By now, we already know that the air fryer is supreme. You can create crispy apps and mains without the use of any oil, and often in half the time (even faster than it takes your oven to preheat). This recipe is what I use when I want chicken Parmesan but don’t want to make a big mess on the stove. This chicken Parm tastes every bit as good as the traditional recipe, with much less effort to get there. Read on for all of my best advice on how to make this quick and easy chicken dinner in an air fryer:
Cooking raw stuffed chicken breast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and healthy meal Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to cook food that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, using little to no oil Stuffed chicken breast cooked in an air fryer comes out tender and flavorful in a fraction of the time it would take to cook it in the oven.
In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through every step of cooking raw stuffed chicken breast in an air fryer, from ingredients to cook times. With just a few simple ingredients and seasonings, you can have a fantastic stuffed chicken dinner ready in under 30 minutes!
Benefits of Cooking Stuffed Chicken in an Air Fryer
Here are some of the best reasons to cook stuffed chicken breast in an air fryer:
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Quick cooking time—In an air fryer, stuffed chicken is done in 18 to 22 minutes, but it takes 45 minutes or more in the oven. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation system cooks food fast.
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Crispy exterior – The high heat from the air fryer gives the stuffed chicken a deliciously crispy and browned outside.
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Tender and juicy interior – While the outside gets crispy, the inside of the chicken stays nice and moist thanks to the short cook time.
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Uses less oil – Air frying requires little to no oil, making it a healthier cooking method than frying in oil.
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Easy cleanup – With minimal oil, air fryers are easy to wipe down after cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for perfect stuffed chicken breast cooked in an air fryer every time.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1⁄2 cup chopped spinach
- 1⁄4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1⁄4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Prep the Chicken
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In order to make butterfly chicken breasts, cut each breast down the middle and stop about 1/2 inch from the edge. Open them up like a book.
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Season the inside of each breast with salt and pepper.
Make the Filling
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In a small bowl, combine the spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Mix well.
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Divide the filling evenly between the two chicken breasts, placing it in the center of the open breast.
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Close the breasts over the filling and seal the edges with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling enclosed.
Cook in the Air Fryer
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Preheat air fryer to 360°F.
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Brush or spray chicken breasts lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
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Place stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
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Cook the chicken for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping it over every 15 minutes, until it reaches 165°F on the inside.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
There are endless options for sides and sauces to serve with your stuffed chicken breast:
- Fresh vegetables like roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Rice pilaf or roasted potatoes
- A fresh salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Creamy mushroom sauce or marinara on top
- Slices of crusty bread for dipping
And for even more flavor, try using different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables in the filling. Get creative and make it your own!
Air Fryer Cooking Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Resist overcrowding. Leave space between chicken breasts for even cooking.
- Flip chicken halfway during cooking to prevent one side from over-browning.
- Lightly brush chicken with oil or spray for optimal crispiness.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
FAQs
Can you cook frozen stuffed chicken breast in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen stuffed chicken works well in the air fryer! Thaw just until you can separate breasts then cook 5-7 minutes longer than fresh chicken, flipping halfway.
What temperature should you cook chicken breast in an air fryer?
360°F is the ideal temperature to cook boneless chicken breast in an air fryer. This high heat helps the exterior get crispy.
How long does it take to cook raw chicken in an air fryer?
Raw boneless chicken breasts take 18-22 minutes to cook fully in an air fryer set at 360°F. Check internal temperature to confirm doneness.
Is air fried chicken healthy?
Chicken cooked in an air fryer is a healthier option than deep fried chicken since air fryers use little to no oil. The air frying process still produces juicy, flavorful results.
Conclusion
Cooking raw stuffed chicken breast in an air fryer is incredibly quick and easy, with deliciously crispy and juicy results. Follow the simple steps in this guide for perfect stuffed chicken every time. With minimal prep, you can have a full meal ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes. Give this recipe a try and take your weeknight dinners to new heights with your air fryer!
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken Breasts: To make 4 thin pieces of chicken, carefully butterfly your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Thin pieces of chicken make for extra crispy chicken Parmesan.
- Panko Bread Crumbs I think you should add even more panko than you need to your bowl to make sure the coating is really crispy and even.
- Spices: To make our crispy coating taste even better, we add dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder to the panko and Parmesan mix.
- Marinara: If you want to make your own marinara, use our homemade marinara recipe or the homemade recipe in our classic chicken Parmesan recipe. You can use your favorite jarred brand, or check out our list of the best store-bought marinara sauces, if you are short on time.
- Mozzarella: For crispy, saucy chicken Parmesan, you must use shredded mozzarella that melts.
First, you’re going to want to carefully butterfly your chicken. Cut in half widthwise all the way through so that you have 4 pieces of very thin chicken. This is important in getting that perfect crispy bite. Then, season all over with salt and pepper.
Put flour (seasoned with salt and pepper) in one bowl, beat eggs in another, and mix panko, Parmesan, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder in a third. This will be your dredging station. Working one at a time, coat your chicken in the flour, then the eggs, and finally the panko, shaking off the excess between each step. When you dip your cutlets in the egg mixture, make sure that you cover every surface. Then, do the same thing with the dry mix. This will guarantee that your breading will stay on your chicken (where it belongs).
Once your chicken is adequately well-coated, arrange your chicken in an even layer in your air fryer. You may have to work in batches here—don’t overcrowd. Cook at 400°, turning once, about 5 minutes per side.
After that, put mozzarella and marinara on top. Bake for another three minutes, or until the cheese is golden and melty.
Once your chicken is done and your cheese is melty and delicious, divide among plates, and top with fresh parsley.
The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.