Love is in the Air (Fryer)

By Anelia Van Zyl

Valentine’s Day is a time when love is in the air, and nothing brings people closer like the magic of food. Food isn’t just about eating—it’s a way to share feelings and create special moments together. Imagine the flavors in a dish as a way to express love, just how two people share affectionate glances and smiles. Whether it’s savoring a delicious meal or laughing together while enjoying good food, it all weaves into a beautiful story of love and togetherness. Every bite becomes a way to show care and warmth, connecting hearts in a unique way. Valentine’s Day is the perfect moment to celebrate both love and the joy that food brings into our lives. This easy air fryer meal guarantees love at first bite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, now and every day!

Tender Chicken Breast with Silky Potato Mash and Steamed Beans

Ingredients

• 2 medium potatoes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 2 chicken breasts (with or without skin)
• olive oil
• 30 ml cream or full cream milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
• Yard-long beans (or any other green beans you can find)
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil leaves to garnish 

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Steamer basket and pot or electric steamer
• High-speed blender
• Tablespoon
• Teaspoon 
• Knife
• Small bowl

Instructions

1. Place the potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor and bring the water to the boil over a high heat. 
2. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender. They should be easily pierced with a fork without falling apart. While the potatoes are boiling, you can start on the chicken.
3. Add the spices to a small bowl and mix.
4. Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, then rub a generous amount of the spice blend into each one. Make sure to do this on both sides of each breast. 
5. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer and set to 160℃ for 20–25 minutes. Flip the breasts halfway through. 
6. Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the pot and cut into chunks.
7. Add the potato to the blender with the milk or cream, butter, and chopped garlic. Blend on high speed until creamy. It should have a smooth and velvety consistency. 
8. Over to the beans. Rinse, trim the ends, and cut them into smaller pieces.  
9. Bring water to the boil in a pot or the base of an electric steamer. Once the water is boiling, place the long beans in the steamer basket and cover with a lid to trap the steam. 
10. Steam the beans for 5–7 minutes. They are ready when they are bright green and tender, with a slight crunch. 
11. Drizzle olive oil over the steamed beans and sprinkle with salt and pepper. 
12. Plating: first, add the silky potato mash and flatten it so it forms a “bed” for the chicken breasts to rest on. Place the chicken breasts on the mash, and lay the long beans next to the chicken breasts whichever way you prefer. Finally, add a little freshness to the meal by placing fresh basil leaves on top of the chicken. 

Bon Appetit! 

Photos courtesy of the author; title image from Canva.

About the Author

Anelia is a performing artist from South Africa. She has been living and working as a teacher in Thailand for nine years. She also writes educational children’s books, makes music, and loves to spend time in the kitchen. Follow her adventures on IG @aneliavz.