Air-Fried Stuffed Chicken Breasts: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Cooking stuffed chicken breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious, juicy, and tender meal. With a variety of possible fillings, from creamy spinach and cheese to mozzarella and pesto, you can create a flavourful and healthy dinner in no time. The air fryer ensures even cooking, a golden brown exterior, and juicy meat, making it a convenient and popular option for busy cooks. The key to success is ensuring the chicken is cooked through to a safe temperature, and not overstuffing the chicken breasts, so the filling doesn't ooze out during cooking.

Filling options: spinach, cheese, tomatoes, and more

When it comes to filling options for your stuffed chicken breast, there are several delicious combinations to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spinach and Cheese

This classic combination is a popular choice for a reason. The cream cheese provides a creamy base and helps to moisten the chicken from the inside, while the spinach adds a healthy boost of flavour and colour. You can use baby spinach, just be sure to give it a rough chop so you don't end up with whole leaves in your mouth. Fresh spinach is preferable, but if you're using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain it well.

Spinach, Cheese, and Sun-dried Tomatoes

For a flavour boost and a touch of sweetness, add some sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach and cheese filling. You can use sliced or chopped tomatoes, and if you're not a fan, simply leave them out or swap them for another vegetable of your choice.

Spinach, Cheese, and Red Pepper

Another variation on the spinach and cheese combination is to add red peppers to the mix. This adds a pop of colour and a balanced flavour to the rich filling.

Spinach, Cheese, and Garlic

For a simple yet tasty option, add some garlic to your spinach and cheese filling. This will give your chicken a savoury kick and enhance the other flavours in the dish.

Spinach, Cheese, and Onions

Sauteing onions and garlic before adding the spinach gives a nice flavour to the filling. The aromatics from the onion and garlic will infuse the chicken breast during cooking, making for a tasty and juicy dish.

Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and you can get creative with your fillings. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, gouda, or any other variety you prefer. The possibilities are endless!

Chicken breast preparation

To prepare the chicken breasts, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each breast, being sure not to cut all the way through. Be careful not to overstuff the breasts, as the filling may ooze out during cooking. Use just enough filling to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the chicken.

You can secure the filling inside the chicken with toothpicks. It is recommended to soak the toothpicks in cold water for at least 15 minutes before using them. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and/or Montreal steak seasoning. You can also rub or spritz the chicken with oil to help it brown.

For a simple spinach and cream cheese filling, mix together cream cheese, shredded Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, garlic, red pepper, and salt. You can also add ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, or gouda. If you want to add onions to your filling, it is recommended to sauté them first before adding the spinach.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking stuffed chicken breasts in an air fryer depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. The temperature settings vary across sources, with some recommending 350°F, 356°F, 360°F, 375°F, or 180°C.

Cooking time can range from 15 to 30 minutes, with some sources specifying a narrower range of 18 to 25 minutes. It is crucial to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest or deepest part to guarantee safe consumption. This can be achieved by using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the size of the chicken breasts. For larger breasts, extending the cooking time by a few minutes may be necessary. Additionally, it is recommended to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Seasoning and oiling the chicken

Choosing the Seasonings

The seasonings you choose will depend on your personal preference and the desired flavour profile of your dish. A classic combination for chicken includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add smoked paprika for a smoky flavour or sweet paprika for a milder option. If you enjoy bolder flavours, consider adding red pepper flakes or Montreal steak seasoning. These seasonings will enhance the natural flavour of the chicken and give it a delicious aroma.

Preparing the Chicken

Before seasoning the chicken, it is important to prepare the meat properly. Start by butterflying the chicken breasts using a sharp knife. Cut into one side of the breast, being careful not to cut all the way through, and open it up like a book. This technique will help the chicken cook more evenly and allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat better.

Seasoning the Chicken

Once the chicken is prepared, it's time to season it generously. Sprinkle your chosen seasonings on both sides of the butterflied chicken, ensuring that it is well-coated. Remember to season according to your taste preferences, but be careful not to overdo it, as too much seasoning can overpower the natural flavour of the chicken.

Oiling the Chicken

After seasoning, the next step is to oil the chicken. Using oil helps to prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket and keeps it moist during cooking. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or even coconut oil. Brush the oil onto the chicken breasts or use a cooking spray for a lighter coating. Make sure to get a good coverage, as this will also help the chicken brown nicely during cooking.

Final Steps

Once the chicken is seasoned and oiled, it is almost ready for the air fryer. If desired, you can secure the openings of the chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent the filling from oozing out during cooking. Just be sure to remove the toothpicks before serving! Additionally, some recipes suggest lightly coating the chicken in flour before placing it in the air fryer, but this step is optional.

Serving suggestions

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

Sides

You can serve the chicken with a side of potatoes and vegetables. Some specific side suggestions include asparagus, a side salad, and root vegetables.

Sauces

You can add a gravy or other sauce to your chicken. You could also add a "jus" to enhance the flavor.

Toothpicks

It is recommended to use toothpicks to secure the filling inside the chicken breast. If you use wooden toothpicks, it is best to soak them in cold water for at least 15 minutes before use. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.

Reheating

If you have leftovers, you can reheat the chicken in the air fryer, oven, or microwave. To reheat in the air fryer, cook at 375°F for 4-6 minutes. To reheat in the oven, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. To reheat in the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until it is heated through.

Substitutions

There are many ways to make substitutions in this recipe to suit your preferences. For example, you can use avocado oil instead of olive oil, or omit the sun-dried tomatoes if you don't like them. You can also make a vegetarian version by substituting portobello mushroom caps for the chicken breasts.

Presentation

Before serving, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to retain moisture and let the filling cool down. You can also slice the chicken breasts into servings to present them nicely on a plate.

Frequently asked questions