Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli: A Healthy and Delicious Recipe

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Are you ready to take your air fryer game to the next level? This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli recipe combines crispy, flavorful chicken with perfectly cooked broccoli, making it the ultimate healthy dinner. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re on a low-carb diet, trying to eat healthier, or just want a delicious and effortless meal, this recipe is a winner. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to relax!

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to make this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli from start to finish. We’ll also cover essential ingredients, possible substitutions, key features, and tips for getting the crispiest, most flavorful results. Let’s get started!

What is this Recipe?

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds: tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan crust and complemented by perfectly cooked broccoli. The air fryer helps achieve that golden-brown, crispy texture without the excess oil of traditional frying methods, making this dish a healthier option.

This recipe is not just full of flavor, but also wonderfully adaptable. You can enjoy it as is, or serve it alongside your favorite side dishes. The air fryer method ensures that the chicken is moist on the inside while getting that perfect crispy finish on the outside.

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Essential Ingredients:

For this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. You can also use chicken thighs if preferred.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the crispiest, most flavorful crust.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These light breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture to the coating.
• Garlic Powder: A bit of garlic powder enhances the savory flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds a delicious Italian flair to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the chicken and keep it moist.
• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli works perfectly for this recipe.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

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Alternative Ingredients:

Not all ingredients are set in stone! You can substitute or modify some ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Chicken Substitute: If you prefer, you can swap chicken for turkey breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
• Cheese Options: If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago.
• Breadcrumbs: You can opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free alternative.
• Broccoli Substitutes: Try cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus for a different veggie option.
• Seasonings: Feel free to switch up the herbs and spices based on your taste preferences. Smoked paprika, thyme, or rosemary could also work well!

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(Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Servings, Yield)

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Yield
10 minutes	20 minutes	30 minutes	4 servings	4 plates

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Key Features:

• Healthy & Low-Carb: Perfect for those on a low-carb or keto diet.
• Quick & Easy: Made in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep time.
• Crispy & Delicious: The air fryer ensures the chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
• Versatile: Serve with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cook everything in one appliance for easy cleanup.

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(Nutrition Facts)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	40g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fiber	3g
Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	3g
Sodium	420mg
Cholesterol	85mg

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Directions: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken breasts. If you’re using thick chicken breasts, it’s a good idea to either butterfly them (slice them horizontally to make them thinner) or pound them out using a meat mallet. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly in the air fryer. You want your chicken breasts to be of uniform thickness to guarantee that they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Once your chicken breasts are prepped, use paper towels to pat them dry. This is a crucial step. Moisture on the chicken will prevent the breadcrumb coating from sticking properly and will also affect how crispy your chicken gets. Pat the chicken thoroughly to remove excess moisture, especially if the chicken was previously frozen.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

Now, it’s time to create the Parmesan crust for the chicken. In a shallow bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. The panko breadcrumbs are important for that extra crispiness, so don’t substitute them with regular breadcrumbs if you want that crunchy texture.

Mix the ingredients together until well combined. The Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs will form the base of your coating, while the garlic powder and Italian seasoning will add flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasoning levels to your taste — a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a little heat if you prefer a spicier kick.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts. This helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken and promotes crisping in the air fryer. The olive oil also ensures that the chicken doesn’t dry out during cooking, as the air fryer uses hot circulating air to cook the food.

Next, take each chicken breast and press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly on all sides. Gently press the crumbs into the chicken to ensure a nice, even layer of coating. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the breadcrumbs; a thick coating will yield a crunchier texture. Once each piece is coated, set the chicken aside and repeat with the remaining pieces.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

While the chicken is resting and soaking in the flavors from the breadcrumb mixture, it’s time to preheat the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the air fryer is at the right temperature to cook the chicken evenly and crisp it up.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the preheating step! Air fryers work best when they are hot, which allows the coating on the chicken to become crispy more quickly.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket. For the chicken to become perfectly crispy, the air fryer must allow air to circulate around it effectively. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.

Set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the chicken breasts over to ensure both sides are evenly crispy and golden. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it is fully cooked.

When done, the chicken should have a beautiful golden-brown, crispy coating on the outside and should be tender and juicy on the inside. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and set it aside on a plate to rest.

Step 6: Prepare the Broccoli

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the broccoli. If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut it into small, bite-sized florets. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture during cooking.

In a separate bowl, drizzle the broccoli florets with a touch of olive oil, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or lemon zest if you want to elevate the flavor. The olive oil helps the broccoli crisp up and adds a rich, savory taste.

Step 7: Cook the Broccoli

Once the chicken is done and resting, place the seasoned broccoli in the air fryer basket. Arrange the broccoli in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Air fry the broccoli at 380°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, give the basket a shake to ensure the broccoli cooks evenly on all sides.

Check the broccoli at around 8 minutes. It should be tender with crispy edges, but if you prefer your broccoli extra crispy, you can cook it for a few more minutes. The air fryer’s rapid cooking process can give the broccoli a bit of a char, which adds a delicious roasted flavor.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once both the chicken and broccoli are done, plate the crispy Parmesan chicken alongside the perfectly cooked broccoli. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle a little olive oil over the broccoli or squeeze fresh lemon juice on top of the chicken.

If you want to add a little more richness to the meal, you could also sprinkle some extra Parmesan on the broccoli or chicken before serving.

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With these steps, you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal that’s both crispy and flavorful, without all the extra oil. Enjoy your Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli as a satisfying dinner

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Pro Tips for a Perfect Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli

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Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Healthy: With lean chicken breast and fresh broccoli, this dish is packed with protein and fiber, and it’s low in carbs.
• Crispy and Delicious: The air fryer ensures that your chicken comes out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. Even picky eaters will love the crispy chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli.

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What Makes This Recipe Unique?

The combination of crispy Parmesan-coated chicken and perfectly tender broccoli makes this dish stand out. The air fryer method allows you to achieve a crispy texture without the added fat of deep frying, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken recipes. Plus, it’s an all-in-one dish that requires minimal effort and cleanup, making it ideal for weeknight meals.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it possible to use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to fully thaw it before cooking for the best results. If you use frozen chicken, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? You can easily substitute traditional panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

3. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Just make sure they are cut into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.

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You’ll Also Love

• Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders
• Healthy Air Fryer Fish Tacos
• Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Shrimp
• Air Fryer Veggie Frittata

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Conclusion

This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli is the perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken and healthy veggies, all made in the air fryer with minimal effort. It’s quick, delicious, and healthy—what’s not to love? Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a low-carb meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to share your creations with #BeesRecipes on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your delicious take on this healthy dish!