Air Fryer Frozen Stuffed Chicken: Is It Possible?

There are many ways to cook stuffed chicken breasts in an air fryer, and it is a great option for a quick and easy meal. You can make them from scratch, or you can buy frozen, pre-stuffed chicken breasts and cook them in the air fryer.

If you are making stuffed chicken breasts from scratch, you will need to prepare the filling, cut a slit in the chicken breast to create a pocket, stuff the chicken, and then cook it in the air fryer. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts, but it will typically take around 20 minutes to cook at a temperature of 350-400°F.

If you are using frozen, pre-stuffed chicken breasts, you can simply place them in the air fryer and cook them according to the package instructions. The cooking time will vary depending on the brand, but it will typically take between 15 and 20 minutes to cook at a temperature of around 390°F.

How to make stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Yellow onion
• Kosher salt
• Garlic
• Baby spinach leaves
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Oil cooking spray
• Fresh basil (optional)

Method

• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
• Once hot, add a small or half a large, finely diced yellow onion along with a generous pinch of kosher salt and cook for about 7-8 minutes, until soft and beginning to brown.
• Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
• Add a cup of packed, roughly chopped baby spinach leaves and continue to cook until wilted, then remove the pan from the heat.
• In a medium bowl, beat together 2 ounces of cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of shredded parmesan cheese, 2 roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a few grinds of black pepper.
• Stir the spinach and onion mixture into the cheese mixture.
• Place 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat dry with a paper towel.
• Using a very sharp knife, carefully cut a slit into the side of each chicken breast to create a pocket for the filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through, or the filling will leak out.
• Season the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with a mix of salt and pepper.
• Divide the filling between the two chicken breasts, using toothpicks to secure it closed. It's okay if there's a little extra filling.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C).
• Place the chicken breasts into the air fryer basket, stuffed side facing up.
• Spritz the top of the chicken with a bit of oil spray and season with a little more salt and pepper.
• Cook for about 20-23 minutes until golden and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
• Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and removing the toothpicks.

Tips

• You can make this recipe with frozen chicken cordon bleu, which is pre-breaded and stuffed with ham and cheese. Simply place the frozen chicken in the air fryer and cook at 380°F (193°C) for 18-20 minutes.
• You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as bacon, mushrooms, or broccoli.

What to serve with stuffed chicken breasts

There are many options for what to serve with stuffed chicken breasts. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, parsnips, butternut squash, or asparagus.
• Rice or pasta
• A side salad with fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, or broccoli
• French fries
• Cheesy tomatoes

You can also experiment with different sauces or gravies to accompany the dish.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers of air-fried frozen stuffed chicken breasts is a simple process. Here is a detailed guide:

Storing Leftovers:

It is recommended to store leftovers of air-fried stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the chicken fresh and safe to consume for up to four days. Make sure to place the leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking or reheating.

Reheating in an Air Fryer:

To reheat the stuffed chicken breasts in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (some sources suggest 375°F). Let the chicken come to room temperature, which will help it reheat more evenly. You can optionally brush the chicken with oil or cooking spray for added crispiness.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring proper spacing between the pieces for even heating. Reheat for about 15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even heating. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F to ensure it is thoroughly reheated and safe to consume.

Reheating in an Oven:

Alternatively, you can use an oven to reheat the stuffed chicken breasts. Preheat the oven to 400°F and place a wire rack inside a baking sheet. Arrange the chicken on the rack in a single layer and bake for about 15 minutes until the skin is hot and crispy. Avoid covering the chicken with foil to prevent trapping steam and making the skin soggy.

Can you make other varieties of frozen stuffed chicken breast?

Yes, you can make other varieties of frozen stuffed chicken breast. Here are some ideas for different fillings:

• Spinach and feta: Use chopped spinach instead of broccoli and feta cheese instead of cheddar.
• Sun-dried tomato and mozzarella: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar.
• Bacon and ranch: Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble and combine with the filling. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken breasts.
• Mushroom and Swiss: Sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil and mix with the filling. Use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
• Mediterranean: Use a mixture of chopped kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, and feta cheese. Add a sprinkle of dried oregano and a squeeze of lemon juice to the filling. Top the chicken breasts with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese before baking.
• Margherita: Spinach, shredded mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Spinach artichoke: Chopped spinach, artichokes, and cream cheese.
• Asparagus provolone: Fresh asparagus and Provolone cheese.

How long to cook frozen stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook stuffed frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the number of breasts being cooked.

For example, one source recommends cooking frozen stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer for 15 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit. However, another source suggests cooking frozen raw chicken cordon bleu, which is a type of stuffed chicken breast, for 17 to 20 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of chicken breasts being cooked. It's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit if your model requires preheating.
• Place the frozen stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer.
• You can use a parchment paper liner to prevent the cheese from sticking, but it is not necessary.
• Air fry the chicken breasts for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and number of breasts.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. Make sure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is fully cooked.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

It's important to note that different air fryer models may have specific instructions or recommendations for cooking frozen stuffed chicken breasts, so be sure to refer to your air fryer's manual or instructions for the best results.

Frequently asked questions