broccoli into similar-sized pieces so everything finishes cooking at the same time. If your chicken bites are huge and your broccoli florets are tiny, you’ll end up with burnt vegetables and undercooked meat.
Don’t skip the shake: Halfway through cooking, give that basket a good shake or use tongs to flip everything over. This ensures all sides get crispy, not just the bottom. If you want extra juiciness, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighsthey have more fat and stay tender even if you accidentally overcook them by a minute or two.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
Original Ingredient
Easy Swap
Why It Works
Chicken breasts
Chicken thighs
Juicier, more forgiving if slightly overcooked
Broccoli florets
Cauliflower or Brussels sprouts
Same cook time, similar texture
Honey
Maple syrup or agave
Adds sweetness with a slightly different flavor note
Soy sauce
Tamari or coconut aminos
Gluten-free and lower sodium options
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. If you’re serving this to kids, leave out the black pepper and cut back on the smoked paprikathey’ll still get plenty of flavor from the garlic and onion powder.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve these chicken bites and broccoli straight from the air fryer while they’re still hot and crispy. They’re perfect over a bowl of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you’re keeping things extra light. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a little restaurant flairit takes seconds and makes the plate look like you spent an hour on it.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back that crispy texture. Microwaving will work in a pinch, but the chicken and broccoli will lose their crunch and turn a bit soft. If you’re meal prepping, store the chicken and broccoli separately from any rice or grains to keep everything from getting soggy.
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FAQs (Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli)
What temperature should I cook this recipe at?
Set your air fryer to 400°F for optimal results. This temperature ensures the chicken develops a golden crust while staying juicy inside. The broccoli will also get perfectly tender with slightly crispy edges. Most air fryers reach this temperature within 2-3 minutes of preheating.
How long does this meal take to cook?
Total cooking time is about 12-15 minutes. Cook the chicken bites for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Add the broccoli during the last 4-5 minutes of cooking. This timing ensures both ingredients finish at the same time without overcooking.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and pat the frozen broccoli completely dry first. Excess moisture will create steam and prevent proper crisping. Frozen broccoli may need an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Fresh broccoli generally gives better texture and flavor results.
What size should I cut the chicken pieces?
Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Smaller pieces cook too quickly and can dry out, while larger pieces may remain undercooked inside. Uniform sizing ensures all pieces reach 165°F internal temperature at the same time. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, preheating for 3 minutes helps achieve better browning and texture. A hot air fryer creates immediate searing on the chicken surface, locking in juices. Skip preheating and you may end up with soggy coating or uneven cooking. Most modern air fryers have a preheat setting.
You’ll love how this Air Fryer Chicken Bites and Broccoli turns outgolden, crispy edges with that restaurant-quality char you can’t fake in a regular oven. The chicken stays juicy, the broccoli gets those caramelized tips, and your kitchen doesn’t smell like deep-fried takeout. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a win, even on the messiest Tuesday.
Try tossing in a handful of cashews during the last two minutes for extra crunch, or drizzle everything with a little sriracha mayo if your family likes heat. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer at 350°Fjust three minutes and they’re crispy again. Serve it over jasmine rice or with a simple cucumber salad on the side.
If you make this tonight, I’d love to see how it turns outtag me with your air fryer basket photos or tell me what you served alongside it. Did your kids actually eat the broccoli, or did you have to bribe them with dessert? Save this recipe for your next weeknight scramble, or text it to a friend who needs a reliable dinner that doesn’t taste like one.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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