Zucchini 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
Scale
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
