Description
Juicy air fryer chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy spinach, Parmesan, tomato, and garlic filling. This quick, flavorful dinner is golden on the outside and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
2 (8-ounce/225 g) 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 (56 g) cream cheese, softened
¾ cup (24 g) fresh spinach, finely chopped
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons diced tomato
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan, diced tomato, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon salt to a small bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
- Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully cut a deep pocket into the thickest side without slicing completely through the chicken.
- Divide the spinach and cream cheese filling evenly between the chicken breasts and spoon it into the pockets. Secure the openings with toothpicks.
- Rub the outside of the chicken breasts with olive oil. Season evenly with ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, paprika, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation.
- Air fry for 15–17 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for about 3 minutes. Carefully remove all toothpicks before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra cheese, add shredded mozzarella to the filling.
Soft goat cheese can replace some or all of the cream cheese for a tangier filling.
For a Mediterranean variation, add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
Finely chopped kale can replace the spinach; remove tough stems before chopping.
Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat, or use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Frozen spinach can replace fresh spinach; thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before using.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at about 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly heated, or microwave in short intervals.
The chicken can be stuffed, covered, and refrigerated up to 1 day before cooking.
Serve with roasted vegetables, salad, green beans, asparagus, broccoli, potatoes, rice, cauliflower rice, or pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 465 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1050 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 57 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
