A traybake is the ultimate hands-off dinner — chicken and vegetables roasted together in one basket. The trick in the air fryer is staggering, so the chicken and veg finish together. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make a chicken traybake in an air fryer?
A: Air fry chicken and vegetables at 190°C (375°F) for about 25–30 minutes, adding quicker veg partway so everything finishes together.
Q: What veg works best?
A: Peppers, courgette, red onion and new potatoes all roast well alongside chicken.
One-basket method
Start the chicken and any dense veg like potatoes together, then add quicker veg such as peppers and courgette partway through. Toss everything in oil and herbs first, and don't overcrowd — a single layer roasts; a heaped basket steams.
The recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Traybake
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- New potatoes, peppers, red onion
- 1 tbsp oil, paprika, herbs
- Lemon, garlic
Method
- Start chicken and potatoes at 190°C for 12 min.
- Add peppers and onion.
- Cook 13–15 minutes more.
- Check chicken 74°C; serve.
Tips
- Stagger by density so it all finishes together.
- Don't overcrowd — roast, don't steam.
- One basket means barely any washing up.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make a chicken traybake in an air fryer?
Start the chicken and dense veg like potatoes together at 190°C, add quicker veg such as peppers partway, and cook for about 25–30 minutes total so everything finishes together.
What vegetables go in a chicken traybake?
Peppers, courgette, red onion and new potatoes all roast well. Add quicker-cooking veg partway through so nothing burns.
Can you cook a whole traybake in one basket?
Yes — just don't overcrowd it. A single layer roasts and caramelises; a heaped basket steams the food instead.