Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast

Name: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon ground Italian herbs; ½ teaspoon paprika; 4 chicken breasts (dried very well); 2 cups (113g) mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded ); 1 cup (246g) ricotta cheese; 18.5 ounces (524g) sun-dried tomatoes (drained well and diced); 2 cups (60g) baby spinach (finely chopped); olive oil spray (or cooking spray)

Jump to Recipe

Delicious Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast cooks in just 20 minutes! This flavorful air fried stuffed chicken breast is easy enough for weeknights, but elegant enough for entertaining and special occasions.

Suitable for gluten free diets.

top down view of one serving of air fryer stuffed chicken breast

If you are looking for a delicious, protein-packed meal that’s literally bursting with flavor, look no further than this air fryer stuffed chicken breast.

Like this awesome Air Fryer Chicken Breast, this is one of those air fryer chicken recipes that you’ll want to put into your regular rotation. I’m talking tender and juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of spinach and cheese, cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Air fryer stuffed chicken breast is a meal that’s both simple and elegant. Air fryer stuffed chicken breast is made with just a spritz of oil, so you get decadence without overdoing it. And if you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry because you can make regular Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast too.

one air fryer stuffed chicken breast served on a white plate

And if you love cooking chicken in the air fryer, then try this minimal prep super crispy Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe, which I guarantee is one that the whole family will love.

Stuffed chicken breasts are a great gluten free meal that is ideal for entertaining or special occasions because it looks like you spent all day in the kitchen. But the reality is that it only takes 20 minutes to cook stuffed chicken breast in air fryer, which makes this air fryer chicken recipe perfect for busy weeknights too.

Yeap, your whole family will looooove this comforting and creamy air fryer stuffed chicken breast. #airfryerchickenforthewin

Why Make This Recipe

Simple – Prep is minimal (and can be done in advance), and the chicken cooks in the air fryer in about 20 minutes.
Flavorful – The creamy cheese, spinach, and seasoning make for a rich filling that is packed with flavor.
Dietary Friendly – Stuffed chicken breast is suitable for gluten free diets.

Ingredient Notes

Seasoning – Combine salt, ground black pepper, Italian herbs, and paprika powder for a flavorful seasoning.
Skinless Chicken Breasts – Select boneless skinless chicken breasts that are similar in size and dry them very well with paper towels.
Olive Oil – To prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket.
Sun-dried Tomatoes – Drain and dice before adding to the mixture.
Fresh Spinach – Use baby spinach that has been finely chopped.
Cheese – A delectable combination of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese and ricotta cheese.

the ingredients needed for making air fryer stuffed chicken breast

Ready to make this stuffed chicken breast in air fryer? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…

How To Make Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C and lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
Combine the salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and paprika together in a small bowl and set aside.
Stir the mozzarella and ricotta together in a large bowl, then add in the spinach and sundried tomatoes until well combined.
Carefully cut a slit in each of the chicken breasts to create a lengthwise pocket. Be sure not to cut all the way through.
Season the inside and outside of the chicken breasts with the seasoning mixture.
Gently open the pocket of each chicken breast and fill with 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture.
Seal the pocket of each chicken breast with toothpicks and place into the greased air fryer basket.
Air fry stuffed chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F / 94 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breasts.
During the last few minutes of cooking, spread any remaining ricotta mixture on top of the chicken breasts.
Let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with freshly minced parsley for garnish if desired.

image collage showing the first steps for making air fryer stuffed chicken breast

making delectable air fryer stuffed chicken…

image collage showing the last portion of steps for making air fryer stuffed chicken breast

Expert Tips

Preheat the air fryer for best results.
Thoroughly dry the chicken breasts with paper towels before seasoning and stuffing.
Drain the sun-drain tomatoes well.
Use toothpicks to keep the stuffed chicken breast closed and prevent the filling from oozing out.
Cook chicken until an instant read thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
Temperatures of air fryers can vary depending on the make and model. Use the cooking time listed as a suggestion, check the chicken breasts for doneness, and adjust time as needed.
Allow the air fryer stuffed chicken to rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving.

Delicious Variations

Vary the Seasoning – Add garlic powder and onion powder to the seasoning blend for a warm, earthy flavor.
Swap the Cheese – Try this with a cream cheese mixture, or replace the mozzarella cheese with feta cheese, shredded parmesan cheese, or cheddar cheese.
Add Veggies – Diced bell peppers and green onions are a great addition to the creamy filling.
Make It Spicy – Add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to the spinach and cheese filling to add a little kick to the dish.
Add Bacon – Mix some cooked bacon bits into the filling, or you can even wrap bacon raw around the stuffed chicken breast before cooking.

top down view of the finished recipe inside the air fryer basket

Prep And Storage

Prep Ahead – Prepare the filling and stuff the chicken breasts up to 2 days in advance. Allow the stuffed chicken to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking in air fryer.
Store – This air fried stuffed chicken recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze – Prepare the chicken breast and stuff it with the filling before freezing. Wrap each chicken breast separately and freeze in an air-tight bag. Do not cook frozen stuffed chicken. Thaw the stuffed chicken overnight in the fridge first, then bring the chicken to room temperature before air frying as directed.

FAQs

Can I Make This With Cream Cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese in place of ricotta cheese. Bring the cream cheese to room temperature before preparing the filling.

How To Stuff Chicken Breast?

Slice a pocket into the chicken breast, being careful not to pierce through the other side. Stuff chicken breast with 2-3 tablespoons of the filling and seal with toothpicks.

How Long To Cook Stuffed Chicken Breast In Air Fryer?

A preheated air fryer cooks stuffed chicken breasts in about 20 minutes.

a fork removing one bite from the completed air fryer stuffed chicken breast

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