Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken and Roasted Veggies

Budget Friendly Air Fryer Meals Lemon Herb Chicken Magic

By Amara Vitalis September 23, 2025

4.75 (4 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a budget friendly air fryer meal ? I do! This lemon herb chicken and veggies recipe is a game changer.

It brings that yummy Sunday roast flavour to a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Brief Overview

This dish takes inspiration from the Mediterranean diet, known for fresh flavors. It is really easy to cook and ready in under 45 minutes .

This recipe yields 4 servings . Perfect for the family!

Main Benefits

This healthy air fryer meal is packed with protein and essential vitamins. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights. What makes it special? It's affordable , easy, and bursting with flavour.

This ticks all boxes in one pan air fryer dinner.

Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken

Oh my gosh, this air fryer lemon herb chicken and roasted veggies is a winner! I was so fed up with boring cheap chicken recipes .

Honestly, this one changed the game. It's one of the best air fryer recipes .

It's super simple. Plus, it's a one pan air fryer dinner , so less washing up. Who doesn't love that? The chicken thighs are tender and juicy.

The veggies are perfectly cooked and slightly browned. It's a match made in heaven! It is also a very family friendly air fryer meals.

I used to spend ages prepping dinner. But this has become my go-to for easy weeknight dinners . You'll never have to worry about what to cook.

What you get are super quick air fryer recipes and really affordable healthy meals that everybody loves!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk ingredients. You know, the stuff that actually makes the magic happen! The best budget friendly air fryer meals are simple.

No need for fancy, expensive bits. Keep it real, keep it tasty.

Main Ingredients

We're making air fryer lemon herb chicken and veggies. It's gonna be a winner.

Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Look for thighs that are pink and firm. Avoid anything slimy, yeah?
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) for the marinade.
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Freshly squeezed is best. Bottled works in a pinch.
Italian Herbs: 1 tablespoon (15ml) dried. Rosemary, thyme, oregano. All that good stuff.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Essential!
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) .
Red Onion: 1 medium , cut into wedges.
Bell Pepper: 1 , any color, in chunks.
Zucchini: 1 medium , 1/2 inch slices.
Broccoli: 1 cup (128g) florets. Frozen is totally fine.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for the veggies.
Salt & Pepper: For the veggies, to taste.

Honestly, this one pan air fryer dinner couldn't be easier. I reckon cheap chicken recipes are my fave!

Seasoning Notes

The lemon herb chicken is all about the herbs. Italian herbs are great. But try some fresh rosemary and thyme.

It's amazing! Garlic powder is my secret weapon, makes the chicken smell yummy. If you are on a dietary restrictions this is one of the best affordable healthy meals .

Swap dried for fresh herbs. Just double the amount, you know? Fresh herbs pack a bigger punch!

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple. You don't need a fancy kitchen.

Air Fryer: Obviously! Any size will do, really. Just might need to cook in batches. Preheat to 400° F ( 200° C) !
Large Bowl: For mixing the chicken and veggies.
Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping, duh.
Measuring Spoons & Cups: For measuring spices and stuff.

Don't worry if you don't have measuring spoons. Eyeball it. We're not baking a cake here! We are cooking healthy air fryer meals .

This family friendly air fryer meals recipe will leave everyone happy. Enjoy this easy weeknight dinners recipe! This will be one of your new favorite quick air fryer recipes .

And the best of all... you don't need to spend a lot of money!

Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken: Your New Weeknight Hero

Fancy some easy weeknight dinners that don't involve mountains of washing up? Oh my gosh, you're in for a treat! This Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken is not only incredibly tasty but also super convenient.

It's one of my go-to affordable healthy meals when I'm short on time. Honestly, I think I make this like, twice a week.

Let's dive in.

Prep Steps: Ace Your Mise en Place

First things first: the mise en place . This basically means getting everything ready before you start cooking. Chop your veggies.

Mix your marinade. This makes the whole process so much smoother. This will save you precious time, making it a quick air fryer recipe .

Oh, and a quick heads-up: always wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken! Seriously, it's important for safe cooking and we don't want any nasty surprises.

step-by-step: Air Fryer Magic

Here's the super easy process for these budget friendly air fryer meals :

Marinate the chicken thighs in a bowl with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Leave for at least 10 minutes .
Toss your chopped red onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) . Trust me, preheating makes a difference.
Add the chicken and veggies in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
Air fry for 20- 25 minutes , flipping the chicken and tossing the veggies halfway through. Aim for an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) for the chicken.
Serve immediately! I love it with a wedge of lemon, or as a one pan air fryer dinner to avoid a sink full of dirty dishes.

