Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make? Say hello to Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts! This mouthwatering recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy spinach and cheese filling, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. In just 40 minutes, you can serve up a meal that will impress your family and friends, leaving them begging for seconds. Dive into this article to discover the secrets to achieving that perfect crispy exterior and succulent interior that will make your taste buds dance!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by creating a pocket: Use a sharp knife to carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part of each chicken breast, creating a deep pocket without cutting all the way through.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Stuff each chicken breast pocket generously with the cheese and spinach mixture, pressing gently to seal the opening. Use toothpicks to secure the edges if needed.
- Season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with additional salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-4 minutes.
- Lightly spray or brush the chicken breasts with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Cook for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from air fryer and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Carefully remove toothpicks, slice, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken Breasts: Opt for medium-sized chicken breasts that are uniform in thickness. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent drying out.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, overstuffing can cause the chicken to burst open during cooking. A generous but controlled amount will do the trick.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken. This step is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy skin.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the stuffed chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your stuffing! Add sun-dried tomatoes, different cheeses, or herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Serve with a Side: Pair your stuffed chicken with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of quinoa for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 460kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 63g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 190mg
