Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste? This Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes recipe is exactly what you need. With tender, juicy chicken and crispy, golden potatoes seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. The air fryer makes cooking a breeze, giving you a perfectly cooked meal in a fraction of the time it would normally take. Plus, cleanup is super easy!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors for a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The air fryer locks in moisture in the chicken while crisping up the potatoes to a perfect golden brown. Using smoked paprika adds a smoky depth without any extra effort, and the fresh thyme brings in an aromatic, earthy note. What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this dish is straightforward, quick, and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 medium potatoes, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed – divided
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika – divided
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes – divided (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt – divided
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – divided

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing and dicing your potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Place them in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 cloves of crushed garlic, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, half of the salt (½ teaspoon), half of the red chili flakes if using, and half of the fresh thyme. Mix well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 2: Air Fry the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. This step gives the potatoes a head start to become crispy.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

While the potatoes are cooking, dice the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. In a separate bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, the remaining 2 cloves of crushed garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, the rest of the salt (½ teaspoon), black pepper, the remaining red chili flakes if using, and the rest of the fresh thyme.

Step 4: Add Chicken to the Air Fryer

After the potatoes have cooked for 10 minutes, add the diced chicken on top of the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Continue cooking for an additional 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes should be tender and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, transfer the chicken and potatoes to a serving platter. Garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Expert Tips

• Make sure to dice the chicken and potatoes into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness.
• Shaking or stirring the basket halfway through cooking helps achieve an even golden color and prevents sticking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For extra crispiness, increase the air fryer temperature by 10-15 degrees during the last few minutes of cooking.
• If you prefer, you can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes ahead of time to boost flavor.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetables: Add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for a colorful and nutrient-packed dish.
• Spices: Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika, cumin, or curry powder for a different flavor profile.
• Herbs: Use rosemary, oregano, or parsley instead of thyme to change the herbal note.
• Heat Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to suit your spice tolerance or omit them entirely for a milder dish.
• Protein: Substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs or turkey breast if preferred.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright and fresh finish.

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftovers, allow the chicken and potatoes to cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave on medium power until warmed through. Avoid storing at room temperature for extended periods to maintain food safety.

FAQ

Can I use frozen potatoes or chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes or chicken, but it’s best to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent crispiness.

Is it necessary to use an air fryer for this recipe?

While the recipe is designed for the air fryer’s quick cooking and crisping abilities, you can also bake the chicken and potatoes in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicier kick. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce or hot sauce on the side.

What should I serve with air fryer chicken and potatoes?

This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. You can also add a dollop of garlic yogurt sauce or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal fuss. The combination of tender chicken and crisp potatoes, seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and herbs, makes for a comforting dish that’s perfect any day of the week. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, it’s an excellent choice whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests. Give this recipe a try and discover just how delicious and convenient air fryer cooking can be!