Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Butterfly the Chicken: Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, stopping just before you cut all the way through. Open the breast like a book to create a butterfly shape.
- Season: Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, and paprika. Mix well until evenly combined.
Step 3: Stuff and Seal the Chicken Breasts
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the filling mixture evenly onto one side of each butterflied chicken breast. Fold the other side over the filling to enclose it.
- Secure: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the edges of the chicken breasts and keep the filling inside.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
- Mix the Coating: In a shallow bowl or dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
Step 5: Air Fry the Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to all sides.
- Air Fry: Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with space between each piece. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Cook: Air fry at 370°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Step 6: Serve
- Rest and Serve: Remove the stuffed chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks or twine before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and your favorite side dishes.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Ensure Even Cooking: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) internally before serving.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables.
Pairing Suggestions
Complement your Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts with these delicious sides:
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, or potatoes.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with vinaigrette dressing adds freshness and texture.
- Garlic Bread: Enjoy with garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
We hope this detailed guide has provided you with a fantastic recipe for Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts and inspired you to enjoy the process of cooking. Air frying creates crispy, flavorful chicken breasts with a delicious stuffing inside, making it a perfect choice for a hearty meal. Enjoy your culinary creation, and remember, the best meals are those made with love and care. Happy cooking!