Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
This Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe takes a simple dinner and elevates it with a creamy, flavorful filling.
Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s a quick and easy way to make a deliciously hearty meal.
Whether you’re looking to impress your family or just want a comforting dish, these stuffed chicken breasts are sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless chicken breasts (5-6 ounces each) work best for this recipe.
- Olive Oil – Used for rubbing the chicken before seasoning.
- Paprika – Adds a smoky flavor to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder – For a savory depth of flavor.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the recipe.
- Black Pepper – For a little bit of heat and extra flavor.
For the Filling:
- Cream Cheese – Softened to make it easy to mix into the filling.
- Feta Cheese – Crumbled for a tangy and salty flavor.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for a burst of flavor.
- Spinach – Fresh spinach adds a nice green pop and healthy nutrients.
- Red Bell Pepper or Tomato – Adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
- Dried Oregano – Adds earthy herbal notes to the filling.
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
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Ingredients:
For the Chicken:- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5-6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 tablespoons red bell pepper or tomato, finely diced
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, feta cheese, minced garlic, chopped spinach, red bell pepper (or tomato), and dried oregano. Mix well until fully combined.
- Butterfly the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board.
- Cut each chicken breast horizontally, about ¾ of the way through, without slicing all the way through.
- Open each breast like a book to create a pocket for the filling.
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Divide the filling mixture evenly among the chicken breasts.
- Secure each chicken with toothpicks to hold the filling in place.
- Season the Chicken:
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
- Rub each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil.
- Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 18-22 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), checking with a meat thermometer.
- Serve:
- Remove toothpicks from the chicken before serving.
- Enjoy your crispy, tender stuffed chicken breasts!
Notes:
- The feta cheese already adds a good amount of salt, so I don’t add extra salt to the filling. However, you can taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your chicken breasts. Thicker breasts will require a bit longer to cook. Always check with a thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these chicken breasts in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 32-37 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Leftovers:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain the crispy texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 274 kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 509mg | Potassium: 511mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1208 IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 1mg
- Can I prep the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to remove them from the fridge about 15-20 minutes before air frying so they cook evenly.
- What should I do if my chicken breasts are too large for the air fryer?
No problem! Simply slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make them thinner and easier to fit in your air fryer. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in batches for the best results.
- How do I keep the filling from spilling out while cooking?
To prevent filling from spilling out, be sure to butterfly the chicken ¾ of the way through—not all the way. Once stuffed, secure the chicken with toothpicks, and you’ll have a perfectly sealed package that holds the filling inside.
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This will ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly without overcooking.
- Can I freeze the stuffed chicken breasts for later?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts! Just assemble and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, simply air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
