Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Stuffed Chicken

Yes, you can cook frozen stuffed chicken in an air fryer. It is one of the easiest things to make in an air fryer and can be cooked straight from frozen. The cooking time varies depending on the filling and the size of the chicken breasts, but it usually takes around 15-20 minutes. The air fryer cooks the chicken evenly, keeping it tender and juicy, with a crispy crust. It is important to preheat the air fryer and to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked through and safe to eat.

Broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breast

Yes, you can cook frozen stuffed chicken in an air fryer. Broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breast is a tasty, simple and fast meal that can be cooked in an air fryer.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Broccoli: 1-2 cups of cooked chopped broccoli florets
• Cheese: a mixture of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese
• Egg
• Olive oil spray
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Seasoning of choice

Method

Firstly, prepare the broccoli by roasting it in the air fryer with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Next, butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing a pocket into the center of each breast. Be careful not to slice all the way through. Then, mix the cooked broccoli with the cheeses and egg to form a sticky mixture. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your choice of seasoning. Stuff the broccoli and cheese mixture into the chicken breasts and secure the pocket with toothpicks. You can skip the toothpicks, but they help to keep the stuffing inside the chicken.

Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts in the basket and cook at 390°F (some sources suggest 400°F) for 15-20 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

This recipe is versatile, as it can be served with a simple side dish or enjoyed on its own. It is also a convenient option for those who want a tasty, home-cooked meal without the mess and time commitment of a more complex recipe.

Spinach and cream cheese stuffed chicken breast

Yes, you can cook frozen stuffed chicken in an air fryer. For example, you can cook frozen broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken in an air fryer by placing it in the air fryer basket and cooking it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, flipping it over halfway through. You can also cook frozen spinach and feta cheese stuffed chicken in an air fryer.

Now, for a detailed recipe for spinach and cream cheese stuffed chicken breast:

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Cream cheese
• Spinach (baby spinach is preferable, but frozen spinach can also be used if it is thawed and drained)
• Parmesan (shredded)
• Mayonnaise
• Garlic
• Red pepper
• Salt
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oil

Instructions:

• Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast using a sharp knife. Hold the chicken in place with your hand and carefully cut into the side, being careful not to cut all the way through.
• Prepare the filling by mixing together cream cheese, shredded Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, garlic, red pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
• Use a spoon to stuff the mixture into the pockets of the chicken breasts.
• Drizzle oil over both sides of the chicken breasts and season with a mixture of paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Brush oil or spray it into your air fryer basket.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spaced evenly apart. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the center of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Always check the temperature with a thermometer in the thickest portion of the meat, not the filling.
• Serve with your choice of sides, such as potatoes and vegetables.

This recipe results in tender and juicy chicken with a creamy spinach and cream cheese filling. It is a simple, low-carb, and healthy meal that can be easily prepared and cooked in the air fryer.

Chicken preparation and seasoning

Preparing the Chicken:

Firstly, decide on the type of chicken you want to cook. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice for air frying as they cook evenly and are versatile. Cut each chicken breast into thin, flat pieces to ensure even cooking and a juicy texture. For stuffed chicken, use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut through to the other side.

Seasoning the Chicken:

There are endless options for seasoning your chicken, from simple spice blends to more complex marinades. Here are some popular choices:

• A basic blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to taste.
• For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the above blend.
• A Brazilian spice mix: mix oregano, paprika, cumin, black pepper, coriander, thyme, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg.
• A tandoori spice blend with ginger-garlic paste and a dollop of yoghurt.
• For a sweet and savoury flavour, coat the chicken with spices, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
• For a simple option, rub the chicken with olive oil and your choice of herbs and seasonings, such as brewer's yeast.

Stuffing the Chicken:

For a stuffed chicken, prepare your filling by mixing ingredients such as cream cheese, shredded Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, garlic, red pepper, and salt to taste. Use a spoon to generously stuff the mixture into the pockets of the chicken breasts.

Once your chicken is prepared and seasoned to your liking, it's time to cook it in your air fryer! Remember to follow food safety guidelines and ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The temperature and cooking time for stuffed chicken in an air fryer vary depending on the brand and model of the air fryer, the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, and personal preferences for doneness. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving the desired temperature and cooking time:

Preheating the Air Fryer:

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the stuffed chicken breasts. Most air fryers have a preheat setting; if yours doesn't, you can preheat it for about 5 minutes at a high temperature, such as 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature Settings:

• For cooking raw stuffed chicken breasts, a temperature setting of around 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit is commonly suggested. This temperature range ensures thorough cooking and browning without drying out the meat.
• When reheating leftover stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer, a lower temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit is typically used.

Cooking Time:

• The cooking time for stuffed chicken breasts in an air fryer can range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the meat. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to meet food safety standards.
• For frozen stuffed chicken breasts, the cooking time may be slightly longer, ranging from 15 to 20 minutes, or even up to 40 minutes for thicker pieces. It is crucial to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• When cooking frozen chicken, it is recommended to season and brush the chicken with oil after the first half of the cooking time, once you have flipped them over. This helps to ensure a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Using a Meat Thermometer:

• To ensure the chicken is cooked properly, it is advisable to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when the thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Visually, you can check for doneness by slicing into the thickest part of the chicken breast and ensuring that the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Serving suggestions and side dishes

If you're cooking frozen stuffed chicken in an air fryer, there are plenty of side dishes you can make to accompany it. Many side dishes that you would normally roast, deep-fry, sauté or bake can be cooked in an air fryer, and they will be healthier too, as they can be made with less oil.

If you're looking for a potato side, you could try rosemary potato wedges, crispy French fries, or sweet potato fries. If you're after something more vegetable-based, you could try air fryer asparagus, green beans, or a light and herby ratatouille. If you're a mushroom fan, you could try them with red pepper flakes, or stuffed with bacon. You could also try zucchini, either as zucchini chips or cooked with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cooking spray. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, you could wrap your green beans in bacon, or stuff your tomatoes with cooked brown rice, parmesan cheese, goat cheese, toasted walnuts, basil, garlic, and Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.

If you're cooking a cheese and spinach-stuffed chicken, you might want to serve it with potatoes and a veggie, or a side salad for a simple, low-carb, healthy dinner.

Frequently asked questions