Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach, Cream Cheese, and Parmesan Recipe
This Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe features juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, fresh spinach, parmesan, tomato, and garlic. Seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, these stuffed chicken breasts are air fried to a perfect golden finish that seals in moisture and flavors, making for a healthy, flavorful weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
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 the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped spinach, grated parmesan, diced tomato, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the filling is cohesive.
- Make a Pocket in Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side of each breast without cutting all the way through. This pocket will hold the filling.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket evenly with the prepared filling. Secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and ground black pepper to create a flavorful crust.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch to allow air circulation. Air fry for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving for a neat presentation.
Notes
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, but make sure it is thawed and excess moisture squeezed out.
- If you prefer, add herbs such as basil or oregano to the filling for additional flavor.
- Be careful when cutting the pocket in the chicken breasts to avoid cutting all the way through.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Keywords: Air fryer chicken, stuffed chicken breasts, healthy chicken recipes, spinach stuffed chicken, quick dinner, low fat chicken
