Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast

If you want a dinner that feels fancy but is simple enough for a busy weeknight, this Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast is the answer. Golden and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, with a cheesy filling that melts beautifully—this dish looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

Stuffed chicken breasts are a versatile meal you can serve for family dinners, date nights, or even holiday gatherings. The air fryer makes it faster and healthier, giving you perfectly cooked chicken without needing lots of oil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy – Cooks in less than 20 minutes.
Healthy & filling – High in protein, with fresh spinach and melty cheese.
Elegant yet simple – Looks like a restaurant-quality meal but easy enough for home.
Versatile – Change the filling to suit your taste (cheese, vegetables, or even ham).
Family-friendly – Both kids and adults will love it.

The Best Stuffing for Chicken Breasts

Sun-dried tomatoes & mozzarella
Broccoli & cheddar cheese
Mushrooms & goat cheese
Ham & Swiss cheese

Ingredients

Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, and thick enough for stuffing.
Fresh spinach – Light and nutritious, balances the richness of the cheese.
Cream cheese – Makes the filling creamy.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts into gooey goodness.
Garlic – Adds flavor and aroma.
Olive oil or cooking spray – To help the chicken crisp up in the air fryer.
Salt & pepper – Simple seasoning to enhance the taste.
Paprika (optional) – For color and a touch of smokiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each breast without cutting all the way through.
Make the filling
In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, spinach, and garlic. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Stuff the chicken
Spoon the filling into each chicken breast pocket. Secure with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
Season the chicken
Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Air fry the chicken
Preheat air fryer to 180°C (360°F). Place stuffed chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 75°C/165°F).
Serve & enjoy
Remove toothpicks and let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing. Serve with a salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Tips & Tricks

Use thick chicken breasts so you have enough room to stuff without tearing.
Secure the opening with toothpicks so the filling doesn’t leak out.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
Let the chicken rest before cutting to keep it juicy.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before stuffing.

Notes

You can swap spinach for kale, broccoli, or mushrooms.
Any melting cheese works—cheddar, gouda, or Swiss are all great options.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for 4–5 minutes at 160°C (320°F).
This recipe can also be made with chicken thighs, but adjust the cooking time.

Why This Recipe Works

Air fryer stuffed chicken breast is the perfect balance of comfort and health. It’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough for everyday cooking. The filling adds richness, while the air fryer keeps the chicken moist inside and crispy outside. Once you try this method, you’ll see why it’s one of the best ways to cook chicken breasts at home.