Introduction

Air fryer stuffed chicken breasts are a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy spinach and cheese filling, cooked to juicy perfection in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach, Cream Cheese, and Parmesan Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 (8-ounce/225g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
1½ teaspoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 ounces cream cheese (softened, 56g)
¾ cup fresh spinach (finely chopped, 24g)
3 tablespoons grated parmesan
2 tablespoons diced tomato
2 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped spinach, grated parmesan, diced tomato, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Stir until well mixed to make the filling.
Step 2: On a cutting board, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side of each chicken breast.
Step 3: Stuff each chicken breast pocket with the prepared filling, then secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
Step 4: Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 6: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket without letting them touch. Cook for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Allow the chicken to rest for 3 minutes once cooked, then carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh mozzarella instead of cream cheese for a gooier filling.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor.
Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover them tightly to prevent drying out.

What can I serve with air fryer stuffed chicken breasts?

They pair well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach, Cream Cheese, and Parmesan Recipe

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4.8 from 51 reviews

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts are juicy, tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, cream cheese, parmesan, and diced tomato. Seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, these flavorful stuffed chicken breasts offer a quick and easy dinner option cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 (8-ounce/225g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
1½ teaspoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Filling

2 ounces cream cheese (softened, 56g)
¾ cup fresh spinach (finely chopped, 24g)
3 tablespoons grated parmesan
2 tablespoons diced tomato
2 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, finely chopped spinach, grated parmesan, diced tomato, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon salt until all ingredients are well combined into a smooth filling.
Prepare Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully cut a pocket into the fattest long side of each breast without cutting all the way through, creating a cavity for stuffing.
Stuff Chicken: Spoon the prepared filling mixture into each chicken pocket, filling evenly, then secure the opening with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
Season Chicken: Rub the exterior of each stuffed chicken breast with 1½ teaspoons olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper to season the outside.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Air Fry: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Cook for 15 to 17 minutes until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken breasts rest for 3 minutes outside the air fryer. Remove the toothpicks before serving to enjoy your delicious stuffed chicken.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Do not overfill the chicken pockets to avoid the filling spilling out during cooking.
You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before using.
The filling can be customized by adding herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
Remove toothpicks carefully before serving to avoid any choking hazards.

Keywords: air fryer chicken breast, stuffed chicken breast, cream cheese stuffed chicken, healthy chicken recipe, quick dinner, spinach stuffed chicken