Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
If you’re craving a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe is perfect for you!
These stuffed chicken breasts are filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, then air-fried to crispy golden perfection.
It’s a family favorite that’s ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
Plus, the crispy, juicy chicken is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!
For Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless, 5–6 ounces each. These are the base of the dish, stuffed with a creamy filling.
- Olive Oil – Used to rub the chicken, helping it crisp up in the air fryer while adding flavor.
- Paprika – Adds a smoky, mild heat to the chicken for an extra depth of flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances the savory taste of the chicken with a mild, aromatic flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Used to season the chicken, balancing out all the flavors.
For the Filling
- Cream Cheese – Softened, to provide a rich and creamy texture for the stuffing.
- Feta Cheese – Crumbled, adding a tangy, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cream cheese.
- Garlic – Minced, for a burst of aromatic flavor in the filling.
- Fresh Spinach – Chopped, giving the filling a fresh and slightly earthy taste.
- Red Bell Pepper (or Tomatoes) – Finely chopped, contributing a sweet and fresh flavor.
- Dried Oregano – A pinch adds a herby, Mediterranean note to the filling.
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (5–6 ounces each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Filling:
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 tbsp finely chopped red bell pepper (or tomatoes)
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, feta cheese, garlic, spinach, red bell pepper, and oregano. Mix until well combined.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Lay the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a knife to butterfly each chicken breast, cutting ¾ of the way through (do not cut all the way through). Carefully open the breasts like a book.
Stuff the Chicken:
- Divide the filling evenly among the chicken breasts. Secure each one with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
Season the Chicken:
- Brush the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil. Sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Preheat and Air Fry:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- The feta cheese adds enough salt to the filling, so I don’t add extra salt. However, you can taste the filling and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts. For smaller or larger pieces, adjust accordingly and check the temperature early.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the stuffed chicken breasts at 375°F for 32-37 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer until warmed through.
Nutrition
- How can I prevent the cheese filling from leaking out?
To keep the cheesy goodness inside, make sure you butterfly the chicken breast without cutting all the way through. After adding the filling, fold the chicken over and secure it with toothpicks. Simple but effective! This way, you’ll keep all that cheesy flavor exactly where it belongs.
- Can I prep the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts, wrap them tightly, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This means you can have dinner ready to pop into the air fryer in no time on a busy night. Easy, right?
- How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
You’re looking for a perfectly cooked chicken, so use an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. No thermometer? Simply cut into the thickest part, and check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink!
- Do I need to soak toothpicks before using them?
If you’re using wooden toothpicks, yes! Soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent them from burning in the air fryer. Just make sure to remove them before serving for a safe and toothpick-free meal.
- How should I store leftovers?
Lucky for you, leftovers store well! Keep any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat again, just pop them back in the air fryer to heat through. They’ll stay crispy and delicious!
