This air fryer Hunter’s Chicken dish is simply delicious and a firm favourite in our house! A classic recipe that combines tender chicken with a savoury sauce, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese, it’s the epitome of comfort food. This dish is typically made with chicken breasts or thighs, but using an air fryer adds a whole new level of convenience and crispiness. With the perfect balance of flavours and textures, it makes for a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and wholesome.
Making Hunter’s chicken in the air fryer is not only quicker but also more efficient than traditional methods. The chicken becomes perfectly juicy on the inside while the bacon crisps up beautifully on the outside. The tangy BBQ sauce adds a smoky depth of flavour, and the melted cheese creates a delightful, gooey topping. It’s the ultimate mid-week dinner that takes under 25 minutes from prep to plate.
This easy-to-follow recipe is great for those busy nights when you want a comforting, home-cooked meal without a lot of fuss. Serve it with seasonal vegetables and crispy potato wedges or fries for a complete meal. In just twenty minutes, you’ll have a fake-away dish that is healthier, more convenient, and more economical than ordering takeout.
What’s even better is that this air fryer Hunter’s Chicken is a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. It’s the perfect family dinner, with the flavours that everyone loves. So this dish will quickly become a regular in your weekly meal rotation, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to your culinary repertoire. So, why not try it tonight? You won’t regret it!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 15 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Hunters Chicken
2 chicken breasts (or thighs)
250ml of BBQ sauce (or a tomato-based sauce)
4 slices of bacon
250g of grated cheddar cheese
1/2 onion, peeled and thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Method
To prepare the chicken for this delicious air fryer Hunter’s Chicken, start by using a sharp knife to carefully make a deep slit down the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket. Be sure not to cut all the way through. Just enough to hold the filling. Once you’ve made the pocket, stuff it generously with grated cheese and add a drizzle of BBQ sauce inside for that sweet, smoky flavour.
After stuffing the chicken, close the breast gently and wrap each one with strips of bacon. Make sure the ends of the bacon are tucked underneath the chicken to help hold everything together as it cooks. Season both sides of the wrapped chicken with a pinch of salt, a crack of black pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil for extra crispiness and flavour.
Then place the prepared chicken breasts in to your air fryer basket. Making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook at 180°C (around 350°F) for 15 to 20 minutes. Flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, they may need a little longer. Just check that the internal temperature reaches at least 75°C (165°F) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Once the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is perfectly crispy, drizzle over the remaining BBQ sauce. And you can also sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a pop of colour and added flavour.
So this dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Steamed veggies, garlic bread, coleslaw, or a fresh salad all work beautifully. So for something heartier, serve with roast potatoes, sweet potato wedges, chunky chips, mashed potatoes, or classic French fries. It is a comforting, flavourful meal that is perfect any day of the week!
Tips for Air Fryer Hunters Chicken
1. Use even-sized chicken breasts
To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, start with breasts that are similar in size and thickness. If one is thicker than the other, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness. This avoids overcooked edges and undercooked centres.
2. Pre-cook the bacon slightly
If you like crispier bacon, pre-cook it for a couple of minutes in the air fryer or a pan before wrapping around the chicken. This ensures it gets that nice golden edge without overcooking the chicken.
3. Don’t skip the seasoning
Season the chicken breasts well with salt, pepper, garlic powder or paprika before wrapping in bacon. This builds a rich, savoury base flavour.
4. Use toothpicks if needed
Secure the bacon with toothpicks to stop it unwrapping during cooking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
5. Preheat the air fryer
It is optional to pre heat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 2 to 3 minutes. As this helps seal the bacon quickly and keeps the chicken juicy.
6. Check internal temperature
Chicken should reach an internal temp of 75°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through without drying out.
7. Add BBQ sauce and cheese at the end
Brush with BBQ sauce and sprinkle cheese during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. This allows the cheese to melt without burning.
8. Let it rest
Rest the cooked chicken for a couple of minutes before serving. This keeps it juicy and lets the flavours settle.
9. Serve with mash or veggies
Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, chips, or steamed greens for a full, comforting meal.
Similar recipes
If you enjoyed the rich, cheesy, and smoky flavours of Air Fryer Hunter’s Chicken, you’ll love these other hearty meals from the site. Each one is full of flavour, easy to make, and perfect for cosy evenings or family dinners. All with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.
Air Fryer Nando’s Chicken
Get your peri-peri fix at home with this juicy, spicy air fryer chicken dish. Packed with bold flavour and crisped to perfection, it is ideal for a fake-away night. Pair with chips, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad.
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
Light, lean, and still seriously satisfying. These air fryer turkey burgers are juicy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and a great alternative to beef. Serve in buns with all your favourite toppings, or low-carb with lettuce wraps.
Air Fryer Sausages
Crispy, juicy, and ready in minutes, these air fryer sausages are a weeknight lifesaver. Whether you are making a full English breakfast or a simple sausage sandwich, they come out perfectly every time.
Air Fryer Loaded Sweet Potato
Sweet, soft, and filled with your favourite toppings. These loaded baked sweet potatoes make a brilliant side dish or even a main on their own. Try with BBQ chicken, cheese, beans, or a dollop of sour cream.
From spicy chicken to comforting sides and easy weeknight meals, your air fryer can do it all — with less mess and loads of flavour.
So if you are still looking for more air fryer inspiration, then visit my Amazon shop front to order your copy of my best selling cookbooks.
Or check out my brand new Club App, with exclusive calorie-counted recipes added weekly, customisable meal plans, printable shopping lists and many many more useful features to make all your meal prepping so much easier!