This healthy air fryer dinner features tender chicken breast paired with a colorful mix of vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal for one. The air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection while keeping the vegetables crisp and flavorful.
The recipe is simple and quick, perfect for busy weeknights. You can easily customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Quick and Nutritious Air Fryer Dinner
This delightful dish features a perfectly cooked air-fried chicken breast paired with a colorful assortment of sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli.
The air fryer not only ensures the chicken remains juicy but also allows the vegetables to retain their crispness and vibrant colors, making for a visually appealing meal.
With a preparation time of just 5 minutes and a total cooking time of 20 minutes, this recipe is designed for those who appreciate a nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying.
Ingredients That Shine
The combination of ingredients in this dish is both simple and effective.
A boneless, skinless chicken breast serves as the protein base, while the colorful vegetables—bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli—add essential nutrients and a burst of flavor.
Seasoning plays a vital role in enhancing the taste.
Garlic powder and paprika bring warmth and depth, while a drizzle of olive oil helps to achieve that golden-brown finish on the chicken.
Preparation Steps
To start, slice the bell pepper and zucchini, and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
This not only makes the cooking process easier but also ensures even cooking for all the ingredients.
Next, season the chicken breast thoroughly with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
This step is crucial for infusing flavor into the chicken, ensuring each bite is delicious.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is essential for achieving that perfect cook.
Set it to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to warm up for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken.
Cook the chicken breast for 10 minutes, then carefully add the sliced vegetables to the basket.
Continue cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Once everything is cooked to perfection, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more succulent.
Serve the chicken alongside the vibrant vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
This dish not only looks inviting but also offers a healthy balance of protein and vegetables, making it a satisfying dinner for one.
Nutrition and Benefits
This meal is not just quick and easy; it’s also packed with nutrition.
With approximately 350 calories per serving, it offers a healthy balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
The chicken breast provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, while the vegetables contribute vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
This combination makes it a wholesome choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Quick and Nutritious Air Fryer Dinner
This dish combines seasoned chicken breast with bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli, all cooked in the air fryer for a deliciously healthy dinner. The recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish and is ideal for a single serving.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 6 oz)
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Slice the bell pepper and zucchini, and cut the broccoli into florets.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken breast with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breast in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables: After 10 minutes, add the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli to the basket. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and serve it with the vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 1 serving
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 10g