Zucchini Chicken Stir Fry in the Air Fryer Recipe
Introduction
This Zucchini Chicken Stir Fry made in the air fryer is a quick, flavorful, and colorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken thighs with fresh zucchini and bell peppers, it’s an easy way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying dinner using minimal oil and fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini
- 4–6 boneless chicken thighs (sizes vary)
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 1/2 or 1/3 small onion
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon Knorr bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (such as Tony Rancher’s)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dry thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- A couple of parsley leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and cut the zucchini, bell peppers, and onion into pieces similar in size to your chicken pieces. Clean the boneless chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Place the chicken, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil.
- Step 3: Sprinkle paprika, Knorr bouillon powder, Creole seasoning, onion powder, salt, thyme, and black pepper evenly over the ingredients. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spatula to ensure everything is well coated.
- Step 4: Transfer the seasoned mixture to the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
- Step 5: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10 minutes. There’s no need to preheat.
- Step 6: Check halfway through cooking using a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked through. Add more time if needed.
- Step 7: Once cooked, transfer to a serving dish and garnish with parsley leaves if desired. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Keep chicken and vegetable pieces similar in size for even cooking.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket, which can hinder crisping.
- Use any color bell peppers you have available for flexibility and cost savings.
- Make it spicy by adding more chili pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning.
- Feel free to swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred.
- Serve with quinoa or your favorite rice for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative. Just be sure to cut it into similar-sized pieces and monitor cooking time closely to prevent drying out.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is optional for this recipe. Cooking from cold will still yield great results, but you can preheat for a couple of minutes if you prefer.
PrintZucchini Chicken Stir Fry in the Air Fryer Recipe
This Zucchini Chicken Stir Fry is a quick, colorful, and flavorful dish made effortlessly in the air fryer. Combining tender boneless chicken thighs with fresh zucchini and a variety of bell peppers, seasoned with paprika, Creole spices, and herbs, this recipe offers a healthy, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Cooked in just 10 minutes at 400°F, it’s an easy, delicious stir fry that pairs well with quinoa or rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 zucchini
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 1/2 or 1/3 small onion
Protein
- 4–6 boneless chicken thighs (sizes vary)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon Knorr bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (Tony Rancher’s recommended)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dry thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- A couple of parsley leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and the Chicken: Wash and cut the zucchini, bell peppers, and onions into pieces roughly the same size as chicken pieces to ensure even cooking. Clean and cut the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped chicken, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions into a large bowl. Add the olive or avocado oil along with all the seasonings: paprika, Knorr bouillon powder, Creole seasoning, onion powder, salt, dry thyme, and black pepper. Mix well using a spatula or clean hand to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Air Fry the Mixture: Transfer the seasoned chicken and vegetables into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes. There is no need to preheat the air fryer, though preheating is optional.
- Check for Doneness Midway: Halfway through cooking, check the chicken with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s cooking through properly. Stir or toss the ingredients if desired.
- Finish Cooking: If the chicken and vegetables are not fully cooked after 10 minutes, add additional cooking time as needed. Avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if necessary.
- Serve: Once fully cooked, optionally garnish with parsley leaves and serve hot. This dish pairs well with quinoa, rice, or your preferred side.
Notes
- Cut chicken and zucchini pieces to similar sizes for even cooking.
- Cook in batches to prevent overcrowding in the air fryer basket.
- Use any color combination of bell peppers available.
- Add chili pepper for extra spice according to your preference.
- You can substitute chicken breast for thighs if preferred.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked before serving by using a meat thermometer.
- This dish pairs nicely with quinoa or rice for a complete meal.
Keywords: zucchini chicken stir fry, air fryer chicken recipes, easy stir fry, healthy chicken dinner, quick weeknight meal
