Spicy Air Fryer Chicken & Capsicum Grain Bowls

Lunch · Easy · 35 min

Crispy, spiced air-fried chicken breast cubes served over fluffy quinoa and fresh baby spinach with a zesty spiced peanut sauce.

PREP 15 min COOK 20 min TOTAL 35 min
Serves

Method

  1. 1.

    Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water and cook according to packet instructions. Set aside to cool slightly.

    Rinsing removes the bitter coating from quinoa.

  2. 2.

    Preheat your air fryer to 392°F. Slice the chicken into bite-sized cubes.

    Cutting the chicken against the grain helps keep it tender.

  3. 3.

    In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil spray, paprika, cumin, chilli flakes, garlic, salt and pepper until evenly coated.

    Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in two batches if necessary for the crispiest result.

  4. 4.

    Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

    Check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F.

  5. 5.

    While the chicken cooks, dice the capsicum and onion into small chunks. Add them to the air fryer for the last 5 minutes of cooking time to soften slightly.

    Adding the veggies later prevents them from burning before the chicken is done.

  6. 6.

    Whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice with a splash of warm water to create a smooth sauce.

    Adjust the lime juice or water to get a pouring consistency.

  7. 7.

    Divide the cooked quinoa and fresh baby spinach between bowls, top with the spicy chicken and warm capsicum, and drizzle generously with the peanut sauce.

    Garnish with fresh coriander if you have it for a fresh finish.

Estimated Nutrition ✨ (per serve)

A+ 92/100
560 Calories
58g Protein
46g Carbs
12g Fat
8g Fibre
6g Sugar

Score Breakdown ✨ 92/100

Protein
35/35
10.4g per 100 cal
Fibre
20/25
8g per serve
Sugar
12/15
6g per serve
Calories
15/15
560 per serve
Fat
10/10
19% of calories

Macro Split ✨

44%
35%
21%
Protein 44% Carbs 35% Fat 21%

Health Insight ✨

This is a powerhouse lunch that's perfectly balanced with high protein and plenty of fiber to keep you full. The combination of quinoa and fresh veggies makes it a nutrient-dense meal.

Strengths
  • Exceptional protein content from the chicken and quinoa to support muscle maintenance.
  • High fiber levels from the quinoa, capsicum, and baby spinach for sustained energy.
  • Rich in micronutrients thanks to the variety of colorful vegetables and garlic.
Could improve
  • Use a low-sodium soy sauce to keep the salt levels in check while maintaining that savory flavor.

Double the sauce for leftovers as it tastes even better the next day. You can add sliced cucumber or bean sprouts for extra crunch.

air-fryergrain-bowlhigh-proteinspicy