This easy air fryer recipe is perfect for a quick dinner for one. It features juicy chicken breast paired with a mix of colorful vegetables, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish is ideal for busy evenings when you want a satisfying meal without much hassle.
Preparation of Ingredients
Begin by gathering all necessary ingredients for this delightful meal. You’ll need a boneless, skinless chicken breast, half a bell pepper, and half a zucchini.
Slice the bell pepper and zucchini into manageable pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking. Pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning adhere better.
Seasoning the Chicken
Season the chicken breast generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination of spices will enhance the flavor and create a beautiful golden crust during cooking.
Let the seasoned chicken sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors while you prepare the vegetables. This brief marination can make a noticeable difference in taste.
Tossing the Vegetables
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced bell pepper and zucchini with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then toss everything together until the vegetables are well-coated.
This step not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that desirable char when cooked in the air fryer.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about five minutes. This ensures that the chicken and vegetables start cooking immediately, promoting even cooking and browning.
Once preheated, place the seasoned chicken breast in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. After this initial cooking time, add the seasoned vegetables to the basket.
Cook everything together for an additional 8-10 minutes, monitoring the chicken to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serving the Dish
After cooking, remove the basket from the air fryer and let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist chicken breast.
Slice the chicken and arrange it on a plate alongside the colorful roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Nutritional Benefits
This meal is not only delicious but also nutritious. With approximately 350 calories per serving, it provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
The chicken breast offers a high protein content, making it an excellent choice for muscle repair and overall health. The vibrant vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals, enhancing the meal’s nutritional profile.
Simple Air Fryer Dinner for One
This recipe combines tender chicken breast seasoned with herbs and spices, along with a variety of vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook, serving one person.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 zucchini, sliced
- 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. Pat the chicken breast dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the Vegetables: In a bowl, combine the sliced bell pepper and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breast in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables: After 10 minutes, add the seasoned vegetables to the basket with the chicken. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then slice the chicken and serve with the vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 1 plate
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 10g