Can I use different potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Russet potatoes will give you an even crispier exterior but slightly drier interior. Red potatoes will hold their shape well and have a waxier texture. Just adjust cooking time slightly - starchier varieties might cook faster.

My air fryer is small. Can I still make this recipe?

Yes! Simply cook the potatoes first for about 15 minutes until nearly done, remove them and set aside (covered to stay warm), then cook the chicken. Combine everything for a final 2-3 minutes of cooking to bring it all together.

How do I know when the chicken is done without a thermometer?

While a thermometer is the safest method, you can also cut into the largest piece - the meat should be completely white throughout with no pink areas, and the juices should run clear. However, investing in an instant-read thermometer is really worth it for food safety!

Can I prep this meal in advance?

You can cut and season both the chicken and potatoes up to 8 hours ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. This makes dinner assembly lightning-fast when you're ready to cook!

Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 small Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch strips; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika; 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion; 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil

This incredibly satisfying Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a complete meal with crispy potatoes and perfectly juicy chicken in about 25 minutes. The air fryer works its magic, creating that delightful golden exterior while keeping everything tender inside – no complicated techniques required!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight Wonder: From prep to plate in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when cooking is the last thing you want to think about.
Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in the air fryer basket – say goodbye to multiple pots and pans cluttering your sink!
Perfectly Crispy Results: The air fryer creates that irresistible golden exterior on both chicken and potatoes that’s nearly impossible to achieve in a standard oven without using tons of oil.
Customizable Flavors: The spice blend is fantastic as written, but you can easily adjust it to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Yukon Gold Potatoes: These have the perfect starch content for air frying – they get crispy outside while staying creamy inside. The thin skin doesn’t need removal (though you can peel if preferred).
Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein that cooks quickly. Cut into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Olive Oil: Helps everything crisp up beautifully and carries the flavors of the spices. Don’t skimp here!
Italian Seasoning: A convenient herb blend that adds depth and complexity without requiring a dozen different spice jars.
Sweet Paprika: Brings mild, smoky flavor and gorgeous color to both chicken and potatoes.
Granulated Onion & Garlic: These provide concentrated flavor without the risk of burning that fresh onion and garlic might face in the high heat of an air fryer.
Ground Coriander: The secret ingredient that brings a subtle citrusy note to elevate the entire dish.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors – don’t forget this crucial ingredient!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some delicious alternatives:

Mediterranean Twist: Swap the Italian seasoning for a mix of oregano and rosemary, then serve with tzatziki sauce.
Spicy Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a dish with some heat.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some bell pepper chunks or zucchini slices during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking.
Different Protein: Try with chicken thighs instead of breast for even juicier results, or swap in turkey breast for a change.
Root Vegetable Mix: Replace half the potatoes with sweet potato or parsnip chunks for a more complex flavor profile.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes

Step 1: Season the Potatoes

Place the potato strips in a bowl and add half the spice mixture (Italian seasoning, paprika, granulated onion, granulated garlic, and coriander), salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss until every piece is thoroughly coated.

Step 2: Start Cooking the Potatoes

Arrange the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re in one or two layers for proper air circulation. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

While the potatoes are cooking, place the diced chicken in a bowl. Add the remaining spices, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-coated.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

When the timer goes off, push the partially cooked potatoes to one side of the air fryer basket. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the other side, arranging them in a single layer if possible.

Step 5: Cook Everything Together

Return the basket to the air fryer and cook both the chicken and potatoes together at 400°F for an additional 12 minutes.

Step 6: Final Crisping

Check both the chicken and potatoes. If you’d like more color or crispiness, flip everything over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Make sure the chicken has reached 165°F internally using a meat thermometer.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Cuts Matter: Try to cut both chicken and potatoes into similarly sized pieces to ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
Don’t Overcrowd: Air fryers work by circulating hot air – if your basket is too full, you’ll end up with steamed rather than crispy food. Better to cook in batches if needed!
Preheating Helps: While not always necessary, giving your air fryer a 3-minute preheat before adding the potatoes can improve crispiness.
Check Early: All air fryers perform differently. Start checking a couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Oil Spray: Keep a cooking oil sprayer handy – if anything looks dry during cooking, a light mist can help achieve that golden perfection.

How to Serve

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many accompaniments:

Simple Sides:

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables balance out the meal perfectly.

Sauce Options:

Try serving with honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce for dipping.

Make it a Bowl:

Serve over a bed of mixed greens with avocado slices and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a hearty lunch bowl.

Family Style:

Transfer everything to a large platter, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and let everyone help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Let everything cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. The potatoes might lose some crispness but will still taste great.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, use the air fryer again! Just 3-4 minutes at 350°F will revive everything without drying out the chicken. Alternatively, microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use different potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Russet potatoes will give you an even crispier exterior but slightly drier interior. Red potatoes will hold their shape well and have a waxier texture. Just adjust cooking time slightly – starchier varieties might cook faster.
My air fryer is small. Can I still make this recipe?

Yes! Simply cook the potatoes first for about 15 minutes until nearly done, remove them and set aside (covered to stay warm), then cook the chicken. Combine everything for a final 2-3 minutes of cooking to bring it all together.
How do I know when the chicken is done without a thermometer?

While a thermometer is the safest method, you can also cut into the largest piece – the meat should be completely white throughout with no pink areas, and the juices should run clear. However, investing in an instant-read thermometer is really worth it for food safety!
Can I prep this meal in advance?

You can cut and season both the chicken and potatoes up to 8 hours ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. This makes dinner assembly lightning-fast when you’re ready to cook!

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chicken and Potatoes recipe truly delivers on the promise of a complete, satisfying meal with minimal effort. The combination of crispy, seasoned potatoes alongside perfectly cooked chicken pieces creates a dinner that feels like comfort food but comes together quickly enough for even the busiest weeknights. Give it a try – I bet it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!