Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts
A quick and healthy Mexican-inspired dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of cheese, peppers, and spices, cooked to perfection in an air fryer
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Cooked rice for additional stuffing
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts
- Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast, creating a pocket for stuffing
- Be careful not to cut completely through the chicken
Make the Stuffing
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded Mexican-style cheese
- Add diced bell peppers
- Mix in chopped cilantro
- Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and paprika
- Season with salt and black pepper
Stuff the Chicken
- Carefully fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared stuffing
- Avoid overfilling
- If needed, secure with toothpicks
Air Frying
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
- Place stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket
- Ensure spacing between pieces
- Cook for 18-22 minutes
- Flip halfway through cooking
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Serve
- Remove from air fryer
- Let rest for 3-5 minutes
- Garnish with fresh cilantro
- Optional: Serve with lime wedges, avocado crema, or salsa
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on air fryer model
- For meal prep, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with cilantro lime rice
- Serve alongside Mexican corn salad
- Garnish with queso fresco and fresh cilantro
- Add a side of jicama slaw or roasted sweet potato wedges