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Crispy Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe with Spinach and Mozzarella Made Easy

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy stuffed chicken breasts filled with sautéed spinach and melty mozzarella, cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thick-cut preferred)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or frozen spinach, drained)
  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded or small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing spinach and brushing chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the filling (10 minutes): Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, roughly 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool.
  2. Butterfly the chicken breasts (5 minutes): Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut horizontally through the middle of the breast, stopping about ½ inch from the edge, so it opens like a book. Be gentle to avoid cutting through completely.
  3. Stuff the chicken (5 minutes): Spoon the spinach mixture evenly onto one side of each butterflied breast. Add shredded mozzarella on top of the spinach. Fold the other side over to enclose the filling. Use toothpicks if necessary to secure the edges.
  4. Bread the chicken (5 minutes): Set up two shallow bowls: one with the beaten egg, one with the panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dip each stuffed chicken breast first into the egg, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Air fry the chicken (15-18 minutes): Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush the chicken with olive oil to encourage browning. Place the breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Cook for 7-9 minutes, then flip and cook another 7-9 minutes until golden crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before stuffing to help coating stick better. Sauté spinach to remove excess moisture and enhance flavor. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Secure edges with toothpicks to keep filling inside. Preheat air fryer and flip chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Check internal temperature to ensure chicken is cooked through (165°F). For oven cooking, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, stuffed chicken breast, spinach and mozzarella, crispy chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crispy-air-fryer-stuffed-chicken-breast-recipe-with-spinach-and-mozzarella-made-easy/