If you love delicious meals but don’t love the washing up (who does?), one-pot cooking is about to be your new best friend! Slow cookers and air fryers make healthy eating easier, faster and far less stressful - especially on busy days.
Whether you're feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just want quick nutritious dinners, these healthy one-pot recipes will save you time, energy and dishes. 🙌
🍲 Why One-Pot Meals Are a Game-Changer
✔ Minimal prep & minimal clean-up
✔ Budget-friendly ingredients
✔ Perfect for batch cooking & meal prep
✔ Great for healthier eating without fuss
With just one appliance doing the work, you can enjoy flavour-packed meals with fewer calories and more nutrients.
🐢 Slow Cooker One-Pot Recipes (Healthy & Fuss-Free)
Slow cookers are perfect for tender, flavourful meals with zero effort. Add ingredients, switch on, and return to a hot meal waiting for you. Bliss!
🍛 Slow Cooker Chicken & Chickpea Curry
A lighter take on curry night, with lean protein and nourishing spices.
Ingredients:
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Chicken breast, chickpeas, coconut milk (light), curry powder, garlic, onion, spinach
Why it’s healthy:
✔ High protein ✔ Gut-friendly spices ✔ Naturally creamy without heavy cream
Serve with brown rice or quinoa.
🌶️ Slow Cooker Mexican Quinoa Bowl
A balanced, colourful and nutrient-packed dish.
Ingredients:
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Quinoa, black beans, sweetcorn, peppers, tomato, onion, cumin, lime, coriander
Why it’s healthy:
✔ Vegan ✔ Protein-rich ✔ Perfect for lunchboxes
Add sliced avocado before serving for healthy fats.
🍝 One-Pot Mediterranean Chicken Pasta
A fresh, vibrant dish inspired by the Mediterranean diet - full of flavour and wholesome goodness.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast strips, whole-wheat pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, olives, garlic, Italian herbs, light cream cheese or Greek yoghurt (optional)
Why it’s healthy:
✔ High protein ✔ Wholegrain carbs ✔ Heart-healthy ingredients
For extra flavour, finish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of feta.
🍟 Air Fryer One-Pot Recipes (Fast, Healthy & Crispy)
Air fryers are ideal for quick one-pot meals with less oil and more nutrients - plus that crispy finish we all love!
🍋 Air Fryer Lemon Herb Salmon & Veggies
A 15-minute balanced dinner bursting with flavour.
Ingredients:
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Salmon fillets, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, lemon, herbs, olive oil (light spray)
Why it’s healthy:
✔ Omega-3 rich ✔ Low calorie ✔ Packed with antioxidants
🥦 Air Fryer Chicken, Broccoli & Sweet Potato
A simple, satisfying meal with lean protein and slow-release carbs.
Ingredients:
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Chicken pieces, sweet potato chunks, broccoli, paprika, garlic
Why it’s healthy:
✔ High protein ✔ No heavy sauces ✔ High fibre veggies
🌯 Air Fryer Veggie Fajita Bowl
Healthy, colourful and perfect for “fakeaway night”.
Ingredients:
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Peppers, courgette, onions, mushrooms, fajita spice, wrap or rice (optional)
Why it’s healthy:
✔ Low fat ✔ High in vitamins ✔ Fun and customisable
Add beans for extra protein.
🥄 One-Pot Cooking Tips for Healthier Meals
💧 Use low-sodium stocks and season with herbs instead of lots of salt
🧄 Boost flavour with spices & aromatics (garlic, ginger, paprika, herbs)
🥦 Add veggies last in slow cookers to keep nutrients (especially greens)
🔥 Preheat air fryer briefly for crispier results with less oil