Stuffed chicken breast in the air fryer

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, this air fryer stuffed chicken breast is a must-try! Indulge in the succulent chicken breast filled with a savory blend of bacon, bell peppers and melted cheese, creating a burst of delicious flavors with every bite. The golden-brown crust adds a satisfying crunch, perfectly complementing the tender, moist chicken.

Whenever you’re seeking a scrumptious and effortless meal option for your family dinner, consider indulging in this mouthwatering air fryer stuffed chicken breast recipe! The irresistible blend of flavors and textures will leave you wanting more.

There’s a special joy in whipping up a meal that’s not just tasty but also good for you and quick to prepare. That’s why we’re totally into making this air fried stuffed chicken breast, whenever we don’t feel like making these delicious Mexican inspired air fryer chicken fajitas. This dish delivers a juicy, flavorful experience that’s super easy to whip up. The air fryer gives it a perfect golden crisp on the outside while keeping the inside tender, filled with scrumptious stuffing.

How to make air fryer stuffed chicken breast

Ingredients:

• 1 x 8 oz package of Cream cheese, softened
• 6 pieces of bacon, cooked well
• 2 bell peppers, any color
• 1 cup of shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon of salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon of pepper, divided
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, divided
• 3 large chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup of cornstarch
• 1 cup of panko crumbs, seasoned or not
• 2 eggs

The key ingredients that make this stuffed chicken breast in air fryer a standout are the cream cheese and bacon, imparting a rich creaminess that perfectly complements the lean protein of the chicken.

Substitutes

You can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting panko crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch with arrowroot powder. You can also switch up the fillings according to your taste preferences; try using spinach or sundried tomatoes instead of bell peppers for a different twist!

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Air Fryer. This is the air fryer I used.

A reliable air fryer is crucial for achieving that irresistible crispy exterior without compromising on the moistness inside the stuffed chicken breast in air fryer.

Cooking instructions

1. Add cream cheese, shredded cheese, half of the spices, diced peppers, and chopped bacon to a mixing bowl and fully incorporate. Set aside.
2. Cut along the side of the breast to form a pocket in the middle. Don’t cut from end to end and don’t cut through as to butterfly the breast.
3. Fill the pocket of chicken with the cream cheese filling, evenly distributed between the three breasts.
4. Set aside.
5. In one bowl, mix the remaining spices with the cornstarch.
6. In another bowl, beat the eggs into a wash.
7. In a final bowl, add the panko.
8. Dredge the breast to fully coat through the cornstarch, then egg washes, and finally the panko. Keep in the filling as you coat each breast.
9. Place the breast in an oil-sprayed air fryer basket. Then spray the top of the breast with oil. Filling pocket facing up. Press down slightly to form a flat bottom.
10. Cook at 350° for 18 minutes or until fully cooked.
11. Once cooked, remove and let rest for 5 minutes.

Tips for perfect results

• For the best results, make sure to fully coat the chicken breast with all layers – cornstarch, egg wash, and panko. This will ensure a crispy exterior and keep the filling in place while cooking.
• Also, remember to spray oil on the breast before air frying.
• Be sure to pat the chicken dry before stuffing and coating for the crispiest skin possible.
• Also, let the stuffed chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute for optimal moistness.

Recipe Variations

• Try stuffing the chicken with a spinach and cheese mixture.
• Or a mix of your favorite BBQ sauce and shredded cheddar cheese.
• Swap out the cream cheese for pesto and add some diced tomatoes for a burst of flavor in each bite.

What to serve with

• Roasted potatoes and mushrooms: The earthy, savory flavors of the mushrooms complement the rich, creamy filling of the chicken.
• Couscous and roasted vegetables: A healthy side dish to balance out the richness of the stuffed chicken breast.
• Pickled cucumbers for a refreshing, tangy contrast to the creamy chicken.
• Mashed potato pancakes for a hearty and filling side.
• Fried zucchini in garlic vinegar sauce for a flavorful and crunchy addition to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw it first, then follow the instructions in the recipe.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can experiment with your favorite cheeses, just be sure they are soft enough to easily mix with the other ingredients. However cream cheese has a distinct flavor than pairs perfectly with all the ingredients in this recipe.

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook, and it’s hard to coat nicely so I wouldn’t advise using for this recipe.

Can I use other chicken parts such as thighs?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. It will taste a little different though as thighs have more fat, juice and flavor than breast. Also be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it is best to serve the stuffed chicken fresh from the air fryer, you can prepare and stuff the chicken breast a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Pop in the air fryer when you’re ready to serve.

Storing and reheating

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 370°F (187°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

You can also store the leftovers in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let the chicken thaw in the fridge overnight and then follow the reheating instructions above.

More chicken recipes you’ll enjoy

• Crispy buttermilk fried chicken
• 20 Minute skillet chicken thighs
• Slow cooker Bourbon street chicken
• Bacon wrapped chicken tenders

Serving Size

This recipe serves 3 people, with each chicken breast being about the size of a deck of cards. If you need to feed more or less people, simply adjust the ingredients accordingly.

Air fryer stuffed chicken breast is a fantastic dish that combines the convenience of the air fryer with the indulgent flavors of cream cheese and bacon. With a few variations and side dish suggestions, this recipe can easily become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Thank you for reading! Be sure to check out my website for more tasty and healthy air fryer recipes.

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Air fryer stuffed chicken breast

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, this air fryer stuffed chicken breast is a must-try! The perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time18 minutes mins

Resting time5 minutes mins

Total Time38 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer stuffed chicken breast, stuffed chicken breast in air fryer

Servings: 3 people

Calories: 905kcal

Author: Petro Neagu

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going into sleep mode

Ingredients

• 1 8 oz package of cream cheese softened
• 6 pieces of bacon cooked well
• 2 bell peppers any color
• 1 cup of shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon of salt divided
• 1 teaspoon of pepper divided
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder divided
• 3 large chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup of cornstarch
• 1 cup of panko crumbs seasoned or not
• 2 eggs

Equipment

• cutting board
• mixing bowl
• air fryer

Instructions

• Add cream cheese, shredded cheese, half of the spices, diced peppers, and chopped bacon to a mixing bowl and fully incorporate. Set aside.
  
• Cut along the side of the breast to form a pocket in the middle. Don’t cut from end to end and don’t cut through as to butterfly the breast. Fill the pocket of chicken with the cream cheese filling, evenly distributed between the three breasts. Set aside.
  
• In one bowl, mix the remaining spices with the cornstarch. In another bowl, beat the eggs into a wash. In a final bowl, add the panko.
  
• Dredge the breast to fully coat through the cornstarch, then egg washes, and finally the panko. Keep in the filling as you coat each breast.
  
• Place the breast in an oil-sprayed air fryer basket. Then spray the top of the breast with oil. Filling pocket facing up. Press down slightly to form a flat bottom.
  
• Cook at 350° for 18 minutes or until fully cooked. Once cooked, remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
  

Nutrition

Serving: 1breast | Calories: 905kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 70g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 369mg | Sodium: 1768mg | Potassium: 1248mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4108IU | Vitamin C: 104mg | Calcium: 348mg | Iron: 3mg

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