Butterflied and stuffed with cheese and spinach, a chicken breast turns a midweek dinner into something special — and the air fryer keeps it juicy. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does stuffed chicken breast take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry stuffed chicken breast at 190°C (375°F) for 18–22 minutes, to an internal 74°C.
Q: How do you stop the filling leaking?
A: Don't overfill, and secure the opening with a cocktail stick.
The method
Butterfly the breast by slicing a pocket into the side (don't cut all the way through), fill it, and secure with a cocktail stick. Season the outside and air fry until cooked through. A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out — 74°C in the centre.
The recipe
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 60g cream cheese or mozzarella
- Handful spinach, garlic
- 1 tsp oil, paprika
Method
- Cut a pocket in each breast; fill.
- Secure with a cocktail stick; season.
- Air fry at 190°C for 18–22 minutes.
- Check 74°C and rest 3 minutes.
Filling ideas
- Cheese & spinach — the classic.
- Pesto & mozzarella — Italian-style.
- Cream cheese & sundried tomato.
Frequently asked questions
How long does stuffed chicken breast take in an air fryer?
About 18–22 minutes at 190°C, to an internal 74°C. The exact time depends on the size of the breast and the filling.
How do you stop the filling leaking out?
Don't overfill the pocket, and secure the opening with a cocktail stick so it stays closed as it cooks.
What can you stuff chicken breast with?
Cheese and spinach, pesto and mozzarella, or cream cheese and sundried tomato all work well and stay creamy inside.