Name: Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 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 dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances vibrant color, irresistible flavor, and easy weeknight convenience, this Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers recipe belongs at the top of your must-try list. Sweet bell peppers and tender bites of chicken quickly roast together with a fragrant blend of seasonings, creating a dinnertime favorite that’s healthy, hearty, and endlessly versatile. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal so tasty you’ll want to make it again and again—the Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers is truly a kitchen hero!

Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers is how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create such an unforgettable meal. Each one plays a special part—bringing juicy texture, smoky undertones, or pops of color to every bite.

Chicken Breasts: Go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces for quick, even cooking and lean protein.
Bell Peppers: Any color works here—red, yellow, green, or orange all add crisp texture and natural sweetness.
Red Onion: Sliced thin, red onion brings a mild sharpness that mellows and sweetens as it roasts.
Olive Oil: Helps the spices cling and aids in getting those dreamy golden edges.
Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without the fuss of mincing garlic cloves.
Smoked Paprika: The touch of smokiness elevates the chicken and peppers with bold, comforting flavor.
Dried Oregano: Just the right bit of herbal zing to round out the spices.
Salt: Essential for coaxing out every bit of flavor from the veggies and chicken.
Black Pepper: A few shakes for subtle earthy heat.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a little spicy kick if you love heat!

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers

Step 1: Season the Chicken and Veggies

Start by grabbing a big bowl and tossing in your chicken, sliced bell peppers, and red onion. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle over the garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a little fiery. Use your hands or a spatula to give everything a good mix, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the flavorful seasoning blend.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

While your chicken and peppers rest in their seasoned marinade, preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes. This quick warm-up gets the basket nice and hot, which means the chicken and veggies start cooking immediately—locking in juicy moisture and caramelizing those edges perfectly.

Step 3: Arrange in a Single Layer

Time to load up the air fryer! Arrange the chicken and vegetables in a single even layer in the basket. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, no worries—just cook in batches so everything browns up instead of steaming. Overcrowding can lead to soggy results, so give those pieces some breathing room.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, making sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking so everything cooks evenly and gets those gorgeous charred spots. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature hits 165°F) and the peppers and onions are tender with crisped tips.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

As soon as your Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers are out, serve them up hot. Whether you spoon them over fluffy rice, tuck them into tortillas, or simply enjoy them as-is, they’re guaranteed to wow with each vibrant bite.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers

Garnishes

To make your Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers pop even more, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving. A squeeze of lemon or lime over the top brings out all the zesty flavors, while a crumble of feta or a scatter of sliced green onions adds a fun twist.

Side Dishes

This dish is so flexible when it comes to sides! Keep things classic with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. For something lighter, a simple green salad or roasted potatoes are wonderful. It’s also delicious wrapped in warm flatbreads or even as the filling in taco shells for a new family favorite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers in lettuce cups for a crisp, gluten-free option. Layer leftovers over a bed of greens for an easy lunch bowl, or tuck everything inside a wrap with a swipe of hummus. The colors are so vibrant, your plate will look as delicious as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers are a gift the next day—just pop any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle and deepen as they sit, making them just as irresistible for meal prep lunches or a quick dinner encore.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze portions of this recipe if you want to meal prep for the future! Place cooled chicken and peppers in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Just be aware that while the chicken will keep its tenderness, the peppers may lose a little of their original crispness after freezing and thawing.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, toss everything back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until fully warmed, or simply use the microwave for convenience. If reheating from frozen, thaw first in the fridge overnight for the best texture and even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving if you cook them a little longer, so feel free to substitute if you prefer dark meat or want a richer flavor in your Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers.

What other vegetables work well in this recipe?

You can get creative here—add sliced zucchini, mushrooms, snap peas, or even cherry tomatoes for more color and variety. Just slice everything to a similar size for even cooking alongside your chicken and peppers.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

The key is cutting uniform pieces and not overcooking—check for doneness at the 12-minute mark. Using chicken thighs also helps, as they stay moist longer than breasts. A light toss in olive oil helps seal in moisture, too.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

No marinating is required, which is part of the beauty of Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers! The seasoning blend works its magic in minutes, but if you want to prep ahead, you can let it all sit in the fridge for an hour or so for extra flavor infusion.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just be sure to cook in batches so you don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. The more breathing space, the better the texture and char on both chicken and peppers. Perfect for crowd-pleasing weeknight gatherings or meal prep sessions.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in need of a speedy weeknight meal or a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish for sharing, Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers never disappoints. It’s vibrant, easy, and filling—plus, you can play with flavors and serving styles to make it your own. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your kitchen!

Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Air Fryer Chicken and Peppers recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken pieces are paired with colorful bell peppers and onions, seasoned with a blend of spices, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Serve this dish over rice, in wraps, or with tortillas for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 bell peppers, any color, sliced
1 small red onion, sliced

Seasonings:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bell peppers, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss until evenly coated.
Cook in the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes. Add the chicken and vegetables to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
Serve: Serve hot over rice, in wraps, or with tortillas.