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

Air fryers are a great way to cook stuffed chicken, whether you're preparing a whole chicken or individual breasts. The air fryer seals in moisture, resulting in tender and juicy chicken with a golden brown exterior. This method is also healthier than deep frying, as it doesn't require the addition of oil.

Choosing your chicken

Type of Chicken:

• For air fryer stuffed chicken, it is recommended to use boneless and skinless chicken breasts. They are the perfect cut for this cooking method as they allow good airflow during cooking.
• Chicken thighs are not ideal for this recipe as they do not have enough width to cut and stuff properly.
• You can also use a whole chicken if you are making a larger dish, such as an air-fried Thanksgiving stuffed chicken.

Size of Chicken:

• Aim for larger chicken breasts, as they provide more room for the stuffing and ensure even cooking.
• If using a whole chicken, the cooking time will depend on the size of the bird, so choose a size that fits your air fryer comfortably.

Fresh or Frozen:

• You can use either fresh or frozen chicken for this recipe.
• Frozen stuffed chicken breasts are a convenient option, and you can cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer.
• If using frozen chicken, ensure it is properly thawed and drained of excess liquid.

Chicken Preparation:

• Before stuffing, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better and improves the overall texture.
• Season the chicken generously, both inside and out, with salt and pepper, or a seasoning mix of your choice. This enhances the flavour of the dish.

Remember, when choosing your chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are on the larger side. You can use fresh or frozen chicken, but always ensure it is properly prepared and seasoned before stuffing and air frying.

Preparing the filling

Start by heating some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions with a pinch of salt and cook for about 7-8 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, add the spinach and cook until it wilts, usually about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.

In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and black pepper. You can add more or less of the sun-dried tomatoes to taste. Then, stir in the spinach and onion mixture. Place the bowl in the refrigerator or freezer to chill for a few minutes while you prepare the chicken. This will make the filling easier to handle.

Now, you are ready to stuff the chicken breasts. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry with a paper towel. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a slit into the side of each breast to create a pocket for the filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through, or the filling will leak out during cooking. Sprinkle a mix of salt and pepper on the inside and outside of the chicken.

Divide the filling evenly between the chicken breasts, using a spoon to stuff it into the pockets. It's okay if there is a little extra filling, but be careful not to overfill the chicken. Use toothpicks to secure the openings closed. You will need about 2-3 toothpicks per chicken breast.

Seasoning the chicken

Firstly, you will need to select your seasonings. A simple yet effective combination is paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. These seasonings complement each other well and create a savoury flavour profile. You can also add black pepper to this mix if you wish. Alternatively, you could try other seasonings such as basil, red pepper flakes, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Once you have gathered your chosen seasonings, it is time to prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the seasoning stick to the chicken. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through. This pocket will be filled with your chosen stuffing.

Now it is time to apply the seasoning. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts. The oil will help the seasoning stick to the meat and also promote even cooking. In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings and mix well. Then, sprinkle this seasoning blend generously over both sides of the chicken. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.

At this stage, you can also season the inside of the chicken pockets. Sprinkle a mix of salt and pepper inside each pocket, or use another combination of your choice. This will add an extra layer of flavour to your dish.

Once your chicken is seasoned, you are ready to prepare your filling and stuff the chicken breasts. Remember, the seasoning is an important step to enhance the flavour of your air fryer stuffed chicken.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for stuffed chicken in an air fryer will depend on the type of chicken and the ingredients used for stuffing.

For boneless, skinless chicken breasts stuffed with a mixture of spinach, cream cheese, and garlic, cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.

For a similar recipe with chicken breasts stuffed with a mixture of parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, it is recommended to cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-23 minutes.

If you are cooking frozen stuffed chicken breasts, such as the Barber Foods brand, cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.

For a whole chicken stuffed with homemade Thanksgiving stuffing, cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 50-60 minutes.

For chicken breast roll-ups, divide the chicken breasts into four equal parts and cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.

Serving suggestions

• Sides — Air fryer asparagus, a side salad, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, warm bread, or a salad.
• Potato Dishes — Air fryer baked potato, air fryer sweet potato cubes, or air fryer potatoes.
• Vegetable Dishes — Air fryer cauliflower, roasted vegetables, or steamed vegetables.
• Rice or Pasta — Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside your favourite pasta.
• Salads — A light, crisp salad to balance the richness of the chicken, or a side salad and fresh cut veggies.
• Dipping Sauces — A tangy dipping sauce such as ranch or a spicy aioli can add an extra kick of flavour.

Frequently asked questions