Simple Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Veggies (paleo, gluten free and AIP friendly)

Who says healthy has to be hard? This recipe couldn’t be easier. I always have chicken prepped like this in my fridge, ready to pop in the air fryer. Add some chopped veggies and it’s a meal. It’s also paleo, gluten free and AIP friendly.

Ingredients

1. Chicken breasts
2. Avocado oil
3. Seasoning of your choice (try garlic salt or AA Borsari Seasoned Salt*)
4. Veggies (I love zucchini, broccoli and mushrooms in the air fryer)

*A.A. Borsari Seasoned Salt contains nutmeg, which is not permitted on the AIP Diet.

Preparation

I prepare my chicken breasts in advance, so I can grab one and throw it in the air fryer for a quick meal. For large breasts, slice them into 1-serving sizes.

Put the breasts, oil and seasoning into a ziploc bag and mix, ensuring chicken is well-coated. Use immediately or place in the refrigerator for later.

Chop veggies into bite size pieces and place in a bowl. Add oil and seasoning and hand mix until veggies are lightly coated with oil and seasoning. I don’t do this in advance, but when I’m ready to cook them.

Air Fryer

Set air fryer to 360°. Place chicken breast(s) and veggies in fryer basket. After 10 minutes, flip chicken and check veggies.

Chicken needs to reach 165°. Cooking time will depend on size of the breast, so check breast with a meat thermometer.

Veggies can be cooked to taste. I like mine slightly brown and crispy.

Health Benefits

Chicken:

• Chicken is a lean protein and a good source of vitamin B, vitamin D, calcium, iron, zinc, and trace amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C.
• Chicken contains 2-3 times more polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat (healthier fats) than most red meats.
• It has 0 carbohydrates and trans fats and is low in sodium.

Avocado Oil:

• 70% of avocado oil consists of oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid.
• Studies suggest that it reduces blood triglycerides and LDL cholesterol (the bad kind), as well as lowering blood pressure.
• It also may increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind).
• Avocado oil is a good source of lutein, which functions as an antioxidant that reduces the risks of cataracts and macular degeneration in the eyes.
• It is also a good source of Vitamin E and contains 0 carbohydrates.
• When consumed with veggies, avocado oil aids in the absorption of nutrients from veggies.
• Avocado oil is anti-inflammatory, may prevent gum disease, and neutralizes free radicals (waste products of metabolism that otherwise cause harm to cells).