This Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a quick and easy dinner that comes together with simple ingredients. Crispy bites of chicken are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, then tossed with steamed broccoli and a flavorful homemade sauce.
This healthy air fryer meal was inspired by my love for Asian style dinners like my Low Carb Beef Stir Fry, but made even easier with the air fryer. It's a wholesome family dinner that doesn't take much time and pairs perfectly with Cauliflower Fried Rice.
Why You'll Love Air Fryer Chicken Broccoli
Healthier than take out: You'll still get that crispy chicken feel without deep frying in oil.
Quick and easy dinner: Perfect for busy nights, this meal is on the table in just about 20 minutes.
Simple pantry ingredients: No fancy groceries needed, everything comes from your fridge or spice rack.
Key Ingredients
Broccoli Crowns: steam quickly into tender florets.
Chicken breast: lean protein that cooks fast and stays juicy in the air fryer.
Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: basic seasonings for flavor in the coating
Cornstarch: creates a crisp coating on the chicken when air fried.
Hoisin sauce: sweet and tangy with bold flavor, like Asian style ketchup.
Fresh ginger: adds zing and helps balance the sweetness
Apple cider vinegar: brings a little tang to the sauce.
Soy sauce: for umami and a salty punch.
Raw honey: natural sweetness that balances the sauce.
Sesame seeds (optional): for a nice finishing touch.
Ingredient Substitutions
- If you don't have hoisin sauce, you can use teriyaki or even black bean sauce for a similar flavor.
- Chicken thighs are a great substitute if that's what you have on hand. They'll be just as juicy and flavorful.
- To make this recipe a little lighter, swap the honey with a sugar free brown sweetener like monk fruit.
Recipe Variations
- Low carb option: skip the cornstarch and swap the honey for a sugar free substitute.
- Add veggies: steam in sliced red bell peppers or carrites for more color and crunch.
- Extra heat: stir a little sriracha or red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Top Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before coating to help cornstarch stick better.
- Don't overload the bag, coating in 3 batches helps avoid clumps.
- Spray the chicken well with oil before air frying for an even, golden crust.
Variations
- Make this a low carb and lower-calorie option and eliminate the cornstarch and use a sugar-free brown sugar in place of honey to reduce carbs from 35 net carbs to 12 net carbs. Serve with a side of cauliflower rice.
- Substitute the chicken breast for boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- Add some color and steam some strips of red bell peppers with the broccoli.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheat: reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 min minutes.
Serve with...
More Air Fryer and Asian Inspired Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
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Ingredients
- 1 large broccoli crowns
- 1 pound chicken breast , cut into bite sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger root
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- Sesame seeds , optional garnish
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli and chicken into small bite-size pieces. Keep in separate bowls.
- Add the cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to a gallon-sized storage bag and shake to mix.
- Gradually add the chicken to the bag of cornstarch in three batch, shaking the bag after adding each batch.
- Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add breaded chicken to air fryer basket or trays and then spray top of chicken with oil.
- Air fry at 400° for 12-15 minutes until crispy and golden.While the chicken is cooking, add the broccoli to a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of water, cover, and microwave for 3 minutes until slightly tender and bright colored. Drain broccoli and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the hoisin, honey, ginger, vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Let boil for 1 minute then remove from heat. Set aside.
- Add cooked chicken to a mixing bowl with the broccoli. Pour sauce over the chicken mixture and toss gently until chicken and broccoli are fully coated.Garnish with sesame seeds (if using).
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