Air Fryer Cooking: Stuffed Chicken Breasts, Quick And Easy!

Air fryers are a great way to cook stuffed chicken breasts. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts and the number of breasts being cooked, but generally, it takes between 15 and 25 minutes to cook stuffed chicken breasts in an air fryer. It's important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F, so using an instant-read thermometer is recommended.

How to prepare the chicken for stuffing

To prepare chicken for stuffing, you will first need to butterfly the chicken breast. This involves slicing the chicken breast horizontally, cutting it in half but keeping it attached on one side, so that it opens up like a book. You can do this yourself with a sharp knife, or ask your butcher to do it for you.

Once you have butterflied the chicken, you can then stuff it with your chosen ingredients. Cheese, spinach, garlic, and various herbs are popular choices. You can also add in vegetables, such as asparagus or celery, or meat, like bacon or sausage.

After stuffing the chicken, you will need to close the opening with toothpicks or skewers. You can then cook the chicken in your air fryer, following the timing and temperature instructions provided in the recipe you are using.

How to make the filling

Now that you know how long to cook your stuffed chicken breast in the air fryer, it's time to make the filling! Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to prepare a delicious filling to go with your air-fried stuffed chicken breast.

Creamy Spinach and Cheese Filling:

This classic combination is a match made in heaven and is sure to impress. You'll need the following ingredients:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Feta cheese (optional)
• Baby spinach (chopped)
• Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, not water)

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, grated Parmesan, feta (if using), chopped spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes until well combined.
• That's it! Your creamy spinach and cheese filling is now ready to be stuffed into your chicken breasts.

Spinach and Artichoke Filling:

For a tasty twist, you can also add artichokes to the creamy spinach and cheese filling. Here's what you'll need:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Spinach (fresh or frozen)
• Artichoke hearts (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

• If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it thoroughly. Fresh spinach is preferred for this recipe.
• In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Combine until well incorporated.
• Your spinach and artichoke filling is now ready to stuff into your chicken breasts.

Three-Cheese Blend with Spinach, Herbs, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

This filling takes things up a notch with a blend of three different cheeses. Here's what you'll need:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Spinach (roughly chopped)
• Sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Onion powder
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

• In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, basil, oregano, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well incorporated.
• Your three-cheese blend filling is now ready to be stuffed into your chicken breasts.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Filling:

For a more indulgent option, try this bacon-wrapped asparagus filling. You'll need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Lemon-pepper seasoning (or garlic-lime pepper/seasoned salt)
• Slices of Monterey Jack cheese
• Fresh asparagus spears
• Bacon
• Wooden toothpicks

Instructions:

• Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally through the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through.
• Season both sides of the chicken with lemon-pepper seasoning (or your preferred alternative).
• Place a slice of cheese on each butterflied chicken breast.
• Cut the asparagus spears in half and place four halves on top of the cheese.
• Roll the chicken up, keeping the stuffing inside.
• Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with bacon, securing it with wooden toothpicks.
• Your bacon-wrapped asparagus-stuffed chicken is now ready for the air fryer!

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of cheeses, vegetables, and herbs to create your own unique filling. Enjoy your air-fried stuffed chicken!

How to cook the chicken in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 ounces of softened cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cup of chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup of mozzarella
• 3 tablespoons of diced roasted red pepper
• 2 tablespoons of mayo
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic (1 to 2 cloves)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of onion powder
• Olive oil
• Toothpicks

Method:

• Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
• In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, spinach, mozzarella, parmesan, roasted red peppers, mayo, and garlic for the filling.
• In another bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Butterfly each chicken breast by laying it flat and cutting it lengthwise until you reach about 3/4 of the way through. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
• Lay the chicken breast open and season with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mixture. Then, spread about 1/2 cup of the spinach and cheese mixture on one side.
• Fold the chicken breast over and insert toothpicks along the seam to hold in the filling. Sprinkle any additional seasoning over the top of the chicken.
• Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or spray with non-stick spray. Preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 390°F.
• Place as many breasts as you can fit in a single layer in the basket, stuffed side facing up. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips:

• Use a sharp knife to butterfly the chicken breasts.
• Use at least 2 or 3 toothpicks to secure the open end of the chicken and prevent the filling from leaking out.
• If you can't fit all the chicken breasts in a single layer, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Always preheat the air fryer before cooking.
• Ensure the chicken doesn't overcook. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to serve the chicken

Now that you've cooked your stuffed chicken breast in the air fryer, it's time to serve it. Here are some ideas and tips to make your meal delicious and enjoyable:

Choose Your Sides

Sides are an important part of the meal, and you can choose from a variety of options to complement your stuffed chicken breast. Here are some suggestions:

• Vegetables: Air fryer asparagus, a side salad, or roasted vegetables like zucchini, celery, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
• Potatoes: Air fryer baked potatoes, sweet potato cubes, or garlic cheese bread.
• Rice: Garlic rice pilaf or fried rice.
• Others: Air fryer hush puppies, ranch potatoes, or a side of bread.

Presentation Ideas

The presentation of your meal can enhance its appeal. Here are some ideas to make your stuffed chicken breast look as good as it tastes:

• Garnishes: Add a sprig of fresh basil or other herbs to your plate for a pop of color and freshness.
• Sauces: Consider serving your chicken with a dipping sauce or a flavorful glaze on the side.
• Plating: Arrange your chicken and sides attractively on the plate, perhaps with a bed of greens or a drizzle of sauce.

Customization

Feel free to customize your stuffed chicken breast to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Fillings: Experiment with different fillings like cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus. You can also add bacon bits, fried mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
• Wrappings: Try wrapping your stuffed chicken breast in bacon or ham for added flavor and texture.
• Spices and Seasonings: Play around with different spice blends and seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or lemon-pepper seasoning.

Reheating and Storage

If you have leftovers or want to prepare your meal in advance, here are some tips:

• Reheating: Use your air fryer to reheat your stuffed chicken breast at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until warmed through.
• Storage: Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze your cooked stuffed chicken breasts for up to 3 months.

Remember to enjoy your meal and feel free to experiment with different serving ideas to find what you like best!

How to store and reheat the chicken

To store your stuffed chicken breast, allow it to cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Consume it within four days, but ideally as soon as possible.

To reheat your stuffed chicken breast in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C. Brush or spray the chicken with olive oil for extra crispiness if you like. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring it doesn't overlap with other chicken pieces. Reheat for 8-10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F/74°C when perfectly reheated.

If you're short on time, you can reheat chicken in an air fryer in as little as 3-4 minutes, flipping it halfway through. However, this shorter time frame may not be sufficient to achieve the desired crispiness.

You can also reheat stuffed chicken breast in the oven or on the stovetop, but these methods may not retain crispiness as well as an air fryer.

Frequently asked questions