Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
This Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Juicy chicken breasts are filled with creamy cheese, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, then air fried to golden perfection in under 20 minutes. This healthy, low-carb dinner is endlessly customizable and delivers restaurant-quality results every time!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6-8 oz each, similar in size
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach finely chopped
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Place one chicken breast on a cutting board and place your palm flat on top. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through—you want to create a "book" that opens up. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be spreadable but not too loose.
- Stuff the Chicken: Open each butterflied chicken breast like a book. Spoon 3-4 tablespoons of the filling mixture onto one side, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Fold the chicken closed and secure with 3-4 toothpicks along the open edge, making sure the toothpicks go through both layers of chicken.
- Season the Outside: Brush the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing gently so it adheres.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Air Fry: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch. Cook for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 8-9 minute mark, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part (not the filling). The chicken should be golden brown and juices should run clear.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Carefully remove all toothpicks (wetting them first makes them slide out more easily), slice if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer! Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken (not the filling) to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Don't Overstuff: Less is more! Overfilling makes it difficult to seal and can lead to filling leaking out during cooking.
- Wet Your Toothpicks: Soak toothpicks in water for 5-10 minutes before using to prevent burning and make removal easier.
- Room Temperature: Let your chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even results.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Air needs to circulate around each piece for that perfect crispy exterior.
- For Thicker Breasts: If your chicken breasts are very thick (over 1.5 inches), you may need to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Storage:
Refrigerator: Store leftover stuffed chicken breast in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Remove all toothpicks before storing. Freezer: Freeze cooked stuffed chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.Popular Variations:
- Caprese: Mozzarella, fresh basil, diced tomatoes, drizzle with balsamic glaze
- Buffalo Chicken: Cream cheese, cheddar, buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles
- Broccoli Cheddar: Steamed broccoli florets with sharp cheddar and cream cheese
- Bacon Ranch: Cream cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar
- Mediterranean: Feta cheese, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh oregano