A traybake is the easiest Mediterranean dinner there is — lean chicken and a tumble of vegetables, cooked together so the flavours mingle. The air fryer does it in one basket with barely any cleanup. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make a chicken traybake in an air fryer?
A: Toss chicken and vegetables with oil and herbs and air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 18–22 minutes, until the chicken reaches 74°C.
Q: Can chicken and veg cook together?
A: Yes — cut vegetables to a size that cooks in the same time, and add quick ones like tomatoes partway through.
One-basket method
Use boneless thighs or sliced breast so everything finishes together. Firmer vegetables (peppers, courgette, red onion) go in with the chicken; cherry tomatoes join for the last few minutes. A little olive oil and oregano ties it together. For just the vegetables, see our Mediterranean vegetables.
The recipe
Mediterranean Chicken Traybake
Ingredients
- 6 boneless chicken thighs
- 1 pepper, 1 courgette, 1 red onion
- 150g cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp oregano
Method
- Toss chicken and firm veg with oil and oregano.
- Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 14 minutes.
- Add tomatoes; cook 4–8 minutes more to 74°C.
- Rest 3 minutes and serve.
Tips
- Even pieces so chicken and veg finish together.
- Add tomatoes late so they burst rather than collapse.
- Serve with Greek lemon potatoes or a salad.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cook chicken and vegetables together in an air fryer?
Yes — cut the vegetables so they cook in the same time as the chicken, and add quick ones like cherry tomatoes for the last few minutes.
What chicken is best for a traybake?
Boneless thighs stay juiciest, but sliced breast works well too. Both reach a safe 74°C in around 18–22 minutes.
Is a Mediterranean traybake healthy?
Yes — it's lean protein and plenty of vegetables cooked with just a little olive oil, a core part of Mediterranean-style eating.