Air Fryer Chicken & Veggie Bowl with Mushroom Gravy
Some meals just feel like a hug in a bowl, and this one is exactly that. Crispy air-fried chicken, simple green veggies, a creamy mash, and a quick microwave mushroom gravy poured over the top. It’s high in protein, hearty enough to keep you full, and comes together without you needing to juggle a million pots and pans.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
The gravy is the real star here, rich, savoury, and ready in minutes, turning a simple chicken-and-veg dinner into proper comfort food.
What you’ll need
- 2 chicken drumsticks (or thighs)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup green beans
- 1 cup cauliflower florets (for mash)
- A batch of Mushroom Gravy (recipe here)
How to make it
Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Place in the air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Steam or microwave the cauliflower florets until soft (about 6 minutes), then mash with a fork and season with a little salt and pepper, you can stir in a spoonful of butter or Greek yoghurt to make it extra creamy. You can also leave them un mashed if you prefer.
Add the green beans to the air fryer for the last 8 minutes of the chicken cooking so they come out tender-crisp.
Meanwhile, whip up the microwave-friendly Mushroom Gravy. Once everything’s done, build your bowl: cauliflower mash on the bottom, chicken and green beans on top, and a generous pour of gravy to finish.
Variations & Substitutions
- Different base: Swap cauliflower mash for mashed potatoes or rice.
- Extra rich: Stir a splash of cream into the mushroom gravy at the end.
- Veggie swap: Broccoli or Brussels sprouts also pair beautifully with this meal.
- Protein switch: Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, just adjust air fryer cooking time.
- Vegan option: Use tofu or chickpeas in place of chicken and veggie stock in the gravy.
This meal is hearty, high in protein, and exactly the kind of comfort food you want on a chilly evening. Juicy chicken, creamy mash, and a rich mushroom gravy, all made with the help of your air fryer and microwave.