High-Protein Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Veggies and Lemon-Lime Herb Sauce
If you’re looking for a quick, high-protein dinner that doesn’t involve loads of pots and pans, this one’s a keeper. Juicy chicken thighs, crispy on the outside thanks to the air fryer, paired with a couple of simple veggies, and topped off with a zesty lemon-lime herb sauce (yes, the same one you can make in the microwave in minutes). Dinner = sorted.
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This is one of those meals that ticks all the boxes: it’s filling, protein-packed, colourful, and ridiculously easy. Perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty but don’t feel like juggling five different pans.
What you’ll need
- 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (around 300g total)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for colour)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots)
- A batch of Lemon-Lime Herb Sauce (recipe here)
How to make it
Pat the chicken thighs dry with kitchen paper, then rub with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place them skin-side down in the air fryer basket and cook at 200°C (390°F) for 12 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 10–12 minutes until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
Meanwhile, toss the broccoli and carrots in a bowl with a tiny drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add them to the air fryer for the last 10 minutes of cooking so they come out tender but still with a little bite.
Plate it all up, then drizzle generously with the Lemon-Lime Herb Sauce. The tangy citrus really lifts the richness of the chicken and makes the whole meal taste like something you’d order in a restaurant.
Variations & Substitutions
- Different veggies: Swap the broccoli and carrots for green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers—use whatever you’ve got in the fridge.
- Go saucy: Not in the mood for citrus? Try the Orange Sauce or Mushroom Gravy instead.
- Lean option: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts—just cut the cooking time slightly.
- Extra protein: Add a boiled egg on the side for an extra boost.
This meal is high in protein, simple to throw together, and makes the most of two kitchen heroes: the air fryer and the microwave. Juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a quick homemade sauce, no one will believe it only took about 25 minutes from start to finish.