One-Pan Wonders: Effortless Meals with Minimal Cleanup
One-pan meals are a fantastic way to enjoy delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with a pile of dirty dishes. Whether you’re short on time or just want a hassle-free dinner, these recipes deliver on flavor and simplicity. Here’s a basic guide to creating easy one-pan meals, perfect for beginners and compatible with an air fryer when possible.
Ingredients
- Protein of choice (chicken breasts, salmon fillets, tofu, or sausage)
- Assorted vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or carrots)
- Olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder or minced garlic
- Optional herbs and spices (paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare your protein by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices.
- Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or air fryer basket, toss the vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Place the seasoned protein on top of or nestled among the vegetables.
- If using an oven, bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the protein is cooked through and vegetables are tender. For the air fryer, cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through.
- Check for doneness and adjust cooking time as needed. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Tips or Variations
- Swap proteins and vegetables based on what you have on hand for endless variety.
- Marinate your protein ahead of time for extra flavor.
- Use foil or parchment paper in the pan to make cleanup even easier.
- Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce before cooking for a different taste.
- For a complete meal, toss in some cooked rice or quinoa during the last few minutes of cooking.
