Air-Fryer Stuffed Chicken: The Perfect Temperature Tips

Stuffed chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal preparation. The cooking time and temperature depend on the ingredients used and the size of the chicken breasts. Generally, the air fryer should be preheated to around 360°F–375°F (180°C) and the chicken cooked for 17–30 minutes. A meat thermometer should be used to ensure the chicken is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for stuffed chicken breasts in an air fryer depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. It is recommended to cook two large chicken breasts at a time to ensure good airflow during cooking.

As a general guideline, you can cook stuffed chicken breasts in an air fryer at 360°F to 375°F (180°C) for 17 to 30 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked through and safe to eat. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts, so it is important to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer.

For pizza-stuffed chicken breasts, it is recommended to cook the chicken for 17 to 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The internal temperature of the chicken should still reach 165°F (74°C). You can also cook pizza-stuffed chicken breasts in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 25 minutes.

When cooking stuffed chicken breasts in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer and use cooking spray or oil to prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket. It is also recommended to pat the chicken dry and season it with cajun seasoning before cooking to create a better texture.

Leftover stuffed chicken breasts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days and reheated in the air fryer, oven, or microwave. To reheat in the air fryer, preheat to 375°F and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, or until heated through.

Filling ingredients

When it comes to the filling ingredients for stuffed chicken breast in an air fryer, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas and suggestions to get you started:

Cream Cheese, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomato Filling:

This filling combines cream cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add spinach and cook until it is wilted. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add red pepper flakes for an extra kick. The cream cheese provides a creamy base, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Remember to chop the spinach finely to avoid having large leaves in your filling.

Mozzarella, Pesto, and Spice Filling:

For a cheesy and flavourful option, try a filling made with mozzarella cheese, pesto, and a pinch of spice. You can use shredded or fresh mozzarella, depending on your preference. The pesto adds a burst of herb and garlic flavours, while the spice gives it a nice kick. This combination creates a gooey and indulgent filling.

Pizza-Stuffed Chicken Breast:

For a fun twist, turn your chicken breast into a pizza-inspired creation. Start by adding a layer of pizza sauce, then add pepperoni (or any meat of your choice), and finally, top it off with mozzarella cheese. Secure the filling with toothpicks if needed. This option gives you all the flavours of pizza in a chicken breast package.

Cheese and Spinach Filling:

Keep it simple with a combination of cheese and spinach. You can use cream cheese or any other creamy cheese of your choice. Spinach adds a healthy boost of vegetables to your meal. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs. This classic combination is always a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Filling and Cooking:

• When stuffing the chicken breasts, be careful not to overstuff them. Use less filling and distribute it evenly to avoid leakage during cooking.
• Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking and crispy results.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Ensure it reaches 165°F to guarantee it is cooked through and safe to eat.
• Brush the chicken with oil or use cooking spray to prevent sticking and help retain moisture.
• Depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, the cooking time may vary. As a guideline, cook stuffed chicken breasts at 360°F to 375°F for 17 to 30 minutes.

Chicken breast preparation

Ingredients

To make air fryer stuffed chicken breasts, you will need the following ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Yellow onion
• Spinach (baby spinach is preferable, but frozen spinach can be used if it is thawed and drained)
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese (or another cheese of your choice)
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Salt and pepper
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

• Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast using a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut too deep, as you don't want the filling to leak out.
• If desired, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil before adding spinach to cook it down. This helps release the aromatics that will flavour the chicken breast during cooking.
• In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, spinach, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper. If you want to add extra flavour, you can include mayonnaise and red pepper flakes to the mixture.
• Stuff the mixture into the pockets of the chicken breasts. Be careful not to overstuff, as this can cause the filling to ooze out during cooking.
• If desired, use toothpicks to seal the chicken breasts and prevent the filling from leaking out. Soak the toothpicks in cold water for at least 15 minutes before use.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, or a seasoning mix of your choice. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F / 180°C.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to allow for proper air circulation.
• Air fry the chicken breasts for 17 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the breasts. For smaller breasts, start with 17-20 minutes and adjust as needed.
• To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your air fryer stuffed chicken breasts with a side of roasted asparagus or a salad for a simple and healthy meal. You can also get creative with your fillings and try different ingredients like mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, or different types of cheese.

Reheating

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to be considered safe to eat, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to check this. If you are reheating a single breast, the microwave is also an option, with 30-second intervals being the best way to ensure you don't overcook the chicken.

When reheating stuffed chicken breasts, it is important to remember that the cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the breasts, so adjust the timing accordingly. If you are reheating a large batch, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.

Meat thermometer usage

To cook stuffed chicken breast in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 18 to 30 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for food safety.

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your chicken is cooked properly and safe to eat. Here are some tips for using a meat thermometer:

• Choose a meat thermometer that can handle the high heat of an air fryer. Some models, like the Meater Pro XL, come with multiple probes, which can be useful when cooking multiple pieces of meat at once.
• Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat to get an accurate reading. Make sure the probe is not touching any bones, as this can affect the temperature reading.
• Depending on the model, your meat thermometer may connect to an app that allows you to monitor the temperature remotely. This can be helpful to avoid opening the air fryer and losing heat.
• Set your desired temperature on the app, if applicable, or keep a close eye on the thermometer reading if it does not have app connectivity.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer once the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that the chicken is juicy and tender.

Using a meat thermometer ensures that your chicken is cooked to the proper temperature, preventing undercooking or overcooking. It is a useful tool for cooking chicken in an air fryer, as it helps you achieve precise and consistent results.

Frequently asked questions