Air-Frying A Stuffed Chicken Breast: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook stuffed chicken breasts in an air fryer. This method of cooking chicken is not only fast but also results in a crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy, tender meat. Stuffed chicken breasts cooked in an air fryer are also a healthier option as they require less oil. You can stuff chicken breasts with a variety of fillings, the most common being a mixture of cheese and spinach. Other ingredients include cream cheese, shredded Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic, red pepper, and salt. The cooking time for stuffed chicken breasts in an air fryer varies depending on the size and thickness of the meat, but it generally takes around 15 to 30 minutes at temperatures between 350°F and 375°F.

Filling options: spinach, cheese, and more

Stuffed chicken breasts are a great way to elevate your average chicken dinner. They are easy to make, can be prepped in advance, and are highly customisable. The options for fillings are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Spinach and Cheese

This classic combination is a great way to add flavour and moisture to your chicken. You can use frozen or fresh spinach, but remember to chop it up to avoid having large leaves in your filling. Freshly grated parmesan, mozzarella, gouda, cheddar, provolone, feta, or goat cheese are all great options to mix with your spinach. You can also add in herbs like chopped parsley or oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of crushed red pepper for an extra kick.

Spinach and Onions

If you're looking for a simpler option, you can stick to spinach and onions. Saute the onions first, and then add the spinach to cook it down. This will help release the aromatics in the onion, which will then transfer to the chicken breast during cooking.

Other Options

If you're feeling more adventurous, you can try stuffing your chicken breasts with anything from grapes and hazelnuts to bacon and garlic. You can also use portobello mushroom caps as a vegetarian option.

Chicken breast preparation

First, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together your desired ingredients—a common combination is cream cheese, shredded Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, garlic, red pepper, and salt. You can also add ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, avocado oil, and yellow onion. If you're making a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken breasts with portobello mushroom caps.

Next, prepare the chicken breasts. Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each boneless, skinless breast. Be careful not to slice all the way through, so the stuffing doesn't come out. You can also try butterflying the chicken breasts by cutting through one side and opening them up like a book.

Now, it's time to stuff the chicken. Use a spoon to stuff the mixture into the pockets you've created. Be careful not to overstuff, as this can cause the filling to ooze out during cooking. If you're using toothpicks to secure the filling, soak them in cold water for at least 15 minutes before inserting them into the chicken.

Before cooking, lightly coat the chicken breasts in olive oil, avocado oil, or another cooking spray. This will help prevent the meat from sticking to the air fryer basket and keep it moist. You can also season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and other seasonings of your choice.

Finally, place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced evenly apart to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature and cooking time according to your recipe and air fryer instructions, typically between 350-375°F for 15-30 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and juicy air fryer stuffed chicken breasts!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The cooking time and temperature for stuffed chicken breasts in an air fryer depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

As a general guideline, stuffed chicken breasts can be cooked in an air fryer at temperatures between 350 and 375 °F for 15 to 30 minutes. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 °F. This can be checked with a meat thermometer, which should be inserted into the deepest part of the meat, away from the filling.

Some recipes suggest cooking at 360 °F for 18 to 20 minutes, while others recommend 20 to 25 minutes at 350 °F. The cooking time may need to be extended if the chicken breasts are larger. It is important not to overcook the chicken, as this can result in dry and tough meat.

For food safety, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165 °F. It is also important to ensure that the chicken breasts are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, with a little space between them to allow for even cooking and air circulation.

Seasoning and oil

When it comes to seasoning and oil, there are a few options to consider for your stuffed chicken breast. Firstly, decide on the type of oil you want to use. Olive oil, avocado oil, and pure olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray are all recommended options. If you're using sun-dried tomatoes, you could also use the oil they come in for added flavour.

Once you've selected your oil, you can prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Then, use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. You can also add herbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl and use your hands to evenly coat the chicken.

Alternatively, you can drizzle oil over both sides of the chicken and then sprinkle with a seasoning blend. This blend can include paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add some fresh basil for herbaceous notes, onion powder for sweetness, and kosher salt for seasoning.

After seasoning the chicken, you can prepare the air fryer by spraying the basket with cooking oil. Then, place the chicken breasts in the basket, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart and not overcrowded. If you want to secure the filling inside with toothpicks, this is optional.

Finally, cook your stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. However, a general guideline is to cook at 350°F to 375°F for 18 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried stuffed chicken breasts. Here are some suggestions:

Side Dishes

You can serve the chicken with a variety of hot and cold side dishes. For hot sides, you can prepare easy air fryer vegetable sides such as baby corn, roasted root vegetables, leeks, or celery. You can also serve the chicken with roasted potatoes, zucchini, or frozen cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. If you're looking for a dish with more carbs, the chicken goes well with rice or quinoa. Pasta is also a great option to pair with the chicken.

Salads

For a refreshing summer dinner, serve the chicken with a fresh salad. Some suggestions include a cucumber pomegranate salad, cucumber fennel salad, or an apple and cucumber salad.

Wine

If you're serving this dish for a special occasion or simply want to elevate your meal, consider pairing it with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Gravy or Sauce

You can also add gravy or another sauce to your dish.

Dessert

For dessert, you can try something like a blueberry chicken recipe.

Reheating and Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, you can use an air fryer, oven, or microwave. When using an air fryer, preheat to 375°F and cook for 4-6 minutes. For the oven, preheat to 350°F, cover the chicken with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes. If you're using a microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals.

Frequently asked questions