Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a delicious and easy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of cream cheese, feta, spinach, and red bell pepper (or tomato) creates a creamy, flavorful filling that elevates the chicken to a whole new level. The air fryer’s quick cooking time ensures that the chicken remains juicy, while the filling becomes perfectly warm and melty.
1. Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5-6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons red bell pepper, finely diced (or tomato)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Combine the filling ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, chopped spinach, diced red bell pepper (or tomato), and dried oregano. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and you have a creamy, evenly distributed mixture. This will be the flavorful stuffing for your chicken breasts.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Butterfly the chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Be sure not to cut all the way through the chicken — you want to create a space for the filling while keeping the edges intact. This will ensure the filling stays inside during cooking.
Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the olive oil over each chicken breast, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken. The seasoning will add flavor to the chicken and help it develop a nice golden color in the air fryer.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Fill the chicken pockets: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Divide the filling evenly among the four chicken breasts, using about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per breast. Use your hands or a spoon to gently press the filling into the pocket, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Secure the chicken: If needed, use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken breasts, keeping the filling inside during cooking. This helps prevent the filling from oozing out as the chicken cooks in the air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and helps the chicken develop a crispy exterior.
Place the chicken in the air fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not touching.
Cook the chicken: Air fry the stuffed chicken breasts for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
Step 5: Serve
After the chicken is cooked, carefully remove any toothpicks used to secure the chicken breasts and serve the stuffed chicken breasts immediately.
2. Variations of Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken
For a Mediterranean twist, add sundried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a touch of lemon zest to the filling. Replace the cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter, tangier flavor. Serve with a side of couscous or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken
Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with bacon strips before placing them in the air fryer. The bacon adds an extra layer of flavor and crispiness, while helping to keep the filling securely inside. The bacon fat also adds moisture to the chicken, keeping it juicy throughout the cooking process.
Cheese-Stuffed Chicken
For a more indulgent version, increase the amount of cheese in the filling. Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the cream cheese mixture for a gooey, melty center. This variation pairs well with roasted vegetables or a side of mashed potatoes.
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
Mix chopped artichoke hearts into the filling for a creamy, tangy twist. The combination of spinach and artichoke adds depth of flavor and texture, reminiscent of the classic spinach-artichoke dip. Serve with a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.
3. What to Serve with Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Roasted Vegetables: Serve the stuffed chicken with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli. The vegetables add color and freshness to balance the richness of the creamy filling.
Mashed Potatoes: Pair the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal. The smooth texture of the potatoes complements the crispy chicken and creamy filling.
Pasta: A side of pasta tossed in olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese is a great option. The light, simple flavors of the pasta won’t overpower the stuffed chicken but will complement its Mediterranean ingredients.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, garlic croutons, and Parmesan cheese makes a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy filling of the chicken.
Rice Pilaf: Serve the chicken with rice pilaf for a light, fluffy side that absorbs the juices from the chicken and complements the flavors of the filling.
4. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing: Leftover stuffed chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before refrigerating to prevent sogginess.
Reheating: Reheat the stuffed chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 4-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Using the air fryer or oven helps maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and healthier than traditional fried versions. The creamy filling of cream cheese, feta, spinach, and red bell pepper adds a burst of flavor and moisture to the chicken, while the air fryer ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
