I’m always looking for ways to minimize food waste and make the most of leftovers. So when I spotted some mixed veggies and a chicken breast in the fridge, I knew it was time to get creative in the kitchen. That’s when I came up with this recipe for air fryer stuffed chicken breast. And it quickly became a favourite in our house. It’s packed with flavour, veggies, and protein. A well-rounded meal that satisfies the whole family. And it only requires a few simple ingredients and takes just 30 minutes to cook. Making it perfect for even the busiest of households.
This recipe started out as a way to avoid wasting food. And I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it turned out. I had some leftover mixed veggies that needed to be used, and a chicken breast, so I stuffed the chicken with the veggies and air fried it to perfection. The result was a juicy chicken breast that was hearty and satisfying. I didn’t add any gravy this time, but I think a little jus would have taken it to the next level.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to transform humble leftovers into a savoury delight. By simply combining a handful of ingredients and using the air-fryer, you can create a meal that feels fresh and exciting. It’s a great way to use up leftovers. I’m always experimenting with different veggie combinations to keep things interesting. So, next time you have some leftover vegetables and a chicken breast, give this air fryer stuffed chicken breast a try – it’s a quick way to enjoy a satisfying dinner!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 20 minutes
SERVES 1 person
KIT you will need an air fryer and mixing bowl
Ingredients for air fryer stuffed chicken
1 chicken breast
6 smoked bacon rashers
1 tablespoon of ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon of oregano
2 small tomatoes, sliced
1 teaspoon of olive oil
1 medium size carrot, sliced
1/2 a parsnip, sliced
5 chunks of left over butternut squash, sliced
Method
This air fryer stuffed chicken breast recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients and a little creativity can turn into a delicious and satisfying meal – all with the convenience of your air fryer.
Start by taking a boneless, skinless chicken breast and slicing it horizontally through the middle to create a pocket (but don’t cut all the way through). Open it up like a book, then spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese inside. Then sprinkle over a pinch of dried oregano for added flavour.
Next, slice a few fresh tomatoes and layer them inside the chicken breast. Carefully fold the chicken back over to enclose the filling. Then wrap the chicken with rashers of streaky bacon, which helps hold everything together while adding a delicious salty crunch as it cooks.
Then place the wrapped chicken into your air fryer basket and cook at 180°C (356°F) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. Make sure the chicken is cooked through. The juices should run clear, and the internal temperature should reach at least 75°C (167°F).
While the chicken is cooking, grab any leftover root vegetables you have – carrots, parsnips, potatoes – and slice them into even pieces. Toss them in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano. Add them to the air fryer for the final 10 minutes, shaking occasionally to roast evenly.
Serve your stuffed chicken breast hot, alongside the roasted veg. If you’re feeling creative, try it with a light gravy or garlic yoghurt sauce.
Don’t forget to tag us if you try this! I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own.
Tips for Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast
Stuffed chicken breasts are a delicious way to level up your dinner game, and the air fryer makes them quicker and crispier without sacrificing moisture. Follow these tips for juicy, flavour-packed results every time:
1. Choose medium-sized breasts
Use chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Too large and they may dry out before the stuffing is heated through.
2. Create a deep pocket
Use a sharp knife to cut a horizontal pocket in the side of each breast. Don’t cut all the way through but just deep enough to hold your filling securely.
3. Pick the right filling
Cheese and spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, or even pesto all work great. Make sure your filling isn’t too watery, or it might leak out during cooking.
4. Secure with toothpicks
After stuffing, use toothpicks to hold the pocket closed. This helps keep everything inside while the chicken cooks and maintains a neat shape.
5. Season well
Rub the outside with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika for added flavour and a golden finish.
6. Preheat the air fryer
Heat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 2–3 minutes. This helps the chicken sear quickly and stay juicy.
7. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Place stuffed breasts in a single layer with space around each to allow for proper airflow and even browning.
8. Cook and check temp
Air fry for 16–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Check that the internal temperature hits 75°C (165°F) in both the meat and the filling.
9. Let it rest
Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked in and allow the cheese to settle.
Perfectly stuffed chicken breasts with crispy outside and melty inside, are just an air fryer away!
Similar recipes
If you love this simple air fryer stuffed chicken breast then you might also like my easy air fryer breaded chicken or the air fryer chicken pie recipe.
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 new Club App, with exclusive calorie-counted recipes added weekly, customisable meal plans and printable shopping lists.