Pro Tips for the Chicken Win

One of the best ways to make sure this dish is packed with flavor is to marinate the chicken for as long as you can.

Honestly, the longer, the better, you can even leave this for a few hours in the fridge.

Another tip? Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This is so important! Otherwise, your chicken and veggies will steam instead of getting that lovely crispy texture.

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous you can even try this out with some lemon herb chicken or a simple cheap chicken recipes recipe.

Looking for family friendly air fryer meals ? This chicken and veggie combo is a guaranteed winner for the little ones! Even my fussy eater loves it! And that's a win in my book.

This recipe is a brilliant way to make healthy air fryer meals without spending hours in the kitchen. So go on, give it a go, you know you want to. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Your Air Fryer Chicken Cheat Sheet

Alright, let's talk about nailing this air fryer lemon herb chicken and roasted veggies. Honestly, there are a few little tricks that'll take it from good to Oh my gosh, this is amazing!

Plating Like a Pro and Perfect Pairings

Presentation matters, you know? For a simple but elegant look, arrange the air fryer chicken thighs on a plate with the roasted veggies.

Drizzle with any pan juices. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens everything up. Want a fuller meal? Serve with fluffy quinoa or brown rice.

Trust me, a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or a light vinaigrette adds a fab finishing touch.

Storing Like a Boss

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Pop the chicken and veggies into an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .

You can also freeze them for up to 2 months . Reheat in the air fryer at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Alternatively, microwave works in a pinch.

Remix It: Variations for Everyone

Need a twist? Absolutely. For a healthy air fryer meal , swap the chicken for tofu. Or, for a Mediterranean vibe, sprinkle feta and olives.

Using other cheap chicken recipes , you can swap the lemon and herb marinade to use other options, like barbecue sauce.

This makes it one of those family friendly air fryer meals that everyone will love!

Nutrition Nuggets: Keeping it Real

One serving of this budget friendly air fryer meal clocks in around 350-400 calories. You also get a whopping 35g of protein.

It's also packed with vitamins from the veggies. This means it's an affordable healthy meal that's good for you.

And that's it! Armed with these notes, you're ready to rock this recipe. I promise, with a bit of love and your trusty air fryer, you'll create a delicious, easy weeknight dinner .

Get ready for some seriously good, quick air fryer recipes that'll become a staple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken and Roasted Veggies actually budget friendly? It sounds a bit posh!

Absolutely! We've designed this recipe with affordability in mind. Chicken thighs are generally cheaper than breasts, and we're using everyday veggies like onions, peppers and broccoli.

The lemon and herbs elevate the flavor without needing expensive ingredients, meaning you can have a restaurant quality meal without the hefty price tag, saving you a few quid!

Can I use frozen veggies in this recipe to keep it even more budget friendly?

Good thinking! Yes, you can definitely use frozen veggies in this air fryer recipe. Just be aware that they might release a bit more moisture during cooking, so you might want to add a minute or two to the cooking time.

Make sure to pat them dry before tossing with oil and seasoning, and ensure they are cooked thoroughly!

What other budget friendly air fryer meals can I make with the same ingredients?

Fantastic question! With the leftover ingredients from this recipe, you can make a quick chicken and veggie stir fry. Simply chop the leftover chicken and veggies and stir fry them with some soy sauce and ginger for a tasty and thrifty meal.

You could also use the leftover chicken in wraps or sandwiches for lunch, and the roasted veggies make a great addition to salads or omelets.

How long does the Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken and Roasted Veggies keep in the fridge? Can I freeze it?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, the air fryer is best to maintain crispiness, though the microwave will also work in a pinch. For freezing, allow the chicken and veggies to cool completely before placing them in a freezer safe container or bag.

They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Bear in mind the texture of the veggies might change slightly after freezing.

I don't have lemon juice, is there anything else I can use in this recipe?

No worries, a good substitute for lemon juice is apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or lime juice. Each of these liquids has similar acidity that will help tenderise the chicken and brighten the flavors of this air fryer meal.

Use the same amount of the alternative liquid as the lemon juice called for in the recipe, and don't worry about the end result - this is a very forgiving and adaptable dish!

Is this recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits of Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken and Roasted Veggies?

Absolutely! Air frying is a great way to cook with less oil, making this a lighter and healthier option compared to traditional frying methods. Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues.

The veggies provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all contributing to a well rounded and nutritious meal that won't break the bank.