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 top reasons for using an air fryer to cook stuffed chicken breast
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Quick cooking time – Stuffed chicken cooks fully in just 18-22 minutes in an air fryer, compared to 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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Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting horizontally through the thick part of each breast, stopping 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 for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
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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: I suggest carefully butterflying your boneless, skinless chicken breasts to create 4 thin pieces of chicken. Thin pieces of chicken make for extra crispy chicken Parmesan.
- Panko Bread Crumbs & Parmesan: I use a mixture of panko and Parm to ensure that the breading is not only extra crispy, but packed with flavor. To really ensure a crispy, even coating, I recommend adding even more panko than you need to your bowl.
- Seasonings: Dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder are added to the panko and Parmesan mixture to make our crispy coating extra flavorful.
- Marinara: I highly recommend making your marinara homemade, whether with our homemade marinara recipe or using the homemade recipe in our classic chicken Parmesan recipe. That being said, if you are short on time, you can use your favorite jarred brand, or checkout our list of the best store-bought marinara sauces.
- Mozzarella: Melty shredded mozzarella is an absolute must for crispy, saucy chicken Parmesan.
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.
Then, create your dredging station by adding flour (seasoned with salt and pepper) to a bowl, then beat eggs in a second bowl, and combine panko, Parmesan, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder in a third bowl. 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. Make sure when you’re dipping your cutlets in the egg mixture that you truly get every single surface covered, then do the same with your 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.
Then top with marinara and mozzarella, and bake until the cheese is melty and golden—this will take around 3 minutes more.
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.