Air Fryers: An Easy Way to Eat Healthy!

Cooking healthy meals in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy delicious food while keeping your health in mind. As a Registered Dietitian, I often recommend air fryers because they allow you to prepare quick meals with minimal oil. You can enjoy crispy, tasty foods without the extra calories and unhealthy fats that come with deep frying. Vegetables come out crunchy, and chicken comes out crispy in an air fryer.

One of the best things about using an air fryer is how easy it is to use. You can cook many different types of foods, like chicken, fish, potatoes, and even desserts, all in one machine. You set the temperature and cooking time, and the air fryer does the rest. You don't need to monitor it closely, and can continue doing other tasks that need to get done. This is especially helpful for busy families.

In addition to being quick and easy, cooking with an air fryer can help you stick to a healthy diet. Proteins and vegetables are some of the most important foods for weight management, and having an air fryer makes it easier to cook both of these foods. By using less oil, you reduce the amount of unhealthy (saturated) fats in your meals. So, not only is cooking with an air fryer convenient, but it's also a great way to take care of your health.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.

   • In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

   • Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching each other.

   • Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when done.

4. Rest and Serve:

   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

   • Serve with your favorite side dishes, like roasted vegetables or a salad.