These quick & easy air fryer blackened chicken bowls are a fresh and delicious weeknight meal. Flavorful and so simple, this chicken is tender and juicy every time. Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a quick rice bowl. This blackened chicken pairs well with mango salsa and a scoop of black beans. These bowls can be great for the whole family, they are easily customizable and a good way to sneak in extra nutrients.
Highlights of this air fryer chicken recipe:
- Quick, balanced meal
- Instant pot means easy clean up
- Short cook time
- Family favorite
- Great for meal prep
- Can be a main dish, or used on top of salads or rice bowls
- Works on any cut of chicken
- Made with pantry staples
Grocery store list and ingredient substitutions:
- Boneless chicken breast, could substitute chicken tenderloins or boneless thighs
- Onion Powder
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder or cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt
- Canned black beans, could substitute kidney beans
- Avocados
- Fresh mango
- Red bell pepper
- Red onion
- Lime zest and juice
- Fresh cilantro
- Steamed rice
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray, optional for spraying the air fryer basket
Mango salsa, is fresh and can be customized. It compliments the blackened chicken perfectly!
Tools I used for this air fryer chicken breast recipe:
- Instant 6 qt. Air Fryer – Sleek and functional, the perfect size for 2-3 people.
- Shallow Bowls – Perfect for serving rice bowls.
- Tongs – A must kitchen utensil, perfect for transferring the chicken.
- USA Pan Half Sheet Pan – my go-to sheet pans, these are truly non-stick and clean up nicely.
This is one of my favorite recipes in the air fryer. While the chicken cooks, you can prepare your other ingredients.
If you like this easy blackened chicken recipe, you’ll love these other easy air fryer recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Meatball Bowls
2 Ingredient Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Meatball Bowls
The spice rub can easily be made at home and can be customized to your liking. Or substitute store-bought Cajun seasoning.
Variations & serving ideas:
- Substitute chicken thighs or tenders, for healthy air fryer chicken tenders
- Cut chicken into cubes before air frying
- Swap rice for lettuce and serve as a hearty fresh salad
- Serve in lettuce wraps or in warmed tortillas
Instructions for this easy chicken recipe:
Chicken:
- In a small bowl combine the onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and salt, add black pepper if desired. Stir to combine. Heavily season both sides of the chicken with the blackened seasoning.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Once preheated, add the chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fryer for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken is done when it has an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Allow chicken to rest and slice.
Mango salsa:
- In a large bowl combine the diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, salt, pepper, and lime. Stir to combine, season to taste.
Rice:
- In a large sauce pan combine the rice and water, stir well. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling cover and reduce heat to low. Cook on low for 30 minutes. Remove lid, and fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool.
- Serve blackened cooked chicken over rice topped with mango salsa, sliced avocado, black beans, and fresh cilantro.
- Cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness.
- Any extra seasoning blend can be stored in an airtight container
Blackened chicken breast can be used in a number of ways, make extra and keep for dinner or lunch throughout the week.
Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Bowls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz. Can black beans, drained
- Avocados
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
For the chicken:
- 2 6-8 oz. Boneless, skinless chicken breast, pounded thin
- 2 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
For the mango salsa:
- 2 large Mangos, peeled and diced
- 1 small Red onion, diced fine
- 1 large Red bell pepper, diced fine
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lime juice and zest, to taste
For the rice:
- 2 cups Long grain rice, dry, rinsed well
- 4 cups Water
Instructions
For the chicken:
- In a small bowl combine the onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir to combine. Heavily season both sides of the chicken with the blackened seasoning.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Once preheated, add the chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fryer for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken is done when it has an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Allow chicken to rest and slice.
For the mango salsa:
- In a large bowl combine the diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, salt, pepper, and lime. Stir to combine, season to taste.
For the rice:
- In a large sauce pan combine the rice and water, stir well. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling cover and reduce heat to low. Cook on low for 30 minutes. Remove lid, and fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool.
- Serve blackened chicken over rice topped with mango salsa, sliced avocado, black beans, and fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @theheartylife on Instagram and hashtag it #theheartylife.