Quick and Easy Family-Friendly Dinners
Preparing dinner for the whole family doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. With a few simple ingredients and the help of an air fryer, you can whip up delicious meals that everyone will enjoy. Here’s a straightforward recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons 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 quinoa (optional)
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly on both sides.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is cooking, toss the baby carrots and broccoli florets with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- After removing the chicken, add the vegetables to the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes at 375°F, shaking the basket halfway to ensure even cooking.
- Serve the chicken and vegetables over cooked rice or quinoa if desired.
Tips or Variations
- Try swapping chicken breasts for pork chops or fish fillets for variety.
- Add your favorite seasoning blends like Italian herbs or Cajun spice for different flavors.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe works well in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) — bake chicken for about 20-25 minutes and roast vegetables for 15-20 minutes.
- Use frozen vegetables if fresh ones aren’t available; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Pair the meal with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete your family dinner.
