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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons - 1 red onion, cut into wedges - 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish This dish starts with simple, fresh ingredients. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. The veggies add color and crunch. Each one brings its own flavor to the plate. For seasoning, olive oil adds richness. Garlic powder gives a nice kick. Smoked paprika adds depth. Dried oregano gives an herb touch. Use salt and pepper to balance everything. When ready to serve, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It brightens the dish and adds freshness. This mix of ingredients makes a meal that is both tasty and healthy. Feel free to explore other veggies, too. You can add broccoli or asparagus. They cook well in the air fryer, too! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by marinating the chicken thighs. In a large bowl, mix the thighs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure each piece gets coated well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step is key for great flavor. Next, prepare the vegetables. Slice the red and yellow bell peppers, the zucchini, and the red onion. Take another bowl and toss these veggies with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Mix everything until the veggies are well coated. This helps them cook evenly and adds flavor. Now, it's time to preheat the air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking for both the chicken and the vegetables. Once preheated, arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes. This helps develop a nice brown color. After 10 minutes, carefully open the air fryer and add the prepared vegetables around the chicken. Cook everything together for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through to promote even crisping. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C). Once fully cooked, carefully remove the air fryer basket. Let the chicken and veggies rest for one minute. This helps the juices settle. Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a nice pop of color and freshness to your dish. - Use a large bowl to mix the chicken. - Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Mix well to coat each thigh evenly. - Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes for the best flavor. - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking. - Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer. - Cook for 10 minutes to get a nice brown color. - Add the veggies after 10 minutes and cook for another 10-12 minutes. - Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even crispiness. - Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) internal temperature. - Plate the chicken and veggies on a large platter. - Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for shine. - Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. - This makes your dish look vibrant and inviting. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or even longer if time permits, to enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Even Cooking: Make sure to arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. Shake it Up: Remember to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to achieve an evenly crisped texture on both the chicken and vegetables. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken has reached 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption and optimal juiciness. {{image_4}} You can easily change the chicken in this dish. Use chicken breasts or drumsticks if you prefer. Both work great in the air fryer. For veggies, feel free to get creative. You can add broccoli or asparagus for a fun twist. They cook well and add different flavors. Spice it up! Try using different spices or marinades to change the taste. You might want to add some chili powder for heat or lemon juice for zest. Another fun idea is to add cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheese on the veggies in the last few minutes of cooking. This adds a creamy twist that many love. If you want a low-carb or gluten-free meal, just skip the starchy veggies. Instead, use leafy greens or cauliflower. For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Both options soak up flavors well and offer protein. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for these swaps. To store leftovers in the fridge, let the chicken and veggies cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them fresh for up to three days. I recommend using glass containers. They help keep food fresh and are easy to clean. For freezing cooked chicken and veggies, ensure they cool completely first. Place them in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for quick thawing. This keeps the flavor intact. When you reheat, the air fryer works great for chicken and veggies. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This helps maintain crispness. If using a microwave, place them in a safe dish and cover. Heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking. Always check that the chicken is heated through. It should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. This ensures your meal is safe and tasty. It takes about 20 minutes to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer. First, cook the marinated chicken for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Then, add the veggies and cook for another 10-12 minutes. This method gives the chicken a nice brown color and keeps it juicy. Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in the air fryer. However, it will take longer than fresh chicken. Increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). The best vegetables for the air fryer include: - Bell peppers (red and yellow) - Zucchini - Red onions - Broccoli - Asparagus Most of these veggies take about 10-12 minutes to cook. Cut them into even pieces for uniform cooking. To check if chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Also, the juices should run clear, not pink. The chicken should feel firm to the touch when done. In this post, we explored a tasty air fryer recipe that uses chicken thighs and fresh vegetables. You learned how to marinate, cook, and present this meal. We also shared tips for customizing and storing your dish. By following these steps, you can enjoy a simple and delicious meal. The air fryer not only saves time but also keeps the food healthy. I hope you feel excited to try this recipe and make it your own! Keep experimenting in the kitchen for great results.

Air Fried Chicken Thighs with Vibrant Vegetables

A colorful and flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken thighs and a variety of fresh vegetables, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 piece yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 piece red onion, cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and freshly ground pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
  • While the chicken marinates, take another mixing bowl and add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Toss well until all the vegetables are evenly coated in the oil and seasoning.
  • Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C). Allow it to warm up for approximately 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  • Once preheated, arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to develop a nice browned exterior.
  • After 10 minutes, carefully open the air fryer and add the prepared vegetables around the chicken. Cook together for an additional 10-12 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through this cooking time to promote even crisping of both the chicken and veggies.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The vegetables should be tender and lightly charred, adding to their flavor.
  • Once fully cooked, carefully remove the air fryer basket and allow it to rest for one minute. Just before serving, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For a stunning display, plate the chicken and vegetables on a large serving platter. Drizzle with a touch of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, healthy, vegetables