Family-Friendly Dinner Ideas Under 30 Minutes
Finding quick and easy dinner ideas that everyone in the family will enjoy can sometimes be a challenge. Here are simple recipes you can prepare in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Many of these can be made using an air fryer to save time and keep things hassle-free.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup marinara or your favorite sauce (optional)
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the chicken cooks, toss the baby carrots and broccoli with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- After the chicken has cooked for about 10 minutes, add the vegetables to the air fryer basket and cook everything together for the remaining time.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through (165°F or 74°C).
- If desired, serve chicken and veggies over cooked rice or pasta, topped with marinara sauce and shredded cheese.
Tips or Variations
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs or fish fillets, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Try different seasonings like Italian herbs, lemon pepper, or Cajun spice for variety.
- Use frozen vegetables if fresh aren’t available; just add a couple of extra minutes to cooking time.
- For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with air-fried tofu or tempeh.
- Experiment with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue for added flavor.
