Craving a flavorful and juicy chicken dish that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast!
This innovative recipe leverages the power of your air fryer to create a restaurant-worthy meal in a fraction of the time. Marinated chicken breasts are transformed into delicious pockets overflowing with your favorite fillings, resulting in a tender, flavorful protein that’s perfectly cooked and bursting with taste.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (2 boneless, skinless)
- Olive oil
- Seasoning of your choice (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning)
For the filling (choose one or create your own):
Cheesy:
- Cream cheese (softened, 4 oz)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons)
- Chopped spinach (1/2 cup)
- Minced garlic (1 clove)
- Diced red pepper (1/2 cup)
Caprese:
- Sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
- Sliced fresh tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
Ham and Swiss:
- Sliced ham
- Swiss cheese slices
Instructions
1. Prep the chicken:
- Wash and pat dry the chicken breasts.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by making a horizontal cut through the center, almost but not completely cutting all the way through. You want to create a pocket to stuff the filling.
2. Make the filling:
In a bowl, combine your chosen filling ingredients. Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
3. Stuff and seal the chicken:
- Open the butterflied chicken breast and spread the filling evenly inside the pocket.
- Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to close the pocket and secure the filling.
4. Season the chicken:
Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with your chosen spices (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning).
5. Preheat the air fryer:
Most air fryers work best when preheated. Refer to your air fryer’s manual for recommended preheating temperature and time. A common preheat temperature is 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
6. Cook the chicken:
- Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for air circulation.
- Cook for 18-22 minutes at 360°F (180°C), or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured by an instant-read thermometer.
7. Rest and serve:
- Once cooked, take out the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender.
- Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine before serving.
Tips
- You can add a light coating of breadcrumbs or panko to the outside of the chicken for extra crispiness.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Always check the internal temperature for safe consumption.
- Get creative with your fillings! Explore different flavor combinations based on your preferences.
- Leftover air-fried stuffed chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
