Name: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cheese and Apple Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon parsley; 2 tablespoons olive oil (or a spray bottle of oil); 1 apple, thinly sliced; 4-5 slices cheese (Munster, Cheddar, or Gouda)

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Introduction

This air fryer stuffed chicken breast recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful, juicy meal. Filled with melted cheese and crisp apple slices, it combines savory and sweet for a satisfying dish in just 30 minutes.

Two golden-brown, crispy stuffed fried pastries sit stacked on a white plate, each showing melted cheese oozing from the edges, with small green herb specks sprinkled over the top. The pastries have a slightly rough texture on the outside with crispy edges, and inside they reveal a gooey, cheesy filling that is light yellow with some darker browned spots. At the front edge of the plate, there are three thin apple slices, each showing red and yellow skin. The entire setting rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon parsley

2 tablespoons olive oil (or a spray bottle of oil)
1 apple (thinly sliced)
4-5 slices cheese (Munster, Cheddar, or Gouda)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Season the chicken breasts with half of this mixture.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and brush them with olive oil. Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
Step 3: While the chicken cooks, thinly slice the apple and cheese.

Step 4: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast.
Step 5: Stuff each pocket with a mixture of the cheese and apple slices.
Step 6: Return the stuffed chicken breasts to the air fryer basket. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning mixture. Cook at 380°F for 12 more minutes.

Step 7: Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F. If not, cook for a few more minutes until fully cooked.

Tips & Variations

Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweetness and crunch.
Try different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack to vary the flavor.

For extra flavor, add a little fresh thyme or rosemary to the seasoning mix.
If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can also be baked in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispness and flavor. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Two golden brown stuffed pastries sit stacked on a white plate, each showing a crispy outer layer with darker toasted spots and sprinkled light green herbs. The filling inside is melted cheese, visible and slightly oozing out from the sides, giving a glossy and rich texture. A few thin slices of red and yellow apple rest neatly at the front edge of the plate. The scene is set against a white marbled surface that adds a clean and bright background to the warm colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper stuffing.

What if I don’t have an instant-read thermometer?

You can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear, but using a thermometer is the safest way to ensure it’s fully cooked.